Abstract: An electronic component taken out from a component storage section by a transfer head is held by suction, transferred and inspected as to whether it is good or defective by a good/defective component inspecting device. Thereafter, the electronic component is delivered to an alignment suction nozzle on a component alignment section. The sequence of the above-operations is then repeated, whereby the electronic components inspected and then aligned in the order of mounting can be supplied to a mounting head. Therefore, a mount time for the electronic components in a mount process is greatly shortened, so that productivity is expected to be improved. The electronic components can also be inspected before being aligned in the order of mounting, which further enhances mount efficiency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink jet recording head, which is provided with a plurality of ink paths structured by bonding a second substrate having a plurality of grooves arranged thereon to form ink paths corresponding to a plurality of discharge openings, together with a first substrate having discharge energy generating devices arranged in the ink paths, respectively, comprises the step of processing the grooves constituting the ink paths on the second substrate by means of formation processing, and laser processing, divisionally. This method makes it possible to process ink flow paths with ease and good production yield even when the ink flow paths are arranged in such a high density that its formation becomes difficult by the application of formation processing, and also, to reduce the total energy of laser when ink flow paths are processed as compared with the method adopted conventionally. The required load given to the optical system of a laser processor is made smaller accordingly.

Abstract: Method for fabricating seamless adaptor for connecting trunk line HVAC duct to branch conduit including steps of positioning first segment of strip of sheet metal at first die assembly and exerting force onto first segment forming elliptical shaped segment, punching hole into central portion of elliptical segment and providing connector strip between first and trailing segment of metal strip; positioning elliptical segment at second die assembly and at same time positioning trailing segment at first die assembly and exerting force onto first and trailing segments, drawing elliptical segment at second die assembly into form having generally cylindrical shape projecting transverse to surface of the elliptical segment and positioning hole to be generally centered within end of form and forming annular rim surrounding hole and bending portion of elliptical shaped segment surrounding another end of form forming flange having a camber; positioning form at third die assembly and at same time positioning trailing seg

Abstract: A novel cutting element in or for a safety razor comprises an elongate member with a series of slots (5), each slot (5) tapering from an open forward end to a substantially closed trailing end, and each slot (5) being confined between a pair of shaped edges (6) for slicing hairs as they move through the slot as the cutting element is moved across the skin. One or more of the cutting elements may be used in a safety razor blade unit, either alone or in combination with a blade having a conventional straight sharpened edge.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting implement includes a rotatable support head which mounts a hub having a plurality of cutter elements comprising self-supporting struts. Each strut is more than 50% non-metallic material (typically more than 90% plastic or rubber), and the hub is readily replaceable in the vegetation cutting implement merely by detaching a fastener. Typically the cutter elements are integral with the hub, although a number of radially extending openings may be provided through which individually replaceable cutter elements pass. The self-supporting struts each preferably comprise a beam-like structure with a first axis which is the strongest axis and has a highest moment of inertia and a second, weaker axis, and the head is rotated so that the first axis of the beam-like structure of each strut is positively maintained and moves in a predetermined cutting plane which is generally transverse to a portion of vegetation to be cut.

Abstract: An operation control lever unit for regulating power of an engine of an engine-powered working machine has a handle case attached to a support rod connected at one end to the engine and at the other end to a working tool, a throttle lever pivotally mounted to the handle case for controlling a throttle mechanism to regulate the engine speed, and a brake release lever pivotally mounted to the handle case in diametrically opposite relation to the throttle lever for releasing a brake mechanism associated with the engine. This arrangement enables the operator to manipulate the throttle lever using at least one finger excluding the thumb of its one hand and to depress the brake release lever with a palm of the same hand while maintaining a grip on the handle case.

Abstract: The electric kitchen knife has blades (2) connected to the front end of a main housing (5), and the blades (2) move in reciprocal motion to cut food. The main housing (5) has a stand leg (6) projecting from the bottom surface positioned away from the center of gravity towards the blade end. The stand leg (6) maintains the main housing (5) in an upright standing position. Held by the stand leg (6) in an upright standing position on a table (7), the front end of the main housing (5) is raised separating the blades (2) from the table (7).

Abstract: A measuring machine produces an essentially linear movement in a moving part by transforming rotary movement to linear movement through a transmission element having a high modulus of elasticity in a longitudinal direction, and which is flexible in a transverse direction. The transmission element has two ends which are each fastened to the same mechanical element, and the transmission element is given a pre-stress which is greater than a maximum force encountered during acceleration while the machine is in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a bore spud for mounting and positioning a collimator with respect to a sighting device or scope on a firearm for bore sighting the firearm provides for adjustment of the collimator to an unlimited number of linear positions from below the center of the bore spud to positions above the bore spud. Greater bore sighting accuracy and more accurate adjustment of the sighting device or scope of the firearm is attained by enabling the collimator to be elevated and held at a precise location which matches that of the elevation of the sighting device or scope from the center of the firearm bore. The apparatus also enables angular adjustment of the collimator to an unlimited number of positions to permit alignment of the collimator with the firearm sighting device when the sighting device is offset and positioned at a location which is angularly displaced from a location directly above the bore of the firearm.

Abstract: A bubble vial is mounted in a carpenter's level by a pivot rod on one side of the vial and an eccentric cam rod on the other side of the vial. The vial housing is supported in the pivot rod so as to be able to move, due to thermal expansion differences between the box frame of the assembly and the bubble vial assembly, with simple linear translation toward and away from the pivot rod and yet is not subject to twisting, torquing or rotating motions. The cam rod is eccentric so that by its rotation the vial is caused to adjust its attitude relative to the carpenter's level and thus accommodate any out of calibration condition.

Abstract: A micrometer includes a main body holding an anvil at one end portion and a spindle at the other end portion through an inner sleeve is formed with a frame which is made by placing a pair of frame elements, which are formed by bending metal plates, one upon the other to reduce weight while ensuring rigidity. The outside of the frame is covered with resin to reduce the weight, enhance the rigidity, and prevent the influence caused by the heat of hand when the frame is gripped.

Abstract: With the object of removing moisture from a system of N≳2 elongated hollow guiding members (20) for cable-like elements (27), in the system a gas flow (G) is maintained. The gas flow is supplied to the system by way of a gas-supply opening (29) of a coupling-in number (23) coupled to first ends (21) of a number of K hollow guiding members (20) and discharged from the system by way of a gas-discharge opening (30) of a coupling-out member (23) coupled to first ends (21) of the L=N−K remaining hollow guiding members. A coupling-through member (26) coupled to second ends (24) of the N hollow guiding members (20) provides a gastight coupling-through between the second ends (24) of the K hollow guiding members and the L second ends of the L remaining hollow guiding members. Preferably K=N−1, and the N−1 hollow guiding members are located within the Nth hollow guiding member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and process for transporting flat objects confined in a specific atmosphere. The device comprises at least one assembly provided with several thin, flat cells (31) that open onto a lateral face (33) of said assembly with the cells arranged in parallel and linked by the same ventilation system. Each cell is constructed to receive a flat object (10) and is closed by an independent door (33). The cells are arranged in tandem and the device includes assembly means for interlocking an upper cell to an adjacent lower cell in each successive pair and in a complementary arrangement.

Abstract: A plurality of bags (16), each of a substantially rectangular cross-section defined by spaced and parallel bag panels (18) interconnected by shorter sides (20), have inlets respectively connected to a support plenum (12) and extend to a distal end (22). An elongated nozzle (24) extends across each bag (16) at the distal end (22) between the sides (20) and converges from the bag panels (18) to a nozzle opening (26) for directing air toward the object. The assembly is characterized by a plurality of nozzle gussets (32) each including two layers (34) of flexible material suspended between the first and second nozzle panels (30) for bulging away from one another and toward the next adjacent nozzle gusset. Consequently, the spaced layers (34) of next adjacent nozzle gussets (32) bulge toward one another in response to air flow through the nozzle (24) to create a restriction and increased velocity of the air flow.

Abstract: A cushioning system for golf shoe includes a footbed having a sole region, an arch region, and a heel region. The footbed includes an upper layer which is engaged by the foot of a golfer and a lower layer. The lower layer is composed of a compressible material and includes a recess in the heel region, a plurality of receptacles in the sole region, and a receptacle in the arch region. A lasting board has a heel region defining a receptacle disposed oppositely the recess of the footbed. The cushioning elements include a plurality of first cushioning elements and a single second cushioning element. The cushioning elements are composed of a material which is more compressible than the material of the lower layer of the footbed. One of the first cushioning elements is disposed in each of the receptacles of the sole and arch regions of the footbed.

Abstract: A cordless steam iron is provided with an external reservoir assembly for automatically re-filling an internal reservoir when the iron rests on an iron stand. The reservoir assembly includes a removable bottle that can be readily filled with water and then placed upside down in a water container. A valve automatically maintains the water level in the container (and the internal reservoir) to a desired maximum level see chain-dotted line A. Water valves cooperate with one another and open automatically when the iron is placed on the stand, to allow water to flow from the container to the reservoir.

Abstract: A cascading water system for aesthetically enhancing the appearance of a room includes a water display member having an inlet and an outlet. The display member is mounted within an architectural structure such as a wall, ceiling, doorway or floor. The number and shape of the display members may be varied to create a desired aesthetic effect. The system further includes a fluid reservoir and a conduit that establishes communication between the display member and the reservoir. A pump continuously circulates the water between the reservoir and the display member via the conduit. The conduit includes water jets disposed at the display member inlet so that water is evenly dispersed therethrough. The shape, number and spacing of individual display members may be varied to create a desired effect such as a waterfall.

Abstract: A pull-down display that can be mounted, for example, in the price strip on a shelf, or on a shopping cart is a two piece plastic material that is self coiling so that the display media will roll itself up after being pulled down and then released. One of the two pieces of display media is securely fastened to a mounting bracket at one end and is attached to a tube at the other end. The other piece of display media is loosely or slidably attached to the mounting bracket and is attached to the tube at the other end. A display or advertisement is placed between the two pieces of self-coiling display media and prevented from upward movement by a retainer strip when the display media is coiling upward.

Abstract: An information display panel has a plastic frame surrounding two transparent foils (4, 5), that form an envelope. The frame (1) is formed from two halves interconnected by locking couplings so that peripherally welded seams are eliminated.

Abstract: An improved muzzle-loading firearm which is achieved by modifying the design of the breech plug to include a replaceable aperture adjacent to the firing chamber which can be easily replaced if damaged beyond repair. In the preferred embodiment, the breech plug is adapted to receive an ejectable firing module which permits loading of the firearm as a muzzle-loader, while also permitting the firing module to be inserted and ejected like a cartridge in a conventional breech loading firearm.

Abstract: A self-aligning tool for inserting percussion caps on firing nipples comprising a central hub with radially spaced apart spokes that each form an integral arm that terminates in a distal hand for temporarily securing the percussion cap until insertion. Each elongated arm comprises at least one storage hole for storing additional percussion caps. Each distal hand comprises at least one holder for temporarily receiving and retaining the percussion cap. Each holder defines a circular hole into which the cap is inserted for retention. Each holder comprises a periphery defining arcuate outer and inner lips separated by an elongated lateral slot. During the insertion process, the user aligns the percussion cap with the nipple by inserting the arcuate holder lips into the exposed breech. When the lips abut the interior walls of the bore, the cap is also aligned with the nipple. The user then presses the percussion cap firmly against the nipple until it is seated.

Abstract: A device for preventing the accidental discharge of a bullet from a firearm, suitable for use with blank cartridges, the device including an attachment member adapted to engage the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, a substantially tubular body having a cavity and coaxially attachable at one of its ends to the barrel via the attachment member, a bullet-pierceable insert having a portion traversing the axis of the barrel and tubular body, an impact disk slidably disposed in the cavity of the tubular body, and an energy-absorbing and storing unit interposed in the tubular body between the impact disk and an abutting element, acting on the impact disk to maintain contact with the insert inside the body, wherein, upon the discharge of a bullet, the bullet pierces the insert and hits the impact disk, transferring some of its kinetic energy to the energy-absorbing and storing unit and is thereby prevented from being discharged from the firearm.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a fish bait comprising a fish attractant and at least one magnet within the fish attractant. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a fish bait comprising a fish attractant and a plurality of magnetizable particles distributed throughout the fish attractant to a concentration sufficient to adhere a visible amount of the fish attractant to a magnet. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses a fishing bait and hook kit, comprising: a) a hook joined to a magnet; and b) a bait having one or more magnetizable particles distributed therein. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses a jig comprising a fishhook, and a jighead joined to the fishhook. The jighead comprises a magnet. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses a fishhook assembly comprising a fishhook, a magnet joined to the fishhook, and a plurality of magnetizable particles magnetically attracted to the magnet of the fishhook.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both open ends having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion, a shank portion, and preferably, a gimbal receiving portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. The exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of the reel seat portion but smaller than the exterior diameter of the shank portion which is the largest.

Abstract: A fishing lure with three housing sections, a front housing section and a rear housing section, each with spiral fins or propellers that cause them to rotate in opposite directions when the lure is pulled through the water, and a middle housing section to which a fish hook can be attached. A selected housing section contains a compartment into which small metal spheres can be inserted, both to add weight to the lure and to make noise to attract fish. The rear housing section has a compartment for scent, in the form of pellets and has a plurality of apertures through which the scent can diffuse through the surrounding water to attract fish.

Abstract: A terminal tackle for minimizing the twisting of fishing lines, lures and weights, particularly the twisting and tangling of a weight or weight line with lure leader line or the primary fishing line. The terminal tackle comprises a y-shaped tube having a top arm and one abbreviated arm. A line swivel is positioned within the top arm for connecting fishing tackle such as weights and lures, to the primary fishing line. A lure leader swivel having a leader end and a connector end is threaded through the y-shaped tube so that the leader end extends out and away from the abbreviated arm and the connector end is positioned within the y-shaped tube. A weight connector is positioned within the elongated arm and is adapted to connect weight to the fishing tackle and a connector or snap for connecting the leader swivel the line swivel and the weight connector is positioned within the y-shaped tube.

Abstract: An aqueous gel medium for growing a plant which comprises an upper block and a lower block, wherein the lower block has a hole for growth of a root of the plant.

Abstract: A houseplant maintenance device includes a base which acts as a water reservoir and which receives a potted plant therein. The pot is received in a gasket which is secured to the base. Embedded in the gasket is a support ring including downwardly angled cups, which receives hanging rods to allow hanging the device. The gasket is the color of the pot when the pot is wet, which gives a visual reference for determining the moisture content of the soil in the pot. The gasket is movably secured to the base by a set of lets which are received in a set of tracks inside the base. A wick is also provided for drawing moisture from within the base to the soil in the pot, the wick being encased by a water-impervious material. Other wicks are also constructed to convey mineral nutrients into the soil. A tongue-and-groove assembly on the bottom of the base allows the device to be removably secured in place.

Abstract: An object sensor system is mounted on a garage door controlled by an electric garage door opener. The sensor system senses objects directly in the travel path of the door's leading edge. Each object sensor of the system comprises a mounting plate for permanent attachment to the garage door near a leading edge of the door, an upper hinge plate hingeably connected to the mounting plate, a lower hinge plate hingeably connected to the mounting plate and a connecting hinge plate connected to the upper and lower hinge plates. The plates are connected to move in concert. Each of the object sensors also includes a bracket having a first leg attached to the connecting hinge plate and a second leg extending horizontally towards the mounting plate and under the leading edge of the door. An electronic sensor is mounted on the bracket's second leg at a distal end to transmit or receive a light beam.

Abstract: An automotive door stopper device has a decreased vertical dimension to facilitate the arrangement of the device within a door opening of a vehicle body, and prevents the entrance of foreign matter and the accumulation of dirt and dust in the device. The automotive door stopper device includes a lever having a base end portion rotatably attached to a side of a door, an engagement pin fixed to the vehicle body for guiding the lever, and a braking mechanism for restraining movement of the lever. A planar surface of the lever faces the vertical direction. A case is provided which houses the braking mechanism and covers a portion of the lever. The case is secured to the vehicle body by the engagement pin. The automotive door stopper device allows the door to be stopped in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A casement assembly comprising a casement frame defining a passageway in which is moveably mounted a closure element that can be moved to open and close the passageway relative to the casement frame. A latch is provided on the closure element for locking the closure element relative to casement frame. The latch includes a rotating cam having an eccentric surface that abuts an inner end of a laterally sliding rod whose outer end is brought into and out of interference with the casement frame to lock the moveable element with respect to the casement frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of frame members adapted for mounting to opposing surfaces of a passageway. A door is mounted to at least one of the frame members for movement between a closed position, in which the door and frame members substantially traverse the passageway, and an open position, in which a portion of the passageway is free of the door and frame members, the portion being large enough to permit passage of an adult therethrough. A lock is coupled to at least one of the frame members and adapted to retain the door in the closed position, the lock including an actuator adapted to release the lock to permit movement of the door from the closed position toward the open position upon application to the actuator of a force of at least a predetermined weight of a child.

Abstract: A gate framing system for a PVC gate, the gate comprising first and second spaced vertical PVC frame members connected at their upper and lower ends to a pair of spaced horizontal PVC frame members, the gate framing system comprising a pair of spaced metallic framing brackets mounted at each corner of the PVC gate, the pairs of framing brackets being connected to each other in such manner as to hold the PVC gate in compression between the brackets at each corner thereof, wherein the framing brackets are bent around the outer side edges of the PVC vertical frame members in an overlapping relation, wherein a first post-tensioning metallic rod extends horizontally across the top of the PVC gate through the overlapping ends of the pairs of brackets at the upper corners of the PVC gate, and wherein a second post-tensioning metallic rod extends horizontally across the bottom of the PVC gate through the overlapping ends of the pairs of framing brackets at the bottom corners of the PVC gate, whereby the post-tensioni

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door automatically operable relative to a floor and further comprises an electromechanical power device disposed beneath the floor and providing a rotary output on a shaft. The support apparatus includes a spindle adapted to receive power from the rotary shaft beneath the floor and to extend above the floor into a coupled relationship with the door. A bearing included in the support apparatus supports the spindle and at least a portion of the weight of the door beneath the floor. The electromechanical device can be of the type commonly used in overhead systems, in which case the power device can be retrofitted with the support apparatus for disposition beneath the floor. A coupling mechanism in the support apparatus can include pulleys, sprockets and gears, and power transfer devices such as belts and chains.

Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide out room which slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. An extendable member is mounted on the main frame and is rigidly connected to the slide out room floor, so that the weight of the slide out room is transferred from the floor of the main living to the extendable member as the slide out room slides between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the slide out room is leveled with respect to the floor of the main living area when the slide out room is moved to the extended position by bending of the extendable support member in response to the weight transfer.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station is presented to a client that filters, measures, controls, pre-heats, pressure reduces, odorizes, and provides communication, provides excess power, and provides excess heat for a host site. The design is pre-approved by supply pipeline, end users and regulatory bodies. The final configuration is welded, assembled, wired, painted, tagged, and tested, at a factory site and then shipped to an installation site in accordance with customer's requirements. The station is commissioned, operators are trained and a three volume project DATA book is installed in the control room for documentation. The pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station can include a high pressure gas metering room and regulating room that can be selectively coupled to other prefabricated modular rooms or modules. Preferably, the other prefabricated modules include an odorant room, a heating room, an energy generation room and an electrical control and communications room.

Abstract: A bird deterring device is provided for deterring birds away from a body of water. The device includes a hollow body shaped to resemble a crocodile floating in a body water. The body includes a plurality of hollow sections having floats mounted therein for floating the device on the body of water. A pair of reflectors are mounted on the body to resemble eyes. A weight tethered to a bottom side of the body anchors the body and prevents it from flipping over in the water.

Abstract: A screen device to prevent animal entry into weep holes of foundation walls is formed from flexible, polymeric materials such as nylon or other conventional plastics. The screen device includes a frame having inner and outer sections with a porous barrier therebetween. The method of installing the screen device over a foundation wall weep hole includes the step of sealing the edges of the outer frame section with a standard silicone sealant, and thereafter inserting a porous barrier into the outer frame section. The porous barrier is releasably held in place with an inner frame section which is lastly placed in and connected to the outer frame section.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or without adhesive.

Abstract: A device for protection of property against high winds constructed from a flexible screen of predetermined strength and stretch characteristics, and in the form of a curtain, utilized to protect the side of a structure including its windows and doors from the strong winds and debris impacts occurring during a hurricane. The device is anchored in a manner to space it out from the area being protected according to formula provided, and can safely dissipate substantial impacting energy. The preferred embodiment attaches to an overhanging eave and the ground below protecting in addition to the windows and doors, planters, outdoor furniture, decorative shutters, downspouts, and such as are enclosed behind the barrier. Several methods of storage and deployment of the device are described including rolling, sliding, and converting to awning. The barrier has the added feature of acting as a tie down in certain applications.

Abstract: A splice chuck having a body with a first end and a second end and a passage extending therethrough, a first collar received within the first end of the body and having a tapered interior, a second collar received within the second end of the body and having a tapered interior, a first wedge received within the tapered interior of the first collar, a second wedge received within the tapered interior of the second collar, a cap member having a surface abutting an end of the first wedge within the passageway of the body, and a resilient member having one end exerting a compressive force onto the second wedge and an opposite end exerting a compressive force onto the cap member. The cap member includes a tubular section having an interior area and an annular section extending radially outwardly from an end of the tubular section. A cover extends over the opposite end of the tubular section. The annular surface contacts an end of the first wedge.

Abstract: The installation of a fire retarding division-penetrating member is enhanced and the member fits the outer circumference of inconstant penetrating material to prevent the filler from dropping. The heat expansion fire resistant material may be securely provided. A tongue piece (17) of fire resistant material (16) may fit to the surface and valley of pipe (25) and cable (26) only by fitting the saw teeth state heat expansion fire resistant material (16) with its upper face being covered with the sheet (19) inside the holding frame (11) of sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) that are split into two pieces and by dropping these sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) into the floor through-hole (24) from above. In this way, the filler like mortar (28) and so forth can be immediately filled from the upper floor with no need for repairing the heat expansion fire resistant material (16).

Abstract: A cap track assembly for use with a fire resistant wall structure where the cap track assembly is adapted for attachment to a top structural member and to a plurality of wall studs. The apparatus is also directed to a method for installing the cap track assembly into a fire resistant wall structure. In one version, the apparatus provides a track assembly comprising a U-shaped longitudinal metal track having angled lips depending outwardly from the bottom ends of each of the side walls of the track, and an end tab and top tabs having longitudinal openings and depending downwardly at an angle of about 90 degrees from a top wall of the track. The track assembly further comprises a fire resistant material extending along the outer side walls of the track and supported on the lip of each of the side walls.

Abstract: A demountable wall system that is adapted to be interposed between a floor and ceiling structure and including a series of wall panels that include a continuous and seamless wall covering. More particularly, the demountable wall system includes a floor railing disposed adjacent to the floor structure and a ceiling railing detachably connected to the ceiling structure. Longitudinally spaced between the ceiling and floor railings are a series of upright wall studs. Secured generally between the ceiling and floor railings and connected to the wall studs is a series of wall panels that are disposed edge to edge to form a continuous wall along one or both sides of the demountable wall system. Each wall panel includes a face area and there is applied to the central portion of the face area a wall covering. However, this pre-applied wall covering is not applied to the entire face. Outer areas on each side of the pre-applied wall covering are left uncovered.

Abstract: A modular foundation system having a punch pad; pre-formed, ring-shaped modular foundation units; and an axial column and a pole that extend through the modular foundation units. The modular foundation system may be used to support any type of structure, such as a pole building type structure; or may be used to provide pier footings for any non-pole building type structure, such as a terrace and wall type structure.

Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam. The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a clamp assembly (26) that includes a base plate (30) and at least one wedge plate (45), and a swivel plate (28) that includes a tie-down strap slot (54). The wedge plate, base plate, and swivel plate each can be pivotally connected to each other with a coupling member (52) such that the swivel plate can pivot about the base plate to avoid the creation of undue torsional stress concentrations within the tie-down strap.

Abstract: A weakened building member, having a building component running through an opening in it, is strengthened by reinforcing members attached to the building member that accommodate the presence of the building component. The reinforcing members are attached to the building member by fasteners or adhesives. The reinforcing members attach to at least one side of the building member. They extend from areas above the opening in the building member to areas below it, and pass around opposite sides of the building component. The reinforcing members can be positioned relative to each other prior to installation in such a manner as to allow the reinforcing members to slide around a building component that has already been run through the building member near their point of attachment to the building member.

Abstract: A reinforcing plate is attached to an end-split wood beam covering at least a portion of the end split. The reinforcing plate inhibits the end split from propagating toward the middle portion of the wood beam. According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing plate increases the grade of the wood beam. According to another aspect of the invention, the reinforcing plate prevents or substantially avoids downgrading of the wood beam. The reinforcing plate preferably is steel and has teeth which are angled relative to the grain of the wood. First and second portions of the teeth preferably are oriented oppositely from one another, i.e., 90° relative to one another.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.