Abstract: A ferrule (10) that is intended to be cast into a concrete element, such as a concrete panel. Engaged with the ferrule (10) is a washer assembly (22) that secures a plate (19) to the concrete element (16) for the purposes of securing the concrete element (16) to an adjacent concrete element (17). The washer assembly (22) has a threaded fastener (21) that can be adjusted angularly for engagement with the ferrule (10).

Abstract: A washer assembly for a threaded fastener said assembly including a first washer portion having an aperture through which the threaded fastener is to pass, and a surface surrounding said aperture; and a second washer portion, said second washer portion having an aperture through which the fastener is to pass, the second portion having a surface surrounding the aperture of the second portion and being positioned to abut the surface of the first portion and to be urged into contact therewith upon tensioning of the fastener; and wherein the surface of said second portion extends beyond the aperture of said first portion when the surfaces abut, the aperture of said first portion is dimensioned to provide for relative movement between the portions with the apertures aligned to provide for the insertion of the threaded fastener therethrough, and said surfaces have cooperating projections and recesses that inhibit relative movement between the portions when the threaded fastener is tensioned urging the surface of sa

Abstract: A ferrule (10) that is intended to be cast into a concrete element, such as a concrete panel. Engaged with the ferrule (10) is a washer assembly (22) that secures a plate (19) to the concrete element (16) for the purposes of securing the concrete element (16) to an adjacent concrete element (17). The washer assembly (22) has a threaded fastener (21) that can be adjusted angularly for engagement with the ferrule (10).

Abstract: A washer assembly for a threaded fastener said assembly including a first washer portion having an aperture through which the threaded fastener is to pass, and a surface surrounding said aperture; and a second washer portion, said second washer portion having an aperture through which the fastener is to pass, the second portion having a surface surrounding the aperture of the second portion and being positioned to abut the surface of the first portion and to be urged into contact therewith upon tensioning of the fastener; and wherein the surface of said second portion extends beyond the aperture of said first portion when the surfaces abut, the aperture of said first portion is dimensioned to provide for relative movement between the portions with the apertures aligned to provide for the insertion of the threaded fastener therethrough, and said surfaces have cooperating projections and recesses that inhibit relative movement between the portions when the threaded fastener is tensioned urging the surface of sa

Abstract: A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency.

Abstract: A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for forming cast metal matrix composite bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel method for forming or recycling metal matrix composite bodies so as to render such bodies in a condition for casting or recasting as a cast metal matrix composite body. Specifically, a scrap metal matrix composite body and preferably a scrap cast metal matrix composite body is placed into a crucible, optionally along with unreinforced matrix metal and/or virgin metal matrix composite material. Whether the scrap and/or virgin materials are placed into the crucible in solid or molten form, the contents of the crucible are ultimately rendered molten to form a composite melt.