Abstract: An advertisement applied to the surface of a core element concealed by an amount of material wound about the surface of the core element such advertisement revealed as the amount of material unwinds from the surface of the core element.

Abstract: A souvenir display design is described comprising a transparent or translucent housing, the housing having at least one flattened surface for supporting the housing on a planar surface and a recess in a surface of the housing for frictionally receiving and engaging a souvenir. In another embodiment, the souvenir display comprises a keychain type configuration.

Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.

Abstract: A display rotating apparatus capable of preventing a slip phenomenon which occurs by rotary inertia. The display rotating apparatus comprises: a motor providing a driving force for rotating a display; and a motor driving device driving to rotate and stop gradually by increasing a rising time and a falling time of a rotation command signal. the display rotating apparatus can remove the slip phenomenon generated mechanically by increasing or decreasing slowly an applying voltage and/or current applied to the motor and reduce the sway by vibration at the time of stopping the display.

Abstract: A rotating changing image display carries an image group and decoder screen that displays frames of the image group in a sequence determined by direction of rotation. A sequence of frames shows subject matter with identifiable directional motion. In order to ensure the sequence of frames will be displayed in proper order in accordance with the identifiable direction of motion, the display is mounted to a directional rotator. The rotator is wind driven. Airfoil structures of the rotator are configurable to drive the rotator and the carried display in the identifiable direction of rotation.

Abstract: A multifunction image display device that consists of an image display device (such as televisions, computer monitors, billboards etc.) and an integrated retractable static visual display utilizes the display panel area to present static visual image such as decorative art works, and can fully address the dull idle screen problem by utilizing the frame of the image display device and an integrated retractable and replaceable visual display to serve as a conventional picture-frame while the image display device is not in use, and to serve as a image screen while the image display device is in use. The static visual display is made of a sheet material having decorative art woks.

Abstract: A self-returning horizontal sign system mounts to an associated structure. The system sign includes an upper rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks and a lower rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks. A pair of panels extend between and span the upper and lower rails. Each panel has a carrier assembly mounted to an upper region thereof for cooperation with a respective front or rear track of the upper rail. The carrier assemblies have at least two rollers that are carried in the upper rail. The panels each move between an open position and a closed position. A closure formed as a pull box is associated each panel and includes a spool having a cable wrapped around it. The spool is rotatable to retract and extract the cable from about the spool. The closure includes a tension bias element operably connected to the spool to bias the spool to retract the cable.

Abstract: A music reference sheet storage and display system has at least one music reference sheet. At least one music sheet box is provided to store the music reference sheet. The music sheet box has a first opening so the music reference sheet may be extend out of the music sheet box and displayed.

Abstract: A modular system for illuminated signs, in particular for road signs, includes a plurality of bars that can be put together so as to form a frame structure. Each bar has a full body made of a material usable as light-guide, for example polycarbonate, substantially transparent to the colour of the light that propagates inside it, in which a LED light source is integrated. The system moreover comprises a plurality of modules in the form of letters, figures or symbols, which can be positioned within the aforesaid frame and are each also constituted by a body of material usable as light-guide, for example polycarbonate, substantially transparent to the colour of the light that propagates inside it, with at least one LED light source integrated within each module. Each of the aforesaid modules is provided with at least one pair of terminals for connection of the respective LED source with a source of electrical supply.

Abstract: A handheld illuminated warning sign including front and back translucent plastic members, each having a predetermined size and a predetermined shape, connected together to form the sign. At least one of the translucent plastic members having a predetermined color and warning indicia thereon. A mechanism is engageable with each of the translucent plastic members at a first portion thereof for securing them together. A generally hollow handle member, having a predetermined length, is engageable with a second portion of such translucent plastic members for holding the sign. A light is disposed at one end of such handle and between the translucent plastic members for lighting the sign. A battery is disposed within the handle and electrically connected to the light and a switch on such handle is connected between the light and battery for turning on and shutting off such light.

Abstract: A mailbox cover comprising a flexible sheet having a composite of a plurality of layers. The layers having a first layer decorated with graphics and an underlying second layer magnetically polarized in a first direction so that the second layer is magnetically attracted to a metal mailbox. The plurality of layers further comprising an underlying third layer magnetically polarized in an opposing second direction to the second magnetically polarized layer so that the third layer is magnetically attracted to a metal mailbox. An underlying fourth layer is decorated with graphics. The sheet further comprising a perforated cuts parallel to preselected edges of the sheet so that the perforated cuts allow strips of the sheet to be removed to reduce the length and width of the sheet to adapt to different sizes of mailboxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering an article maintains the article tensioned (horizontal and vertical) both when it is in position and also when it is being raised and lowered. In an aspect, the apparatus includes an upper tensioning bar coupled to an upper edge of the article and a lower tensioning bar coupled to a lower edge of the article. The upper and lower tensioning bars are movably mounted on a plurality of vertically extending horizontally spaced apart tracks for vertical movement therealong. One or more tensioners are coupled to an opposed side edge of the article and mounted to one of the tracks for vertical movement therealong. In an aspect, tensioners are coupled to both opposed side edges of the article and mounted to respective ones of the tracks. A raising and lowering device is coupled to the upper tensioning bar, such as by ropes or cables, and raises and lowers upper tensioning bar, thus raising and lowering the display article.

Abstract: An information display system provides an effective device for the storage and display of information. An H-shaped frame provides easy installation and ease of manufacture. An information storage unit is attached to the H-shaped frame and provides a sealed unit that is easy to access but that protects the contents from exposure to the elements.

Abstract: A gondola head suspension and shelf support system that permits advertisement and other information to be suspended therefrom for display. The gondola head suspension includes an angled fitting that couples to a horizontal cantilever for suspending the advertisement and information as well as a vertical tube that engages a shelf support. The shelf support includes an adapter that is insertable within the shelf support using pliant tongues. Another variation of the gondola head suspension includes a “T-fitting” for providing two horizontal cantilevers and which also uses a vertical tube for engaging the shelf support.

Abstract: A bus stop sign and notification device is powered by an electric circuit that includes a solar panel and battery mounted in a battery box on a bus shelter or vertical support pole. The vertical support secures first and second signs and first and second illuminators for information dissemination and visual attraction. Long lasting light-emitting diodes in various colors are mounted on an adjustable or swivel hood that is used to aim the lights. The lights can include a flashing strobe light for attracting the attention of a bus driver at a distance. A reflector shield on the pole can protect wires and reflect different color light when the sign is illuminated and attract attention to the sign at night. The illuminators are activated by a button switch by bus passengers for reading the signs and notifying a driver to stop for passengers.

Abstract: A support arrangement for supporting a poster from an adjacent or overhead member. The arrangement comprises an elongated first extruded housing on at least one side of the poster. The housing comprises three chambers defined by opposing sidewalls with a perpendicular connecting bridge and one set of opposing lips. The first and second elongated lips and the lower edge of the sidewalls define an elongated holding third chamber having tapered sidewalls comprising a wedge-shaped elongated chamber. The substrate to be supported may be inserted longitudinally through an elongated space between the tapered sidewalls. A pair of elongated, flexible rollers are arranged within that elongated wedge-shaped holding third chamber. The rollers are of non-linear configuration in at least two planes. The non-linear shape to the rollers ensures contact with the substrate even when the housing is used upside down on the bottom of a substrate.

Abstract: A device, method and system for creating, framing, transporting, displaying, and selling artwork. The method generally includes the steps of supplying a specialized sheet of paper to an individual or a group of individuals wherein the sheet includes an identified area for receiving artwork produced by an individual or a group; having the individual or group of individuals produce artwork in the identified area for receiving artwork provided on the sheet of paper; marking the sheet of paper with information related to the identification of the individual or group of individuals; framing the sheet of paper in a frame; hanging the framed sheet of paper on a portable device for displaying and transporting a plurality of framed artists panel; and displaying a plurality of framed artists panel to a viewer or a group of viewers at an art show, for example.

Abstract: A kit and method of relating products by a common feature include the provision of a first product having a first feature providing a first consumer-relevant benefit, and a second different product having a second feature providing a second consumer-relevant benefit, wherein the first and second features have a consistent appearance and wherein at least one feature has a different consumer-relevant benefit relative to the other feature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely but removably tabbing one or more sheets of paper are disclosed. According to another aspect of the present invention, a kit includes a container and a first tabbed note assembly. The container includes at least a first compartment, and the first tabbed note assembly includes a first tabbed note and a first fastener. The first tabbed note has a first opening defined therein, and the first fastener is at least partially disposed in the first opening. The first tabbed note is positioned, or otherwise contained, at least partially in the first compartment. In one embodiment, the kit includes a divider that is inserted at least partially in the container such that the first compartment and a second compartment are defined at least partially by the divider.

Abstract: A two-part fluid resistant information display system for multiple uses such as merchandising is disclosed. The display system combines a first removably mountable part, partially impermeable pocket that cooperates sealingly with a second part shelf mountable clip assembly. The pocket is defined between a first and a second flat panel sealed on their sides. One pocket panel opening edge has an inwardly protruded channel being pressed against the second flat panel to provide sealing. Pressure is exerted by a projection provided in the clip assembly. The clip assembly further comprises an upper flexible hinge that is hingingly joined to a mounting panel that can be mounted to multiple surfaces such as lips of a C-channel of a merchandising shelf, vertical and horizontal surfaces using fastener means such as magnetic, mechanical or chemical fastener means. The inexpensively produced information display system provides fluid resistance against contaminants coming from all directions.

Abstract: A device, method and system for creating, framing, transporting, displaying, and selling artwork. The method generally includes the steps of supplying a specialized sheet of paper to an individual or a group of individuals wherein the sheet includes an identified area for receiving artwork produced by an individual or a group; having the individual or group of individuals produce artwork in the identified area for receiving artwork provided on the sheet of paper; marking the sheet of paper with information related to the identification of the individual or group of individuals; framing the sheet of paper in a frame; hanging the framed sheet of paper on a portable device for displaying and transporting a plurality of framed artists panel; and displaying a plurality of framed artists panel to a viewer or a group of viewers at an art show, for example.

Abstract: The invention presented in this work creates the possibility of a portable gun—revolver, pistol, carbine, riffle or hand-machine gun, to recognize its owner, in progressive levels of handling safety. Three levels of handling safety are established based on the evaluation of the grip force or its effect through material deformation or strain gage measurement. The first level of handling safety does not allow persons with grip force bellow a given limit, to shoot with a gun. The second level of handling safety enables the portable gun to recognize an individual as belonging to a smaller group than the first level. Now, the gun will only recognize for a successful firing an individual whose grip force, measured by one strain gage, fit into a small operational range, established and stored at the moment of acquisition by the owner. The third level of handling safety enables a portable gun to recognize an individual, as belonging to an even smaller group than in the second level.

Abstract: A sighting assembly comprising a housing having a first portion and a second portion has mounted within the first portion thereof a laser rangefinder comprising a laser transceiver for transmitting a laser beam toward a target and for receiving a reflected laser beam from the target. The laser rangefinder is coupled to a display for indicating the distance to the target. Mounted within the second portion of the housing is a sight for viewing the target. The sighting assembly further includes at least one attachment on the housing for securing the assembly to a weapon.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a portable hunting screen. The hunting screen comprises a frame, camouflage material, and an opening through which a weapon can be fired.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across said pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of said pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities.

Abstract: A termite-monitoring device and method for detecting the presence of termites and killing termites by exposing the termites to a termiticide, includes locating the monitoring device in a paving hole or in a termite lure located in the ground adjacent a building. The monitoring device has an integral termite indicator mechanism for indicating the presence of termites within the paving hole or termite lure that provides an aboveground visible indicator that termites are present. The termite indicator mechanism is actuated by a trigger mechanism with a termite food source that, when fed upon by termites, actuates the termite indicator mechanism to indicate the presence of termites. After the indicator has been actuated, a termiticide is introduced into the paving hole, the termite lure, and/or the adjacent ground to expose termites to the termiticide as the termites pass between a termite colony and the paving hole or termite lure and/or feed within the paving hole or termite lure.

Abstract: A low-emissions diesel fuel comprises a catalyzed blend of fatty acid esters, preferably derived from soybean oil and/or tallow and aviation kerosene. The catalyzed blend is effective in lowering regulated emission pollutants, among which are NOx, particulates, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The catalyst will comprise fuel-soluble platinum and/or cerium or iron. The cerium or iron are typically employed at concentrations of from 2 to 25 ppm and the platinum from 0.05 to 2 ppm, with preferred levels of cerium or iron being from 5 to 10 ppm, e.g., 7.5 ppm, and the platinum being employed at a level of from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm, e.g., 0.15 ppm. A preferred ratio of cerium and/or iron to platinum is from 75:1 to 10:1. The jet fuel component will typically be employed at a volume ratio to the fatty acid esters of from about 2:1 to about 5:1, e.g., about 4:1. The full range of blends extends from 50:1 to 1:50 with some benefit.

Abstract: A growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium comprising sugar cane mill mud and non sphagnum-peat material selected from the group consisting of a non-sphagnum peat and coconut fibre.

Abstract: A plant commercialization system includes a structure that is adapted for growing plants therein, a waste-conversion unit that is adapted to provide energy for the structure, and a production facility that is adapted to produce a product from plants grown in the structure. A plant commercialization method includes providing a structure that is adapted for growing plants therein, converting waste to energy to be used by the structure, growing plants in the structure, and producing a product from the plants grown in the structure.

Abstract: The use of dewatered small particle tailings material derived from the industrial washing of coal, metal ores, rocks and extracted minerals as a component of casing material for the cultivation of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus and other Agaricus spp.) is described.

Abstract: A multifunctional machine for nursery gardening that comprises: a chassis provided with motorized tracks, a driver's seat, with a dashboard and a seat that can rotate through at least 180°, a first tool support suitable for coupling and power transmission, fitted with a first root balling tool, and a second tool support suitable for coupling and power transmission, that is fitted with a second tool selected among a drill, a stick driver, a pole driver, a plant binder, or another tool adapted for nursery gardening.

Abstract: A floating wetland raft comprising a floating raft body onto which is attached a biodegradable mat. The floating raft body is preferably made of closed cell polyethylene foam, and the mat may be woven of coir fiber. The mat covers the raft body and nests into an open area therein. The mat serves as a surface on which aquatic plants are grown for consuming nutrients from the water beneath. The biodegradable mat and associated plant biomass can be removed and subsequently replanted elsewhere or composted. The nutrients contained in the removed biomass represent a permanent reduction of nutrients in the water from whence they came. The floating raft body is durable and can be used repeatedly by attaching a freshly planted mat and repeating the nutrient removal process, which helps alleviate the problem of nutrient overloading in bodies of water.

Abstract: A method for restoring aquatic marsh vegetation in situ on an open body of water, including the steps of (A) floating on the body of water at least one buoyant system which comprises at least one flotation apparatus connected to a matrix, sized and configured to support the vegetation, and water-contacting means for raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water, (B) suspending marsh vegetation within the matrix, and (C) periodically and repetitively raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water by action of the water-contacting means so that a varying level of water is provided to at least a portion of a root region of the vegetation.

Abstract: A watering system for controllably dampening the growth medium supporting a potted plant. The system includes a housing arranged to surround the lower portion of the pot as it is suspended from the top of the housing by a holder plate. The holder plate includes major and minor apertures for receiving the pot and a water meter that measures the level of water within a reservoir (catch basin) defined at the bottom of the housing. Moisture is controllably transported from the reservoir into the growth medium by means of a wick whose opposed ends are submerged in the reservoir and inserted into the growth medium by means of an elongated insertion tool.

Abstract: A passage barrier (10) with two barrier elements (24, 26) and two mutually aligned shafts (16, 20) which are separate from each other and can be driven by separate motors (14, 22), whereby one barrier element (24, 26) is retained on each shaft (16, 20), and can be swivelled independent of the other barrier element (26, 24) by driving the corresponding shaft (16, 20).

Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly is mounted in a sash window having a top rail, a base, and two stiles connected together at their extremities. The integrated assembly contains a sash lock mechanism, a tilt latch mechanism, and a connector. The sash lock mechanism includes an actuator movable to adjust the assembly among a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, and a rotor coupled to the actuator. The tilt latch mechanism includes a tilt latch housing supported by the top rail and a latch bolt slidably supported by the tilt latch housing and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the tilt latch housing has a generally circular cross-section. The connector has a first end of operably coupled to the latch bolt and a second end operably coupled to the sash lock mechanism.

Abstract: It comprises a housing (3) configured for attachment to a panel (4) for a vehicle door, a toothed component (2) which is jointed to the housing (3) and comprises a toothed portion (2?), a toothed gear (5) which meshes with the toothed portion (2?) of the toothed component (2), at least one arm (1), which comprises a first end for supporting the window and a second end attached to the toothed component (2), the gear, the toothed component and the arm being connected so that, as the gear turns, it moves the first end of the arm and a retaining element (7) configured and installed so that it may move between an operational position, in which it locks the toothed component (2), and a non-operational position, in which it does not lock the toothed component (2).

Abstract: A cable drum assembly for a power drive assembly for a vehicle sliding door, the cable drum assembly comprising: a first drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the first drum having a first plurality of locating holes; and a second drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the second drum having a second plurality of locating holes, the first plurality of locating holes have a first pair of locating holes configured to align with a first pair of location holes of the second plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second plurality of locating holes have a second pair of locating holes configured to align with a second pair of location holes of the first plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assem

Abstract: A feeding unit for supplying electrical power along a cable coupled to a slide door. When the slide door is substantially closed, a protrusion is vertically restricted by a groove to vertically restrict an end of a connecting cable by a holder. In contrast, when the slide door is open, the protrusion that is accommodated in the groove is capable of moving vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A sliding window having a pair of sashes with a latch mechanism on the meeting rail of one of the sashes for latching the sashes together. To open the window, the latch mechanism is disengaged by grasping a finger grip on a latch handle to retract a latch bolt. As one or more of the sashes is slid to open the window and the latch mechanism clears the meeting rail of the other sash, a trigger cam rotates so that a portion extends outward from the latch mechanism and another portion releases a spring tab to engage and hold the latch bolt in the retracted position. When the window is closed, the outwardly extending portion of the trigger cam contacts the meeting rail of the other sash, causing the trigger cam to rotate in the opposite direction and releasing the latch bolt.

Abstract: In a molded part composed of a seal, which is integrally formed at the lower end of a weather-strip mounted to a front pillar of an open-top car, and which covers the upper end of the seal of an inner seal mounted to the body at the lower side and joined, and a seal lip that makes flexible contact with an interior trim, a retainer with an L-shaped cross-section is integrally formed on the rear surface of the lip, and this retainer abuts the flange of the body panel; concurrently, it abuts the interior trim from the rear surface, whereby the lip base is supported, and when a door is closed and the seal of the molded part is compressed, floating of the end of the lip from the interior trim 12 is restricted.

Abstract: The inventive chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprises an abrasive, a nitride accelerator, and water, and has a pH of about 1 to about 6. The inventive method of polishing a substrate involves the use of the aforesaid polishing composition and is particularly useful in polishing a substrate containing silicon nitride.

Abstract: A semiconductor polishing composition is disclosed. The composition includes fumed silica, the semiconductor polishing composition being an aqueous dispersion solution of fumed silica. A content of the fumed silica includes a particle diameter of 100 nm or less is 15% by volume or more based on a total amount of the fumed silica.

Abstract: A rain gutter diverter includes a body and a diverter wall. The body includes a roof and side walls to capture water running down a valley between roof sections. The diverted wall forms a vertical splitter and directs the captured flow into the gutter.

Abstract: A roof cover of an open top container, includes: a frame; a front cover plate having a first end fixed to the frame, and an opposite second end extending over the top end rail, the front cover plate further being formed with openings corresponding to front rain gutters; a front water-blocking plate provided at an edge of each of the openings; a rear cover plate having a first end fixed to a rear end of the frame and an opposite second end extending over the door header; and a roof panel spreading over the frame and overlapping the front and rear cover plates. The roof cover which is easy to manufacture endues the current open top container a suitable protection against theft and watertightness.

Abstract: A system for protecting building structures such as mobile homes, trailers, sheds, and hangars from high wind conditions comprising a rigid plate-like member externally attached in the middle and across the width of the roof of the building structure. The plate-like member is raised at the center thereby forming an arch-type structure. Four rigid tubes coming from four corners of the roof of the building structure join above the center of the plate-like member. The tubes are held together between two disks, which are tightened together by a bolt and nut assembly. A tent-like cover with a plurality of eyelets is anchored to the ground surrounding the building structure. The canopy means is independent and separate from the building structure it covers, and extends downwardly and outwardly from above the roof of the building structure at an angle in order to deflect the wind and avoid pressure build-up.

Abstract: A lifting device for transporting items of personal property between one floor and another floor in a building is provided. The device is used in a building having at least two floors and a corner formed at an intersection of a first wall and a second wall. The building also has a lowermost floor being served by the lifting device and an uppermost floor being served by the lifting device. The device includes a first vertical guide rail mounted adjacent to said first wall at a location spaced from the corner, a second guide rail mounted adjacent to said second wall any location spaced from said corner and a corner guide rail mounted adjacent to said corner. Each guide rail extends between the floor of the lowermost floor and the ceiling of the uppermost floor. A lift container is provided which has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall.

Abstract: A stowable seating apparatus for a wheel chair accessible electronic kiosk includes a first curved track attached to an interior wall of the kiosk that has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion; a second curved track attached to the opposite interior wall of the kiosk, parallel to the first track, that has corresponding horizontal and vertical portions; and a bench seat that moves along the tracks on rollers between a horizontal seating position and a vertical stowed position. The stowable seating apparatus also includes a latch for retaining the seat in the seating position and a tensioning spring that applies force to the seat to assist in moving the seat from the stowed position to the seating position. The seat in the seating position allows a non-wheel chair user to sit in the same position relative to the enclosure as a wheel chair user when the seat is stowed.

Abstract: A structure includes a base, a first side wall rotatably attached to the base, a second side wall rotatably attached to the base, a roof guidingly coupled to both the first side wall and the second side wall, and a biasing assembly selectively urging the building into a fully erected configuration.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.