Abstract: A device for enhancing removal of liquid from fabric utilizing mechanical and aerodynamic techniques. A base plate contains one or more apertures to which a vacuum is applied for extracting water from the fabric. The total cross-sectional area of the apertures is selected to be that which will increase, and preferably maximize, the extraction power for the vacuum motor with which said base plate is to be utilized. The number and shape of the apertures is selected to reduce the ratio of the total distance along all the perimeters of said apertures to the total cross-sectional area of said apertures in order to reduce boundary layer drag. The cross-sectional area of each of said apertures is selected to be large enough to permit solid contaminants that can be expected to be in the liquid to pass through said apertures without clogging said apertures. Barriers are attached to the bottom of the base plate to force any liquid in the fabric toward the apertures as the base plate is moved across the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a tennis court or other surface removes water from the tennis court and heats the surface of the tennis court to facilitate evaporation of water from the court.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed drying and classifying apparatus is provided with a main body (10) in which a fluidized bed is formed to dry a granular material and to classify the same into fine particles and coarse particles. A perforated gas-distributing plate (12) is disposed in a lower part of a region in which a fluidized bed (14) is formed in the main body (10), a wind box having the shape of a hopper is disposed below the perforated gas-distributing plate. A dropped material discharge device (29) is connected to the lower end of the hopper-shaped wind box (16) to discharge the material dropped into the wind box (16). A gas supply system (110) is connected to the wind box (16) to supply a fluidizing gas that serves as a drying hot gas and a classifying gas into the wind box. A material supply opening portion (20) is mounted to the main body (10) to feed the granular material. A discharge chute (24) is connected to the main body (10) to discharge dried coarse particles.

Abstract: A sandal is formed as a one-piece construction and includes a sole incorporating toe dividing structure that can be shifted to a position wherein toes of a user can be arranged between dividers to enhance the ability of the user to obtain a pedicure. This toe dividing structure is preferably formed by making perforations or cuts in the sole such that the toe dividing structure can be popped out of the sole. The cuts are made to form a number of discrete dividers, with each divider being adapted to be placed between adjacent toes of the user. A strap is also preferably cut out of the sole to aid in securing the sandal to a user's foot. The sole is made of a cushion material to make the sandal comfortable to wear.

Abstract: An elastic shoe pad has an elastic seat and a positioning seat engaging with the elastic seat. The elastic seat has an elastic plate, a plurality of connecting bars disposed on a bottom of the elastic plate, and a plurality of elastic tubes connected to the connecting bars. The positioning seat has a plurality of hollow chambers matching the elastic tubes, and a plurality of upper slots communicating with the hollow chambers. The elastic tubes are inserted in the hollow chambers. An outsole has an upper periphery flange. The elastic shoe pad is disposed on the outsole. The upper periphery flange encloses the elastic shoe pad.

Abstract: An article of footwear, e.g., a shoe for running, jogging, and walling, that is designed to provide a better and more anatomical fit to the wearer's foot to enhance performance and provide better arch support. The shoe includes an articulated arch that is independent from the main sole unit to provide better arch support, optimal comfort, and enhanced articulation. A heel notch is cut in the medial and lateral quarter panels to enable the shoe to move in a manner more like the human foot. A heel clip is provided, in lieu of a traditional heel counter, to provide a secure fit in the heel region without the inflexibility and discomfort of a traditional heel counter.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a camp shoe that is similar in most aspects to a typical shoe. However, to make it easy to pack and tote in a knapsack, for example, this shoe has construction features that permit it to be folded flat to conform with sole of the shoe and, therefore, be easily tucked in and toted in luggage where spare space is typically at a premium. The construction features include a rigid heel counter; a heel support flexibly attached to said heel counter; a pair of upper ankle supports flexibly attached to said heel support; and a pair of lower ankle supports flexibly attached to said upper ankle supports and said heel counter.

Abstract: The boot has a cuff (4) articulated to a shell (1) and means for retaining the cuff which counteract the rearward tilting of the cuff but give way when the force tilting the cuff exceeds a specific value. These means consist essentially of a ramp (12) which is integral with the shell or the other component of the boot and against which a bearing element (8) integral with the cuff bears. The ramp and the bearing element can push one another against the action of a spring (9). An escape position allows the cuff to tilt. Such a boot is intended to prevent tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Abstract: A wing accessory is provided for mounting on each end of a bucket of a front end loader. The accessory comprises a wing which includes a frame having hooks for extending over the front edge of the bucket and a coupling for securement with fasteners to the back side of the bucket. The wing further includes a panel which is supported to extend laterally outward from the front end of the bucket by a pair of struts coupled to the frame to increase the overall width of the bucket. This is particularly useful when using the bucket for collecting loose material from a given area, for example in the removal of snow.

Abstract: A color copying machine includes four image forming sections that are arranged side by side. A conveyor mechanism for conveying a recording sheet is provided under the image forming sections. Located on the downstream side of the conveyor mechanism is a fixing unit for heating the recording sheet, having a transferred toner image thereon, thereby fixing the toner image. A driving roller of the conveyor mechanism, which is located close to the fixing unit, is formed of Nobinite with a low thermal expansion coefficient. Thus, although the driving roller is subjected to thermal expansion by heat from the fixing unit, the traveling speed of a conveyor belt of the conveyor mechanism cannot be changed, so that an output image can be prevented from suffering shifts.

Abstract: A three dimensional impression pin screen has two parallel axially aligned perforated spaced plates. Apertures of each plate have a plurality of pins passing through them which have a head on one end and a cap on the other. The heads and caps prevent the pins from passing out of the plates given any orientation of the pin screen. Magnetic strips or pressure strips equal in width to the spacing between the plates contact the shanks of rows or a row of pins between the plates. Strips magnetized on both sides are used to contact the shanks of pins of two adjacent rows. Each magnetic strip is longer than the pin filled apertures of adjacent rows. Each pressure strip contacts a single row of pins. The strips are of a thickness less than the spacing between the shanks of pins in adjacent rows which have the same aperture spacing. Pins are held in displaced positions by attraction to the magnetic strips or by resistance against the pressure strips.

Abstract: A display apparatus combines a product display container and a plurality of light controlled light sources, wherein the light sources operate to create a visual image advertising the product.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A device for removably holding and pressing a holder or carrier, supporting a graphics or textual display, against the interior of a raisable auto window by means of a leaf spring hooked over the top edge of the window and configured to exert force against the carrier when raised.

Abstract: A modular sign comprises a magnetic backing sheet, a chassis for supporting the backing sheet to provide a stable platform, and one or more sign inserts which may be coated on one side with a magnetically attractive coating so that the inserts can be held magnetically on the backing sheet. The magnetically attractive coating comprises a mixture of hydrogen reduced iron of, preferably about 325 mesh, mixed with a clear enamel printing ink in approximately equal proportions.

Abstract: A display device for displaying sheet-like materials from opposite sides of the device comprises two planar panels. Each of the panels are made of a transparent material, and the two panels are hinged together along respective, corresponding side edges thereof. The panels can thus be moved from a first position in which the panels lie substantially side-by-side to a second position in which the panels pivot about a hinge axis of the hinged sides of the panels to fan apart in a manner similar to adjacent pages of a book. Strips of hook and pile attachment materials are adhered to facing edges of the panels so that when the panels are in their first position, the strips of hook and pile attachment materials engage each other along the mutually respective side edges of the panels to firmly hold the panels in their side-by-side, overlying position.

Abstract: The frame assembly for mounting a picture, painting, photograph or the like includes: a generally rectangular frame having an inwardly extending rear end flange; a backing board having a border or perimeter and being constructed and arranged to be received within the frame; at least two retainers slidably mounted on the backing board and being movable from a position not engaging the rear end flange of the frame and within the border of the backing board to a rear end flange engaging position where a hook of the retainer at a first end of the retainer is positioned beyond the border of the backing board and in front of the rear end flange for holding the backing board in the frame of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A firearm having a frame, barrel, trigger guard and firing assembly and having a trigger for actuating the firing assembly. A trigger mount is connected to the trigger and, when the trigger is in assembly within the frame, is at least partially positioned within the trigger guard. The trigger mount defines a first interlocking geometry. A plurality of trigger shoe elements each having a differing geometry and dimension and provided with a finger engaging portion are provided for selection by a user. Each of the trigger shoe elements defines a second interlocking geometry which is capable of mating with the first interlocking geometry of the trigger mount. Thus, a user of the firearm is enabled to release and remove a trigger shoe from the trigger mount, even when the trigger is in assembly within the firearm and replace it with a trigger shoe element of a different design and dimension and thereby achieve the desired fit and “feel” of the firearm which is desired by the user.

Abstract: A washer shaped chum that can be secured to a fishing line that is particularly designed to release scent in a controlled release manner, the controlled release mechanism allows an extension of the time the fish would be attracted to the region surrounding the bait and the hook, said chum being composed essentially of fishmeal, fish oil, an inorganic salt, an organic hydrophobic substrate and a glident.

Abstract: A plant, which affords moment-by-moment control of quantities of individual substances to be simultaneously diffused into the environment to provide, for example, control of insect pests. Unused active substances are preserved away from light and air.

Abstract: A termite control system kit. A several step process starts with taking a tube with a removal cap at one end, such as a two to four inch PVC tube, and filling the inner chamber with a food source such as rolled cardboard. The tube is then placed with its open end adjacent to a termite population so that live termites can then enter the entrance/exit of the tube to reach the food source. Once termites are inside the tube, the cap is removed from the tube, and a non-edible foraging matrix, such as a disc of loose soil and or sand that is treated with a slow acting and non-repellant toxicant, is placed between the food source in the chamber and the termite entrance/exit of the chamber. Slow acting and non-repellent toxicants can be non-immediate lethal doses of fipronil, chlorfenapyr, imidacloprid, and chlorpyrifos.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved mushroom cultivation materials which are amenable to improved uniformity of application to mushroom beds. The invention features such materials having particulate indicator therein having a color which is discernable from the organic substrates of the cultivation materials. The application may be followed under incandescent, fluorescent or ultraviolet light or in accordance with other means.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, decorative sculptured-plant vase having the appearance of a sculptured head and a sculptured torso for receiving in the sculptured head a plant with leaves, wherein the plant leaves appear to be the hair of the sculptured head. The decorative sculptured-plant vase includes a head-vase section having a curved outer wall with a circular perimeter rim edge for forming a plant-receiving opening, a plant interior chamber and a bottom wall having a stabilizing plug member extending therefrom; the plug member having at least one drainage hole opening formed therein; the plant interior chamber for receiving potting soil and a plant(s) therein; and a torso-base section having a curved upper wall with a circular perimeter rim edge for forming a plug-receiving opening, and a curved lower wall having a substantially curved perimeter rim edge for forming a bottom base opening and a torso inner chamber.

Abstract: A suspended planting container includes a base including an outer periphery and an aperture defining a central vegetation region. An outer wall extends upward from the periphery of the base to a top edge and defines a container region. An inner wall, surrounding the central vegetation region extends upward from the base to a top edge in the interior of the container region. A growing medium retention device is coupled to the top edge of the inner wall to permit vegetation to grow through the perforation into the central vegetation region but prevent growing medium from falling from the container region into the vegetation region.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base portion. The sleeve has a plurality of folds comprising expansion for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, and portions of the skirt portion to extend angularly, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: An access control chamber security system with a security chamber having an aluminum frame and an entrance door and an exit door, a metal detector located within the access control chamber to detect a weapon being carried within the chamber, locks on the doors and control means to prevent the doors from being opened at the same time or prevent the exit door from opening when a weapon is detected, and including improvements such as a side frame member with a cutout section having an insulated member placed therein to provide an open electrical loop in the side frame member, the metal detector having a plurality of coils located in a plurality of zones, a three second time delay from when the manually operated exit door is opened to when the lock on the exit door is re-activated, ballistic fiberglass disposed within a hollow section of the aluminum frame members, floor contact pads with nitrogen disposed within the pads surrounding the metal plates formed therein, a floor contact pad having a plurality of induc

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting and lowering a wide rear liftgate comprising a single power actuator located near only a first side of the liftgate and a torque tube having first and second arms and a central resilient stem. The torque tube is attached to the liftgate with the stem journaled to the liftgate, the first arm adjacent the first side of the liftgate and the second arm attached to a second side of the liftgate. The first arm is attached to the power actuator through a ball stud which extends through a slot in the liftgate. When lifting or lowering the liftgate, the power actuator applies a lifting or lowering force to the first arm twisting the stem and applying the lifting or lowering force to the second side of the liftgate through the second arm. The ball stud then engages the slot applying the lifting or lowering force to the first side of the liftgate.

Abstract: A safety device for a door is arranged to prevent access to the vertical gap situated on the side where the hinges are located between the frame and the rear edge of the door. The safety device comprises a protection unit having at least one tubular element fitted in the gap in vertical alignment with the hinges, and a strip made of flexible or semi-rigid material arranged on the side opposite the tubular element. The fixing part for fixing the strip onto the frame comprises a rounding unit for rounding the strip over the whole height thereof so as to perform preliminary bending of the strip at a predetermined angle. The strip and the plate extending down to the bottom of the door to achieve total protection.

Abstract: A method for making a window assembly for vehicles includes applying a layer of adhesion promoting primer to at least one of an opaque frit layer on a window panel or a mounting member to be bonded to the window panel, applying an adhesive to at least one of the frit layer or mounting member, and forming a joint which bonds the mounting member to the window panel by engaging the mounting member with the frit layer such that the primer and adhesive are disposed therebetween. The joint is capable of withstanding a straight pull load of greater than at least 150 pounds applied at a rate of 25 millimeters per minute without failure.

Abstract: A venting-membrane system for mitigating blast pressure generated from a blast force on a wall structure. The venting-membrane system having a framework including a plurality of parallel structural members defining a wall structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one inflatable enclosure attached to the interior surface of the wall; and at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the exterior surface of the wall wherein the at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the interior surface of the wall is in communication with the at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the exterior surface of the wall.

Abstract: The present invention can be attached to any type of roof which comprises an outer layer attached to a substrate layer. The present invention comprises a block having a base and a top, a snow guard attached to the block, and two rods, each having a first and a second terminal end and a predetermined length therebetween. The first terminal end of each rod is attached to the base of the block. To secure the block to the roof, two holes are placed through the outer and substrate layers of the roof. The base of the block is placed in juxtaposition with the outer layer of the roof, with the second terminal ends of the two rods located through the holes in the roof. The length of the two rods is sufficient to allow the second terminal ends thereof to extend below the substrate layer of the roof.

Abstract: A construction system including a panel support accessory is disclosed. In addition to the panel support construction accessory, the construction system includes at least one structural support member, a construction panel and a coating. The panel support construction accessory includes a front flange having a first side and a second opposite side, a bottom flange extending from the front flange on the first side of the front flange and a back flange extending from the bottom flange opposite the front flange. The front flange, the bottom flange and the back flange form a channel. The back flange is supported by the at least one structural support member. The panel support construction accessory additional includes a forward flange extending from a junction of the front flange and the bottom flange on the second side of the front flange.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass), a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and a bearing member (80). Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90). Bearing member (80) includes a bearing surface (85) adapted for applying coupled bearing forces on compression cap (60) over the tilt angle such that compression cap (60) compresses soil between cap (60) and auger blades (34). In exemplary embodiment, bearing surface (85) is inverse conical or spherical.

Abstract: A wall strengthening component for a building construction, the building construction having a plurality of spaced apart vertical studs within a frame of a building wall or the like, the wall strengthening component includes first and second vertical support members disposed in a spaced apart relationship and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed between the first and second vertical support members. The reinforcing members are configured to resist lateral stress directed against the vertical support members such that the position of the first vertical support member is maintained relative to the position of the second vertical support member. The reinforcing members are configured in a truss-like arrangement forming triangular shaped portions between the vertical support members.

Abstract: A roll-form roof ridge vent having a plurality of hollow cusps and a reinforced nail line. The cusps space the upper surface of the vent from the underlying roof to provide a path of ventilation therebetween. The reinforced nail line permits the use of standard pneumatic roofing nail guns to apply nails to the vent and overlying cap shingles. The reinforced vent resists compression and prevents nail heads of nails driven into hollow cusps of the vent from sinking past the upper surface of the vent. The nail line reinforcement material can be a fabric, elastomeric or other type of material.

Abstract: A window frame for installation onto a structure having exterior siding, the window frame helping to prevent moisture from penetrating into the interior of the structure. The window frame has a frame member onto which is installed a window pane and a C-tunnel, the C-tunnel having a first flange, a second flange that extends outwardly from the first flange in non-perpendicular fashion, and a third flange extending outwardly from the second flange in non-perpendicular fashion. A fourth flange extends along a length of the second flange and acts as a rain stop. Diagonal as well as vertical channels may be located on the second flange.

Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure frame including a frame member having a forward facing channel and at least one power transmission wire located within the forward facing channel.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.

Abstract: A prefabricated structural system uses wall panels having a combination of cold rolled light gauge sheet metal and hot rolled tubular steel. Panels are stacked one on top of each other to form vertical wall assemblies and may be welded directly with their top and bottom members or include intermediate shear connectors. Shear resistance or resistance to lateral forces is provided by a single continuous metal sheet either flat or corrugated (a deck-type sheet) fastened to the steel studs or alternatively diagonal or V-shaped bracing. Connectors between the wall panels provide a gap for a continuous concrete floor. Vertical wall assemblies can be constructed with individual wall panels either on-site or off-site and then tilted up to form a completed building. The vertical assemblies are then connected together by connector beams or ladder frames.

Abstract: A constructional support including three tubes secured to a central support member with the tubes defining guides for drilling holes into the ground and for guiding anchor members as they are being driven into the holes to secure the support with respect to the ground. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes intersect at a point along the longitudinal axis of the central support member. In another embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes each lie in a respective plane which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central support member.

Abstract: A building is constructed employing a base plate adapter mounted by a base plate to the exposed end of a rod imbedded in a concrete pad. The base plate adapter has upright sidewalls enclosing a first insulated wall panel. The next upper wall panel is connected to the first wall panel by interlocking fasteners. Comer connectors have first and second U-shaped brackets enclosing a side portion of a wall panel and each bracket pivots with respect to each other. A roof connector joins a top portion of an insulated wall panel to a roof panel. The connector pivots so that the roof panel can be adjusted with respect to the wall panel until a final fixed position is achieved. A roof cap connector joins the top portion of meeting roof panels. The connector pivots until a final fixed position is achieved.

Abstract: A moisture control panel is used in exterior walls. A wall constructed with the panel has an inner back-up wall component and an outer wall component of a moisture pervious material, for example stucco. The moisture control panel is positioned between the two. It has a base sheet on the inner face of the outer wall component. A set of drying perforations slope downwardly toward the inside through this sheet. This drains moisture from the inside of the outer wall component. On the inside, the base sheet has a set of upwardly sloping bosses which provide an air space on the inside of the moisture control panel providing for air circulation and drainage of any moisture.

Abstract: A stagnant-water intercepting device for disposition in earthworks is formed by an intercepting member and two auxiliary intercepting plates. The intercepting member has a semi-cylindrical center portion and two side wing portions. The semi-cylindrical center portion and the side wing portions are integrated into a single body. The two auxiliary intercepting plates are respectively provided with a plurality of spaced holes at their exposed portions and fixedly fitted into respective ones of the side wing portions of the intercepting member. The portions of the intercepting plates fitted into the side wing portions of the intercepting member are each provided with a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A self-supporting construction element (1, 101) of expanded plastics, in particular for manufacturing floor elements and walls of buildings in general comprises: (1) a central body (2), substantially parallelepipedic in shape and having two opposite faces (6, 7); at least one reinforcing section bar (8,9) transversally extending across the central body (2) between the faces (6,7) thereof and embedded in the expanded plastics; a lath (16) for supporting at least one layer (17) of a suitable covering material, associated to a fin (11,12) of the reinforcing section bar (8,9) lying flush with and substantially parallel to at least one of the faces (6,7) of the construction element (1,101).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a stand-alone adjustable trim strip system that can be used for the attachment of lighting and signs. The trim strip system is designed to conceal hardware used for attaching lighting and signs and also provides for a system that can be adapted to accommodate architectural design. The system has the capability of being suspended from the structure of a building by wires or rods or can be affixed to walls or ceilings by using fasteners. The system is comprised of one or more trim strips and brackets that can be shaped into different polymeric shapes or can be arranged in a grid format. The system has the ability to attach electric lighting and signs while providing for an aesthetically pleasing structure.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A roof covering includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a retainer. The upper portion includes a nailing strip, a water stop, a lock, and a lock indicator. After a first strip of the roof covering is installed on a roof, a second strip of the roof covering is interlocked with and secured to the first strip. A retainer of the second strip is received in the lock of the first strip to secure the strips together. Successive strips of roof coverings are added to a roof until a desired area is covered.

Abstract: A siding panel is formed of a one-piece enclosure delimiting an insulation chamber. An insulating material is disposed in the insulation chamber. The one-piece enclosure defines a male engagement section and a female engagement section, which are engageable with respective engagement sections of adjacent siding panels. In a siding panel system, the panels are thus interlockingly engaged in a stacked relationship. In forming the one-piece enclosure, a suitable plastic material or the like can be formed using a mandrel or other suitable forming tool, or the enclosure can be formed by extrusion or molding to form a seamless enclosure. The insulating material is blown in through a hole formed in an interior surface of the siding panel or through the sides and is selected to obtain a desired R-value for the siding panels.