Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed having a frame system, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The frame system may include a lightweight supportive material, and may be configured to receive a user's foot. The first actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and develop push of the forefoot of the user's foot during a walking step. The second actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and raise a user's toes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a shoe sole for relieving pressure from a wearer's metatarsal heads. In one aspect, a shoe sole comprises a shoe outer sole comprising a shaft region, a ball region, and a toe region. The shaft region underlies metatarsal shafts of the wearer and comprises a first lower surface, the ball region underlies metatarsal heads of the wearer and comprises a second lower surface, and the toe region underlies phalanges of the wearer and comprises a third lower surface. The second lower surface is raised relative to the first lower surface and the third lower surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to sole elements for articles of footwear, and systems and methods for manufacturing same. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear including the steps of forming a sole element preform, inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity, and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising a first region having a first density and hardness and a second region having a second density and hardness different from the first density and hardness.

Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing a shoe outsole are provided wherein at least a portion of the resulting shoe outsole includes embedded particles. An example method includes applying adhesive to at least one region of the shoe outsole, depositing selected particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a first coat of particles, and at least partially curing the adhesive. The method continues by applying additional adhesive over the first coat of particles, depositing additional particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a second coat of particles, and at least partially curing the subsequent application of adhesive.

Abstract: A high heel tip covering device and related method are disclosed. In one aspect, the high heel tip covering device includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, exterior lateral side surfaces disposed between the upper and lower surfaces, and an aperture provided within the upper surface of the body and substantially centrally disposed between the exterior lateral side surfaces. The aperture can elastically conform to external contours of a high heel tip when the high heel tip is inserted within the aperture. In other aspects, the high heel tip covering device further includes a notch disposed on a bottom surface on the aperture, where the notch is configured to receive an exposed nail protruding from the high heel tip.

Abstract: Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle. An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor. The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive. The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles. The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame. The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.

Abstract: The present application discloses a plow blade that may be mounted to a plow moldboard. In one exemplary embodiment, the plow blade comprises one or more blade segments, an elastomeric portion that at least partially surrounds the one or more blade segments and permits the one or more blade segments to move relative to the moldboard, and one or more bushings disposed in the elastomeric portion for attaching the plow blade to the moldboard. The one or more blade segments are generally shaped and positioned within the elastomeric portion such that a portion of each blade segment is disposed between at least one bushing and a top edge of the plow blade.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion having a tool interface configured to receive a tool for applying torque about a lock rotation axis and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion and defining a lock slot for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing. The head portion may include a wall extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the lock rotation axis. The wall may include a first surface from which the tool interface extends, a second surface, opposite the first surface, from which the C-shaped portion extends, and a through-hole having a first end opening out to the tool interface and a second end opening out to the lock slot defined by the C-shaped portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer bushing for use with a lock in a ground engaging tool. The retainer bushing may include a skirt extending around a retainer axis, where the skirt may include an outer surface configured to mate with a lock cavity of the ground engaging tool and an inner surface configured to rotatably receive an outer surface of the lock. The retainer bushing may also include a detent projection extending radially inward from the inner surface with respect to the retainer axis and configured to engage a detent recess of the lock to releasably hold the lock. The detent projection may include a convex surface with a substantially constant radius, and a center of the radius of the convex surface may be positioned at a first distance from the retainer axis that is greater than a second distance between the retainer axis and the outer surface of the skirt.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped skirt extending from the head portion. The skirt may define a lock slot for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The skirt may also include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing. The outer surface may include a recessed portion that is configured to create a gap between a base surface of the recessed portion and the inner surface of the retainer bushing when the outer surface of the skirt is rotatably received in the inner surface of the retainer bushing.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. The retainer system may include a lock having a lock rotation axis and including an outer surface extending about the lock rotation axis and a retainer bushing having a retainer axis and an inner surface extending about the retainer axis. The inner surface may be configured to rotatably receive the outer surface of the lock. At least a portion of the outer surface may have a varying radius with respect to the lock rotation axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer bushing for use with a lock of a ground engaging tool. The retainer bushing may include a skirt extending around a retainer axis, where the skirt may include an outer surface configured to mate with a lock cavity of the ground engaging tool and an inner surface configured to rotatably receive an outer surface of the lock. The retainer bushing may also include a detent projection extending radially inward from the inner surface and configured to engage a detent recess of the lock to resist rotation of the lock. The skirt and the detent projection may be integrally constructed of a thermoplastic material comprising polyoxymethylene.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may define a lock slot for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may also include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing. At least a portion of the head portion and the C-shaped portion may include a surface coated with a friction-reducing material.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may define a lock slot between two circumferential ends for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may further include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing, an inner surface configured to contact the portion of the support member, and a base extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The base may include a helical surface with a depth increasing from a first end to a second end.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may include an inner surface extending between a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end to define a lock slot. The inner surface may include a first inner surface extending from the first circumferential end to a midpoint between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end and a second inner surface extending from the second circumferential end to the midpoint. The first inner surface and the second inner surface may be symmetrical with respect to a first plane substantially parallel to a lock rotation axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particulate-handling bucket assembly that provides a sound seal between an extended lip section and an extended cavity section located on opposing scoops of the bucket assembly. The seal is formed by abutting elastomeric material located within a cavity of the extended cavity section against an abutting end of the extended lip section. The elastomeric material has an exposed edge which butts against the abutting end of the extended lip section, with the exposed edge having an exposed height that is greater than or equal to an abutting height of the abutting end of the extended lip section.

Abstract: A method for attaching a military award to a uniform comprises connecting a suspension member attached to the military award to the uniform beneath a collar flap of the uniform, so that the military award hangs from the collar in a position that coincides with its conventional semi-permanent attachment position in which the award is laterally offset on a chest area of the uniform. Temporary connection of the suspension member to the collar flap comprises cooperating hook-and-loop connectors mounted respectively to an underside of the collar flap and the suspension member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a financial transaction card display comprising a display comprising a first front surface and a first back surface, a financial transaction card coupled to a portion of the first front surface of the display, wherein the financial transaction card includes a second front surface and a second back surface, wherein the second front surface comprises a depiction of a food product, and wherein the second back surface is facing the first front surface of the display; and an elongated object coupled to a portion of the first front surface of the display or to a portion of the second front surface of the financial transaction card such that a first end of the elongated object covers a portion of the depiction of the food product and a second end of the elongated object extends away from the depiction of the food product such that the elongated object appears to be a candle in the depiction of the food product.

Abstract: A greeting card has a card body comprising at least a front panel and electrical components. The front panel contains an opening that acts as a track. A spinner including two wheels spaced apart and coupled together with an axle rotatably engages the track are positioned on opposite sides of the front panel. The spinner moves along the track by virtue of gravity when the greeting card is being tilted. The electrical components may include a power source, a sound module having an audio file stored therein, a speaker, and a switch located adjacent to the track. The spinner activates the switch when the spinner moves adjacent to the location of the switch which in turn initiates playback of the audio file through the speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to stand on a supporting surface and methods of making and using the same. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a print-receptive surface and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the print-receptive surface into a standing configuration relative to the supporting surface.

Abstract: A self-contained, internally illuminated custom license plate that enables trouble free usage in automotive applications due to the internal location of the light source. The integration of the light source allows the plate to be visible both day and night. An exemplary embodiment of the illuminated custom license plate includes a transparent plate with desired text, graphic or logo etched therein, a light source, a front cover, and a power cable.

Abstract: A roofing shingle comprising a base mat having a tab portion covered with granules and a headlap portion covered with a mask or film layer. An asphalt-based coating is applied to at least a top surface of the base mat. The film layer is adhered to the asphalt-based coating applied to the headlap portion and the granules are adhered to the asphalt-based coating applied to the tab portion. The film layer is adapted for preventing granules from adhering to the headlap portion of the base mat and, as such, the headlap portion may be substantially free from any granules adhered thereto. A method for manufacturing a roofing shingle is also provided wherein granules that are not adhered to the tab portion of one shingle may be collected and reapplied the tab portion of another shingle.

Abstract: An identification system includes a clamshell device that grasps a wire, and a clip that secures the clamshell device in a locked and closed position. The clamshell and/or clip are preferably color-coded to differentiate one wire from another, hereby allowing a technician to easily discern which wire is plugged into which port, and which wire is connected to which patient. The invention is particularly well suited for incorporation with healthcare devices and machines which have long lead wires that reach from the patient to the machine, such as electrical stimulation machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swaying water ball decoration, which generally includes a water ball and a swaying base. The water ball is of a light-transmitting three-dimensional configuration having a closed interior space that receives therein a sticky flowable liquid. The swaying base includes a top and a bottom that are opposite to each other. The water ball is mounted to the top. The bottom has an arc surface that serves as a movable fulcrum in a motion condition.

Abstract: A water display is described having multiple water delivery devices that create laminar streams with parabolic trajectories. The water delivery devices may modulate the streams, which may be lit, creating individual water arches, that when combined with multiple water delivery devices, can produce dramatic visual effects including the appearance of an undulating and/or pulsed water tunnel.

Abstract: A display device includes a base structure with a plurality of modules coupled to the base structure. Each of the modules includes a plurality of actuator assemblies, with each of the actuator assemblies being individually controllable to move the actuator assemblies between a retracted state and a plurality of extended states. A controller is coupled to each of the modules. The controller is programmed to control the actuator assemblies to move the actuator assemblies between the retracted state and the plurality of extended states.

Abstract: A pipe accessory mounting apparatus for removable engagement with a substantially horizontally-oriented pipe provides, in at least one embodiment, a display wall and a heat wall substantially linearly aligned with and spaced apart from the display wall. The heat wall is configured for being selectively positioned a distance behind an end of the pipe, in a position between the pipe end and the display wall. An at least one elongate support arm is engaged proximally with each of the heat wall and display wall and configured for being removably secured distally against an outer wall of the pipe. A front surface of the display wall is configured for providing a visual display. During use, where the apparatus is engaged with an exhaust pipe, for example, the heat wall is capable of absorbing and deflecting any hot air emitted from the pipe end, allowing the display to remain substantially unaffected.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a customizable, portable billboard system. The portable billboard has a number of sidewalls enabling advertisement graphic placement. These sidewalls sit upon a support base that has structures, preferably wheels, which help to facilitate movement of the billboard. The advertisement graphical overlay is attached to the sidewalls via framing that surrounds the perimeter of each of the sidewalls. The entire system is self-contained and has a generator to power any lights or speakers or the like that may be required. The system has a hitch attachment so that it may be easily maneuvered or transported to a particular location by motor vehicle.

Abstract: An outdoor sign assembly includes a perimeter framework with fluid-directing channels to direct water off of the sign during inclement weather, and further includes individually removable sign face panels that are configured to support individual indicia members including lettering, numbers, symbols, designs, or the like, including internally-lighted indicia. The sign face panels cooperate with the framework to direct water around and off of the sign assembly, and may be placed in side-by-side arrangement to achieve any desired length. During assembly or disassembly, the sign face panels are held relatively securely to the framework, even before mechanical fasteners are fully tightened.

Abstract: An improved fire exit sign is installed at the floor-level threshold of an emergency exit doorway, and is provided with a set of Light-Emitting-Diodes (LEDs), preferably red, embedded in transparent epoxy. The lights would be wired into the emergency illumination system in a building, and may optionally be configured to blink. The epoxy, and the cover and frame, would be strong enough to sustain the weight of persons moving through the doorway.

Abstract: A collapsible lighting system for nighttime or low-light scene management has a collapsible frame moveable from a first collapsed configuration to a second, non-collapsed configuration and at least one light support member coupled to the collapsible frame for supporting one or more lights that can be angled at least generally downward from the light support member when the collapsible frame is in the non-collapsed.

Abstract: A multi-panel sign system including first and second panels, and an adhesive-based fastener. The panels include a panel body and complimentary, first and second interlock structures. The panel body defines a front face for maintaining indicia, and first and second sides. The first and second interlock structures are located adjacent the first and second sides, respectively, and project opposite the front face. In an assembled stated, the first interlock structure of the first panel mechanically locks with the second interlock structure of the second panel to establish a interlocked joint, and the adhesive-based fastener is bonded to the first and second panels. The interlocked joint robustly maintains the panels relative to one another, whereas the adhesive-based fastener serves to prevent inadvertent sliding of the panels. Optically active sheeting can be applied to the front face of the panels, and desired indicia applied to the sheeting.

Abstract: A convertible fixture includes a support structure and a vertical extender. The support structure includes a pair of vertical supports, each defining an open top end. The vertical extender is adjustably coupled with the support structure and includes side arms and a middle bar. The side arms extend substantially parallel to each other and each defines a top end. Each side arm is formed with a single closed shape cross section and is slidably received within a different vertical support of the pair of vertical supports. The middle bar extends between the side arms and includes two substantially parallel rails defining an elongated slot between the substantially parallel rails. The elongated slot extends along a majority of a length of the middle bar. The side arms and the middle bar are formed as a single, unitary component.

Abstract: An outdoor art-post assembly includes an elongate support pole, an art post, and at least one mounting mechanism. The elongate support pole has a lower portion and an auger disposed at the lower portion. The auger allows for vertical installation of the support pole in soil in response to manual rotation of the support pole. The art post has an inner surface defining a bore. The bore is capable of receiving at least a portion of the elongate support pole. The art post also has an outer surface including decorative indicia thereon. The mounting mechanism is located on the support pole and has protruding portions extending away from the support pole. The protruding portions are configured to contact the inner surface of the art post and affix the art post relative to the support pole. Methods of assembling the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A street sign mounting assembly has a universal sign post cap and at least one sign holder bracket. The cap is universally adapted to fit common street sign posts including, without limitation, square, round and U-channel posts. The sign holder brackets are designed to hold street signs of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive-backed printed pressure sensitive cut label assembly with easy temporary removability, wherein the portion of the label forming the label stock may be printed on the back- or reverse-side of the label face stock and whereby the printed surface is applied with a hot melt or acrylic adhesive that ensures easy short-term removability from a container surface and reapplication thereto. The label stock is laminated to a base stock comprising a paper or polymeric release liner coated with silicone or other adhesive release coating. During manufacturing of the label assembly, the label stock and base stock are simultaneously fed to laminating rollers following a die-cutting process, whereby the two are joined. One feature of the invention is the ease of temporary removability after application to the surface of a container whereby there is no adhesion of the ink printed on the label to the container surface itself.

Abstract: An envelope is disclosed for attachment to a promotional good. The envelope encapsulates a display medium. The envelope includes a transparent top layer of plastic material through which the display medium can be visible and an initially open portal through which the display medium can be inserted. The open portal can be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: An advertisement clip and method for supplementing a security hard tag with the advertisement clip for application to a product. The advertisement clip may include indicia on the surface of the clip or may hold or enclose an information element that provides the indicia to the manufacturer, retailer, and/or customer. Indicia may be visible and can include promotional information, pricing, images, customer specific branding, and/or barcodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical fluid infusion system configured for pumping a fluid to a patient. The system includes one or more modular pump devices, such as infusion pumps, each of which is fluidly attached to an IV bag for infusing a liquid from the IV bag to a patient through at least one fluid line. A pole assembly of the medical fluid infusion system is configured to maintain the pumps and IV bags in a vertical alignment that eliminates or minimizes variations in pumping accuracy due to head pressure between the bags and the infusion pumps.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to cards that comprise indicators on the edge of the card stock to help identify the card. The indicators may be projections on the edge of the card stock formed by ridges, grooves, dimples, burrs, protrusions, or other like projections that provide at least a portion of the edge of the card stock with a textured surface. A user may identify the card by viewing the projections or touching the projections on the edge of the card stock, and identifying the type of projections, height of the projections, or the spacing of the projections on the edge of the card stock. The ability to identify the card stock simply through touch may be useful to visually impaired users for differentiating between types of cards that may otherwise be difficult to identify without projections.

Abstract: A magnetically-attachable display gallery provides a neat and decorative platform to easily add items such as greeting cards, photographs, and other documents by simply slipping them behind the snug clear vinyl pockets. The display gallery is constructed to roll or fold to store neatly away when not in use or for shipping.

Abstract: A multi-level picture frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article is provided. The frame comprises a back face; a tiered front face; an outer face; and a stepped inner face including a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface. The first stepped surface defines a first picture frame opening and the second stepped surface defines a second picture frame opening. First and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, and a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface. A removable portion of the frame is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of the frame so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the respective picture frame opening.

Abstract: A firearm safety system and method is described herein. The system may include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine, and a smart tracking unit. The tracking system is in communication with satellites that monitor specific locations, a smart firearm and a portable electronic device. The tracking system includes an internal geographical database of specific monitored locations. The smart firearm includes a microprocessor and a receiver. The motor operates in response to a signal received, which may indicate that the firearm is approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signal causes the microprocessor to operate the automatic safety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The receiver monitors signals and receives location data from the satellites. The method of operating a smart firearm includes receiving a signal at the at least one receiver and responding to the signal by locking the automatic safety lock.

Abstract: A biasing member for a bolt assembly of a firearm is described herein. The biasing member comprises a body having a first portion configured to engage and seat within a biasing member receiving indentation of an arm of the extractor, and a second portion configured to engage and seat within a receiving area along a bolt of the firearm. The body provides a biasing force directed against the extractor arm. The body comprises an elastomeric material, and is configured such that the first and second portions provide varying levels of compression sufficient to maintain a substantially constant extractor tension between the extractor arm and a cartridge.

Abstract: An extraction system for extracting a cartridge from a firing chamber of a firearm includes an extractor mounted within the firearm bolt which has a bolt head with a plurality of lugs proximate a bolt face, a cartridge recess extending axially inward from the bolt face, and an extractor aperture extending radially outward through one of the lugs. A spring aperture extends axially through the one lug and intersects with the extractor aperture. The extractor is slidably mounted within the extractor aperture and has a hook portion for coupling with the cartridge and a transverse spring bore extending through a mid-section of the extractor. The extraction system further includes an extractor spring having an anchor portion mounted about the outer surface of the bolt and a cantilever spring portion inserted through the spring aperture and into the transverse hole in the extractor, for resiliently biasing the extractor toward the cartridge recess.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for housing a plurality of stacked cartridges and successively dispensing and guiding the uppermost one of the stacked cartridges from the magazine forward toward an inclined ramp leading to a chamber of a barrel of a firearm, the magazine comprising a housing portion and a nose-dive control spring. The nose-dive control spring comprises a resilient shank portion and a bullet-engageable end portion. The shank portion extends from one of the front and side walls to the bullet-engageable end portion. The nose-dive control spring is adapted and configured to prevent an uppermost cartridge from moving into a nose-dive orientation as a breech face of the firearm pushes the cartridge forward toward the inclined ramp of the firearm.

Abstract: Pump-action and semi-automatic firearms are well known in the art. Common to all of these types of firearms is their dependency on a user's ability to continually pull the trigger in a rapid manner when a high rate of fire is desired. Because human fatigue reduces an amount of time that a high rate of fire can be sustained, or physiological impairments may interfere with a users ability to operate the trigger effectively, there are ongoing efforts to improve firearm design. The embodiments disclosed herein seek to improve trigger operation by assisting in improving reset of the trigger for individuals with or without physiological impairments.

Abstract: A firearm has ambidextrously actuatable safety levers with the connection between the levers being effected within the frame and offset from the frame centerline to mitigate lost motion between the levers and prevent yielding of the shaft connecting them. The levers have raised surface portions which are hidden behind a plate. The raised surface portions contact the frame and, because they are hidden behind the plate, leave no visible marks on the finish due to rotation of the levers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new firearm safety system and kit comprising at least one firearm monitoring system and at least one integrated safety element. A method for a safe use of a firearm is further disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable stock and cheek rest assembly for a firearm includes a buffer tube extending rearwardly from the firearm at an angle relative to the firearm receiver. A stock is slidably mounted on the buffer tube, and a cheek rest is disposed in overlying relationship to the stock. A cheek rest adjustment arrangement is connected between the stock and the cheek rest, and is provided with a movable linkage for enabling vertical movement of the cheek rest relative to the stock as the stock moves along the angled buffer tube. A movable member provided with locking structure is mounted on the stock for selective engagement with lock receiving structure on the buffer tube for locking the stock in various axial adjustment positions along the buffer tube.