Abstract: A food preparation tool includes a single loop of flexible material having a generally ovoid shape with a first end joined to a second end by two sides. The sides and ends form a continuous single loop having a continuous, uninterrupted outer surface and a continuous, uninterrupted inner surface. The tool further includes a. cutting surface formed on each end. The first end has a generally semicircular shape with a first radius and a first arc length. The second end has a generally semicircular shape with a second radius that is less than the first radius and a second arc length that is less than the first are length, when the tool is in a non-flexed state. A user may grip the tool at either end, causing the two sides adjacent the gripped end to flex and change the radius of that end.

Abstract: The invention is a device to enable repeated tasting of liquid food products and beverages as often as needed during preparation, without risk of human contamination of the food at the source. The essential characteristic of the invention is the fixing of an overhang spout (4) over the tasting cup (5), through which the liquid to be tasted falls freely into the tasting cup (5) with no possibility of backflow. The liquid sample is collected with a scoop (1) at one end of the device and is transferred by gravity with the flow controlled by the angle of tilt through a channel (2) miming along the handle to the spout (4) that lets the liquid fall into the tasting cup (5) from where it is sipped. The tasting operation or procedure can be repeated as often as needed without need to wash the device each time between tasting. Having no gates, levers or moving parts, it eliminates the risks of food contamination from leakages due to imperfections worn out parts, malfunction or poor operation.

Abstract: An oscillating power tool includes a drive motor producing rotary motion and an actuator for converting the motor rotary motion to an oscillatory side-to-side movement. The power tool includes a tool mount operably driven by the actuator and configured to support the tool so that the working end is substantially collinear and/or coplanar with the axis of the motor drive shaft.

Abstract: A knob sub assembly for adjusting bar clamp tension holding a chainsaw bar of a chainsaw to a chainsaw body of the chainsaw may include a cap, a nut and a feedback assembly. The nut may be threaded to facilitate engagement with a fixing post of the chainsaw body responsive to a transfer of torque from the cap to the nut when the cap is rotated by an operator. The feedback assembly may be disposed substantially between the cap and the nut to at least selectively transfer torque from the cap to the nut. The feedback assembly may provide feedback to the operator when a predetermined threshold of applied torque is reached.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve assembly with a trigger for switching the pneumatic valve assembly between two or more valve operation modes is disclosed herein. The valve operational modes are determined by selection of fluid conduits by a trigger valve assembly of the pneumatic valve assembly which interconnects fluid conduits to a main valve, pilot valves and a pneumatic cylinder of a fluid powered pole saw and wherein a piston located in the pneumatic cylinder is mechanically coupled to a cutting blade of the pole saw and the trigger is operatively coupled to the trigger valve assembly.

Abstract: The Ride Stick Poster combines a picture, image and or art with a straight edge ruler printed, or placed, vertically on top of the background picture, image and or art, The horizontal lines that make up the straight edge ruler may obscure the background picture, image and or art but in an aesthetically pleasing way, usually printed or placed to one or more sides of the poster. Notes are printed or placed on the poster at or near the height requirements of various rides and or attractions for a particular amusement park, theme park or fair. Notes including ride and or attraction heights, trademarks, copyrights, logos, sales and marketing information, and or other information can be displayed on top of the background picture, image and or art. The notes should be placed on the poster so as not to obscure the straight edge ruler(s) and in a location that makes the poster aesthetically pleasing. The straight edge ruler, or rulers, do not have to start at zero.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method of determining a height of an upper surface of an insert relative to a top deck surface of a cylinder block. The method includes detachably coupling a fixture to the top deck surface of the cylinder block. The method also includes disposing a dial gauge on the top deck surface adjacent to each of a plurality of notches defined in the fixture. The method includes inserting a probe of a dial gauge through each of the plurality of notches to contact each of corresponding portions of the upper surface of the insert. The method also includes determining local heights of the upper surface of the insert relative to the top deck surface at the corresponding portions of the upper surface. The height of upper surface of the insert relative to the top deck surface is determined based on the local heights.

Abstract: A method of determining alignment of a spring component relative to an upper spring mounting plate of a strut assembly using an alignment system is provided. The method includes placing an alignment gauge component on the upper spring mounting plate at a preselected location. The alignment gauge component has a right angled body with a positioning portion resting on the upper spring mounting plate and a transverse measuring portion having an opening extending therethrough located alongside the spring component. A measuring rod is inserted through the opening of the measuring portion with the positioning portion of the alignment gauge component engaged with the upper spring mounting plate. The measuring rod has a measurement region that includes one or more color-coded areas for determining an alignment condition of the spring component relative to the upper spring mounting plate with the measuring rod extending through the opening and contacting the spring component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets with out subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases th speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (3) for drying at least one optical glass, comprising: a chamber (7), intended to house at least one optical glass, having at least one air inlet (19) arid at least one air outlet (29); a circuit (9) for circulating air, arranged to blow a flow of drying air from said at least one inlet (19) to said at least one outlet (29), the drying device has: an evacuation orifice (11), in fluid communication with the chamber (7), in order to evacuate a first portion of the flow of drying air, called the evacuated airflow, out of the drying device (3); and a manifold collecting: an inflow of a second portion of the flow of drying air, called recovered air, in fluid communication with the chamber (7), from said at least one air outlet (29); an inflow of a flow (33) of air from outside the drying device (3); and having an outlet (29) in fluid communication with the circulating circuit (9).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a supercritical drying method for a semiconductor substrate comprises introducing a semiconductor substrate, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being wet with a water-soluble organic solvent, to the inside of a chamber, hermetically sealing the chamber and increasing a temperature inside the chamber to not lower than a critical temperature of the water-soluble organic solvent, thereby bringing the water-soluble organic solvent into a supercritical state, decreasing a pressure inside the chamber and changing the water-soluble organic solvent in the supercritical state to a gas, thereby discharging the water-soluble organic solvent from the chamber, starting a supply of an inert gas into the chamber as the pressure inside the chamber decreases to atmospheric pressure, and cooling the semiconductor substrate in a state where the inert gas exists inside the chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression.

Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.

Abstract: A locking system for interchangeable shoes heels, each having an axial upper integral extension, includes a substantially horizontal system platform and thereabove an integral heel extension enclosure having opposing lateral sides including void spaces within the sides and internal therewith, to secure the axial extension of a heel to be selectably attached to a bottom rear of a shoe. The system also includes a pair of substantially horizontal and symmetric locking ramps, each having (i) a front and rear portion, the front portion of each ramp having a plurality of gear teeth opposing to, and interlockable with, each other; (ii) vertically disposed key receivers integral with the front portion of each locking ramp and proximal to the gear teeth; and (iii) the rear portion of each ramp moveable through the void spaces of a heel engagement structure engagement structure complemental to the heel extension enclosure, ends of the rear portions of the locking ramps normally biased in contact with each other.

Abstract: A toe protection insert for an athletic shoe surrounds the big toe and laces up to protect the toe from injury. The laces of the insert are designed to pull through the shoelace holes of the athletic shoe, to enable the user to position the toe as desired. Specialized socks are also provided, which separate the big toe from the other toes.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole. The article of footwear also includes an outer surface defined on the upper or the sole. Moreover, the article of footwear includes a chamber wall operably coupled to one of the upper and the sole. The chamber wall defines at least a portion of a chamber operable to hold a vacuum for at least partially conforming the footwear to the foot of the wearer. Moreover, the footwear includes a valve including a passage that extends through the chamber wall to be in selective fluid communication with the chamber. The valve is operable to provide suction to draw the vacuum within the chamber. The valve is partially defined by an outer rim, and the outer rim is flush with the outer surface or recessed inward from the outer surface toward the chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include various first strands and second strands. The cutting and second strands may extend from an area proximal to lace-receiving elements to an area proximal to the sole structure. The first strands may have a substantially vertical orientation and the second strands may have a rearwardly-angled orientation. The first strands may be located in a midfoot region of the footwear and the second strands may be located in both the midfoot region and a heel region of the footwear. Angles between the first strands and the second strands may be at least 40 degrees. Additionally, the second strands may have at least fifty percent greater tensile strength than the first strands.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a rigid shell made of plastic or composite material, which is shaped so as to accommodate the foot of the user, and at least a first and a second removable front sole which, alternatively to each other, are adapted to be fixed in a rigid and stable although easily removable manner to the lower wall of the shell substantially at the tarsal-phalangeal area of the foot; the shell being provided with a first transversal stiffening plate made of metal material which is embedded within the lower wall of the shell, close to the tip of the shell, and is structured/shaped so as to partially emerge/crop out on the outer surface of the lower wall of the shell substantially at the metatarsal-phalangeal area of the foot; the first and second removable front soles comprising: an upper plate-shaped socle which has the upper face shaped so as to be removably coupled to the lower wall of the shell substantially at the tarsal-phalangeal area of the foot, and a second transversal stiffening plate made of m

Abstract: A shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress forming a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole. The buttress may be adjacent to the receptacle. The buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A shoe sole including: an outsole having a tread surface to be in contact with a road surface; and a midsole arranged on the outsole, wherein: the midsole is exposed in a central section of a rear foot section and an arch section; in the central section and a lateral side section of the rear foot section of the shoe sole, a diagonal groove is formed extending in a diagonal front-rear direction in the rear foot section to an outer edge of a lateral side of the rear foot section; an angle ?, formed between a virtual center line of the diagonal groove and a longitudinal axis connecting between a center of a heel and a middle point between a big-toe ball and a little-toe ball, is set in a range of 12° to 35°; and a virtual intersection point between the longitudinal axis and the center line is set within a range of 21% to 43% of a full length of the longitudinal axis of the shoe sole from a posterior end of the shoe sole, the diagonal groove extending to a point anterior and medial to the intersection point.

Abstract: A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade, particularly a plow blade attached to an ATV, and method of use is disclosed. The plow blade guard includes an elongated tubular member having an elongated slot formed along its length, the elongated slot is adapted to receive the cutting edge or lower edge of a selected plow blade. The plow blade guard is held place by an attachment system.

Abstract: Serrated plow blades for vibratory plowing systems are presented. A plow blade assembly in a first embodiment includes a plurality of serrations welded along the leading edge of a plow blade in a substantially contiguous series, for exerting a cutting force on subsoil and underground obstructions. The serrations may have tapered faces and a knife-like upper edge that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the leading edge of the plow blade. In a second embodiment, a plow blade assembly is manufactured from a single plate that is precisely cut to form a blade with integral serrations. These serrated plow blades last longer and the sawing action allows more continuous plowing through subsoil obstructions without stopping.

Abstract: A bucket assembly and a skid device and a method of manufacturing thereof has a ski-shaped member and is configured to be attachable to a front end portion of a loading bucket. Two or more skid devices can be attached to the front edge portion of the bucket to enable the bucket to move materials on the ground. Each skid device has a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the front edge portion of the bucket and has a main fastening device for securing it to the bucket and a secondary securing device comprising a retaining member that maintains the skid device on the bucket when the main fastening device becomes loose or fails. The retaining member prevents the skid device from falling off the bucket and acts as an alarm by making rattling noise. Each skid device also allows mounting of an auxiliary member that enables the bucket to carrying items longer than the width of the bucket, such as logs or posts.

Abstract: Ironing system comprising a machine body (2) provided with means (10, 6) for producing and supplying steam and an iron (1) comprising a heated soleplate (3) and connected to this machine body (2) by means of a tube (13) for the passage of steam and an electrical cable (14); this iron (1) comprises a supplementary water tank (9) suitable to supply water to this heated soleplate (3) and at least one control button (7) suitable to cooperate with a switch (28) for operating means (10, 6) for producing and supplying steam from the machine body (2) and with means (27) for pumping water from this supplementary tank (9) to this heated soleplate (3), in a first active position of this button (7), these means (10, 6) for producing and supplying the steam from the machine body (2) are operated and, in a second active position of this button (7) these pumping means (27) are operated so as to obtain a further production of steam by means of the passage of this water from this supplementary tank (9) to this heated soleplat

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite iron sole plate coated using sol-gel process with hydrolysis and condensation products of silanes with a metal precursor. The selected silanes are MTEOS and TEOS which give improved and tailored coatings for iron sole plates along with a metal precursor. The invention also relates to a novel method of producing iron sole plates having this coating, as well as an iron having such sole plate. The coating composition, when applied to an iron sole plate, found to be improving surface characteristics in terms of low friction, abrasion resistance, shine prevention and ease of cleaning due to its chemical stability and flatness.

Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.

Abstract: A flexible sheet (1) comprising at least one removable blank (5) wherein the blank (5) is configured to be foldable into a three-dimensional model (13).

Abstract: A three dimensional stand alone pop up assembly and method for making the same, the assembly comprising outer structural wall panels connected with an internal support structure having a spreader, center support element and base components. The assembly moves between a first position, whereby the support structure is folded within the wall panels of the outer structure, and a second position whereby outer structural panels are unfolded into a three-dimensional stand-alone pop-up structure supported in the open position by the internal support structure. The assembly utilizes an internal support structure which folds internally and alleviates the need for an extended base or protruding member. The assembly accommodates a variety of lighting and sound features and can be configured in a variety of three dimensional stand alone pop up designs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle protectors and more particularly to automobile license plate frame bumper protectors.

Abstract: A durable, self-locking license plate holder system that allows for the quick and convenient installation and removal of license plates and other identification tags without the use of tools includes a frame having a back plate and an edge extending around the perimeter of the back plate, and an advertising band having at least one tab, the edge having grooves to align the license plate or other identification tag and friction bumps to couple with the tabs to removably secure a license plate between the frame and the advertising band.

Abstract: A flashing air dancer can be provided via an air dancer including flashing appendages that flash by reflection, attached to hollow portions of the air dancer. The hollow portions can include a first hollow portion having two open ends. A first open end can receive a gas from a gas delivery source, such as a blower, for inflating the air dancer. The gas can exit via a second open end. Flashing appendages can be attached via stitching, sewing, adhesion, or fastening. Flashing appendages can be comprised of material having persistent high reflectivity. Flashing appendages can be comprised of material with a coating having persistent high reflectivity. Flashing appendages may have the form of flashing strips. Flashing strips may be two-ply or thicker in layers of material, and different layers of the flashing strips may include different kinds of layer material.

Abstract: A stylized hanging gift tag includes a decorative main body that is adorned with indicia having a plurality of shapes, colors, patterns and at least one celebratory message. An elongated tether is secured to the top end of the main body and terminates into an expandable bottle attachment loop. A decorative chain is disposed along the back side of the main body and is attached at either end to the sides of the main body.

Abstract: A firearm safety mechanism of the present disclosure has a cylindrical body adapted for insertion into a barrel of a firearm. Further, the safety mechanism has a threaded bore on a first end of the cylindrical body for receiving an insertion tool and a second end for engaging at least a portion of a chamber of a firearm thereby prohibiting rotation of a cylinder of the firearm.

Abstract: A handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel and a receiver, the hand guard system includes a barrel nut having an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface, and a tubular handguard having an end. The tubular handguard is receivable about the barrel and is received about the barrel nut, engaging the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A combination metal/polymer upper receiver for use in a rifle, with the upper receiver attachable to a lower receiver and to a barrel. The upper receiver comprises a polymeric upper receiver housing defining a chamber. The polymeric upper receiver housing is adapted to engage with mounting features on the lower receiver to attach a lower receiver to the upper receiver at a first connection. A metal insert is secured within the polymeric upper receiver housing and is adapted to engage the barrel. The metal insert further includes an extended member embedded within the polymeric upper receiver housing such that the extended member receives the impact from a bolt carrier group residing within the chamber. An optional metal gas tube channel is located along an upper internal surface of the polymeric upper receiver housing and extends the length of the polymeric upper receiver housing.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting accessories onto a Picatinny rail system distinguished in that the mounting system comprises of mounting base which lies at or below the level of the rails and a mounting base clamp wherein the base clamp has a hole for a screw to be inserted which secures both the base clamp and the base mount onto the rail by engagement of the inserted screw and the Picatinny rail system.

Abstract: An assembly is described for use in attaching accessories to a firearm having a barrel with a threaded distal end. The assembly includes a coupler with opposed, inwardly curved side plates that together form a cylindrical bore for receiving the firearm barrel attachable behind the threaded distal end, the side plates have integrally joined upper ends and lower ends that are moveable toward each other to clamp the coupler to the barrel, the coupler including a retractable pin having an extended position and a retracted position; and an adapter having a rear end with a threaded bore for receiving the barrel threaded end, and a front end with a threaded projection for attachment to a firearm accessory, the adapter including a groove to receive the retractable pin when the retractable pin is in the extended position.

Abstract: Hand guards for firearms and related methods are provided. In one example, a hand guard for a firearm includes an elongated tubular housing having a lumen extending between opposite ends thereof. A hand guard mounting assembly is coupled concentrically to a rear end portion of the housing. The mounting assembly includes a pair of opposing transverse surfaces respectively disposed on opposite sides of a transverse flange located on a front end of a barrel nut extending forwardly from a receiver of the firearm. At least one of the transverse surfaces is longitudinally moveable toward the other transverse surface. A mechanism adjustably urges the at least one transverse surface longitudinally toward the other transverse surface so as to clamp the flange firmly between the two transverse surfaces and such that the barrel of the firearm is disposed concentrically within the lumen of the housing.

Abstract: A bipod kit for a firearm has a bipod leg mounting body and a firearm structural component. The bipod leg mounting body has a substantially round central passage defining an interior side surface thereof and has two leg mounting structures on an exterior side surface thereof generally opposite the interior side surface. The firearm structural component can be mounted on the firearm at an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounting structure thereof. The firearm structural component includes a bipod mounting portion integral therewith. The bipod mounting portion is cylindrical and is rotatably mounted within the central passage of the bipod leg mounting body. The bipod mounting portion is configured such that a barrel of the firearm extends through a central passage thereof when the firearm structural component is mounted on the firearm at the OEM mounting structure thereof.

Abstract: A kit for fitting a handwheel to a focussing control of a rifle scope is used to enlarge a focussing ring of the control, without having to remove the focussing ring from the control. The handwheel is secured by a headed bolt to a projecting stub shaft. The handwheel has a side plate supporting an outer rim that has a plurality of peripheral indentations to assist turning of the handwheel. The side plate has a central hole and a hub that projects axially from the side plate and defines a bore for receiving the stub shaft. The outer diameter of the hub is received within an outer end portion of the focussing ring. The hub has at least one abutment that co-operates with the stub shaft to inhibit relative rotational movement. A cap bolt extends through the hole to engage the stub shaft and secure the handwheel t the control.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for an archery sight is characterized by a unique elevation and tension adjustment assemblies which allow a user to quickly and easily set the sight for optimum performance. The mechanism includes an elevation base having an elevation rail and carriage assembly connected therewith for sliding movement along the base in a first direction. A windage carriage is connected with the elevation carriage for movement in a second direction, and a sight is connected with the windage carriage. A tension assembly including a unique traction wheel, yoke and cam mechanism is provided for adjusting the tension between the rail and the base, and an adjustable detent assembly is provided to stop movement of the elevation rail and carriage in selected elevation locations relative to the base.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Abstract: The fishing apparatus (1) includes a body (20) and at either end of the body there is a first length (21a) and a second length (21b) of a line with hooks (23a, 23b) on respective ends. If a fish bites one of the hooks then the other hook is pulled into a receiving member (30a, 30b) so that the hook that has not been bitten is covered so the fish that is hooked will not be damaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound as a cold flow improver for a fuel composition, said compound being an ester of (i) a polyol wherein the polyol is selected from at least pentaerythritol, polymers thereof and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a fatty acid oligomer, wherein the fatty acid oligomer has a degree of polymerisation from 2 to 7. The ester compound can be used for reducing, preventing or inhibiting cold filter plugging in a diesel engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from municipal solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes combining a first waste stream that includes at least one of hard plastic, soft plastic and mixed plastic with a sorbent and increasing the temperature of the combined first waste stream and sorbent to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The method further includes combining the thermally treated first waste stream and sorbent with a second waste stream that includes fiber, and compressing the combined first waste stream, sorbent, and second waste stream to form a densified engineered fuel feedstock.

Abstract: Modified solid fuel manufacturing method and modified solid fuels manufactured using the manufacturing method. When solid fuels are manufactured by crushing low grade coal, mixing the crushed low grade coal with solvent oil to prepare a slurry, heating the slurry to at least the boiling point of water to evaporate moisture included in the slurry, separating the solvent oil from the slurry to produce charcoal dust and compression compacting said charcoal dust, by heating the slurry to at least the boiling point of water, the non-volatile components included in the low grade coal are extracted with the solvent oil, the outer surface of the low grade coal and the internal surfaces of the pores are coated with the extracted non-volatile components, and the content of heavy oil added from the outside will be less than 0.5 mass %, relative to the solid fuel after drying.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed. In various embodiments, the method may comprise vibrating the seed to orient the seed on an axis, identifying a location of a known feature of the seed, determining a sample location on the seed based on the location of the known feature, and performing a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed proximate the sample location. In one embodiment, the method may comprise removing a sample portion of the seed from the sample location without damaging the embryo of the seed. Accordingly, the viability of the seed may be maintained while allowing for subsequent testing on the sample portion of the seed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A composition is provided as a treatment to be added to landscaping material. The treatment includes glycerin and is applied to the landscaping material at a rate of about 0.3 pounds treatment per cubic yard (178 grams per cubic meter) of landscaping material. The treatment formulation may be at least 50% by weight glycerin mixed with a water carrier. The landscaping material may be any typical mulch material, such as a plurality of wood chips or other fibrous organic material. A colorant or other coating may be applied to the landscaping material along with the treatment.

Abstract: The potted plant display system of the present invention uses plant trays into which potted plants are placed. Watering of the potted plants is accomplished by filling the plant trays with water and allowing the soil within the pots to absorb the water in a bottom up fashion. Multi-tier or vertical displays are created by using the various display bases into which trays are placed. Plant trays within a tier are interconnected through a conduit system that transfers water from one plant tray to another. A single plant tray within a tier contains a draining adaptor through which water is drained onto a plant tray located on a tier directly below or into a bucket. Water level in the plant trays is controlled by the draining restrictor that is placed into the draining adaptor. During watering, water is applied to a plant tray positioned on the highest tier in a multi-tier display.