Abstract: There is provided a portable curing device for fingernails that dries and cures a curable material painted on fingernails or toenails by emitting ultraviolet rays to the fingernails or toenails. In a conventional ultraviolet curing device, since a volume of the ultraviolet lamps is large, it is not easy to carry, and since a size of a space into which the finger is inserted is constant, the conventional ultraviolet curing device is not variously used.

Abstract: A process line for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions is provided, the process line comprising a freeze-dryer (100) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions, the freeze-dryer (100) comprising a rotary drum (104, 302) for receiving the frozen particles, and a stationary vacuum chamber (102) housing the rotary drum (104, 302), wherein for the production of the particles under closed conditions the vacuum chamber (102) is adapted for closed operation during processing of the particles.

Abstract: A process for producing dispersion powders by means of spray drying of aqueous polymer dispersions and addition of antiblocking agents in a rotary atomization dryer, wherein the antiblocking agent is conveyed by means of delivery air, wholly or partly, into an annular gap which is formed by a moulding arranged concentrically around the housing of the rotary atomizer, and which ends at a distance above the upper edge of the atomizer plate of the rotary atomizer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing air flow in dryers of printing systems. The dryer includes a heating element, top flow generator, and bottom flow generator. The heating element is within the dryer, and heats a web of printed media. The top flow generator directly projects a first jet of gas onto a top side of the web. The first jet of gas deflects air proximate to the web. The bottom flow generator directly projects a second jet of gas onto an opposing side of the web. The second jet strikes the web at substantially the same location as the first jet, and compensates orthogonal force applied to the web by the first jet. Furthermore, the top and bottom flow generators are both oriented to project the jets partially in the direction of travel of the web.

Abstract: A dryer appliance is provided. The dryer appliance includes a drum that defines a chamber for receipt of articles for drying and a heating assembly for generating heated air for the chamber of the drum. A duct extends between and fluidly connects the chamber of the drum and the heating assembly. The duct includes outlets for directing heated air from the heating assembly into the chamber of the drum and also includes features for reducing temperature gradients at outlets of the duct.

Abstract: A fastening system for footwear that includes a strap that functions as a restraining element to more tightly secure the footwear to the wearer's foot when the strap is under tension. The strap could be a unitary strap made of a material with a negative Poisson's ratio. The strap can also have a composite structure, with an outer layer and an inner layer, where the inner layer is made of a material with a negative Poisson's ratio. As the strap is placed under tension in a lengthwise direction, the thickness and/or width of the strap may expand to increase support.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a sole assembly comprising a plurality of traction elements disposed on a ground-facing surface of the sole assembly, and wherein the sole assembly is configured to provide a rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a sole assembly that includes a spring system based on a semi-rigid polymer shaped to provide the rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a golf shoe with a sole profile having a geometric shape that provides a roll-over effect according to rocker shoe technology and wherein the sole profile is optimized to convey the benefits of rocker shoe technology to golf specific activities.

Abstract: A method and system for making uppers for articles of footwear is disclosed. The system comprises a last assembly as well as a pressing system for forming uppers with the last assembly. The last assembly includes a last member and a base member. The last member is inverted so that the bottom surface of the last member is oriented away from the base member.

Abstract: A shoe component, wherein the shoe component is formed by 3-dimensional weaving such that the shoe component has one or more woven layers, each having a warp direction and a fill direction, wherein the shoe component has one direction of stretch; a shoe containing at least one of the shoe components in an upper; and a shoe in which the entire upper, and optionally the midsole and/or outsole, are entirely formed by 3-dimensional weaving.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.

Abstract: The invention relates to heeled footwear such as a shoe or boot comprising a sole assembly and a heel part. The heel part comprises an insert formed in a first material. The insert comprises a core body delimited by an upper surface, a lower bottom surface, and an outer surface connecting the upper and lower surfaces. At least a part of the outer surface is encased/enclosed in a second material different from the first material. The outer material forms an outer contour layer of the heel part, and the sole assembly comprises an outsole formed in the second material, said second material not covering the lower bottom surface and said second material being softer than the first material. The outsole and the outer contour layer are designed to be formed in one piece providing an outer sole unit being one component.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, which may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include an elastic skin material forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. In addition, the upper may include substantially inelastic reinforcing material selectively located adjacent portions of the elastic skin material, wherein the elastic skin material is more elastic than the substantially inelastic reinforcing material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.

Abstract: A knitted component for an article of footwear having a vertically inlaid tensile element is described. The vertically inlaid tensile element extends along a direction that is vertical or at an angle to the direction of the knitting process of the knitted component. A method of knitting the knitted component includes placing a quantity of a tensile element into an auxiliary element of the knitted component and vertically inlaying a tensile element by using needles of a knitting machine to hold the tensile element by loops while the remaining portion of the knitted component is formed. As the knitted component is formed along a horizontal direction on the needles of the knitting machine, the tensile element spools out from within the auxiliary element to form the vertically inlaid tensile element.

Abstract: A self-driven device to resurface an ice rink. The device includes a rotating brush to sweep the ice anterior to a blade used to the scrape the ice. Collected snow is moved into a hot water tank where it is melted and moved to a warm water tank for redeposit onto the skating surface.

Abstract: A snowblower assembly for removing snow from a paved surface, such as roadways and airport runways. The snowblower assembly includes a snowblower assembly that defines an open interior that encloses a pair of rotating side augers and a rotating impeller. The snowblower housing includes a lower leading edge that is recessed behind the blade tips of the rotating impeller. The sidewalls of the snowblower housing each include a recessed lower sidewall edge to reduce the buildup of snow within the snowblower housing. A side plate extension is mounted to each of the sidewalls to modify the volume of the open interior defined by the snowblower housing to accommodate different types of snow.

Abstract: An impeller assembly for a snowthrower includes a driven shaft configured to rotate about an axis, a flexible impeller paddle coupled to the driven shaft for rotation about the axis, and a rigid cutting implement coupled to the driven shaft for rotation about the axis. The flexible impeller paddle is configured to clear snow from a surface to be cleared. The flexible impeller paddle extends radially from the axis to a paddle radial distance. The rigid cutting implement is configured to break up snow or ice on the surface to be cleared. The rigid cutting implement extends radially from the axis to a cutting implement radial distance less than the paddle radial distance.

Abstract: For a V-plow having a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends of the blades at a hinge, a gauge on a lower end of the hinge having a spacer, the spacer having a thickness in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the V-plow corresponding to a desired minimum spacing between inboard ends of a pair of cutting edge plates to be installed on the blades, a method of installing the cutting edge plates on the blades is provided. The method comprises positioning one of the cutting edge plates along a lower edge of one of the blades so that the inboard end of the one cutting edge plate abuts one side of the spacer, securing the one cutting edge plate to the one blade, positioning the other cutting edge plate along a lower edge of the other blade so that the inboard end of the other cutting edge plate abuts the other side of the spacer, and securing the other cutting edge plate to the other blade.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a digging bucket for controlling the depth cut, including an elongated member operationally connectable to a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an actuator operationally connectable to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connectable to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connectable to the cutting edge and operationally connectable to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground. Positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.

Abstract: A sod cutting blade pivotally supported on a plow assembly frame such that the sod cutting blade is able to pivot and pass over an obstruction when encountered during a plowing operation. The plow assembly has a spring that is used to bias the sod cutter into the ground.

Abstract: A load estimator is disclosed for use with a scraper. The load estimator may have a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a performance parameter of the scraper, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a hydraulic pressure associated with a bowl of the scraper, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to classify a current segment of an ongoing work cycle based on the first signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively estimate a load of material contained with the bowl of the scraper based on the second signal only when the current segment is classified as a segment where the load can be reliably estimated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an excavator bucket for an earth moving machine comprising an interior bucket space formed by a curved rear wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls wherein the bucket comprises a bucket box arranged onto the rear wall, in particular arranged on the outer surface of its top portion, and which extends along a lateral axis of the bucket wherein the angle between at least one of the outer lateral sides of the bucket box and the rear wall of the bucket, in particular its top portion, is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A license plate frame is dimensioned for receipt around an associated license plate. The frame includes a first portion in parallel, spaced relation from a second portion and joined thereto along opposite ends by first and second interconnection portions. A handle extends outwardly from a first face of the second portion. First and second spaced openings along the first portion receive associated fasteners to secure the frame to the associate license plate and associated vehicle. First and second spaced apart, segmented studs (circular or non-circular) extend outwardly from a second face of the second portion for receipt in corresponding openings in the associated license plate, or to abut against an outer surface thereof. The handle includes a first, upper surface and a second, lower surface, the lower surface including a region dimensioned for advertising.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: A three-dimensional signboard and a making method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional signboard comprises an upper unit and a lower unit which are connected; the upper unit comprising a main portion (1) for reflecting the identification shape of the three-dimensional signboard; the lower unit comprising sidewall (3) connected to the main portion (1), wherein the sidewall (3) encircles the main portion (1) for supporting, and a cavity is formed therebetween; and connecting portion (2) arranged between the main portion (1) and the sidewall (3), the connecting portion (2) comprises a plurality of step layers arranged in stack, and the step layer each comprises an upper step plate and a lower step plate which are connected. The signboard is very stereoscopic and easy to be identified; and the making method thereof has a simple process.

Abstract: A multi-label form, useful for printing data related to the medication delivering process is described. The form contains four main different label sections and most of the labels contain discreet and color defined subsections wherein the pertinent data is entered, organized and printed via a computer system. In particular label sections barcodes for electronic data readers in order to access information electronically saved are printed. Similarly, particular label sections also include particular locations for printing handwriting or electronically signature of the person to whom the medication has been delivered. Most of the label sections are correlated by the prescription number included in a particular subsections of the labels. After the printing, each particular label section is distributed to the medicament container, the patient, the pharmacy records and the health insurance records via the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PMB). The multi label form is preferably used with thermal printing process.

Abstract: A display member includes a frame member formed of heat insulation material; an adhesive layer with removable adhesion formed on one side of the frame member to be attached on a window pane; and a synthetic resin plate arranged on the other side of the frame member. The synthetic resin plate is removably provided on the frame member, thereby to form a housing for a printed material in a space defined by the synthetic resin, the frame member, and the window pane.

Abstract: A system of display units for displaying collectibles, including baseball or other cards, which units may be fastened to a wall or other flat surface. The units may also be connected to one another by way of connectors.

Abstract: A double-magazine (“Dmag”) able to house projectile ammunition for a projectile launcher having a first ammunition channel, a second ammunition channel, and a flexible projectile control bar (“FPCB”) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first ammunition channel contains a first set or column of projectiles and the second ammunition channel which is situated in parallel to the first ammunition channel is configured to house a second set of projectiles. Dmag also includes a follower with a follower lock capable of moving along the first ammunition channel. The follower is configured to push the first set of projectiles toward a first ammunition supply port of the first ammunition channel. The FPCB has a first flexible flap which keeps the first set of projectiles from reaching the loading port of the launcher until the follower lock is released.

Abstract: A combination firearm safety round that is configured to have tool features compatible for performing maintenance on the firearm. The safety round includes a cylindrical body portion having a small diameter extension having a substantially fiat distal end, such that the extension is suitable as a tool for field stripping and maintenance of the firearm.

Abstract: A lower receiver assembly for a firearm is configured to be detachable coupled to a pistol grip and a feed ramp. The lower receiver assembly includes a lower receiver configured to accommodate an upper receiver, a barrel assembly and a magazine. The pistol grip is detachably coupled to the lower receiver. The lower receiver is configured to permit removal of the pistol grip for pistol grip maintenance or pistol grip replacement. The feed ramp is detachably coupled to the lower receiver. The lower receiver is configured to permit removal of the feed ramp for feed ramp maintenance or feed ramp replacement.

Abstract: A firearm is provided that includes a receiver, a stock, an elongated barrel and a muzzle. The barrel extends from the receiver to the muzzle and has a rectangular internal bore extending from the receiver to the muzzle. The internal bore has two short sides and two long sides. A plurality of teeth extends along one of the short sides within the internal bore. The internal bore has an interior barrel surface that is a high friction surface.

Abstract: Cam lever mounts, devices, systems and methods with pivotable/foldable levers for attaching grips, sights, flashlights to picatinny rails on firearms. A moveable mount having one side with an upper and lower shroud covers has a space therebetween. A lever pivotally attached in the space moves from open to closed positions with substantial portions of the lever protected by the upper and lower shroud covers. The lever pivoting end can be attached to one end of an elongated member with other end attached to a stationary mount so that rotating the lever from open to closed draws the moveable mount toward the stationary mount. Inner sides of the moveable and stationary mounts can have clamp edges facing one another which can attach and detach to the picatinny rails.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor mounting device has a device body, a clamping element connected to the device body, a muzzle element adapted for connection to the muzzle, the muzzle element defining a first threaded portion, and the device body having a second threaded portion matable with the first threaded portion, such that the device body may be rotated and moved from an attached position and a detached position, the muzzle element having an engagement surface, the clamping element including at least a movable engagement element registered with the engagement surface when the device is in the attached position, and the clamping element being operably engaged to the engagement element to move it between a locked position in which the engagement element is biased against the engagement surface to prevent movement of the device to the attached position, and an unlocked position, in which detachment of the device is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shooting stabilization support apparatus with a saddle adapted to receive and support a variety of firearms. The saddle is supported by a hinge block or support mount and connected to a swivel mount allowing the saddle to freely and completely rotate in the horizontal and vertical plane space. The vertical or pitch elevation of the firearm resting in the shooting platform is easily adjusted and secured into position with a brake or a brake handle-brake clamp assembly that enables the user to easily adjust the elevation or pitch angle of the firearm muzzle and secure the rifle in the desired position. The shooter may then discharge the weapon with improved accuracy on target. The shooting platform apparatus may be permanently or detachably affixed to any fixed surface such as the floor, ceiling or wall of any enclosed space or it may be integrated or attached to vehicles, boats, aircraft or other transport equipment.

Abstract: An attachment firing apparatus, in particular a grenade launcher, for mounting on the barrel of a firearm, having an anchoring part that can be fixedly mounted on the firearm and having a support part that can be detachably connected to the anchoring part via a coupling, a launch tube in the support part being openable and closable relative to a breech, wherein the coupling is locked in the closed position of the launch tube and breech and can be opened in the open position of the launch tube and breech.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing and a wedged, doublet objective lens supported by the housing. The wedged, doublet objective lens may include a first lens having a first amount of wedge and a second lens having a second amount of wedge different than the first amount of wedge.

Abstract: A new concept and invention for converting the conventional flying wing decoy into a different species/gender/genome. The system would use a decoy currently on the market and convert the product from the species that it represents to another species/gender/ or genome that the hunter is in pursuit of on that particular hunt. The system would utilize a flexible water proof plastic printed with photo/graphic design art where new body can be wrapped around and new wings inserted in one species of flying decoy to convert it to a completely different species/gender/genome. In essence a flying dove decoy can be converted to a Duck of several different types, and a flying duck decoy can be converted to a flying goose of several different types. This allows the sportsman to use one single motorized system whether it be wind or electric to hunt whatever game he is after without having to purchase several different motorized decoys that cost a lot of money and take up more space.

Abstract: A line release clip that generates an electronic alert upon opening independent of the release tension adjustment is provided. In one embodiment, the line release clip includes a body, a line retainer coupled to the body, a release adjustment mechanism and a release alarm. The line retainer is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The release adjustment mechanism is operable to control force required to move the line retainer from the closed position. The release alarm is operable to emit at least one of an audible sound or light in response to the line retainer moving from the closed position, thereby alerting fisherman of the release of the fishing line from the clip.

Abstract: A beverage container useful for fishing includes a recessed channel for receiving and dispensing fishing line. The container with a fishing line spool is configured such that a hand-line-fishing device is provided without the need for a fishing pole. Optionally, the spool is removable from the beverage container body and may be rotatably mounted with respect thereto.

Abstract: A swim bait fishing lure. The lure has a longitudinally aligned tapering supple body with a drag producing flipper substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal length. The tapering supple body further has: a base portion adjacent to the drag producing flipper. The base portion has a base transverse width. The lure also has a pendulum hinge portion positioned a pendulum distance at least one third of the longitudinal length forward from the drag producing flipper. The pendulum hinge portion has a pendulum transverse width a substantially smallest width of the tapering supple body. The base transverse width is substantially larger than the pendulum transverse width which provides a transversely narrowing taper along the tapering supple body from the base portion to the pendulum hinge portion.

Abstract: A fishing lure consists of a body portion having a line tying means on the body portion and means on the body portion for replaceable attachment of one or more hooks. In one embodiment a wire extends through the body portion of the lure and has a line tying section and a twist section. The line tying section is at one end portion of the wire. At least a portion of the line tying section, to which a fishing line is replaceably attached either directly or indirectly, protrudes from the lure. A twist section is at another end portion of the wire opposite to the one end portion with the line tying section. At least a portion of the twist section, to which a fish hook is replaceably attached, protrudes from the lure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fish hook with a detachable clasp connection feature forming part of a fish hook eye thereby offering convenient attachment to fishing lures and the like in comparison to conventional split ring connections. At least a portion of the fish hook is of spring like material where the connection feature of the clasp eye includes portions which are resiliently associated in a closed position but can be forced open to attach or detach the fish hook from the fishing lure. The clasp eye on the shank of the hook may be configured in the form of a wire locking clasp. Further, the clasp eye can be tapered or pointed allowing bait to be rigged on the shank of a treble hook.

Abstract: A weight assembly for engagement with a fishing line, the assembly includes a first structure having a first structure contact surface, the first structure contact surface formed having a first set of two or more channels disposed in the first structure contact surface, a second structure having a second structure contact surface formed having a second set of two or more channels disposed in the second structure contact surface, wherein the first member contact surface of the first structure member is configured to engage the second structure contact surface, and wherein the first set of two or more channels disposed in the first structure contact surface and the second set of two or more channels disposed in the second structure contact surface are aligned to form two or more passageways therethrough and, functions to releasably affix to a fishing line as either a fixed sinker or as a sliding sinker.

Abstract: An insect trap positioned directly under a furniture leg or post during use. The insect trap has a bottom portion with a groove positioned between an outer edge of the bottom portion and an inner element extending from the center of the bottom portion. The trap also has a distinct top portion having an opening extending through the entirety of the top portion. The top and bottom portion are removably attached to one another.

Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.