A card edge connector includes an insultive housing, a plurality of conductive terminals retained in the insultive housing and a metal frame retained in the insultive housing. The insultive housing defines two sidewalls extending along a longitudinal direction and two endwalls connected to the longitudinal ends of the sidewalls. The metal frame is integrally formed in the insulative housing and defines an elongated flat portion and a pair of fixing portions extending downwardly from both longitudinal ends of the flat portion, the flat portion is embedded into an upper portion of the insulative housing.

An abrasive element comprises a body of crystalline abrasive material. The body has an array of cutting elements formed of crystalline abrasive material which projects from a surface of the body. The shape, size and form of the projections is controlled in the production process. The body may be a natural or synthetic crystal. The body may be a film formed by deposition. The body may be diamond or cubic boron nitride. The body may be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. The projections may be aligned along a crystallographic plane or planes.

An electronic device including a signal generating circuit and a movable sensing circuit is provided. The signal generating circuit generates a sensory signal through a signal source. The movable sensing circuit generates a feedback signal in response to a detection signal from the signal generating circuit, and transmits the feedback signal to the signal generating circuit. The signal generating circuit obtains a first distance value between the signal source and the movable sensing circuit based on the feedback signal, and adjusts the intensity of the sensory signal according to the first distance value.

Methods and systems for detection of an occupancy status of a space monitored by a system (100) are described herein. The method comprises detecting a magnetic field value at the space by a magnetic field sensor (210) of a sensing device (104). The detected magnetic field value with a reference magnetic field value, to determine a magnetic occupancy status (MOS) of the space. The MOS is indicative of the change in the occupancy status of the space. The change in the occupancy status is indicative of one of a change from empty to occupied occupancy status, and a change from occupied to empty occupancy status. Further, when the MOS indicates the change in the occupancy status of the space, a radar sensor (212) of the sensing device (104) is activated to determine a radar occupancy status (ROS) by generating at least one radar reading from the radar sensor (212). The ROS is indicative of the change in the occupancy status of the space. Thereafter, the change in the occupancy status of the space is established when the ROS indicating the change in the occupancy status of the space is in agreement with the MOS. Further, the established change of the occupancy status in the space is communicated to a central unit (102) of the system (100).

A method and system for estimating uncertainties in radar based precipitation estimates is provided. In an embodiment, gauge measurements at one or more gauge locations are received by an agricultural intelligence computer system. The agricultural intelligence computer system obtains precipitation estimates for the one or more gauge locations that correspond to the gauge measurements and computes the differences between the precipitation estimates and the gauge measurements. Using the precipitation estimates and the computed differences, the agricultural intelligence computer system then models a dependence of the uncertainty in the precipitation estimates on the value of the precipitation estimates. When the agricultural intelligence computer system receives precipitation estimates for a location where gauge measurements are unavailable, the agricultural intelligence computer identifies an uncertainty for the precipitation estimate based on the value of the precipitation estimate and the model of the dependence of the uncertainty on the precipitation estimate values.

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a target object by a radar device for a vehicle. The method includes recognizing the situation that causes the deterioration in the function of a radar, and preventing the performance from deterioration through a signal processing technology. The apparatus includes: a signal transmitting unit that transmits a transmission signal for detecting a target object; a signal receiving unit that receives a reception signal generated by a reflection of the transmission signal; a signal analyzing unit that calculates frequency spectrum information of the reception signal, and extracts periodicity information for determining a periodicity of the frequency spectrum information; a determining unit that determines whether a clutter structure exists; and a target detecting unit that detects a target object by deleting a peak value component of the periodicity information when it is determined that the clutter structure exists.

In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a visual output of data from a ground-penetrating radar and magnetic field measuring device is displayed on a visual medium. The display has a first exhibition of output from the ground-penetrating radar device and a second from a magnetic field measuring device, such as a very low frequency (VLF) receiver. Using an identical axis, such as an X-axis measuring time or distance, output of each device is exhibited and overlaid over one another. In this manner, one can detect (using two different methodologies and uses) the visual exhibition of both to best determine the location of a metal or electrical target.

Certain novel formulations of plant growth media additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce hydrophobicity within said media. The inventive formulation comprising multi-branched surfactant compounds with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents within each branch attached to a polyfunctional base compound permit effective moisture penetration through plant growth media for sustained seedling and plant growth therein. Such multi-branched wetting agents provide sustained moisture penetration over a sustained period of time, since the individual branches of such compounds may become dissociated from its base polyfunctional compound. Since such branches include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents themselves, and thus act as wetting agents, even after degradation of the initial surfactant compound, repeated wetting and moisture penetration, at least, are permitted. Methods of treating plant growth media with such compounds and formulations thereof are also contemplated within this invention.

Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a neonicotinoid-based compound having a high degree of insecticidal activity, a surfactant, and an organic solvent, which is capable of demonstrating stable effects and in which the types and amounts of surfactant and organic solvent are adjusted so as to prevent chemical damage in numerous types of trees. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preventing damage to trees by harmful insects of numerous types of trees by injecting this composition into a tree trunk and allowing the chemical to circulate within the tree body.

A method for improving the sensitivity of an assay to determine the pathogenicity of a plant root pathogen using a soil amendment is presented. The method involves growing the plant root in the presence of a soil amendment after exposure of the plant root to the pathogen. A method of breeding plants is also provided.

The present invention provides a system and method to accurately and safely allow the application of nutritional elements to the foliage of vegetation. The accuracy and safety are the result of the nutritional elements being pre-mixed and applied via a pressurized canister, which produces a foam-based delivery system. The foam is highly visible, dissipates rapidly, and is inert except for the nutrients which it contains (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and others including all of the micro-nutrients that are essential for plant growth). The nutrient content of the foam, for specific uses of the invention, is necessarily variable depending on the type and condition of the vegetation needing such an application.

A prevegetated blanket is formed, grown, and transported to an installation site in a tray specifically suited for this purpose. Growth in a tray system offers an improved and protected root system and provides for ease of transport and installation. The tray has side walls and a t-grid floor to permit growth of the blanket. The tray also has interlocking capabilities for nestable or non-nestable stacking. After growth in a controlled environment, the prevegetated blanket with the tray is transferred to a specific site and installed immediately after soil is prepared. Due to the tray design, the product is light weight and facilitates ease of handling with minimal disturbance of the root structure.

A nozzle device for dispensing flowable substances, having a support and a nozzle element arranged at least in part within this support, which element is suitable and intended for dispensing the flowable substance, and having a first coupler, in order to arrange the nozzle device detachably to a supply for the flowable substance. According to the invention, the nozzle device has a second coupler in order to fasten the nozzle device detachably to a further nozzle device.

Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements.

A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field.

A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field.

An electrostatic spray apparatus includes an electrostatic spray gun having a first external surface and a second external surface. A first electrode is disposed on the first external surface and is configured to ionize a material and to generate a first electrical field between the first electrode and a grounded object. A second electrode is disposed on the second external surface of the apparatus and is configured to generate a second electric field between the second electrode and the grounded object.

The current invention provides for a fog generator. More specifically, it provides for a housing comprising a fog generating liquid and a valve that, in a closed position, prevents the fog generating liquid from flowing out of the housing, in which the said valve is kept in a closed position by means of a fuse wire (6).

'Long, Tall’ Marcia Ball comes to The Freight in support of her latest album. Marcia Ball has been on the road, playing good-time music, for as long as she can remember. "When the hippie culture started emerging, I dropped out of college and got a chance to play piano in a rock and roll band," Ball said from her home in Austin, Texas.…

Apparatus for installing and removing road wheels from a motor vehicle, which may include a powered jack permanently mountable to the vehicle and a powered tool for tightening and loosening lug nuts and screws. The jack is an assembly incorporating two screw operated jacks, each for lifting one corner of the vehicle. The jack may include a manual controller having a power cord which is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle and which selectively operates any of up to four screw operated jacks. The powered tool may include plural sockets for engaging all lug nuts and screws simultaneously. The jack and powered tool may each have respective power cords which are insertable into the cigarette lighter socket or alternatively into a power port of the manual controller. The invention may comprise a kit including one or more jacks, the powered tool and optionally a jack stand.

A method of forming a material for reversible hydrogen storage within a storage tank includes charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank, and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition within the storage tank to form a thermally conducting composite material situated in the storage tank and for reversibly storing hydrogen. The composite material includes a three-dimensional and interconnected framework including a conductive metal. A method for reversibly storing hydrogen includes providing a storage tank and in situ chemically forming a composite material by charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition to form a thermally conducting composite material including a metal hydride and a substantially unreactive elemental metal framework. Hydrogen is absorbed into the composite material and is desorbed from the composite material.

An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.

A method for controlling the effective heat transfer from a storage unit (1). During gas release from storage material (3) in the storage unit the storage material is heated by a heater (2). During re-saturation of the storage material (3) with gas the heater is off. Controlling of the effective heat transfer from the storage unit (1) is performed, during gas release, by ceasing convection of a convection gas and, during re-saturation, by performing or enabling convection of a convection gas to cool the storage unit (1).

The tank is of the type including a container (4) for housing hydrogen, and metallic hydride placed inside the container. According to one aspect of the invention, it includes at least one solid body (6) formed of a compacted material including metallic hydride and a matrix. Application in particular for tanks for internal combustion engines or for fuel cells, in particular for motor vehicles, as well as for any stationary or mobile application using hydrogen.

A combination handle clamp, beverage bottle and can opener having a generally curved shaped body and integral attachment point to allow connection to other personal item such as a key ring. A secondary and tertiary integral curved section form a pair of loading points for fixing open a handle-trigger assembly and incorporate a gripping edge to facilitate opening a crimped or vacuum sealed bottle top. The tertiary curved section additionally functions as a second clamp position for the larger handles and also doubles as a pry mechanism to assist opening a pop-top can. The said gripping edge of the invention which contacts with said bottle top to be constructed of a durable material that won't abrade from its intended use.

A compact, folding tool permitting the exchange of implement sets, including one or more quick release mechanisms that are easily removed from a handle to release interchangeable implements; the tool further accommodating implement sets including different types and quantities of implements which are inhibited from rotating by an adjustable clamping force produced by the quick release mechanisms and optionally including over travel stops to obstruct implement rotation, or may rely solely on the clamping force provided by the quick release mechanisms to stabilize implements for use.

A hydrogen storage tank by absorption into a hydrogen storage material, the tank having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosure and an inner structure provided within the enclosure. The inner structure includes a plurality of stages and a heat exchange system within the inner structure, each stage including a plurality of compartments distributed into a plurality of rows directed along the longitudinal direction, each compartment having a semi-cylindrical shape, and each compartment containing a hydrogen storage material, wherein the material has been introduced through the opening.

A combination axe, sledge hammer and pick (CASHP) that is particularly designed for use by firefighters. The CASHP includes a front end and a rear end. The front end has an upper section that functions as an axe blade and the lower section functions as a sledge hammer. The rear section includes a pick that can be utilized for a variety of functions. By incorporating three tools in a single structure the weight that a firefighter carries is lessened. Thus, reducing fatigue and the time that is required to cut through an obstruction to reach fire victims.

An amino-containing silica particle is provided. The amino-containing silica particle is obtained by hydrolysis-condensation reaction of an alkoxy silane represented by formula (I), an alkoxy silane represented by formula (II) and a catalyst: Si(OR1)4 formula (I) (NH2—Y)m—Si(OR2)4-m formula (II) wherein in formula (I), R1 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and in formula (II), Y is a C1-C10 alkyl group or a C2-C10 alkenyl group, R2 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and m is an integer of 1 to 3.

Provided is a conductive roller coating composition which can reduce degradation of toner during durable printing when used for a developing roller, and a developing roller and image formation device using the same. In a conductive roller coating composition containing a resin component including a polyol and an isocyanate, and microparticles, a Tg of the microparticles is −13° C. or less. In a developing roller including: a shaft 1; and an elastic layer 2 supported on an outer periphery of the shaft 1, an outer periphery of the elastic layer 2 is coated with the conductive roller coating composition.

An anchor layer formation composition, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film, and an image display device are provided, in which the composition includes an oxazoline group-containing polymer and an ionic compound including a cation component and a sulfonyl group-containing anion component and is capable of forming an anchor layer that can improve the adhesion between a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and an optical film when interposed therebetween, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film has high durability and good reworkability and allows the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to resist chipping, and the image display device has the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film.

Provided is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility and stretch-flangeability as well as weldability in a range in which a tensile strength is 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength is less than 700 MPa (preferably 500 MPa or higher). In the high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet of the present invention, the chemical composition is adjusted as appropriate, and the area ratio of below-mentioned metal structures at a position of ¼ sheet thickness in the steel sheet satisfies following requirements: tempered martensite: 10 area % to less than 30 area %, bainite: more than 70 area %, total of tempered martensite and bainite: 90 area % or more, ferrite: 0 area % to 5 area %, and retained austenite: 0 area % to 4 area %. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has excellent ductility, stretch-flangeability, and weldability, and has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength of less than 700 MPa.

A composite manufacture includes an extrudable thermoplastic matrix and a photochromic colorant, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. Methods include adding photochromic colorant to an extrudable thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a mixture, heating the mixture to form a composite, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. The composite manufactures can be used in cable coatings permitting visual detection of mechanical stresses in a wire based on the reversible strain-induced color change property.

An apparatus for providing a target for a projectile comprises an elongate member extending between first and second ends, sized to span a playing surface. The apparatus further comprises first and second support legs extending from the first and second ends of the elongate member, each of the first and second support legs having a length selected to position the elongate member above and outside of a possible path of the projectile and a plurality of lights located on the elongate member selectable by a user to provide a visual target for a user. After the elongate member is positioned above and outside a possible path of the projectile a desired path for the projectile is selected and one of a plurality of lights on the elongate member to provide a visual target for a user expected to produce the desired path in the projectile is illuminated.

This invention combines the use of double sided reversible informational wrist badges (badges) with trading card games. The badges are worn on the inside and the outside of the wrist and coupled with the trading cards introduce a further degree of randomness in the game play. The objective of the game is to reduce the health indicator of the other player to zero, where the player is forced to play another character until one player remains with no surviving characters. Badges are utilized in primarily two or more ways, technical data is labeled on each side of the battle badge, the player turns the badge over to show the attribute they wish imbued on their character (such as additional health, strength, aid another character, shields/defense, and offense/attacks). Badges may also be shifted from the front to the back of the wrist to communicate a further degree of game play information.

Card-reading shoes may include an input area configured to support cards therein. A card-reading system may be located within the card-reading shoe, the card-reading system including at least one sensor configured to detect at least a rank and suit of each card processed by the card-reading shoe. A toggle weight may be pivotally mounted proximate an output end of the shoe. The toggle weight may be configured to selectively rotate to enable cards to be removed from the card-reading shoe via the output end and to selectively remain stationary to prevent removed cards from being reinserted into the card-reading shoe via the output end. The card-reading shoes may optionally include a removable cartridge including a delivery end configured to enable manual removal of cards from the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is removed from the input area.

This invention relates in general to target games and methods for animating a target game and playing an animated target game. In the present invention, a game with an animated component comprises a target structure having a first target surface and a second target surface. In some embodiments, the first target surface is separated from the second target surface by a joint. An animation mechanism is provided for moveably connecting the first target surface to the second target surface at the joint.

A multi-contact type position detection apparatus for a target board includes a first membrane board having a plurality of first signal lines formed in a first direction, a second membrane board having a plurality of second signal lines formed in a second direction, and a plurality of dots which are formed on the first membrane board or the second membrane board such that the first membrane plate and the second membrane plate are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other, wherein the plurality of dots can be arranged at a distance of “k/2±A (A is 1%˜2% of k)” when a magnetic body diameter of a pin attached on the target board is “kmm”.

Using traceable target plates triggering a LED flashing controller to make different color of LED lights flashing different patterns corresponding to shooting results. The invention can be used in airsoft gun target, archery target, or dart target.

A shooting range including a shooting station positioned at one end of a firing lane. A projectile trap is disposed at an opposite end of the firing lane for collecting projectiles fired from the shooting station. The projectile trap comprises a deceleration chamber defined by a first scroll wall and a second scroll wall for dissipating kinetic energy of the projectiles and a funneling portion for directing projectiles into the deceleration chamber. The first scroll wall is curved and has a concave surface. The first scroll wall is positioned so that the concave surface of the first scroll wall generally faces in a direction towards the shooting station. The first scroll wall comprises a steel body substrate and has an enhanced impact resistant portion. The enhanced impact resistant portion has an impact resistant layer comprising a plurality of ceramic particles and a binding material bound to a forward facing surface of the steel body substrate.

A kit and a method of playing a game with a kit having: (a) a plurality of stackable objects including one or more images thereon; (b) one or more target selectors including one or more images thereon which correspond to the one or more images of the plurality of stackable objects; and (c) one or more aiming objects.

A ballistic picture frame for holding two dimensional paper targets, photographs or print art used for dry-fire training. The ballistic picture frame holds paper targets, photographs, or other two dimensional graphics or prints like conventional picture frames, but also provides a ballistic barrier for enhanced safety during dry-fire training. The ballistic frame includes a back panel constructed of ballistic materials that prevent projectile penetration through the frame in the event of a negligent discharge.

A bag target and a method of manufacturing the bag target configured to substantively decrease in size for storage, shipment and/or display. The bag target is further configured to absorb and dissipate essentially all of the kinetic energy of a high energy projectile such as an arrow or a crossbow bolt.

A portable control module autonomously positions a target deployed in a combat simulation course. The module chassis is bullet-resistant and angled to deflect errant shots, and encloses a control circuit having an adjustable target exposure delay, an adjustable target exposure duration, means for receiving a trigger signal representing movement of a human body, means for revealing the target when the exposure delay lapses after triggering, means for enabling, only when the target is revealed, hit detection means detecting a shot striking the target, and means for concealing the target responsive to earliest occurrence of the shot detection or lapse of the target exposure duration. The module may include means for relaying the trigger signal to other modules within a cooperative decentralized target control system. A method for the autonomous position control is also disclosed.

A method for providing a randomized card engine for use in wagering card games which thwarts advantage play methods in live or electronic gaming formats, which includes the steps of shuffling, or simulating the shuffling of, a plurality of standard decks of physical playing cards to form a set of playing cards in a randomly-ordered condition, dividing the set of randomly-ordered playing cards into a plurality of subsets, and providing each subset of the plurality of subsets for independent use in a respective card wagering game.

The disclosure refers to a control device and method for an intelligent basketball shooting machine, the device includes a control module, a blue-tooth communication module, a display module, a control switch, a power-supplying module, and a first sensor and a second sensor both for counting; the first sensor is used for catching amount of goals in one basket of basketball shooting machine, and the second sensor used for catching amount of goals in another basket of basketball shooting machine; the first sensor, second sensor, blue-tooth communication module, display module, control switch and power-supplying module are respectively connected with control module; the disclosure makes the basketball shooting machine go on single game or online game, besides, the player can play the shooting game with friends by remote way just through an intelligent terminal, which increases interest and convenience.

A wheel game apparatus comprising an inner ring mounted for rotational motion about a central shaft having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, a central cone mounted for rotational motion about the shaft in an axial adjacent position to the upper side of the inner ring and including a plurality of markers thereon, and aligning and engagement features whereby the cone can be rotated relative to the inner ring such that each of the markers will align with a slot and the cone will remain engaged while the inner ring is rotated.

The Archery Target Having a Replaceable Cube Core includes a replaceable cube core, a target frame, and a support base. The target frame houses the replaceable cube core at the center of the target frame. The support base is attached to the target frame and the replaceable cube core abuts the support base. The replaceable cube core provides a visual target display for archers to aim and shoot. The support base ensures that the cube core is firmly held within the confines of the target frame and the support base to prevent the replaceable cube core from shifting or moving under impact from the arrows. The replaceable cube core is formed as a cube having six (6) useable target surfaces. Each target surface provides a consistent penetration depth on each surface for predictable results, regardless of the face that is used for the target surface.