Abstract: A display for an article of sports memorabilia, where the display is configured to resemble a seat from a sports venue at a substantially reduced scale. The display includes a generally horizontal shelf member for receiving an article of sports memorabilia, and support means for supporting the shelf member at a raised elevation. The display is particularly useful for displaying various items of sports memorabilia and other similar collectibles, including balls, pucks, and sports equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for attaching a plurality of cloth-like front and rear panels, having advertisements depicted thereon, to an athlete's uniform or equipment. For example, the panels can be attached to a waistband of boxing trunks. Attachment of the panels to the waistband is preferably accomplished by means of hook and loop fastener material. The plurality of panels, each preferably having a unique advertisement thereon, are all attached, in a staggered fashion, prior to a fight. Once the first round ends, a first front and rear panel is removed to reveal a second front and rear panel depicting new advertisements. In this fashion, twenty-four unique advertisements may be displayed during a single 12-round fight. Such advertising panels can be implemented into any sporting event assuming the rules of the particular sport provide for such nonessential equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning product packages on a scanning hook, is provided through utilization of product facing device adapted to be mounted on the upper arm of the scanning hook for sliding movement there along and adapted to be gripped adjacent the outer distal end of the upper arm regardless of the position of the facing device along the upper arm, for facing product packages supported on the lower arm of the scanning hook. The facing device includes a forked element extending downward from the upper arm past the lower arm of a scanning hook, and an elongated pulling member extending along the upper arm of the scanning hook from the forked element forward to the outer distal end of the upper arm, where the pulling member terminates in a grip element that may also be a label holder.

Abstract: A fishing rod is strengthened with a metal reinforcement chosen from a metal coating deposited on a formed rod section and a metal wire in a substantially non-crossing arrangement, or a combination of these. In a base section of the rod, wire is wrapped in a single spiral direction so that the wire substantially does not cross itself. In a tip section, wire is arranged to follow the elongated section in a long spiral or substantially linear path, again not substantially crossing itself. The absence of crossing wires allows improved sensitivity and casting accuracy in the rod and eliminates the potential for crossing wires to separate when the rod flexes.

Abstract: A device for holding an ice fishing rod is disclosed. The device is comprised of a rod holder, a base and a strap. The rod holder is shaped to hold an ice fishing rod, at the handle of the ice fishing rod, in a substantially horizontal position. The base is shaped to fit the thigh of a fisherman. Preferably, the base is a container with a hinged lid, the container having a plurality of compartments to hold fishing bait and fishing lures. The strap is attached to the base and is of sufficient length to fit around the thigh of the fisherman. Preferably, the strap has a buckle at each end. This device is intended to be strapped to the thigh of a seated ice fisherman. An ice fishing rod may be inserted into the rod holder. The fisherman may fish and tend to bait or lures at the end of his or her fishing rod hands-free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple and effective insect extermination device with which insects are killed by slowly advancing the device towards the insects and squashing them. The inventive device is preferably produced from perspex and comprises a base plate (1), a joint (2), a handle (3) and handle extension pieces (4, 5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to iron-organo compounds and the use of such compounds in the regeneration of particulate filter traps in combustion systems such as high-compression spontaneous ignition engines.

Abstract: A dynamic, compact, lightweight fuel processor that is capable of converting carbonaceous fuels to hydrogen rich gases suitable for all types of fuel cells or chemical processing applications. The fuel processor and process are based on the autothermal hydrodesulfurizing reforming reaction, followed by clean up of byproduct sulfur-containing gases and carbon monoxide that poison the fuel cell electrocatalyst. The fuel processor uses proprietary catalysts and hardware designs that enable the conversion in an energy efficient manner while maintaining desirable performance characteristics such as rapid start-stop and fast response to load change capabilities.

Abstract: This invention provides a tray liner that is insertable into a mushroom-growing tray. This invention provides a tray liner that provides protection to the mushroom-growing tray by eliminating direct contact of the growing medium or compost with the trays' interior wood The tray liner has a rectangular base member with a periphery of upstanding sidewalls joined to the base portion. There is a notch section located at each corner of the rectangular base member that accommodates an upstanding corner frame member located at each corner of the wooden mushroom growing tray. The notch section has a contiguous wall that is joined with the periphery of upstanding sidewalls and the base member. An alternative embodiment is to provide a replaceable mushroom growing tray liner that comprises a plurality of sections.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly system (10) and corresponding method are provided for the conditioning of an indoor space (50), particularly of a greenhouse (60), in terms of the temperature, the humidity and sterility thereof. Air is forced into the indoor space (50) via a cloud of drops to form an air-water mixture, thereby conditioning the airstream as desired. The mixture then passes through a diffuser arrangement (30) to remove much of the water entrained by the airstream, and the resulting flow is provided to the indoor space (50). The degree of conditioning may be controlled by adjusting the delivery pressure and the form and density of water drops in the cloud, and the water drops optionally contain an evaporable biocide. Preferably, the system maintains a positive air pressure throughout the defined indoor space (50).

Abstract: An outer margin of a lining sheet is secured to a land border of a pond by a device comprising an elongate member and a plurality of fasteners, such as metal or polymeric stakes. The elongate member defines a wall and a flange projecting from the wall, meeting the wall at a junction dividing the wall into an upper portion and a lower portion, and being divided into a series of tabs enabling the wall to flex, each tab having a preformed hole. Each fastener has a pointed shank, which is driven through the preformed hole of a respective one of the tabs of the flange, through the outer margin of the lining sheet, into the land border of the pond, whereby to secure the outer margin of the lining sheet to the land border of the pond so that the upper portion of the wall projects upwardly and defines a landscaping or hardscaping border and so that the lower portion of the wall projects downwardly into the pond to limit uplifting of the lining sheet.

Abstract: A floral container having a decorative feature on the outer surface thereof and having a removable protective layer disposed over the decorative feature and attached to the outer surface of the floral container and a method of use thereof wherein a botanical item is cultivated at a cultivation location then transported to a point of sale location where the protective layer is removed prior to sale of the floral container having the botanical item therein.

Abstract: A circumferential sleeve for protecting the roots of a plant in a container or pot from temperature extremes. The sleeve is formed from a flexible composite material that comprises an outer layer of a reflective material secured to an inner layer of an insulative material. A sheet of the composite material has two opposing ends that may be coupled together with various fasteners to form the circumferential sleeve or barrier around a single pot or a pot assembly. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light-colored reflective outer layer, the plant's roots are exposed to a narrower range of temperature extremes. Preferably, the sleeve is secured to a stabilized base pot adapted to receive a production pot containing soil and a plant.

Abstract: A substantially liquid impermeable package for wrapping about a floral grouping or potted plant is disclosed, as well as methods for producing and using same. The substantially liquid impermeable package is formed of a flexible sleeve constructed from a material which is substantially liquid impermeable and which includes at least one layer of polymeric film. The flexible sleeve is provided with seals in a sidewall and closed lower end thereof which are substantially liquid impermeable.

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 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.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a botanical item and a growing medium and having a base portion with expansion elements in the sides for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A collapsible container stored and shipped in a substantially planar configuration and expanded into the form of a flower pot or flower pot cover. The collapsible container includes a plurality of rigid segments and a connecting member for connecting the rigid segments such that the rigid segments define a sidewall and such that the rigid segments are movable between an expanded position wherein the rigid segments cooperate with one another to form an object receiving space and to provide the sidewall with a unitary appearance and a collapsed position wherein the sidewall is substantially flattened.

Abstract: A reformer (5) which generates hydrogen-rich reformate gas by causing a catalytic reaction of fuel and air comprises a premixing chamber (12) for premixing the fuel with the air. High temperature air is supplied to the premixing chamber (12) from an air intake tube (13) via an orifice (14). A fuel injector (16) injects the fuel into the flow of the high temperature air in the premixing chamber (12) to generate fuel-air mixture. A homogenizing filter (17) homogenizes the composition of the fuel-air mixture in the premixing chamber (12) and supplies a uniform fuel-air mixture to a reforming catalyst (11).

Abstract: A vehicular sliding window assembly of the present invention includes first and second spaced apart fixed window panes and a polymeric member provided on perimeter portions of the fixed window panes. The polymeric member forms a gasket and includes at least one guide track molded in the polymeric member. At least one sliding window pane is positioned in the guide track and is positionable between a closed position and at least one open position. The window assembly further includes a support rail, which supports the sliding window pane above a lower surface of the lower guide track whereby the weight of the sliding window pane is borne by the support rail and not the lower guide track to reduce the friction between the guide track and the sliding window pane to provide a smooth sliding action when the sliding window pane is moved along the guide track between its closed and open positions.

Abstract: A sliding door operating mechanism for a vehicle to provide access to the vehicle through an opening in a wall thereof, includes at least one sliding door and reciprocating power means and transmission means for transmitting movement of the power means to the door for performing opening, closing and locking movements thereof. A beam structure carries the door, the power means and the transmission means. The beam structure extends across and is accommodated with an upper portion of the opening so as to be slidingly movably driven by the power means between a relatively retracted position within the opening, in which the door is located in a first plane in a closed position confined within the opening, and a relatively less retracted position, in which the door is located in a second plane exteriorly of the opening allowing movement of the door means along the second plane.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a frame having a movement obstruction arm movable into a track on which rollers of an overhead door will move. When any roller on the door abuts against the arm, it will obstruct any further opening movement of the overhead door. A camming means is associated with the movement obstruction arm to automatically shift the same to a position out of the trackway when the door is moving back to the closed position. A control module is operable with the locking mechanism and receives a signal from a locking mechanism indicative of whether or not the locking mechanism is opened or closed. The control module will thereupon provide an opening signal to an opener for the overhead door.

Abstract: A drive device for moving the sliding roof of a motor vehicle is provided which includes an electric motor including an armature, a pole shaft and a brush system, gearing driven by the electric motor, and a circuit arrangement for triggering the electric motor. The electric motor is accommodated in a motor housing while the gearing and at least parts of the circuit arrangement are accommodated in a gear housing connected to the motor housing. The brush system is accommodated directly in the gear housing independently of the circuit arrangement and without the interposition of additional support elements.

Abstract: A weather strip contains an extruded portion and a molded portion, which is integrally connected to an end portion of the extruded portion. The extruded portion includes a sealing portion formed by extrusion molding from a sponge rubber, soft thermoplastic elastomer or sponge thermoplastic elastomer, and an attachment portion having a separable core member embedded therein and formed by co-extrusion molding from a solid rubber, low foamed rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. The molded portion comprises a sealing portion formed of a soft thermoplastic elastomer or spongy thermoplastic elastomer, and an attachment portion formed of a semi-rigid resin.

Abstract: A lightweight automotive vehicle door assembly incorporates a modular concept having an outer door panel, an inner door panel, a reinforcement beam, and a hardware mounting module. The outer panel is preferably formed from aluminum, polypropylene or steel, while the inner door panel is preferably cast from magnesium with the hardware mounting module formed of thermoplastic. The magnesium inner panel is mounted to the outer panel by a hemming process while hardware is mounted to the inner panel through the use of two-piece thermoplastic inserts creating a dielectric barrier between the fasteners and the magnesium inner panel. The reinforcement beam is formed of a composite material consisting of a glass and carbon fiber reinforced outer skin with an interior core of polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for curved troughs used in gutter systems. An arcuate trough is formed with a mounting structure that employs two folds, with one fold disposed between the other fold and the outer surface of the trough.

Abstract: A building that may be assembled from only interconnecting corrugated sheets without the need for expensive brackets or specialized assembly tools and which is quick and easy to construct using the novel construction method as taught herein. The building further provides unique roof construction that is extremely strong and eliminates the need for typical roof trusses. Also the building can be custom designed and used for any purpose of consumer choice, and may be sold as a kit with complete assembly instructions.

Abstract: A roof framing jig for suspending a plurality of individual roof trusses in a predetermined spacing and orientation so as to facilitate construction of a roof truss assembly. The roof framing jig includes a jig frame, a hoist connection for suspending the jig frame, and a plurality of truss supports secured to the jig frame, where each truss support is adapted to suspend an individual roof truss.

Abstract: A foundation assembly for use with expansive soils. The assembly includes a slab form, such as metal pan, for receiving poured concrete, a structural slab cast into the form, and structural members, e.g., piers, footing pads, and the like, contacting and/or extending into the soil. An elongate support member, e.g., a rectangular concrete beam, is positioned on an upper support surface of the structural members so as to contact a lower surface of the slab form. In this manner, the support member supports the slab form and structural slab and defines a void space between the soil and the slab form without the use of biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A mortarless wall structure comprising a plurality of preformed, stackable blocks with the blocks operatively connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. The blocks may include one or more channels that are configured and arranged to intercept moisture traversing from the front surface toward the rear face of the block, and to direct the moisture in a predetermined direction that does not intersect the rear face. The wall may be freestanding or operatively connected to a suitable support structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a support beam engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the support beam in a predetermined direction relative to the support structure. When used in conjunction with a support structure, the wall may be provided with a sealing element that prevents moisture and debris from being introduced between the wall and the support structure.

Abstract: An impact resistant laminated glass and plastic pane is provided for a hurricane resistant door light or similar opening. A glass pane is attached to a flexible plastic sheet that protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the glass, preferably as an extension of the plastic laminate between outer glass laminate sheets. The pane body is mounted in a building structural part such as a door or wall, at an opening or at a recess, whereby the surface of the structural part extends up to a point adjacent to the pane. According to an inventive aspect, the flexible sheet that is attached to the pane, e.g., laminated into the pane body or otherwise attached and protruding, laps over the surface adjacent to the edge of the structural part around the pane. An elongated molding element that preferably frames the opening, is attached to the structural part so as to capture the flexible sheet between the molding element and the surface.

Abstract: A connecting device for joining a wall to a building frame, or for joining walls, comprises a hook member. The frame can comprise steel beams, or also comprise a truss having an open web, and a slide rail attached to the truss' chords in a generally plumb orientation. Embodiments of the hook member substantially encircle one or more slide rails and thereby retain the rails. Other embodiments fit within a channel attached to solid steel webs, or concrete frames. The device's other end is positioned over a course of masonry units, and when embedded in mortar, the cells of the masonry units do not require grouting. Other connecting device embodiments comprise an anchor member securely joined to the member, the connecting device providing multiple points of attachment with the masonry, or multiple members joined to the anchor member. The connecting device can be used for new construction, and in renovations using currently existing steel and concrete frames.

Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.

Abstract: A recycled building system consisting of various interlocking and non-interlocking building blocks (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C) and building panels (FIG. 5A) made with recycled materials used to replace wood, cement, adobe brick or other typical building materials in the construction of real estate, further providing means to recycle waste in large quantities.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a substrate layer which is adapted to be secured to a roof of a building. The roofing shingle also includes an insulator layer co-extruded or otherwise secured to the substrate layer. The insulator layer includes a resin film having borosilicate implanted therein. A method of fabricating a roofing shingle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel and a locking system (1) for panels (2, 3) with edge profiles provided on at least two opposite edges of the panels (2, 3) for the positive connection of similar panels (2, 3), including an edge profile designed as a groove profile (4), with an upper groove wall (6) and a lower groove wall (7), and an edge profile designed as a tongue profile (5), with a notch projection (12) on the underside of the tongue that engages a notch recess (11) in the lower groove wall (7) of an adjacent panel in the assembled state, where the engaged edge profiles form an articulated joint (G) that acts to restore the panels (2, 3) to their installation plane when deflected either up or down, where the upper groove wall (6) has a flank (21) on the inside that opens towards the free end of the groove wall (6).

Abstract: A sub-base layer for use in construction, comprises a plurality of connected substantially cuboid modules each having spaced-apart, substantially parallel top and bottom walls joined by a peripheral sidewall defining an enclosed volume. The connection between the modules is effected by a plurality of tie members which prevent lateral movement of the modules relative to one another. The layer is particularly useful as a lightweight replacement for aggregate sub-base layers in foundations, roadways, pavement, carparks, and the like.

Abstract: A building strut is formed as a cylinder having a plurality of contiguous sidewalls. Opposing terminal ends of the sidewalls define the ends of the cylinder. One or more of the sidewall ends are formed as a coiled spiral. These spirals may be formed within one of the ends of the cylinder or lateral to the cylinder's end and thus provide extreme strength to the end of the cylinder. The ends of the sidewalls that are not coiled may terminate adjacent to the coiled sidewall or may extend axially beyond it, and they may be separated to form independent ears, or they may maintain their mutual integrity. If the ears are separate, they may be bent outwardly lateral to the cylinder, or at an angle to it, to facilitate joining to other structural members.

Abstract: A method of constructing modular, multi-use, enclosed shelters by recycling modular shipping containers, including the steps of determining a desired type of enclosed shelter module compatible with the dimensions of a modular shipping container, determining structural and functional components necessary for the selected type of enclosed shelter module, packing the structural and functional components into the modular shipping container, transporting the packed shipping container to a site selected for the enclosed shelter module, unpacking the structural and functional components from the shipping container, and assembling the structural and functional components into and onto the shipping container to convert the shipping container into the desired type of enclosed shelter module.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-supporting wooden structural panel, useful for making walls as well as floors, ceilings or roofs, comprising a succession of boards (2a, 2b) rectangular in cross-section, assembled together forming a V-shaped structure. The invention is characterised in that the boards (2a, 2b) are mounted on two parallel racks (3) and are fixed via screws (4) on the crests of said racks which constitute rigid elements perpendicular to the axis of the boards (2a, 2b); two consecutive boards (2a, 2b) are assembled by screwing between the edge (6) of one board (2a) against the end of the flat side (5) of the consecutive board (2b); the two racks (3) perpendicular to the axis of the boards form a template for positioning them, preferably at 90° relative to each other.

Abstract: Method of handling a temporary disturbance in a packaging machine, having a moving endless loop (1) with carriers (2) for packages (P) supplied thereto at one portion of the loop and after certain packaging operation steps, being ejected from the carriers (2) at another portion thereof for final processing. The ejection of packages from said carriers (2) is interupted upon detection of such a disturbance, whereas the endless loop (1) continues to move with the non-ejected packages in the carriers (2).

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a food bag quick-seal apparatus comprising an elongate rod-shaped member; an elongate C-shaped clamp member for receiving the elongate rod-shaped member; and the C-shaped clamp member further having handle means for facilitating the engagement of the rod-shaped member into the C-shaped clamp member.

Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: The method comprises viewing by means of a magnetic recording camera the zone for the opening of vials and for metered filling thereof and continuously recording said zones visually during the operation of the installation and simultaneously carrying out the identification marking of each full glass container, with indelible marking means, at the outlet of the installation.

Abstract: A method for the rejection of single defective items, in particular strip packages, during transferring from a packaging line to a conveying line, includes a preliminary check of the integrity of each product present on the packaging line and the subsequent removable gripping of each tested product by transfer means. The transfer means moves the products away from the packaging line and release the defective-tested products at a first collection section or at a second collection section, while each integral-tested product is released onto the conveying line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing packs (1) characterised in that it comprises steps according to which:

Abstract: A method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch includes having the pouch with a re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the canisters. The pouch also includes a collapsible and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the canisters are positioned. A side portion encloses the canisters and connects the end portion to the floor portion. The method further comprises positioning the canisters into a position adjacent the pouch, and attaching one or more of the canisters to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to the pouches. The canisters are placed through the re-sealable open end and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the canisters.

Abstract: A device for stretching a film in an automatic product packaging machine, in particular products (12) of any thickness and size, spaced from each other at a pre-set distance, which are fed by a first conveyor belt (14) to a second conveyor belt (19) combined with a wrapping film feeder (26, 28) and elements (34, 35) for sealing the film wrapped over the products (12), in which the device comprises elements (25) for stretching the film (26) at the inlet of the second conveyor belt (19) and an element (29-33) that engages the stretched film (26) on the second conveyor belt (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and filling pouches of varying dimensions, said apparatus comprising a forming drum and a filling drum, wherein at least one of said forming drum and said filling drum further comprise members capable of being adjusted radially. A method of manufacturing pouches of varying dimensions, comprising the steps of: a) forming pouches having a first width on a device comprising a forming drum, wherein multiple forming members on said drum are initially positioned at a first distance from the center of said drum; b) re-positioning each of said forming members to a second distance from the center of said drum; c) forming pouches having a second width different from said first width on said device.