Abstract: Snow-shoe consisting of a boot retaining device of the type including a retainer device in front (9) in which is retained the front extremity of said boot, which is there acted upon by at least one pulling device toward the front (11) characterized in that the front retainer device is an elastic envelope made up by a set of walls (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) of pliable material forming a retainer cavity open toward the rear, characterized in that the retainer cavity consists of two lateral retainer walls (15b, 15c) converging toward the front, and the convergence of which and their distance from each other is such that the front extremity of the boot is maintained laterally by these walls at two lateral points separated from each other.

Abstract: A golf spike construction 10 including a generally cruciform golf spike member 20 having four arm elements 21. The outboard ends of each of the arm elements 21 are provided with a downwardly depending cleat portion 25 and the sides of the diametrically opposed arm elements 21 are further provided with recesses 26 adapted to engage the prongs 101 of a golf spike installing tool 100 to impart rotation to the golf spike member 20.

Abstract: An adjustable snowplow designed to remove snow and other materials from various surfaces by pushing the snowplow along the surface. The adjustable snowplow has a handle attached to twin, mirror imaged, curved, blades which are adjustably joined to each other at their respective inner end to form a unitary plow blade. The width or footprint of the plow can be adjusted by angling the blades closer or further from each other to plow a narrower or wider path depending on the task at hand. The symmetry of the blades about the length of the attached handle causes snow and other materials pushed by the plow to be distributed equally to either side of the plow.

Abstract: A vacuum excavation system is provided in which a vacuum is generated for withdrawing dirt, water or other material from a vacuum excavation site, and whereby such material is delivered to a containment structure, preferably of the hopper type having a discharge. A valve is provided for the vacuum, such that actuation of the valve interrupts the vacuum, whereby material pickup may be discontinued and/or material may be discharged from the containment structure. Preferably the vacuum-controlling valve exists in a conduit between the situs of vacuum generation and a containment structure. The valve will preferably be controlled by a pneumatic/electrical control for operation of the same.The excavation system is preferably vehicle-mounted, with the same motor that drives the vehicle also driving an air compressor for operating a pneumatic tool as well as driving the vacuum generator.

Abstract: A dredge including a V-shaped or U-shaped pontoon having a first leg and a second leg. The legs have effective longitudinal axes that diverge from one another by an angle of no more than 180.degree.. Spuds or similar anchoring devices are connected to each of the respective pontoon legs by slides that allow the pontoon to be advanced relative to a substrate to which the spuds are anchored. A bucket wheel is suspended from the pontoon by a dredge ladder. A slewing device is provided to cause the dredge ladder, and the bucket wheel attached to it, to be slewed from side to side relative to the legs of the pontoon, about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for visibly displaying collectable items. It includes: a main support base; a collectable item mount located in said base; a cover adapted to fit over the mount and adapted for connection to the base, the cover being at least partially transparent; a connecting mechanism for attaching the cover to the base; a seal located at an interface between the cover and the base when the cover is connected to the base; at least one evacuation port located on one of the cover and the base; and a one-way valve located in the evacuation port which is adapted to permit removal of air from the device and to prevent air from re-entering the device, when the cover is connected to the base. The device may be made to rest on a surface or may, surface mounted, either horizontally or vertically. In one preferred embodiment, the cover connects to the base via threading as the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A badge holder apparatus for displaying information pertaining to the wearer's official position, comprising a first backing member to which a badge selectively attaches; a second backing member which is connected to the first backing member; a necklace member which is operably associated with the second backing member; a first plate member which is disposed along an exposed surface of the second backing member and having information printed thereon; and wherein the first backing member and the second backing member are substantially rigid.

Abstract: The advertising support consists of a stowage space (3) with an opening top and an inflatable advertising support (11) stowed inside it which, when the top of the stowage space (3) is opened, can be inflated upwards from it. In the stowage space (3) there is a scissors structure (7,17) which can be erected by a motor and forms a stable-sided parallelogram which is free-standing and, in the expanded position, extends along the internal height of the inflated advertising support (11). It ensures that, when the scissors structure (7,17) is retracted and the advertising support (11) is deflated at the same time, said advertising support (11) is substantially folded down onto its original base area and prevented from tipping sideways by the lateral stability of the scissors structure.

Abstract: A display such as an advertisement or selection of art is enhanced by the addition of a random movement bubble device. The bubble device includes a sealed, optically clear cavity containing a clear, slightly viscous fluid, which coacts with a bubble wand assembly to produce eye-catching random bubble configurations. Lighting and/or sound can be added to the bubble device to further attract a viewer's attention to the display and ultimately the product advertisement, etc.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tag for irreversible fixing to objects displayed for sale including a body having abutments and a through cavity with a rectangular cross-section, a retention structure arranged in the cavity and having projections cooperating with the abutments of the body such that movement of the retention structure out of the cavity is prevented. The retention structure has first and second opposed portions and a pawl arranged on one or both of the first and second portions. The body also includes an elongate strip having teeth along its edges and arranged to slide into the cavity such that the pawl(s) engages teeth on a respective edge of the aid strip and prevents removal of the strip from the cavity once the pawl(s) engages the teeth on the respective edge of the strip. The retention structure also includes a crosspiece extending between the first and second portions to provide rigidity to the retention structure when intact and to enable removable of the strip from the cavity when broken.

Abstract: A price indicator mounting unit which can install a price indicator at any place of a showcase (set of display shelves) and at any kind of display board (display shelf) easily but can not be removed easily by customers. Also, the price indicator mounting unit is inexpensive and capable of getting optional setting angle freely. The price indicator mounting unit comprises one or a plurality of display board mounting members and indicator mounting members, wherein the display board mounting member constituted of a bracket, a stopper plate and a screw, and as the screw is tightened, the both ends of the bracket are opened outward by the stopper plate put between the both ends to engage with a display board. In addition, by replacing the display board mounting member with another one, the connection with a flat rail becomes possible.

Abstract: A new deer decoy for attracting an animal such as a deer into close proximity of a waiting hunter. The inventive device includes a deer shaped main body member including a head portion and a rear portion. A pair of ear members are rotatably mounted to the head portion and are rotatable between a friendly position and a challenging position. A tail member is pivotally mounted to the rear portion and is pivotable between a first position and a second position to simulate the tail movement of a live animal.

Abstract: A simple, decorative design for a continuous flow gravity regulated water delivery system. The system uses no moving parts or electrical components. The system will automatically fill and then maintain the water level in any Christmas tree stand water pan. The container design is one-piece, seamless, and leakproof. The container design is suitable for injection molding. A false bottom allows the integral water exit nozzle to be recessed and hidden, and keeps the minimum system water level above the tree stump cut. The container is designed to be tip proof and hold approximately 2 gallons of water, large enough to be functional yet unobtrusive. The container has an injection molded lid which fits snugly but does not seal, allowing the necessary pressure equalization. Water is delivered to the tree stand via a small (1/4" nominal diameter) clear vinyl tube. A small spring is inserted in the water exit nozzle on the container and extends into the tubing to prevent kinking at the bend.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and maintaining the water level in the reservoir of a Christmas tree stand having a filler portion communicating with a flexible filler conduit. A water level indicator, includes an indicator float which is slideably engaged within the indicator float housing and which travels freely along a substantially vertical axis within the indicator float housing, a flexible indicator stem is attached to the indicator float and extends up through a flexible conduit for indicating, by means of the relative extension of the flexible indicator stem, the water level in the tree stand reservoir. The indicator float housing is formed having a number of holes through its outer wall for the free passage of water in and out of the indicator float housing from the reservoir for buoyantly raising or lowering the indicator float, consistent with the level of water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for making a gel coat of gel-coated seed easily disintegrable, in which the gel-coated seed has an aqueous gel layer water-insolubilized with a metal ion, wherein the method comprises blocking the insolubilizing action of the metal ion with a sequestering agent.

Abstract: a porous solid material for plant propagation which includes granules of a porous expanded mineral, such as perlite or vermiculite, distributed within a porous, open-cell foamed hydrophilic water-retentive polyurethane matrix. The material may be molded into sheets of break-off units for seed germination and propagation.

Abstract: A window equiped with heat effect automatic opening device is provided. The window comprises a rectangular casing composed of hollow interior frames, an exterior panel and an interior panel secured to the lower portion of the casing and a tempered glass for covering the upper portion slidably secured into the casing between the panel and suspended from a suspension system which includes a heat effect device therein to automatically open the window when the indoor temperature becomes higher than an infusion point, and a lift device disposed between the glass and the interior panel for manually opening or closing the window. The improvement is characterized in that when comes a fire alarm, the heat effect device will break off to set the glass free to open the window.

Abstract: A sliding member operating system is disclosed which includes a adjustable pressure regulator (18)fluid control valves (15), (40), (50), (30), (80), (20), and (70) and an operating cylinder (60) which is mounted to the sliding element of a door or window (66) and its adjacent frame (62) for the purpose of opening and closing and holding said sliding element. This system utilizes the fluid being exhausted from cylinder (60) during the closing cycle to hold open valve (30) insuring that a door or window in motion will continue to stay in motion but that the power being supplied to a moving door or window, once halted by any means, will cease. An additional series of valves is utilized to pressurize cylinder 60 for the purpose of holding a door or window in the closed position. The rate of fluid bleed at valve 50 is adjustable to control closing speed and the sensitivity at which the sliding element will stop if an object is encountered during the closing cycle or if the door/window closes completely.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes first and second weatherstripping components secured directly to the vertically movable window beneath the opening between the outer door panel and inner door trim panel such that the weatherstrips are not visible. The weatherstrips include upwardly protruding lip portions which cooperate with the base portion of the respective weatherstrip to form a channel for carrying water out of the door assembly. By securing the weatherstripping directly to the window, unsightly beltline weatherstrips are eliminated. Also, the frictional engagement of prior art beltline weatherstrips with the window is eliminated, thereby allowing downsizing of the window lifting mechanism, and allowing the use of plastic or glazed windows because the abrasion of prior art designs is eliminated.

Abstract: A rolling device for a sliding leaf (2) of a door or window and having a slide (7) aimed at being accomodated in the slit (24) provided for in the lower edge (23) of a profile (4) defining the lower rail (3) of the leaf (2), this slide (7) resting against a metallic reinforcement (6) or a horizontal wall (44) located in the inner portion (5) of the profile (4). The slide (2) is also provided a hooking-in member (27, 28), cooperating with the transversal edges (29, 30) of the slit (24), defined by a horizontal rim (31) at the level of its transversal ends (17, 17A), at least one horizontal rim (31) being subjected to springy restoring member (33) allowing to withdraw the hooking-in member (27) in order to allow the passing through, by snapping in, of this latter, and its removal, the hooking-in member (27, 28) being completed by a retaining member (47) capable of vertically immobilizing the rolling device (1) in the slit (24) of the profile (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a structure and its roof against damage from high winds. A harness of a plurality of strap-like elements runs from or over the roof of a structure to anchors in the ground, with a coarse fabric such as shadecloth attached to and running between the strap-like elements. As the wind velocity increases, the wind pressure against the shadecloth in the area between the eaves of the roof and the ground increases, thus increasing the downward tension on the harness and further securing the roof and structure against damage.

Abstract: A gutter system includes a plurality of main tubular members and tubular connecting members; each main tubular member including a first PVC tube with no lengthwise slit therein, a first hanging panel with holes therein, a first run off preventing panel formed to an opposite side thereof, a first holes in the tube between the hanging and run off preventing panels, and each tubular connecting member including a second PVC tube of greater diameter than said first tubes, the second tube having a much shorter length, the second tube having outwardly bowed U-shaped circumferential adhesive receiving channels at opposite ends, a second hanging panel having holes, a second run off preventing panel formed to an opposite side of the second tube, second holes in the second tube between the second hanging and second run off preventing panels, a first slit at opposite ends of the second tube and extending for a distance less than one-half the length of the second tube to receive a first hanging panel, and a second slit at

Abstract: A curb for supporting equipment upon a roof is constructed as a rectangular box-like structure bounded by four side walls, adapted to be vertically positioned. Each side wall is constructed of an upper panel, and a lower panel outwardly displaced from the upper panel. A crown flange is associated with the top extremities of the upper panels. An outwardly directed base flange is associated with the bottom extremities of the lower panels. An outwardly directed shoulder extends in joinder between the bottom extremities of the upper panels and the top extremities of the lower panels. The shoulder is parallel to the crown flange and positioned half way between the crown and base flanges of the tallest side wall. The features of the curb are configured and dimensioned such as to permit nesting of a plurality of the curbs.

Abstract: A slatwall panel having a plurality of horizontally-oriented, vertically arrayed extruded slatwall members which define recesses from which standard one-quarter inch offset hardware and display fixtures may be hung. A slidably connected tongue and claw connection is provided for vertically adjacent members. A method of forming a panel of such members on a wall is also described. In one form, the panel is preassembled. In the other, it is assembled in situ.

Abstract: The size of a walled ball-court's playing area is changed by moving a wall into and out of one side thereof (e.g., the end of an elongate court). The wall moves on wheels rolling in horizontal tracks inset into the floor of the court. The movable wall is mounted on one end of a frame extending outwards from the ball-court, and the weight of the wall is balanced with counterweights so that the wall does not tip when moved. A mechanical drive, which may be manually powered by a single operator, applies horizontal forces to the wall in order to move it back and forth along the tracks. In a preferred embodiment, two sets of wheels, spaced out along the movable wall, are used. In this configuration the spacing between the two sets of wheels is adjustable to allow an installer to select an optimal spacing.

Abstract: A chair having a receiving area with a horizontal section and a generally parabolic section extending transverse to the horizontal section, and a plurality of separate legs extending downwardly from the receiving area. Each of the legs has a foot extending horizontally outwardly therefrom. The receiving area and the plurality of legs are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. The horizontal section and the generally parabolic section have a cruciform configuration. Each of the legs has a rectangular cross-section in a horizontal plane. The horizontal section of the receiving area has a numerical indicia molded thereon which is indicative of a distance between a top of the horizontal section and a bottom of the foot. The foot of one of the plurality of separate legs has a top surface with a numerical indicia molded thereon. The numerical indicia on the horizontal section of the receiving area is oriented in a different direction than the numerical indicia on the foot.

Abstract: A raised floor supporting structure including a plurality of upright supports, a plurality of top stretchers and bottom stretchers respectively connected between the upright supports at different elevations, wherein each upright support is comprised of a circular base having an upright socket and radial reinforcing ribs extended from the upright socket, a reinforced upright tube mounted in the upright socket of the circular base and covered with a top cap, a screw member inserted through the center hole of the top cap into the upright tube, a nut threaded onto the screw member and supported on the top cap and turned to adjust the elevation of the screw member, a bracket mounted on the screw member at the top for holding floor panels; each top stretcher has a coupling portion at each end respectively coupled to a respective coupling portion of the bracket of one upright support, and a pin hole at each end respectively coupled to a respective upright pin of the bracket of the corresponding upright support; each

Abstract: A method of supporting structures, embodied as a multiple telescoping pier, multi-point, interconnected cable and pulley supple support mechanism especially for use on prefabricated buildings, platforms and bridges which are built on land areas which have a known history of experiencing earth tremors, earthquakes, or ground swelling.

Abstract: An enclosure for buried placement near grade capable of supporting vehicle loading having a reinforced cover, walls and base, the walls including internal struts and stabilizers, the cover and walls including notches for transferring load and grooves for limiting translation and rotation of the cover under transverse load. The base and the walls having portions of divided pathways forming conduit openings when the base is connected to the walls.

Abstract: A swimming pool is formed of a plurality of multi-wall sections, each multi-wall section comprises a preformed plastic or resin and has an inner wall and an outer wall, with the inner wall and the outer separated to define an air space therebetween. The assembled pool walls are spaced a width w at a base of the swimming pool and taper to a width y at an intermediate height of the swimming pool between the base and a top of the swimming pool, wherein w>y. At the top of the swimming pool, the walls are separated a width x, wherein x>y. The swimming pool comprises an all plastic or resin construction, and may either be employed as an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool.

Abstract: The invention is directed to metal planking used to construct planar surfaces, such as patio, porch and balcony decks, and interior floors and roofs of structures. The metal planking comprises an elongated strut and a slidable cap that covers the strut after the strut is fastened to support members in the structure. The strut includes a first flange and first web spaced apart from a second flange and second web, and a cord extending between the first web and the second web. The cord provides a surface for fastening the strut to the support members of the structure, and the cord includes at least one corrugation extending in an upward direction to a location adjacent the plane of the first and second strut flanges. The slidable cap includes a first hem extending along one edge of the cap, and a second hem extending along the opposite edge of the cap.

Abstract: A stair support device is provided for installation on the upper surface of an inclined stair stringer. The device is foldable from a sheet metal template so as to define right-triangular first and second spaced-apart vertical sidewalls, positionable with their hypotenii along the stringer, the sidewalls being joined by an integral horizontal stair support surface. Preferably, the device further includes at least one and preferably two generally right-triangular support webs extending downwardly from against the stair support surface, positionable with their hypotenii on the upper surface of the stringer, thereby serving a load-bearing function between the stair support surface and the stringer. Various fold-out tabs are provided, to facilitate securing the device to the stringer, the stair against the stair support surface, and if applicable, a riser or kickplate against a vertical face of the device.

Abstract: A cruciform joint of glazing bars comprising a glazing bar extending between and perpendicular to an aligned pair of glazing bars. Each glazing bar has a central load bearing portion (16) which has a solid snapfit formation (22) at one end, interconnected to a solid end portion (23) by a hollow mid-portion (21). A base portion is interlocked with the solid end portion (23) and a clamping section is snap-fitted onto the snap-fit formation (22) so that a respective pane of glazing material can be clamped therebetween. The aligned pair of glazing bars are connected by a key (19) which is placed through a keyhole (18) in the intervening glazing bar and which extends into the hollow mid-portions (21) of each of the aligned pair. The keyhole (18) is formed solely through the hollow mid-portion (21) of the glazing bar, and the key (19) is inserted through the aperture (18) and then rotated and snap-fitted into a locked setting.

Abstract: The window buck is made of extruded irregular shapes consisting of a combination of cellulose and polymer compounded specifically to be used in connection with building walls of poured concrete. The combination desirably is a mixture of approximately 70% cellulose and approximately 30% polymer. The cellulose is preferably sawdust, and the polymer preferably is polyethylene.

Abstract: A window unit (20) including a jamb extension assembly (28) is provided for use with fenestration products. The jamb extension assembly (28) includes a frame member (30) having structure to permit installation of the window unit (20) in a building wall rough opening. The frame member (30) presents inner, outer, rearward and forward portions (62, 64, 66, 68), and includes a jamb extender receiving slot (70) extending and opening rearwardly from the rearward portion (66) of the frame member (30). An elongated jamb extender (32) is provided and includes a transverse, extender flange (88) extending forwardly from an extender corner, and a trim flange (92) extending outwardly from the corner. The extender flange (88) is configured to slide in the slot (70). The extender flange (88) includes structure defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed lines of weakness being in the form of scores (94) disposed on an outer flange surface (96) to permit the length adjustment of the extender flange (88).

Abstract: The module comprises a stainless sheet steel framework 40 shaped to provide a rabbet 38 for receiving a double glazing and a stiffening element 3 for the fixation of the module or assembly 41, i.e., the framework 40 and the glazing assembly to the supporting structure of the building facade. To enable direct fixing into the supporting structure, the stiffening element 3 is associated with a stainless steel spring tab 4 located on the supporting structure which allows clipping of the assembly 41 to the supporting structure 5. The space between the rabbets of two adjacent modules is reduced to that required for housing a calibrated, preformed EPDM seal.

Abstract: A collapsible pool assembly having a liquid impervious liner with collapsible perimeter walls of modular configuration.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a building, particularly in the context of a nuclear installation. The building is formed with an outer shell and an inner shell which form an intermediate space therebetween. A sealing element is disposed in the intermediate space. The sealing element is gas tight, it envelopes the inner shell, and it is largely freely movable perpendicularly to the surfaces of the shells defining the intermediate space. Pressure fluctuations, particularly pressure waves, originating on the inside of the building are received and equalized by the sealing element, while the gas-tightness of the sealing element is largely assured.

Abstract: Partition members including frame members forming an open-cell frame structure for housing glass bricks. Beads are shaped to fit the edges of the frame members around the cell openings, and overlap the edges of the glass bricks to hold them in their respective cells.

Abstract: Finishing systems and roof decks are provided which include a gypsum board having a set gypsum core faced with a fibrous mat. The gypsum core includes one or more additives which are effective in simultaneously improving the water and fire resistance of the board. In preferred embodiments, the board has sufficient water-resistant additive for absorbing less than about 10% water in an ASTM C-473 test.

Abstract: A set of one or more tiles is provided with a partially complete design permanently inscribed thereon for use in guiding the user to complete the design including structural and artistic elements of the completed design.

Abstract: A sealing device (1) for a settlement joint (2) between two building members (3 and 4) consists of two anchoring units (5) connecting with the building members (3,4), placed on opposite sides of the settlement joint (2), as well as an elastic bridge unit (6). The bridge unit (6) is connected at its longitudinal edges with the anchoring units (5) in such manner that a longitudinal leg (7) of an anchoring unit (5), protruding approximately perpendicularly from the building members (3 or 4), penetrates into an open longitudinal groove (8) in the bridge unit (6), corresponding to the respective building member (3 or 4).

Abstract: A roof arrangement includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel adjacent battens arranged on increasing higher levels and a plurality of rows of roof slates supported on the battens. Each row of roof slates comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged slates with a gap being defined between two adjacent slates. Adjacent rows of slates are off-set. A support strip is located below the gap between two adjacent slates and extends laterally beyond the gap to a location underneath the two slates defining the gap, and further extends from one batten to a next higher batten. A waterproof strip extends below a row of slates from close to the lower end of the slates of the row of slates and is bent over the upper end of the slates of the row of slates to rest on to the upper end of the row of slates. First attachment elements pass through each slate near its upper end and through the waterproof strip below the slate into a batten located below the slate.

Abstract: A structural connecting and sealing member is provided for making a structural connection between two structural members along an elongate interface without the need for any additional fasteners. The member includes two attaching members for attaching the connecting member to each of the structural members, and further includes a sealing portion which provides a seal along a joint between the two structural members thereby eliminating the need for caulking or sealant to be applied to the joint. The member is particularly suited for use in the construction of door frames where it is used to join a door jamb to a brick mold.

Abstract: A specially designed beveled edge (26) guides tile interlocks (14) into place and holds them in place during assembly, thereby facilitating ease and speed of interlocking tile (10) assembly for tight fitting interlocks which actually lock contiguous tiles together. Assembly time for an entire surface using such interlocking tiles is greatly reduced in comparison to comparable prior art interlocking tiles with no diminution in interlocking quality or tile wear.

Abstract: A frame leg for a rack of a switchgear cabinet having two partial profile strips produced from material strips in a stamping and bending process, wherein the partial profile sections overlap each other with partial sections in connecting areas and are fixedly connected with respect to each other. The stability, the torsional stability and sealing of a frame leg of this type can be improved with negligible outlay. Prior to or during the stamping and bending process of the two partial profile sections, the partial sections included in the connecting areas are provided with a curable adhesive layer at least in one of the partial sections, and that the cured adhesive layers connect the partial sections of the two partial connecting sections included in the connecting areas in a fixed manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable spacing device and method therefor, for use in the application of stucco to a building's exterior. The removable spacing device is comprised of a section of tape and a substantially triangle-shaped spacer, and is applied to the edge of a window frame, door frame, or similar structure prior to the application of a layer of stucco adjacent thereto. After the stucco layer has dried, the removable spacing device is removed, and the resulting space created by the device is filled with caulk or a similar weatherproofing material. This device and method prevents the formation of small cracks between a stucco layer and adjacent frame, which cracks are too small to be filled with caulk and which allow the damaging penetration of water into the stucco and underlying layers.

Abstract: A method for making substrate-supported slatted panels which consists of first cutting each slat to the appropriate size required to form the panel. The slats are placed face down on a flat support and are assembled according to the design of the intended panel using a frame to keep the slats together, if necessary. Multiple uniform layers of contact adhesive are then progressively applied to the back of the slat panel so formed, thereby producing a flexible continuous sheet of adhesive backing the panel. At least one uniform layer of adhesive is also applied to a rigid substrate of dimensions appropriate to support the panel. When the adhesive is dry and ready for contact, the substrate is lifted and placed over the intended location on the slat panel using a series of spacers to prevent contact. Finally, the spacers are sequentially removed permitting contact and the formation of a rigid slatted panel.

Abstract: A damage resistant sandwich panel having a first outer face sheet for forming an outer face, a second inner face sheet for forming an inner face, and a core sandwiched between the first outer face sheet and the second inner face sheet. The core is a corrugated sheet having a plurality of elongated crests, a plurality of elongated valleys, and bridging core material between the elongated crests and the elongated valleys. This bridging core material is disposed at acute angles relative to each of the elongated crests and the elongated valleys. The first outer face sheet, the second inner face sheet and the core are constructed from a material having a tensile yield strength (elastic limit) in excess of 20,000 psi and a tensile strain to yield ratio exceeding 2.0%; a preferred material is fiber glass.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping material layers on rolls is disclosed. A roll is delivered at ground elevation to the wrapping machine. A low lift assembly having pivotable arms and a push roller engages the roll and moves it upwardly to a motor driven drive roller. A carriage assembly, adjacent the drive roller, supports at least one supply roll of wrap material. The carriage assembly is movable along a path parallel to the drive roller and the roll being covered. The wrapping machine includes a guide assembly having a pair of arms movable between an initial rest position and a second position adjacent the ends of the roll.