Abstract: This invention provides a process for manufacturing electronic circuits, according to which soldering can be carried out without using flux by applying a metal surface treatment procedure which allows oxide film, organic matters, carbon or the like on the surface of metal to be easily removed without using complex process nor unfavorably affecting electronic devices or circuit substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece implementation device that fabricates individual workpieces, positions them at their point of use on a component, and connects the workpieces to the components. The device further comprises an accessory assembly capable of shaping the workpieces, coating the workpieces with an adhesive or solderable material, burnishing the point of use on the component, and testing the connection between the workpieces and the component. The positioning, attaching, and accessory assemblies of the workpiece implementation device are adapted to selectively perform their individual functions without the necessity of first repositioning the component or the implementation device. Accordingly, the present invention increases overall production efficiency by integrating several separate implementation tools and workstations into a single, adaptable device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board, which ensures connections between vias. First, insulating sheets are attached to respective end faces of inner via holes formed through an insulating layer, and then a new insulating layer is formed on the insulating layer. Then, a circuit pattern is formed on the new insulating layer, and then each land formed on the new insulating layer at a location opposed to a corresponding one of the inner via holes is perforated by using a laser beam to have a hole continuous with an inner hole of the corresponding inner via hole. Thereafter, plating is carried out to form a build-up via for connecting between each of the lands and the corresponding inner via hole. The same process is repeatedly carried out whenever a new insulating layer is provided on the existing layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer saw and method of using the same for dicing semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer saw including variable lateral indexing capabilities and multiple blades. The wafer saw, because of its variable indexing capabilities, can dice wafers having a plurality of differently sized semiconductor devices thereon into their respective discrete components. In addition, the wafer saw with its multiple blades, some of which may be independently laterally or vertically movable relative to other blades, can more efficiently dice silicon wafers into individual semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method of constructing an electric apparatus, comprising the following steps. First, a set of dielectric layers is provided. Next, a set of conductive features and at least one fiducial marking are formed on a first one of the dielectric layers, in mutual reference to each other so that their relative positions are known to a first tolerance. Then, a set of pin holes is formed in each dielectric layer, each pin hole formed in relation to the fiducial marking for its dielectric layer and all of the sets of pin holes having a mutually identical placement. Finally the dielectric layers are arranged onto a pin fixture having a set of pins that match the mutually identical placement of the pin holes.

Abstract: In a method of producing a resin gear, after applying a gear cutting having a gear cutting direction toward the gate forming portion onto an outer periphery surface of a resin rim layer, the gate forming portion is cut and removed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a variable-diameter gear pair operable with a conjugate action therebetween includes the steps of providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece, each having a minor and a major diameter portion in spaced relation therefrom along a longitudinal axis. At least one gear tooth is formed within the first (second) workpiece for forming at least one first (second) gear body, wherein the at least one gear tooth within the first (second) at least one gear body curves outwardly in a radial and axial direction from the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the at least one gear tooths includes a width dimension that changes in size between the minor and major diameter portions. Each of the first and second at least one gear bodies has the variable diameter and variable pitch for forming a gear pair operable with each other with a conjugate action therebetween.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.

Abstract: A jewelry ring assembly includes a base ring having an annular channel on its outer surface and a retained ring disposed in that channel to be freely rotatable about the base ring and capable of wobbling in the channel. The base ring is a single piece of metal and its retaining channel is smoothly concave in width between raised annular edges. The base ring is formed from a cylindrical blank initially having a constant outside diameter across its width, which diameter is smaller than the retained ring inside diameter. The method of fabricating the ring assembly begins with flaring one edge radially outward to a final diameter larger than the retained ring inside diameter. The retained ring is moved over the unflared edge, after which that edge is also flared to the final diameter. Enlarging the annular edges in separate steps permits the base ring to be formed from a single piece of metal while presenting a retaining channel having a smooth concave width.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus comprises at least two shaving heads (3), each having an external cutting member (4) and an internal cutting member (5) which is drivable relative to this external cutting member, each external cutting member having shaving fields (7, 8-19, 20-21, 22) with hair-entry apertures (9, 10) of different types, including one type for cutting long hairs (pre-shaving) and one type for cutting short hairs (close shaving). In order to improve the shaving performance the shaving fields (7, 8-19, 20-21, 22) of the same type of two adjacent external cutting members (4) are directed towards one another. Preferably, the shaving fields (7, 19, 21) for short hairs are situated in a central area of the shaving apparatus and the shaving fields (8, 20, 22) for long hairs are situated around the first-mentioned fields or at least in an area near the periphery of the shaving apparatus.

Abstract: A folding tool (14, 60) including a locking mechanism for keeping a knife blade (2, 72) or other tool blade in an extended position or a folded position with respect to a handle (1, 62). A locking body (3, 90, 90′, 142, 150, 162) extending between the sides (16, 18, 64, 68) of the handle (1, 62) is moveable transversely, between a locking position and a releasing position. A flat locking face (42, 102) of the locking body (3, 90) engages a flat engagement surface (44, 104) on the blade (2, 72) when the blade is in the extended position. A ball detent including a projecting ball surface (98) and a mating detent cavity (112) may be used to keep the blade in its folded position with respect to the handle. Another detent includes inclined surfaces (128, 132).

Abstract: A manually guided implement having an air-cooled internal combustion engine for driving a tool is provided. The engine is disposed in a housing, with cooling air being conveyed by a fan wheel that is fixedly held on the crankshaft of the engine and that is accommodated in a cooling air spiral case that is open toward the engine. Formed in the housing is an air inlet via which ambient air can be drawn into the cooling air spiral case. A base of the spiral case is disposed between the fan wheel and the engine and is provided with a second cooling air inlet that provides communication between the interior of the housing and portions of the cooling air spiral case that convey cooling air.

Abstract: An jig for a hand-held saw having a powered blade includes a slotted trammel arm, one end of the arm being formed for fixably engaging a guide holder of the saw. A clamp assembly fixably locatable on the workpiece includes a frame having a planar face member for contacting a face of the workpiece, an edge member perpendicular to the face member for contacting an edge of the workpiece, the clamp assembly defining a pivot axis that is oriented perpendicular to the face member; a pivot member rotatably connected to the clamp assembly on the pivot axis and projecting from the face member opposite the edge member, the pivot member having a head portion and a shank portion that protrudes the slot of the arm.

Abstract: A hand saw for penetrating and cutting drywall, comprising a handle, an elongated blade having generally opposed blade top and bottom edges, the blade top edge being flat and said blade bottom edge having saw teeth for cutting drywall, the blade having an inner end and an opposed free end area, the inner end being attached to the handle and the free end area having a tapered sharpened cutting edge extending from the blade bottom edge at the saw teeth to the blade top edge. The cutting edge is formed by a pair of inwardly tapered flat surfaces of the blade between the blade top and bottom edges at the free end area that converge at the sharpened cutting edge. A pointed tip is defined by the blade flat top side and the tapered cutting surface and the pair flat surfaces and by the blade flat top side. A hand stop is connected to the top side of the handle. The blade bottom edge is slightly tapered upwardly relative to the blade top edge between the handle and the free end area at the sharpened cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention features a disposable razor unit having a razor head which is detachable from the handle. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle has attachment means which consists of three prongs which extend outward from the handle. The center prong has a tooth on the underside of the end opposite the handle. The razor head has a chamber which receives the attachment means of the handle when the razor head and the handle are coupled. The chamber has a clearance slot and a locking shoulder at its innermost, central point into which the tooth of the middle prong fits to fasten the razor head and handle together. The fit between the handle and the razor head is such that the razor head may be removed by a forward force exerted on the top of the chamber by the user, however the fit is sufficient that the handle and the razor head will not become separated by normal forces encountered during shaving.

Abstract: A surveying instrument having an AF apparatus, provided with a focusing lens and a collimation telescope, includes a focus detector for detecting a focus state through the collimation telescope, and a controller for moving the focusing lens of the collimation telescope to a focal position, based on the focus state detected by the focus detector. The surveying instrument includes a single focus mode at which only one detection of the output of the focus detector and only one control operation of the controller based on the detected output are carried out, and a continuous focus mode at which a plurality of detections of the output of the focus detector and a plurality of control operations of the controller based on the detected outputs are sequentially carried out, the single focus mode and the continuous mode being selectively performed.

Abstract: A quoin form device and method for constructing a quoin corner and a regular corner on a structure. The quoin form includes a two frames rotatably joined by a central hinge. The frames include parallel proximal and distal members joined by a series of cross-members. Slots are defined between the cross-members to allow egress of mortar during bricklaying. Spacers are attached to the frame, to provide along with the frame, a surface for arranging bricks in a protruding pattern. The frame removably attaches to the structure via a pair of braces and is supported by brackets attached to the bottom of the frame. The regular corner is of a similar configuration but without the spacers so that the brick are flush with an adjoining wall. Furthermore, the method includes use of a twig for quickly running and securing a leveling line to serve as a guide in laying courses of brick.

Abstract: A measuring tag for releasable securement to a garment belt to facilitate the cutting of the belt to a desired size. The belt has a buckle including a throat for releasably clamping a first end of the belt to it. The tag is an elongated planar member whose periphery includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of longitudinally extending side edge. The top edge has an ear folded back over itself to form a socket having a stop surface against which a first end portion of the belt abuts. The ear and the first end of the belt are releasably received in the throat of the buckle. The measuring tag also includes a surface, e.g., the rear, on which measuring indicia are provided. That indicia is a longitudinally extending size chart including a pair of side-by-side rulers showing belt sizes in inches and pant sizes in inches.

Abstract: An adaptable neck tie tying method and template system are provided that can be customized to individual users, incorporated into the tie itself, as well as transferred from tie to tie.

Abstract: An alignment tool for assembling a rear plate and a frame of a flat display panel is introduced. The rear plate includes a front surface, a rear surface opposing to the front surface for adhering with the frame in an aligning process, and an alignment mark located at the front surface. The alignment mark has a predetermined thickness and is protruded from the front surface. The alignment tool includes a base, a clamp arm and an upper arm. The base further includes a base top surface and an alignment notch. The base top surface is used for contacting with the front surface of the rear plate and the alignment notch has at least two alignment sides for matching with the alignment mark. The clamp arm is protruded from the base, and the upper arm is protruded from the clamp arm and used for aligning with the frame. The upper arm includes an arm lower surface parallel to and spaced apart from the base top surface by a predetermined distance for forming an open space in between.

Abstract: A sole structure having an outsole that extends from a heel region to a forefoot region of a shoe and a midsole that is disposed inside the outsole and extends from the heel region to a midfoot region of the shoe. The outsole includes a corrugated portion at a heel portion thereof. The midsole includes a corrugated portion at a heel portion thereof, which corresponds to the corrugated portion of the outsole. A plurality of cleats are provided at a bottom surface of the outsole. Forming the corrugated portion on the outsole makes it possible to secure a running stability. The sole structure having double layers with the outsole and the midsole decreases the weight of the shoe, simplifies a manufacturing process, and reduces a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner sole for a shoe, comprising a base body, a covering layer and several cushioned layers arranged on the surface of the sole. A first cushioned layer is provided in the ball area of the forefoot, a second cushioned layer is included in the transition area of the metatarsus and the tarsus and a third cushioned area is provided between the metatarsus and the heel. The cushioned layers are subdivided into individual, separate plateau-like fields which are located close to each other in the transversal direction of the sole surface. This provides an inner sole which brings about a substantial improvement in the transport of fluids in the venous and lymphatic vessel system in the legs during movement of the foot joints and ankle joints by means of synergistic support of the muscle structure.

Abstract: Lacing apparatus comprising a lace which may be threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of one or more articles; connecting means for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and mechanical locking means for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boot for a ski or an in-line roller skate has a flexible upper and a sole allowing the foot to flex during walking. Its sole has a rigid part in the rear region of the boot, over about one half of the length of the sole, this rigid part being designed so as to form an interface between the heel and a binding of the ski or in-line roller skate. The interface may be standard, that is to say independent of the boot size.

Abstract: Crampon and snowshoe combinations are disclosed, wherein the crampon or terrain-engaging cleat can be a traditional ice crampon used on a rigid and essentially unbending boot, or a soft boot cleat which engages only the front portion of the boot, forward of the heel, permitting boot flexing. The snowshoe has in a toe or ball area a registry plate configured to engage with the crampon, preferably between depending teeth or other structure of the crampon, and preferably with a self-centering feature as the crampon is lowered down onto the registry plate. Once the cleat or crampon is fully engaged down against the plate, it is substantially locked in position against relative shifting or rotation, and lifting of the boot off the back of the crampon is restricted by clips or straps, preferably flexible straps extending up from the registry plate and securable to brackets or hooks on the crampon device. Specific configurations of cleats or crampons are also disclosed, for use with or without snowshoes.

Abstract: A combined sleeve having an open bottom which fits over a post or other vertical member includes an integrated message panel formed in the upped end when installed. The combined sleeve and sign holder according to the invention is preferably made of synthetic/polymeric material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, or any other sufficiently durable material, using any suitable process, including an injection mold, blow mold, or rotational-type mold. Depending upon the process used, the article may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or components may be joined through any suitable form of attachment process, including the use of adhesives and/or welding. The message may be supported to the sleeve in a variety of ways, depending upon the need for interchangeability vs. permanence. In the preferred embodiment, the signage is fully integrated into the upped end through the use of decals, which are included in the mold and integrally formed with the article during the molding process.

Abstract: A firing device for a gun which is used in a target practice and competitive shooting system, said firing device being such, that it activates computer processing of the shot, and said firing device comprising a trigger frame (1), to which a trigger (2) is attached, and a firing mechanism (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) connected to the trigger which is used for firing the gun when the trigger is pressed.

Abstract: A removable grip for a fishing rod may be attached and removed from the fishing rod. The removable grip includes a cylindrical main body that is formed by a pair of semi-cylindrical half shells that when joined together define the cylindrical main body of the grip. The two half shells are each formed with an elongated recess that together define a central bore of the main body for receiving a portion of the fishing rod. The central bore is lined with an anti-skid material that engages the fishing rod such that the grip and the rod are not likely to move with respect to one another. The half shells are secured to one another by any of a variety of securing means, such as Velcro™ strap members, elastic cap members that are fixed to opposite ends of the main body, wedge members that fit into recesses formed in each half shell, or a strap that wraps around the outer circumference of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a combination fishing lure comprising a common crankbait and jacket. The removable jacket is a highly elastic covering molded into a seamless, elongated shell that is stretchable over the crankbait. The thickness of the jacket provides a natural flesh-like texture to wood, hard plastic or metal crankbaits while protecting the crankbait from scratches caused by fish strikes or by collision with other objects.

Abstract: A fishing device, including a wall, the wall defining a large opening, a small opening, and a slit, the large opening operably communicating with the small opening through the slit; and an interior surface of the wall, the interior surface being frustoconical in shape and a method of threading a fishhook including the steps of at least partially circumscribing an eyelet of a fishhook with a curved surface of a wall; and directing fishing line adjacent the curved surface and through the eyelet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe system for termite-proofing a sub-floor area of a structure having a foundation penetrated by at least one penetration comprising:

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping about a floral grouping and a method for wrapping the floral grouping, the wrapper having a handle formed from a portion of the sheet of material for carrying the wrapper with the floral grouping disposed therein. The wrapper may comprise one or more sheets of material. The sheet may have more than one handle portion formed thereon.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A self-watering tray includes a plate and a leg. The leg is filled with a material which provides a fluid conduit capable of draining water or fluid from a plant pot or box into the plate and of sucking water from the plate to the plant pot or box when needed. The plant pot or box can be a conventional plant pot or box. The top end of the leg is inserted into the plant pot or box. In addition, a self-watering pot-shaped apparatus is disclosed to allow fluid to be sucked or drained from one section of the apparatus to another section of the apparatus. Further, the tray or pot-shaped apparatus includes air vents on its side walls. Various arrangements and configurations of the tray and pot/tray are implemented in the self-watering pot-shaped apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation filter includes a plurality of hydrogen extraction layers, a plurality of separation layers with hydrogen separation films, and a plurality of reformed gas layers, which are laid one upon another in the sequence of the extraction layer, the separation layer, the reformed gas layer, and the separation layer to form a laminate structure. The respective layers are composed of porous ceramic material to ensure the required strength. The direction of the gas flow in the reformed gas layers and that in the extraction layers are respectively fixed to simplify the gas intake and discharge structure. The hydrogen separation filter is covered with a casing via a cushioning member to ensure the sufficient strength and the required sealing properties. A methanation catalyst that accelerates methanation of carbon monoxide is carried on either the separation layer or the extraction layer.

Abstract: A zero-pollution wastes disposal and clean-energy generation system is improved by introducing to it a catalyst to lower down the gasification temperature and to prolong the life of the gasification reactor, a simultaneous direct and indirect heat transfer to supply the heat required for carbon-steam reaction and a means for extracting clean water from raw sewage sludge to supply the steam required by carbon-steam reaction. These improvements increase the efficiency and economy of the system and promote the smoothness of its operation.

Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door. The plug is used for operatively connecting an overhead shaft to a torsion spring co-axially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions and is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring thereon, the torsion spring having a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar and is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft The plug is characterized in that the collar is eccentrically mounted about the overhead shaft, thereby allowing the plug to be used when the radial space between the plug and the overhead shaft is limited and also preventing the overhead shaft from being damaged by the free end of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A movement device for pieces of furniture, for articulating a door with respect to a stationary structure, comprises a first articulation element (12; 12a . . . ) linked to the door and pivotable with respect to the stationary structure, and a second articulation element (14) hinged to the stationary structure, the ends of said two articulation elements being hinged together, the first articulation element having an elastically variable extension, so that said two elements may assume with respect to one another a stable retracted position and a stable extended position, passing through a succession of unstable positions, and further comprises adjusting means (30; 30a; 30b . . . ) for adjusting the distance between an axis (a16) of the hinge between the two elements and a rotation axis (a13) of the second element with respect to the stationary structure.

Abstract: The window sash allows window glasses to be fitted to and removed from the window sash without removing the window sash, so that the fitting and removing work of the window glass is simplified. In the lower stage of an outer rail (31) and an inner rail (32) of a lower frame (3), is removably inserted a spacer (6) which is made of an elastically deformable hard resin material or the like and which has a generally trapezoidal, uniform cross-sectional shape with its top face (6a) larger in width than its bottom face (6b). The top face (6a) of the spacer (6) forms the bottom face of upper stages of an outer rail (31) and an inner rail (32).

Abstract: A horizontal sliding window comprising a glazed section and a screen section and means for opening, closing, locking, and unlocking requiring no more than five pounds of initial force to open, close, lock, and unlock the sections. In the preferred embodiment, the window is reversible before and after installation. The window comprises frame and sash members of aluminum, preferably 6063 T5 aluminum, or vinyl, preferably multi-chambered extruded vinyl. The sections slide on a stainless steel track and use rollers which are adjustable without removing a sash, preferably enclosed ball bearing rollers.

Abstract: A removable door and hinge for a container. The hinge has at least one tang that has an eccentric cross section with a shortest dimension and a longest dimension. The tang, and preferably a pair of tangs, is operably connected to the door and rotatably engageable within an inner cross section of a bracket. The bracket is operably connected to the container and has an opening wide enough to receive the shortest dimension of the tang and too narrow to receive the longest dimension of the tang. The bracket inner cross section is dimensioned to allow rotation therein of the tang cross section through an arc of about 90 degrees.

Abstract: There is provided an aqueous dispersion for CMP with an excellent balance between chemical etching and mechanical polishing performance. The aqueous dispersion for CMP of the invention is characterized by comprising an abrasive, water and a heteropolyacid. Another aqueous dispersion for CMP according to the invention is characterized by comprising an abrasive, water, a heteropolyacid and an organic acid. Yet another aqueous dispersion for CMP according to the invention is characterized by comprising colloidal silica with a primary particle size of 5-100 nm, water and a heteropolyacid. Preferred for the heteropolyacid is at least one type selected from among silicomolybdic acid, phosphorotungstic acid, silicotungstic acid, phosphoromolybdic acid and silicotungstomolybdic acid. Preferred for the organic acid is at least one selected from among oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid.

Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a roof structure and a portable building with such a roof structure, the roof structure in certain aspects including a top, a plurality of interconnected roof side walls defining an inner space between the roof side walls that is covered by the top, each roof side wall having an interior surface within the roof structure, and a support connected to or formed of and projecting inwardly from at least part of the interior surface of at least one of the roof side walls, the support for supporting at least one wire-like item and/or at least one hollow tubular.

Abstract: A ground anchor, such as a tent peg, includes a channel-section, ground-penetrating base member, and a second member at or adjacent one end of the base member. The second member projects (or is capable of projecting) from the base member at an inclination thereto and is provided with an attachment point for a tether.

Abstract: A tabletop high relocateable shelter for protecting individuals from dangerous conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and the like, that can withstand winds of approximately 450 mph. The shelter can be attached and detached from a concrete foundation. A rectangular frame that is formed from L-shaped longitudinal members are fastened together and can be anchored to the concrete foundation by hook ended anchor bolts that have exposed threaded ends that nuts can attach thereto, or by concrete type bolts made for that purpose. Removable panels can be attached to the outside of the frame to form walls and a roof using fasteners such as screws and bolts. A door can be attached to an opening in the side of the frame, and include L-shaped members that form door braces and hinge guards that allow the door to stay in a stationary closed position. Slideable latching members can further hold the door in a locked position.

Abstract: Light dispersive insulated glazing units are disclosed. The light dispersive insulated glazing units comprise two lites of glazing material, spaced apart from and opposing one another and a visible light dispersive film, such as a hologram or diffraction grating, interposed between confronting surfaces of the lites. Methods for producing these light dispersive insulated glazing units are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab for forming a deck in a bridge superstructure has a chamfer on forward and trailing edges so that adjacent slabs can mate. The slab is reinforced with bars which protrude laterally from the slab on opposite sides and which, in use, extend over support beams. Selected bars are formed in a castellated shape of which inverted U-shaped portions extend above the surface of the precast concrete slab. Conveniently, the U-shaped portions anchor a concrete topping which is poured over the slabs at a bridge site and also provide locations for hooking a crane used to transport the slab at a site.

Abstract: A wall panel assembly comprising a curved, upwardly opening channel and a support member having a downwardly extending insert portion. The insert portion is inserted into the channel. A component is attached to the support member. In a preferred embodiment, a rail member comprises the channel and is removeably attached to a wall panel frame. In another aspect, the wall panel further includes at least a second channel and a second support member engaged with the second channel. The second support member being further attached to the component. In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the second support members include a rotatable cam member that releasably engages the component. A method is also provided for configuring a wall panel with an off-module component.