Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to footwear for dancers performing modern dance. In particular, embodiments relate to modern dance footwear comprising an enclosed toe portion to surround the forefoot, and a form-fitting section to surround much of the hindfoot, having a heel strap. A particular embodiment relates to dance footwear to be worn on a human foot comprising: a fabric tube formed of an elastic first material to receive and partially cover the midfoot and hindfoot, the tube comprising a heel end and an opposite midfoot end; a forefoot portion formed of a second material different from the first material to receive and enclose the ball of the foot and the toes, the forefoot portion comprising a toe end and an opposite midfoot end, wherein the midfoot end of the forefoot portion is coupled to the midfoot end of the fabric tube; and at least one floor-engaging forefoot pad disposed on the forefoot portion to underlie a ball of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, a fabric upper and at least one connector including a first male member co-molded with the fabric upper and a second female member. The first member includes at least one rib and the second member includes at least one groove, where the at least one connector is secured to the outsole by inserting the second member in the outsole and engaging the at least one rib of the first member with the at least one groove of the second member.

Abstract: A combination insert-flat will allow a flat to be compressed to a thin insert which women will wear between their feet and heeled footwear discreetly and Comfortably, wherein the flat will adjust to fit in the high heel. When a wearer of the high heeled footwear desires a change out of the high heels, the person will take off their high heels and conveniently remove the insert-flat at which point they will unfold the insert into a flat. The wearer may place the flat on the user's feet and have a comfortable flat that will protect their feet from being bare foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.

Abstract: Footwear construction of a type resembling a conventional sandal is formed completely from a single piece of a flexible material, wherein tabs extending from one side of the base, or sole portion, connect with symmetrically disposed tabs to form the uppers. The tab connections may be implemented by sewing, by hook and loop type devices, by hook and eye devices, by buttons and buttonholes, by snaps or adhesives or other fastening means, but in any case no additional parts are needed to fully express the present invention.

Abstract: Zori style fashion shoes which hold a decorative insert. The zori straps are tubular in nature, with a transparent upper surface. An opening between the right and left straps enables the insertion of a decorative insert. A one piece decorative insert extends into the right strap and the left strap. The wearer of the shoe can remove and replace an insert with another of a different design. A transparent hook like tongue may extend from one strap to another, to protect the insert from soiling. Optionally, the straps may have a springy section of material applied at the end near the arch section of the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cushion for use in a shoe and a shock absorbing shoe having the cushion. The shock absorbing shoe includes: a sole having a lower surface thereof contacted with the ground; a cushion disposed above the sole; and an upper disposed above the cushion. The cushion includes: a rigid frame defining an inner region corresponding to the shape of at least a part of a foot of a wearer; and an elastic member supported by the frame and disposed in the inner region to support the foot of the wearer. The sole has a groove formed on an upper portion thereof in order to provide a deformation space for the elastic member.

Abstract: A device worn on a foot of an individual for creating smoke that emanates about the device as the individual walks or runs, the device having a tube with two end portions wherein one end portion is closed and the other end portion is open, an exhaust pipe having two end portions, one end portion is open and the other end portion is substantially closed and permits smoke to escape therefrom, the open end portion of the exhaust pipe connects to the open end portion of the tube, the exhaust pipe having an air chamber positioned at the open end portion of the exhaust pipe, an atomizer, a liquid cartridge and a battery, and an external foot covering that houses the tube and the exhaust pipe wherein the end portion of the exhaust pipe, which permits smoke to escape therefrom, protrudes outward from the exterior side of the shoe.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ventilated footwear are generally described herein. The ventilated footwear generally includes a shoe and a sock insertable into the shoe. The shoe includes an upper and an outsole mounted to the upper. The upper and outsole are collectively associated with a toe portion, a heel portion opposite the toe portion, and a flexible joint portion extending between the toe and heel portions. The flexible joint portion includes at least one ventilation port. The sock includes a toe portion, a heel portion opposite the toe portion, and a flexible joint portion extending between the toe and heel portions. The flexible joint portion of the sock includes a plurality of moisture wicking panels that are separated from one another. At least one of the moisture wicking panels is superposable to and in fluid communication with the ventilation port of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock having a C-shaped portion defining a lock slot between two circumferential ends for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The retainer system may also include a retainer bushing having an inner surface configured to receive the lock, where the lock may be rotatable relative to the retainer bushing and about a retainer axis between an unlocked position and a locked position. The retainer system may further include a cover piece configured to be attached to the retainer bushing for covering the lock slot of the lock when the lock is in the locked position.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the lock may include an upper portion having a tool interface configured to receive a tool for applying torque about a lock rotation axis, a lower portion including a base located opposite the tool interface along the lock rotation axis, and an insert layer positioned between the upper portion and lower portion. The insert layer may be configured to allow the upper portion to move relative to the lower portion without shearing when torque is applied to the tool interface of the upper portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock having a lock rotation axis and including an outer surface extending about the lock rotation axis. The retainer system may also include a retainer bushing including an inner surface extending about the lock rotation axis, where the inner surface is configured to rotatably receive the outer surface of the lock. The outer surface of the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing may be aligned substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis.

Abstract: A clothes iron comprising a heated sole plate and a spray device for spraying water droplets of liquid on to a spray zone situated outside the surface covered by the sole plate wherein the clothes iron comprises applicator means extending outside the sole plate, wherein said applicator means comes into contact with the water droplets sprayed on the clothes to be ironed by said spray device before the sole plate reaches the spray zone while the clothes iron, resting on the sole plate thereof, is moved in translation toward the spray zone.

Abstract: A novel display surface framing and support apparatus capable of temporarily or permanently securing canvas art and other substrates in a taunt manner without damaging the display surface. Upon assembly, the structural members join in a self-squaring fashion creating a square or rectangular frame. In preferred embodiments, the framing and support apparatus generally comprises four frame members which are substantially three sided in profile, and four corner joiners that are inserted into the ends of each frame member and being secured with a plurality of fastening means. The periphery of the display surface wraps over and around the frame members and is secured into a securement groove that is continuous along each frame member. In some embodiments, a spline element may be used to press the display surface into the securement groove of each frame member to thereby fix the display surface to the apparatus in a taunt fashion.

Abstract: An advertising and product information display device. The advertising and product information display device including a rotatable drum presenting a display surface, an elongate shaft coupled to the rotatable drum and extending along the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum, and a weight component coupled to a portion of the rotatable drum to bias the rotatable drum to a preselected rest position when an external force is removed.

Abstract: A date marking tag has a circular substrate, the substrate having three marking areas respectively for year, month and day and having an adhesive agent on a back side of the substrate. The date marking tag can also have a laminate layer, the substrate made of a transparent film, and the laminate layer being a toner film with a dark colored side, the laminate layer corresponding to the back side. The three different marking areas are respectively colored in three different colors. The date marking tag can have a rectangular substrate, the substrate having a one week calendar marking area in both Chinese and English and an adhesive agent on a back side. The substrate can have a one week calendar marking area respectively for twelve months and 31 calendar days and an adhesive agent on a back side.

Abstract: A method of locking a barrel of a firearm with respect to a barrel slide is provided.

Abstract: A launcher system includes a launcher having a barrel adapted to receive a projectile and a charge of propellant and a velocity variator configured to shift relative to barrel to selectively vary a launch velocity of projectile from launcher. The velocity variator may be constituted by a collar selectively controlling the propellant gases vented out of projectile and into barrel and/or a sliding breech face behind which is an energy-absorbing plug.

Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.

Abstract: Folding firearms have a first portion including a shoulder stock having a free end butt surface and a trigger assembly including a trigger lever, a second portion including a frame defining a bolt passage, a bolt received in the bolt passage, and a barrel connected to the frame, and the first portion and second portion being pivotally connected to each other to pivot about a pivot axis between an operating position in which the barrel extends in a first direction and the shoulder stock extends in an opposite direction, and a folded position in which the barrel and shoulder stock extend in a common direction. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to a bore axis defined by the barrel, and oriented parallel to a medial plane defined by the firearm, the medial plane being vertical during normal firearm operation.

Abstract: A redesigned upper receiver for the AR-15 upper receiver has a cylindrical housing, a barrel mount, and a stock mounting point. The barrel mount and the stock mounting point are positioned on opposite ends of the cylindrical housing. The AR-15 gun barrel is connected to the barrel mount. The charge carrier is inserted to the upper receiver through the stock mounting point. The barrel mount has a tubular body, a gas tube slot, a pin locking slot, an internal threading, and an external threading. The radius of the tubular body is larger than the cylindrical housing. The AR-15 gun barrel is secured within the internal threading. The gas tube is inserted to the gas tube slot. The hand guard is threaded onto the external threading of the upper receiver.

Abstract: This invention is a precision weapon that utilises solely as a projectile, a precision-ball made out of a suitable material namely solid C260 brass. It employs a smoothbore precision-barrel with a metal toothed rack/rail affixed along the northern hemisphere of the muzzle of the barrel that effectively converts some of the forward motion of the ball into rotational motion so that the ball is mechanically forced to rotate upwards/backwards at very high speed that can run into millions of rotations per minute, vastly improving it's ballistic coefficient and downrange accuracy. The weapon can be produced in a variety of existing types of firearms such as bolt-action, falling-block or semi-automatic, and can be chambered for a variety of calibers. A 5.5625 mm caliber bolt-action rimfire weapon for instance will provide a user with a weapon ideal for hunting small-game or for target shooting purposes.

Abstract: A gun rest includes a support assembly adapted to hook over a window sill and brace against a wall of a game blind. A universal joint on the support assembly provides a mount for a gun support to hold a long firearm. In one embodiment, the gun support includes spaced yokes to support, in a stable manner, a forestock and a stock butt enabling the hunter to look through a scope on the firearm without having to continuously grasp the firearm. In other embodiments, a single yoke, camera, spotting scope, binoculars or other device may be attached to the mount. In other embodiments, one or more of the yokes may be vertically adjustable and flexible straps may be affixed to one or more of the yokes to secure the weapon to the gun support.

Abstract: A fish capturing device is provided. The device includes a pair of cage members having a first position in which an opening is defined therebetween through which a fish may be passed and a second position in which each of the cage members are pivoted until the cage members are nested together to form an enclosure for enclosing a fish therein. A latch is configured for latching the pair of cage members into the first position and releasing the pair of cage members into the second position. A tensioner applies tension to the pair of cage members to bias the cage members into the second position to enclose the fish within the pair of cages.

Abstract: Fishing pole holders are disclosed, which automatically set a hook in the mouth of a fish directly in response to a fish bite, without human intervention, which holders are mounted on any one of several stable supports for propping a fishing pole, with all holders, supports and accessories being placed in a kit comprising a portable container or carrying case.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder comprises: a vertical stake capable of inserting into the ground; a bracket connected substantially perpendicular to that stake; a plurality of prongs affixed to the bracket, at least one prong opening in a first direction and another prong opening in an opposite direction, said prongs adapted for holding a fishing rod. The holder further includes a magnetic connector affixed along the bracket and bobber element that has a magnetic head connect at one end, a fishing line guidance shaft at the opposite end and a signal bell adjacent the line guidance shaft.

Abstract: The instant application discloses, among other things, a Fishing Device comprising a head with an openable portion which may be capable of holding a whole or part of a fish body, or other form of bait. Openable portion may comprise a gripping means, for example, teeth, for fixedly attaching the bait to the device. The first end of the head may be cut at an angle and may affect the spin motion or speed of the Fishing Device, for example, as it moves through water or any other medium.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the health of captive fish in a mobile environment, comprising a live well for containing fish in a fluid medium, a plurality of thermoelectric coolers affixed to the live well, and a thermometric rheostat for controlling a direct current applied to the thermoelectric coolers, and a method for maintaining a consistent temperature comprising the steps of setting an initial temperature, applying a current to thermoelectric coolers, reading a new temperature, and adjusting the current based at least in part on the new temperature reading.

Abstract: Generally, an animal trap floatable in a body of water having an entry enclosure defining an entry opening having a trap door which by operation of a door latch including a door trip element and a door set element rotates about a door pivot axis between a set-closed condition and a tripped-open condition allowing an animal lured by a bait in a bait station to fall through a trap floor into an interior chamber defined by apertured walls of a container allowing serial capture of plurality of animals.

Abstract: An insect killing apparatus is provided in the form of a compact fluorescent light. The light has a base that defines a compartment for a first electric circuit for applying current to fluorescent tubes of the light. An electrical connector for attachment to an electricity power supply socket also extends from the compartment. The killing apparatus also includes a second electric circuit within the compartment arranged to produce a potential difference capable of killing insects such as mosquitoes. First and second spaced apart electrodes are disposed about the fluorescent tubes and in electrical communication with the second electric circuit.

Abstract: A fly swatter device to catch a plurality of bugs and insects that includes a traditional fly swatter that having an elongated handle with a distal end and a planar diagonal frame disposed on the distal end of the handle. A plurality of adhesive layers that are disposable and replaceable are disposed on the planar diagonal frame. In use, when a fly is caught on the outermost layer of one of the adhesive layers, that outer layer can be peeled-off and disposed of to expose the next adhesive layer for continue catching bugs and insects.

Abstract: A method for preventing biodeterioration of fuel. The method reduces the microbial growth in fuel by administering an antimicrobial peptide (or efflux pump inhibitor) to a fuel phase of the fuel, an aqueous phase of the fuel, or both, which disrupts the cellular membrane (or the efflux pumps thereof) of microbes comprising the growth.

Abstract: The industrial fuel comprises the following constituents by weight percent: 65%-70% of methanol, 10%-15% of sugar pressing waste liquid, 5%-8% of rosin water, 1%-3% of oxydol with 27.5% mass concentration, 1.5%-3% of xylene, 1%-3% of phytate, 1.5%-2% of benzotriazole, 3%-5% of acetone, 0.01%-0.05% of ferrocene, 0.1%-0.5% of lavender oil, and 1.5%-2% of rubber swelling inhibitor. The fuel of the invention is a renewable energy, can completely replace the diesel oil, natural gas, liquefied gas, coal and electricity in the industrial pyrolytical combustion field, can obtain the raw materials from various sources at a low cost, is efficient, environmentally-friendly and safe, saves energy, has a stable performance, and can effectively solve the difficult problems of industrial energy shortage and high pollution and cost, thus having significant social and economic benefits.

Abstract: A system is described that includes a pyrolyzer and a primary condenser. The primary condenser is coupled to the pyrolyzer and includes an input to receive pyrolytic vapors from the pyrolyzer and a solvent. The condenser is further configured to condense the pyrolytic vapors by contacting the pyrolytic vapors with the solvent to form a condensed liquid that exits the primary condenser via an output. A capture vessel receives the condensed liquid from the condenser output. A recirculator couples the capture vessel to the primary condenser input and is configured to receive the condensed liquid from the primary condenser, and to provide at least a portion of the condensed liquid as the solvent in the primary condenser. The solvent from the bio-oil component/solvent mixture is then extracted in a solvent extraction system and returned to the quenching system.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of refining a renewable oil, such as a biofuel. In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods for the efficient removal of gums and waxes from a renewable oil.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for subjecting coarsely divided solid material, such as solid fossil fuels, to microwave radiation using gravity feed through a chamber and protecting irradiating windows by placement outside the angle of repose.

Abstract: A method for the dry quenching of coke using steam with subsequent use of the synthesis gas generated, the method involving the cyclic coking of coal to coke with the coke being sent to a quenching device after being discharged from the coke oven and steam being introduced into the quenching device for dry quenching, thus creating synthesis gas made up of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) via a water-gas reaction, and the synthesis gas produced being fed to a further application. This method allows the heat generated during coking to be used for the production of useful synthesis gas which, in turn, can be used for a further purpose or in the heating process, thus on the whole achieving an extremely even energy balance throughout the entire process.

Abstract: A cover is provided for protecting grass from sun damage. The cover is perforated to allow an optimal amount of sunlight to reach the underlying grass, as well as allowing water to reach the grass. The cover is secured to the ground by inserting an anchor through an anchor hole of the cover. The anchor has a restraining portion that clamps down on the cover and prevents shifting of the cover. To protect large areas, multiple covers can be connected to each other to effectively form a single larger cover. Latching assemblies are positioned at each side of each protective cover, with a latch and latch receptacle making up the latching assembly. The latch and latch receptacle of a reference cover engage with the latch receptacle and latch of an adjacent cover to attach the two covers to each other. This process can be repeated to cover even larger areas.

Abstract: A plant support frame for supporting plants, comprising a rod attachment for supporting flat holding elements adapted for receiving a vertically adjustable rod, said rod attachment comprising a substantially H-shaped attachment member having a first slot, a first recess and a first connecting web formed between the first slot and the first recess, wherein the first recess is laterally defined by two first substantially parallel limbs, wherein the first limbs are connected to each other by means of the first connecting web, and wherein the first slot and the first recess extend from the first connecting web in opposite directions; and a substantially U-shaped attachment member having a second recess and a second slot extending therefrom, wherein the second recess is laterally defined by two second substantially parallel limbs; wherein the H-shaped attachment member and the U-shaped attachment member are flat in shape; and wherein the H-shaped attachment member is adapted for attachment to a first end of the ro

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbedding process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed for the purposes of reducing the time needed for germination of a plant and the time needed for full maturity growth of the resultant plant. This invention teaches that ultrasound applied to the shell of a seed will develop micro-punctures which enable the faster absorption of water and other liquid nutrients into the seed structure. The sonic energy may be at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 20 minutes, and can utilize either a sinusoidal waveform or an alternating ultrasonic transmission consisting of a saw tooth wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, followed by a square wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, or such similar combination of ultrasonic transmissions. The treated seed tends to grow into a mature plant at a substantially accelerated rate.

Abstract: A luminaire system, apparatus, and method of using thereof, is disclosed for optimizing plant growth in a controlled farming environment. Different types of plants have different light requirements, and different inputs to controlled farming environment have different costs. For example, there may be certain times of day where, if power is not used, a cost savings is realized. Thus, the present invention provides a luminaire system for these controlled farming environments that receives light requirement information for the different types of plants, and in turn, adjusts the luminaire light source (110) via a luminaire light interface (106) to based on the light requirement information. The light requirement information may include spectrum in formation for the type of spectrum required or needed by the plants, power cost or savings information, or light quantity information representing the maximum amount of light to be provided to the plants in the controlled environment.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods and compositions and compositions for watering plant roots, and more particularly, to water soluble granular compositions for application to grass and other root bearing plants, the granules including a wood, mineral and binder granule impregnated with a root watering composition having a humectant as its principle constituent, and methods of application and use of the granular compositions.

Abstract: Described are preferred methods and compositions for controlling weeds in soil that involve the use of a bleaching herbicide such as fluridone in combination with at least one other additional selected herbicidal agent, which is preferably a PPO-inhibitor such as fomesafen or flumioxazin. Also described are safening effects of bleaching herbicidal agents such as fluridone on other herbicides, and of other herbicides on bleaching herbicidal agents.

Abstract: A gasifier comprises an internal chamber, a slag collection region, a slag passageway, a slag breaker, and an actuator. The internal chamber comprises a main combustion region that is configured and adapted to gasify fuel. The slag collection region is located beneath the main combustion region. The slag passageway operatively connects the main combustion region to the slag collection region. The slag breaker comprises a face that is movable relative to the internal chamber. The face is configured and adapted to move within the slag passageway in a manner such that the face contacts and mechanically breaks solidified slag into chunks of solidified slag that then fall into the slag collection region. The actuator is connected to the slag breaker and is configured and adapted to move the face of the slag breaker.

Abstract: A modular gate system for a vehicle travel lane employs a plurality of various modules to control the traffic flow and to sense and monitor the vehicles traversing the travel lane. The power and communication for the modules are provided by power and communication lines which are carried in a conduit is mounted to the rail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle doors closer comprising a working unit of a vehicle doors closer, comprising a housing, having at least two mounts with clamping holes; at least two guiding elements fixed within the housing; a movable rack with a lock plate, placed within the housing of the door closer so as to move along the guiding elements; an actuation mechanism, transmission element transmitting power from the actuation mechanism to the working unit, connected with one end to the movable rack with a lock plate of the working unit, and connected to the actuation mechanism with the other end; a state detector; a control unit; and a bracket placed on the car body.

Abstract: A frame assembly for windows and doors includes a pair of side members and a pair of generally parallel cross members, each extending along a unique member axis. The cross members include a first frame portion and a second frame portion that extend generally along the member axis and are connected by a camming fastener that draws together and secures the first and second frame portions. A method of fabricating a shutter assembly includes forming a pair of C-shaped partial-frames, each from a side member coupled to portions of two cross-members. The method includes co-axially aligning corresponding portions of the two cross-members along two axes and joining the two C-shaped partial-frames with camming fasteners.

Abstract: A louvered shutter panel, such as for windows and doors, includes a pair of spaced-apart stiles, each stile having a longitudinally extending groove. The groove in each stile includes a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape and an adjacent second portion having a second cross-sectional shape. A pair of spaced-apart rails extends between the stiles, each of the rails having a tabbed portion received within the groove of the stile. The shutter panel also includes elongate inserts received within a portion of the groove of the stile. A plurality of louvers include pins that are rotationally received within spaced-apart holes in the inserts.

Abstract: Security insert panels for sliding glass doors and windows. The panels include rigid elements appropriately spaced to allow air ventilation and to prevent human entry. After a sliding door is opened, two panels are installed in vertically stacked relation, within the open portion of the door frame and with one side of both panels within the door jamb. The door is slid within open channels on the other side of the panels. A limit stop is inserted in the bottom channel of the door frame, between the other side of the door and the door frame, preventing the door from being opened. At least one of the panels is adjustable in height, to accommodate sliding doors and windows of different dimensions, and to provide a snug fit for the panels within the upper and lower channels of the door frame. The panels are easily removed by reversing the installation process.