Abstract: Drink containers with a variety of shapes are disclosed. Each drink container has a shell and an image-carrying sheet molded into the shell. In some embodiments, the image-carrying sheet is a sheet of lenticular lens material. A method of manufacturing the various illustrative drink containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating stand having: (a) a rotatable display; (b) a vertical shaft connected to and extending from the display at a first end, and (c) a shaft assembly, mounted on the shaft, the assembly including: (i) a rotary bearing concentric with the shaft and providing support for the housing and the shaft while allowing the shaft to rotate around a vertical axis; (ii) a coupling functionally attached to the shaft, for rotating the shaft and the display; (iii) a mechanism engaging the coupling and providing rotational energy to the coupling, and (iv) a cordless power supply providing electrical power to the mechanism.

Abstract: A customizable back lighted sign comprising a hollow box-like body having an open side, an illumination source mounted within the body and electrically connected to a power source, a removable cover plate and lens mounted on the body and covering the open side, and thin sheet-like material having visible thereupon data such as numbers and letters and opaque background against which the data is highly visible, the thin sheet-like material being attached to the lens, the data being highly contrasted against the background while at the same time permitting the passage therethrough of light produced by the illumination source from within the box-like body.

Abstract: A display system comprised of a display and a receiver tube that can be mounted to the receiver hitch of a vehicle. The display of this system can accommodate both adhesive backed labels and signs that require mechanical attachment. The receiver tube of this system can be used with either a 1¼ inch receiver hitch or 2 inch receiver hitch. The receiver tube of this display system can accommodate various sizes of hitch-mounting pins. The display of this system can be lighted or non-lighted.

Abstract: A front-loading picture frame includes a base frame that has a front surface and a back surface. A metal sheet made of a magnetically attracting metal is attached to the base frame. The magnetically attracting metal sheet will draw a first magnet toward the metal. A clear lens is attached to the front surface of the base frame. The lens has an interior surface that faces the base frame. A first magnet is attached to the clear lens. The first magnet is attracted to the metal sheet by a magnetic force. The magnetic force holds the clear lens tightly in position on the front surface of the base frame.

Abstract: A personalized picture postcard for holding inserted photographs has a trilaminate structure that includes a backing sheet of a rectangular shape that has an exposed lower surface provided with printed indicia indicating the location of a mailing address and a position for writing a message to the recipient, a rectangular transparent window sheet adhesively bonded to an upper surface of the backing sheet along three aligned side edges to define an envelope therebetween that is open on one end and a magnetic strip sandwiched therebetween and bonded to the backing sheet. The backing sheet has a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive extending along the remaining edge i.e., the free edge thereof. A removable cover strip or liner is releasably secured over the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip to define an open end into which a photo can be inserted by the user. A rectangular border is provided for framing the inserted photo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for the display of art. The holder is mounted to a wall. The art is placed in the holder which des not provide a frame around the art, without attachment to the holder or the wall. The holder does not need to be adjusted to the art nor does the art need to be adjusted to the holder. Art can be readily removed and new art can be placed in the holder without removing the holder from the wall and without resizing of the holder or the art. The art is not damaged by the holder and is protected from damage while exposed to the view of viewers while in the holder. The holder comprises a transparent flat planer face mounted to a wall with an upper and lower support. An opening is formed between the face and the wall by the supports. The art is placed in the opening for display.

Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition.

Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light-gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition. Multi-colored light-gathering means and the creation of hot-spots further improve the present gun sight system.

Abstract: A device for scaring birds comprising a silhouette of a bird of prey having at least one hole there through; a first line having one end rotatably attached to said hole.

Abstract: A device for mechanically impaling a worm on a hook includes a housing enclosing a passageway that terminates in a bait receiving aperture and a hook receiving aperture. Application of suction within the passageway impels a worm at the bait receiving aperture toward and onto a hook located in the passageway at the hook receiving aperture.

Abstract: Dimethyl ether is obtained with at low cost by transporting methanol under room temperature and atmospheric pressure from the methanol producing district to the dimethyl ether consuming district or its neighboring district by converting the raw material containing the transported methanol into dimethyl ether in the consuming district or its neighboring district.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved nutrient supplement that increases the yield of mushrooms, especially Agaricus bisporus. The nutrient supplement consists of polysaccharides (especially cellulose) or polysaccharide-containing materials. The polysaccharides or polysaccharide-containing materials may be mixed with protein-containing and/or vegetable oil-containing materials and/or may be treated to increase the availability of the carbohydrate to the mushroom fungus.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective composite comprising an open mesh weave of thermoplastic material, the weave having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin uniform layer having opposed major surfaces, the layer having on one surface thereof a heat absorbing lace coating and on the other surface thereof a heat reflective discontinuous or intermittent coating.

Abstract: A gardening ornament frame includes a first half netting, a first hollow leg integrally formed on and extending downward from a bottom of the first half netting, a second half netting combined with the first half netting, and a second hollow legs integrally formed on and extending downward from a bottom of the second half netting. Thus, the gardening ornament frame has a predetermined configuration of the animal shape, so that when the plants are grown up, the plants are forced to form the predetermined configuration of the animal shape by confinement of the gardening ornament frame, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the plants.

Abstract: Processes for removing unwanted plants by application of hot foam compositions in which selected surfactant mixtures of alkyl (oligo)glycosides, optionally in combination with other auxiliaries and additives, are added to the hot foam.

Abstract: A method for cultivating crop plants having a shoot-root plant body, wherein during growing, part of the stem adjacent the roots is prepared such that new roots grow on the stem part of the plant. The new roots are brought into contact with a growth medium, such that during production of a crop, the length of the stem between the shoot furthest from the roots and the roots in contact with the grow medium closest to the shoot is maintained at a relatively short length as compared to a normal length of the plant of substantially the same age.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve having a triangular lower end for covering a pot or floral grouping. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion and may have a non-linear or linear upper edge and may have a gusset in the triangular lower end.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a door track to accommodate low overhead areas using a horizontal rail that splits into an upper spur and a lower spur with the lower spur curving downwardly to form a vertical rail. The inverted T cross section of the rails accommodates the rollers of sectional doors while the upright T cross section of the upper spur provides guidance for the uppermost panel of a sectional door in order to achieve vertical alignment of all sectional door panels when the door is closed.

Abstract: An edge protector for a vehicle door includes a bladder formed from a pliable material and a clip for coupling the bladder a door edge. The bladder includes a top layer and a bottom layer formed of a pliable material. The layers are sealed together along a peripheral edge. The bladder includes an inflation port for filling the bladder with a fluid. The clip is a U-shaped plastic clip that is formed to meet and secure to the edge of a vehicle door. The plastic clip is sealed to the bottom layer of the bladder by a heat seal or an adhesive. The ends of the seal are rounded to reduce stress points. The peripheral edge of the door protector is radiused to equalize pressure around the seal for increased burst strength.

Abstract: There is provided a structure of a molding part of a weather strip for use in a rear door by firmly attaching the molding part in the rear door so as to reduce weight and manufacturing costs and ensures sufficient sealing property. The molding part is attached to a recess together with a slide arm 4. The recess is formed at the front lower end of the rear door. The molding part comprises merely a plate insert except sealing function parts. The sealing function parts elastically contact a car body side. The plate insert is fixed to the rear door by bolts and nuts.

Abstract: A weather strip for a vehicle body is disclosed. The weather strip is used for sealing a gap between an opening and a partition panel, and is composed of a grip part attached on the vehicle body, a lip part provided to contact the partition panel, and a connection part connecting the grip part with the lip part. The grip part, the lip part, and the connection part being integral with each other, and upper surfaces of grip part and the lip part are formed approximately as a flat plane so as to improve waterproof property of the weather strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible abrasive product comprising a flexible sheet-like substrate comprising a multiplicity of separated resilient bodies connected to each other in a generally planar array in a pattern which provides open spaces between adjacent connected bodies, each body having a first surface and an opposite second surface; and abrasive particles to cause at least the first surface to be an abrasive surface. A method of making the abrasive is provided by providing the substrate and providing abrasive particles to at least the first surface to provide an abrasive surface.

Abstract: A lapping medium comprising a supporting body and a lapping layer formed on the supporting body. The lapping layer includes an abrasive and a binder. The abrasive comprises silica grains, which are pretreated with at least one coupling agent selected from a group consisting of a silane coupling agent, a titanate coupling agent, and an aluminum-contained coupling agent, and a binder.

Abstract: A polishing composition for a substrate for a magnetic disk, which comprises:

Abstract: The invention relates to a stage, comprising elements, which may be assembled and disassembled from individual pieces, as part of a sub-structure with telescopic pieces (14, 15) and bars (11, 12, 13) fixed thereto, at various angles to the horizontal, to which may be fixed stepped elements for the attachment of superstructure pieces such a seats and railings. Said bars (11, 12, 13), may be pivoted about a pivot point (23, 24, 25), in the region of a first end (16, 17, 18) of a bar (11, 12, 13), in a manner independent of the angle to the horizontal. Each individual bar (11, 12, 13) comprises a first attachment point for stepped elements and the pivot point (23, 24, 25) of a bar (11, 12, 13) is either congruent with the first attachment point (26) or it is immediately adjacent to the pivot point (23, 24, 25).

Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.

Abstract: A flashing structure for mounting onto a roof surface and used for receiving shingles. The flashing structure includes a first drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing structure. The flashing structure also includes a securing lip positioned over the first drainage channel and extending along the same, a gap being defined between the securing lip and the first drainage channel, the gap being shaped and sized for receiving the shingles. The flashing structure also includes a second drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing structure, the second drainage channel being fluidly connected to the first drainage channel. These features can be adapted to various flashings used in the metal roofing industry, including, but not limited to gable-end flashings, end-wall flashings, and valley flashings, as well as other related flashing structures.

Abstract: The invention provides spandrels comprising non-visionary masking material carried by insulating glass units, monolithic panes, and other substrates. In certain embodiments, there is provided a spandrel comprising at least one pane having first and second generally-opposed major surfaces at least one of which is a covered surface bearing a non-visionary covering comprising a plurality of strips of opacifier film. Further, certain embodiments provide a method of constructing a spandrel. The method comprises; providing a pane having first and second generally-opposed major surfaces; and applying a plurality of strips of opacifier film to one of the major surfaces of the pane to define a covered surface bearing a non-visionary covering.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a workpiece such as an anchor at a location underneath a surface such as the surface of the earth comprising an elongate track member having a first end positionable proximate as on the surface and a second end positionable distal the surface, a carriage slidably mounted on the track member for reciprocal movement therealong, a hammer assembly mounted on the carriage and having a hammer head reciprocally movable relative to the carriage in a direction toward and away from the first end of the track member, an operator to effect reciprocation of the hammer head and an actuator to compressively urge the carriage toward the first end of the track member.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.

Abstract: A stairway comprises a one-piece fiber reinforced plastic base having a plurality of riser surfaces and tread surfaces forming steps and a landing surface. The tread surfaces and the landing surface are configured to include an integral reinforcement surface region extending along a length of each tread surface and the landing. A preformed plastic tread member is fastened on a respective one of the tread surfaces of the base, and a preformed plastic landing member fastened on the landing surface. The base comprises a front wall region, first and second side wall regions and a rear wall region integrally formed as one-piece and is comprised of an outer filled resin layer and a plurality of fiber reinforced filled resin layers.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for a storm window, screen window, or like application which securely engages the existing window frame or other structure in which it is disposed without alteration of that frame or structure, and removed without damage. A minimum of tools and techniques are necessary to install or remove the frame, which will be amenable to use in frames or structures in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A post and post mount assembly in a hole in the ground has a socket in the hole, concrete in the annular space between the interior walls of the hole and the exterior of the socket, a post in the socket, a wedge member having a tapered portion filling a gap between the socket and the post.

Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness. The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up. The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other. According to one embodiment, the material in the transverse direction is yarn.

Abstract: A thin brick panel system and method of forming a thin brick wall includes an expanded polystyrene foam panel having a plurality of laterally extending channels formed therein for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the channels in the foam panel and the seams between adjacent bricks are filled with a mortar that bonds to the foam panel. The foam panel may be attached to a substrate with an adhesive as well as fasteners. Strips of a mesh fabric may span several panels to bind the panels together to form a structurally sound thin brick wall.

Abstract: There is provided a flooring system for hardwood floors comprised of a plurality of elongated slats wherein the slats are held in position by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a base secured to a substrate, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the base, and a generally horizontal portion extending into a groove formed in a side wall of the elongated slat. The system permits the slats to be installed with a minimum of labor and also permits removal of the slats and their later re-use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ceiling panel that is used with a corresponding grid system to create a shingle-type ceiling structure. The panels, are arranged in the grid system to create various patterns including shingles, saw teeth, undulations, pin wheels, among others and are designed to enhance the appearance of retail and office space. The ceiling is comprised of a grid system made up of intersecting grid members suspended from the building structure with hangers. The grid members are rigid preformed members that include a base portion a bridge portion and a bulb portion. The base portion is perpendicularly oriented to the bridge member and is adapted to support the panels. The panels are square when viewed in plan view but have a tapered cross-section about all or part of the panels. The panels can be fabricated out of polycarbonate or metal and can be opaque or translucent.

Abstract: A dendritic web solar cell shingled array comprises at least two dendritic web solar cells. A first cell overlaps a portion of a second cell such that a back contact of the first cells interconnects with a top contact of the second cell. The cells are less than 150 microns thick, allowing a direct connection between the back contact and top contact of the two cells without the use of a visible busbar. The cells may be shingled together using soldering material and/or electrically conductive adhesives.

Abstract: There has been disclosed a cast stone (1) for securing traffic areas outdoors, with the stone (1) bearing at least one pair consisting of a protrusion (9) and an adjacent recess (10) substantially matching the form of the protrusion of the adjoining laid stone (1). It is provided that the tip of the protrusion (9) and the bottom (13) of the recess (10) have an integrally moulded layer (12) of material facing away from the associated lateral face (3, 4).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling rig base and a lower mast section that are collapsible into a compact transportable position. The base is expandable in the field to support a drilling platform and all necessary equipment, and the telescoping mast is also expanable for supporting the crown block and cables of the drawworks. More specifically, the rig of the present invention has a base having a plurality of beams, the outer beams being collapsible to a transportable position for placing on a single truck or trailer, and the A-frame lower mast section which is collapsible to a transportable position for placing on a single truck or trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding in the proper position and location reinforcing steel in the center of a grouted concrete masonry unit cell. A means for safely and easily positioning rebar in in masonry walls.

Abstract: A business method for measuring or manufacturing well covers that allows the use of a template to record the contour of the air terminal of a retaining wall of a window well that can be transported to the manufacturer to provide visual indicia from which well covers can be dimensioned to fit.

Abstract: In order to store thermoplastic preforms in a container, the outside faces of the preforms are treated so as to make said outside faces more slippery, and the preforms are stored in bulk in the container, with the outside faces of the preforms after treatment presenting a coefficient of friction that is low enough to ensure that the packing density, i.e. the number of preforms stored per unit volume, is greater than the packing density that would be obtained under the same conditions with non-treated preforms.

Abstract: A method of shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover includes a sheet of material formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The method includes providing a portable platform having a plurality of stacking shells disposed therefrom. Each stacking shell is configured to be received in the object opening of one of the preformed flower pot covers. A stack of preformed flower pot covers is formed on each of the stacking shells such that the preformed flower pot covers of the stack are nested within one another and supported on the stacking shell and secured to the portable platform. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers is then transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a package for containing and displaying cosmetic products and to a process for manufacturing the same. The package comprises a component (5) suitable to contain at least one cosmetic product (4). Said component (5) is made of a material that is poured and left to harden.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of automatically stuffing folder pockets includes providing a folder with one or more pockets; providing one or more inserts which can be of differing sizes; the accumulation of the one or more inserts in a stack for insertion into the one or more pockets of the folder; opening the one or more pockets of the folder; and the insertion of the accumulated stack of the one or more inserts into the one or more folder pockets. Predetermined inserts can be selectively processed and stuffed into selected folder pockets. An embodiment also can fold the folder, producing a final product of a stuffed folder ready for distribution.

Abstract: An equestrian riding aid is disclosed which includes a girth strap which surrounds the girth of a horse, and a back strap which surrounds the back of a rider. The girth strap passes along the thighs of the rider and promotes the rider to learn and maintain the correct riding posture on the horse. The straps are connected by a quick-release buckle which allows the straps to be released from one another quickly and easily by the rider.

Abstract: A venturi booster mounted between axially aligned first and second filter elements in a dust collector of the type having a compressed air source for conveying pulses of compressed air to the filter elements for periodically reverse flow cleaning of the filter elements, the venturi booster being constructed and arranged to divide the compressed air flow to retain approximately 50% of the air flow within the first filter element and the balance passing through the venturi booster into the second filter element.