Abstract: The lock assemblies as described herein engage with keepers on movable sashes and include features designed to provide additional sealing functions to the lock assembly by incorporating a ribbon seal within a catch housing of the lock assembly.

Abstract: A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The system also includes a collection of interior and exterior trim units, grilles, and hardware in various architectural styles that can be attached to installed standardized functional units via the common interfaces to match the architecture of a particular home or building.

Abstract: An improved packaging clip, packaging system, and method are disclosed for securing windows and doors and holding them square during shipment and installation. In one embodiment for a window unit, a packaging clip comprises a projection that fits into a jamb track channel in a window frame and a base that contacts and rests against the check rail of a window sash. The packaging clip may be fastened to each jamb of the window frame by a screw. A coupling member is pulled taught between the two packaging clips and fasteners are installed to attach the clips to the jambs and to secure the end portions of the coupling member to the clips. This holds the window frame intact and square during shipment and installation and, since the coupling member does not wrap around the outsides of the window frame, it does not interfere with installation of the unit.

Abstract: A mold for producing a variety of fenestration members having different predetermined lengths is disclosed. Generally, the mold has a first lineal mold part that has an extended length and a second lineal mold part also having an extended length. The mold may also have mold end parts that are adapted to form end features of the fenestration member. In use, the first lineal mold part and the second lineal mold part fit together to define a profile. The first and second mold end parts can be positioned in a range of positions to define the lengths of a variety of different molded fenestration members.

Abstract: A system is provided for coupling individual fenestration units together and sealing the gaps between them so as to form a sealed compound fenestration unit. The individual fenestration units include mating channels and tabs, or other connectors, that are attached to outside frame surfaces of the individual fenestration units. When the connectors are coupled together, they attach the frames of the individual fenestration units securely together in such a way that gaps are formed between the units along their joined frame surfaces. The gaps are sealed by resilient sealing strips that are configured to be inserted into the gaps, and that are formed with seals that bear against the walls of the gaps to form impervious moisture seals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for latching a moving panel relative to a frame in which the moving panel slides or glides. A keeper is secured to the frame, and a latch is secured to the moving panel in such a manner that the keeper and latch are adjacent one another when the moving panel is moved to a closed position within the frame. Rotation of a key or handle on the moving panel causes the latch to extend and capture the keeper and pull the moving panel toward the frame as it latches. The latch cannot capture the keeper until a spike extending from the frame deflects a button on the moving panel. When the moving panel is latched, the spike provides resistance to vertical movement of the moving panel relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a divided light inserts which employ metal caming and a kit for mounting the inserts on existing windows. The preferred divided light inserts use substantially lead-free, rigid caming which incorporates a flange and steel core around the perimeter of the insert. The preferred mounting kit provides for ventilation between the insert and the primary glazing panel of a window in which the insert is mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to capture and direct daylight to a target area in a building or other structure. A housing provides a plurality of apertures and passive directing means which directs daylight entering the apertures towards the target area. The passive directing means can also direct daylight towards reflecting surfaces in the housing which, in turn, direct the daylight towards the target area.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a corner fastener for securing a first and second frame member together to form a corner of a frame. The corner fastener, in one embodiment, includes a first leg member cooperatively connected to a second leg member. Proximal sections of the leg members have raised surfaces which act as a pivoting point when the corner lock is utilized. In addition, the leg members have distal sections which are deformable, during installation, to assist in the alignment and adjustment of the mitre angle.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a desired metal (e.g., copper) from its sulfide ore by reaction with process metal (e.g., aluminum) capable of forming at least a high sulfide and subsulfide compound. The aluminum subsulfide compound is reacted with the copper sulfide at a first temperature to reduce the copper to metal form and to convert the aluminum to the high sulfide form. Then, the copper metal is separated and the aluminum high sulfide may be reconverted to the subsulfide form by heating to a second higher temperature at which the low sulfide is stable. After separation of the reduced sulfur, the aluminum subsulfide is recycled to reduce additional copper metal without consumption of process metal. The procedure may also be used to reduce and separate two or more metal sulfides (e.g., CuFeS.sub.2) by selective reduction with controlled amounts of processed metal.

Abstract: An actinide nitride-fueled nuclear reactor and a method of operation therefor, including continuous in situ removal of fission products and optional addition of fuel-forming actinide material as the reaction proceeds. The reactor employed has a fuel system comprising a critical mass of a nitride of an actinide metal in contact with a non-critical solution of the actinide metal in a molten metal solvent of low neutron adsorption cross section such as tin, said fuel system being maintained under a nitrogen atmosphere in an inert, refractory vessel such as graphite which is non-conducive to the formation of actinide oxides. Fission products formed are continuously exchanged with the actinide metal dissolved in the molten metal solvent as the nuclear reaction proceeds, with equivalent amounts of actinide nitride being formed and precipitated into the critical mass as fission products are dissolved in the molten metal solution.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a light reactive metal (e.g., zirconium) from a heavy reactive metal (e.g., hafnium) by forming insoluble nitrides of the metals in a molten metal solvent (e.g., copper) inert to nitrogen and having a suitable density for the light metal nitride to form a separate phase in the upper portion of the solvent and for the heavy metal nitride to form a separate phase in the lower portion of the solvent. Nitriding is performed by maintaining a nitrogen-containing atmosphere over the bath. The light and heavy metals may be an oxide mixture and carbothermically reduced to metal form in the same bath used for nitriding. The nitrides are then separately removed and decomposed to form the desired separate metals.

Abstract: An industrial brush having a base adapted to be mounted for rotation and having a plurality of strands extending from the base, each strand consisting of a tube braided from filaments of synthetic resin.