Abstract: A measuring device includes a housing and a caliper positioned inside the housing. The housing has a proximal end and a distal end and defines an axis from the proximal end to the distal end. The caliper includes a first measurement probe extending out of the housing in a first direction, a second measurement probe extending out of the housing in a second direction that is substantially opposite of the first direction, and measurement circuitry configured for transmitting a measurement signal based on the relative positions of the first and second measurement probes.

Abstract: A cylindrical dryer screen having raised embossed regions in the form of embossed deflector strips on the outer surface is provided for a centrifugal pellet dryer. The embossed deflector strips are integral and project outwardly so as not to encroach upon the space within the screen housing for the rotor and rotor blades. The embossed screen with its outwardly projecting deflector strips effectively deflects the pellets back toward the rotor where the pellets are reengaged with rotor energy, resulting in increased dryer efficiency and flow rate.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine includes a basement portion (14) having an upper side (17) with seats (18A-18F) formed thereon for receiving machine operational devices (5), and a lower side (16), opposite to the upper side (17). The lower side (16) forms an air path for air to be admitted into or exhausted from the machine.

Abstract: A dryer includes a housing and a woven wire belt conveyor assembly that extends through a drying chamber of the dryer. The woven wire belt is trained around a drive drum and a tensioning drum. To support the woven wire belt, there is provided a plurality of removable rollers or supports that engage the woven wire belt and support the same as the woven wire belt is driven through the drying chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is constituted to: apply injection energy to overheated dry vapor in which saturated moisture vapor is heated and dried so as to miniaturize and cluster particles of the overheated dry vapor; apply impact energy to the clustered overheated dry vapor so as to further miniaturize the clustered particles of the overheated dry vapor and generate nano-size overheated dry vapor; and supply the nano-size overheated dry vapor in a supersaturated state into a chamber in which a substrate is placed to form an anoxic atmosphere within the chamber, infuse the nano-size overheated dry vapor into ink molecules and molecular boundaries in the anoxic atmosphere, and apply the energy of the nano-sized overheated dry vapor to the ink, so as to evaporate the moisture of the ink and degraded or reduced the organic solvent of the ink.

Abstract: A spray dryer exhaust gas treatment system and process recovers waste heat, removes odors from the exhaust gas, or both. The spray dryer may be used to dry digestate from an anaerobic digester. Spray dryer exhaust is at least partially recirculated to the spray dryer, or condensable vapors are removed from the spray dryer exhaust, or both. Optionally, a bleed from a recirculating exhaust stream may pass through a combustion chamber. Preferably, waste heat is added to the recirculating exhaust stream or used to evaporate water upstream of the spray dryer. In a case where the spray dryer is used to treat digestate, a biogas burner may provide the combustion chamber and a source of waste heat. The system and method reduce odors from spray dryer exhaust by condensing odorous compounds, by combustion, or both while using waste heat and spray dryer exhaust gas recirculation to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A new manufacturing method produces an insole that fits a user's foot properly and that is manufactured in a shorter time at a lower cost. The manufacturing method includes steps of: acquiring information on a user's foot by a foot printer; selecting a basic part 2 based on the acquired information; attaching various modification parts 3 to the selected basic part 2 arranged in a trial shoe 1; determining whether the trial insole including a combination of the basic part 2 and modification parts 3 is properly fitted to the user's foot in walking and standing statuses; repeating the steps from selecting to determining until the most fitting combination of the basic part and modification parts is determined; reproducing the determined trial insole in a three-dimensional CAD based on the most fitting combination; and manufacturing an insole by cutting out material based on the reproduced trial insole in the three-dimensional CAD.

Abstract: A structure of a correction shoe pad includes a shock-absorber mounted at an outside portion of a pad body of a shoe pad, so that the shock-absorber mounted at the outside portion of the pad body provides support to effectively prevent situations, such as eversion and ankle sprain causing by shift of the center of the body weight of the user toward the outer side of the sole and also to provide effects of bandy leg and wear of meniscus of knee joints resulting from the shift of the center of the body weight of the user toward the outer side of the sole.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: A convertible article of footwear has an upper outer component with a reversible exterior shell, an inner sandal base and means for repeatedly connecting and disconnecting these two main components to one another with either outer shell exposed. When connected by a zipper or other joinder, the parts form a whole outer shoe for sports, casual or other uses. When kept apart, or separated into main component elements, the user can wear the underlying sandal as a stand-alone footwear item.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole positioned beneath the upper; and a forward displacement assembly positioned within the midsole. The forward displacement assembly may include a biasing member, an actuator element operably connected to the biasing member, and an extension assembly positioned in a forefoot region of the midsole and operably connected to the actuator element. The extension assembly may include a movable outsole member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Various arrangements for an article of footwear including an outsole having grooves forming discrete lugs are presented. The outsoles generally include a plurality of grooves formed in at least a portion of the outsole that extend from a lateral side of the outsole to a medial side of the outsole. The grooves may be linear or curved and generally extend in an angular fashion. The grooves may have a first depth at a perimeter of the outsole and a second depth, greater than the first depth, at the center of the outsole. The grooves form discrete lugs. In some arrangements, the lugs are diamond shaped.

Abstract: A footwear cover made of an elastic material is provided. The footwear cover defines a first opening and is moveable between a first expanded or stretched position for installing the cover on footwear and a second compressed position to form fit the cover to the footwear the cover is installed on. The cover may include a plurality of biasing mechanisms for form fitting the cover to the footwear disposed within the cover including one or more of the elastic cover material itself, a flat elastic band, elastic thread used to stitch one or more pieces of the cover together and a heel securing mechanism.

Abstract: A snow plow is provided with a first V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade each pivotably coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. The two V-plow blades are coupled to a plow tower configured to support each of the V-plow blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blades and the plow tower. A tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the plow tower and a plow frame which is configured to couple to the hitch frame nose assembly. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotably coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a. firearm (1) comprising a verification device (10) suitable for verifying and detecting an anomaly of the state of the barrel (2), such as the presence of partial or total occlusions or variations of cross-section. The device (10) comprises receiver means (200), on the firearm (1), suitable for detecting a detected signal (R) derivable from an emitted signal (E), influenced by said anomaly.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine base pad retaining plate is provided with a protrusion including a shaft portion, a flange portion having a lager cross sectional diameter than the shaft portion, and a longitudinal slot to allow lateral compression. When attached to a magazine base pad in a magazine assembly, the configuration of the base pad retaining plate eliminates the possibility that the base pad retaining plate will disengage from the base pad resulting in catastrophic disassembly of the ammunition magazine.

Abstract: Threaded metal inserts for polymer lower receivers and hybrid polymer lower receivers comprising one or more of such inserts, as well as kits and methods therefor are disclosed. A threaded metal insert has a substantially circular aperture configured with screw threads to releasably yet connectively interface with a separate traditionally threaded firearm component such as a buffer tube or a pistol grip screw. Inserts can be any overall shape so long as it can be integrally embedded within a traditionally threaded portion of a polymer lower receiver in a way that does not interfere with normal operation of an assembled firearm and leaves exposed the internal threading of the insert. Inserts can also comprise textural features on the exterior surface configured to permanently interface with and embed the an insert into molded polymer.

Abstract: A mount for an accessory for a firearm having a Picatinny rail. The mount includes a chassis with one or more locking devices. Each locking device includes a lever that moves a plate into engagement with the Picatinny rail to clamp the mount to the rail. Each locking device also includes an actuator which not only moves the plate into engagement with the Picatinny rail but includes a self-tightening mechanism in which a nut and bolt arrangement are tightened by movement of the lever from a first position to a second position while at the same time bringing the plate into engagement with the rail. Each locking device also includes an automatic locking feature for locking the lever in position and a mechanism for preventing accidental operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A launcher system, advantageously in kit form, is provided. The system generally includes a launching device, a pistol grip frame, and stock assembly. The pistol grip frame is characterized by a frame body and a pistol grip extending therefrom, the frame body having a first frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the launching device, and a second frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the stock assembly. The stock assembly is adapted for select operative union with the second frame body portion of the frame body of the pistol grip frame. No-tool select operator union of elements of the system is enabled.

Abstract: A multidirectional windsock style decoy may include a body bag having a decoy head hole along a front end, a wind entry hole along a side, and an interior housing. A stay open collar may keep the wind entry hole open. The decoy may further include a back support having a top side, a bottom side, a front face and a back side a decoy head having a back side. The back side of the decoy head may connect to the front face of the back support. The decoy head may close off the decoy head hole. At least one side support may connect to the top side and the bottom side of the back support. The side support may extend out towards the stay open collar. A stake may be connected to the body bag and secured in place at a particular height off the ground.

Abstract: An improved strike indicator fishing system comprising of a means of visual notification of a fish strike that is easy to quickly set up using magnet line securing means. The invention comprises a signal flag system that is placed in a pre-strike position by connecting it to a fishing line by using clasp magnets to grab and hold the fishing line. The fishing line is also passed through a slip bobber containing an anti-freeze material to prevent icing of the fishing line that would interfere with the fish strike indicator.

Abstract: A modular lure with a light function, whose components can be selected and swapped out to appeal to particular fish, whose shape imparts a rhythmic motion to it upon retrieval, whose tail has a retaining cavity for skirts and tubes, bait, and a light-diffusion attachment, whose one-piece hitch wire provides quick, easy and secure hook attachment, and whose power supply creates an inductive energy field around the lure.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an improved rod holder, particularly a gunwale rod holder, particularly for use in sports fishing.

Abstract: A transparent lure includes a bait fish-shaped hollow lure body molded from a transparent thermoplastic elastomer having rubber-like elasticity into a configuration substantially similar to a bait fish. A fish-shaped mouth part of the lure body is formed as a line insertion hole communicating with a mouth part of a bait fish. A posterior half segment of the lure body is cut out, by which the bait fish which has been inserted into the hollow lure body from the cut-out rear end side and the lure body which encloses the bait fish in an anterior half segment are assembled by allowing a line to pass through a mouth part of the bait fish and a line insertion hole of the lure body.

Abstract: The invention relates to amateur and sport fishing and can be used for catching predatory fish either directly over the surface of water with the lure ability to appear onto the surface of water particularly when posting at low speed, or for posting in the near-surface layer of water, and also it can be suitable for fishing with a spinning by means of uniform posting method and also twitching technique. The surface lure comprises a longitudinally elongated convex curved plate, metal load, device for fixing a fishing line in the front portion of the lure, at least one hook at the tail portion of the lure. The metal load is performed longitudinally elongated, flattened in the vertical plane, with the upper edge being of narrowed and rectilinear form or concave form in the middle of the same.

Abstract: A remotely activated door-opening mechanism is provided for a cage trap having an animal enclosure, preferably a cage trap as disclosed in U.S. Publ. No. US2008/0115405. The mechanism is mounted outside the enclosure of the trap and is preferably remotely activated by an IR or RF transmitter to open a door of the trap and release a trapped animal when the operator is at a safe distance away. The mechanism may also be manually set with a time delay and may be associated with either a main entry door to the trap or with a secondary escape door located at an opposite end of the trap.

Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has an over-center set mechanism for holding open a door for closing the trap access opening. The set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the door of the trap by an actuating cable. A bait pedal is movably mounted inside the trap with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the pedal and to the set mechanism so that when an animal enters the trap, the weight of the animal moves the pedal, causing the trip rod and link assembly to actuate the set mechanism. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots past its over-center position to allow movement of the cable which enables the door to move from an opened position to a closed position to trap the animal inside the trap.

Abstract: An insect trap for trapping insects that includes: a bottom compartment, where the bottom compartment includes a base and a rim and the base houses a bait to attract an insect; a funnel positioned above the bottom compartment, where the funnel includes an opening and a neck, where the insect flies through the opening and the neck and becomes trapped within the bottom compartment; and a lid attached to the opening of the funnel, where the lid provides a mechanism to close the opening after the insect is trapped within the bottom compartment.

Abstract: An insect-discouraging kit (200) comprising a device (300) installable in a drain outlet, a device (400) installable in a sink basin, and a solution (400) for cleaning floors around a sink station. The device (300) and the device (400) each include a dissolvable body incorporating the insect-discouraging material which dispenses over a period of time without human participation.

Abstract: A termite control bait container includes an upper end portion opposite a lower end portion. The bait container includes a chamber containing a termite bait. The lower end portion includes an air-trapping pocket below at least a portion of the bait to reduce intrusion of water through the lower end portion when installed in a selected orientation at least partially below ground.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method for the extermination of household pests, particularly bed bugs, found upon furniture, furnishings, and personal effects (“infested items”), whereby the infested items may be removed from their usual household environment (i.e., removal of a bed from an infested bedroom, etc.) and placed within an apparatus that then increases the temperature of the infest items to a degree lethal to the respective pest sought to be eradicated.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to methods of generating cellulosic-renewable identification numbers by thermally processing a cellulosic biomass to form a renewable fuel oil, and then co-processing the renewable fuel oil with a petroleum fraction in a refinery to form a cellulosic-renewable identification number-compliant fuel.

Abstract: A flue gas additive is provided that includes both a nitrogenous component to reduce gas phase nitrogen oxides and a halogen-containing component to oxidize gas phase elemental mercury.

Abstract: Provided is a mushroom bed cultivation bag where a bag main body can be surely torn regardless of nonuniformity of a thickness of a filter, a material, and the like. A mushroom bed cultivation bag includes a vertically long bag main body which has an opened upper end and is formed of a plastic film formed by aligning molecules so that tensile strength of a vertical direction is higher than tensile strength of a horizontal direction, and a rupture handle fused with the bag main body at a position that is different from a position of the bag main body, and rupturing the bag main body to tear the bag main body. A fuse portion fusing the rupture handle with the bag main body is formed in a mountain-shape where a tear-initiation side (opening side of an upper end of the bag main body) faces upward.

Abstract: A railing planter is disclosed comprising a body formed as a single unit having at least two tiered cavities for receiving plants and a recess for seating the planter on a railing. The railing planter may further comprise at least one connector for coupling with a matching connector of a second planter to attach the planters one to the other.

Abstract: A controlled environment agricultural system having a self-regulating grow module that automatically waters the plant without over-watering or under-watering. The system may further comprise a self-regulating lift mechanism with an optic sensor, the lift mechanism capable of raising, lowering, and rotating each grow module independently of any other grow module, to monitor and provide individual attention to individual plants within a crop in order to maximize growth and plant yield.

Abstract: A cultivation system moves containers between a growing area and a monitoring area. The containers hold cultivation beds for cultivating plants, and the cultivation system includes: a grow light emitting unit emitting grow light for growing the cultivated plants in the containers located in the growing area; an imaging unit capturing the cultivated plants in the containers located in the monitoring area; and a control unit causing the grow light emitting unit to stop emitting the grow light when the imaging unit captures the plants.

Abstract: A method for growing herbs includes planting a herb and allowing the herb to germinate, becoming a herb seedling and either transplanting to or maintaining the herb seedling in a restrictive container, where the herb seedling is held for a predetermined period of time before transplanting the herb seedling to a second stage, where the seedling is held in order to grow and develop a larger root system. Maintaining the herb seedling in a restrictive container has the effect that the herb's root system will be prevented from growing, in comparison to a herb planted in a nursery. The herb will essentially stop growing while the root system is restricted. Meanwhile the herb will continue maturing, developing oils which are more elastic. Herbs with more elastic oils will be significantly more resistant to cold temperatures at a harvesting size, compared to herbs that have not been transplanted to restrictive containers.

Abstract: A low-maintenance and water-conserving container-gardening system used indoors or outdoors to grow plants, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. Combining the advantages/benefits of natural bacteria-enriched soil with the advantages/benefits of hydroponics to feed plant roots oxygenated nutrient/fluid precisely at the time of need, the system uses one or more gardening containers each having water-elevating structure causing slow and consistent upward flow of nutrient/fluid into the soil, and nutrient/fluid drainage-facilitating structure that directs surplus nutrient/fluid away from plant roots when the pump stops. Support for gardening containers includes nutrient/fluid reservoirs and frames, with multiple gardening containers optionally connected together in stepped gravity-feed arrangements. Use of renewable energy is preferred, and solar-assist may be employed with timers and pumps.

Abstract: A hydroponic fodder growing system includes a plurality of upright support members. A plurality of shelves are movably mounted to the upright support members for movement between a generally horizontal position and a tilted position. Each shelf defines a lower side edge when in the tilted position. The system also includes a water supply system that is configured to supply water to fodder disposed on the shelves. A powered conveyor extends below the lower side edges of the shelves when the shelves are tilted, whereby fodder falls off the shelves onto the powered conveyor when the shelves are in the tilted position.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect opening and closing of a door in a washing machine by detecting a resistance value varying according to a lever position of a door lock switch. In the apparatus to detect opening and closing of a door in a washing machine, since a resistance meter is added to the inside of a component with the contact being eliminated therefrom, it may be possible to simplify an inner structure of the component and to reduce material costs. In addition, opening and closing of a door is accurately detected as a resistance value of the resistance meter varies by rotation of a gear instead of surface contact between contacts, and thus it may be possible to prevent a detection error in the event of contact short circuits due to moisture and to enhance component reliability.

Abstract: A curved bypass door suitable for a shower or bath comprising a first door, a second door set back from the first door, and an upper track made of aluminum. In one aspect, the upper track has a lower rail adapted to receive a first roller for the first door to slide on and an upper rail adapted to receive a second roller for the second door to slide on. In another aspect, the upper track has an upper rail adopted to receive a roller for the second door to slide on and a lower rail adapted to receive and hold the first door which is fixed. Each door has a curvature such that both doors together form the curved bypass door. The upper track is curved to match the shape of the curved bypass door.

Abstract: An adjustable transmissive insulative array of vanes comprising a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and transversely spaced vanes, each vane rotatable about its longitudinal axis between an insulative state and a transmissive state, each vane comprising an insulative body and a reflective layer on the outer surface of the body, the insulative body of each vane shaped such that in the insulative state the vane is operable to engage with adjacent vanes to form a substantially continuous insulating boundary, the insulative body of each vane further shaped such that in the transmissive state the vane cooperates with an adjacent vane to form an optical concentrator therebetween comprising a portion of the reflective layer of the vane and an portion of the reflective layer of the adjacent vane, each optical concentrator operable to transmit received light through the array of vanes.

Abstract: A door is formed into a folding door by dividing the door into two parts to left and right, that is, a hanging door and a door-end door pivotally supported by the hanging door, and the door-end door is used as the pressure difference mitigating mechanism, and the two doors are integrally operated in a normal time, while if a pressure difference is generated, the door-end door can be first opened in order to reduce an opening force, and the door device with a pressure difference mitigating mechanism with excellent operability is provided. A handle position, a latch position, and a torque are adjusted for a handle for door opening/closing, a door closer, a hinge closer for rotating the door-end door with respect to the hanging door, a latch A of the door-end door to a door frame, and a latch B of the door-end door to the hanging door.

Abstract: A drive device comprises a housing pipe, a protection pipe, and a linear drive. The housing pipe and the protection pipe can be moved axially relative to each other in a telescopic manner. The housing pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the protection pipe on a fixed base member or a movable component, and the protection pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the housing pipe on the movable component or the base member. The linear drive is arranged in at least one of the housing pipe and the protection pipe, and configured to drive the housing pipe and the protection pipe such that the housing pipe and the protection pipe are axially movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A door having an improved structure in which the door is formed integrally with a door handle, and a clothes treating apparatus having the same. The clothes treating apparatus includes a main body, a laundry insertion opening formed on a front surface of the main body, and a door to open and close the laundry insertion opening. The door includes a holder member rotatably coupled to the front surface of the main body, a transparent member passing through and coupled to the holder member, and a cover member covering a front surface of the holder member to define an external appearance of the door. The cover member includes a cover frame provided in a shape corresponding to the holder member, a cover panel coupled to a front surface of the cover frame, and a door handle including a protrusion portion and a recessed portion.