Abstract: A flexible and removable covering for bird decoys for enhancing the lifelike appearance of the decoy in combination with an adjustable neck hole. A flexible fabric cover having the configuration of a plan view of the bird to be decoyed imprinted thereon is adapted for fitting over a rigid body bird decoy. It has a midline cut to allow the appearance of independent wing flapping of the bird. Thus, when viewed from above, the wings appear to be flapping in a breeze, creating even more lifelike appearance without the need for mechanical moving decoys, etc. The flexible fabric coverings are disposable and can be packaged conveniently for sale. The neck hole has a stretchable, yieldable band laminated to the cover to allow stretching without tearing.

Abstract: A fishing device includes a casing and a main spring positioned therein. A trigger spring is also positioned in the housing and a plate is interconnected to adjacent ends of the two springs. The device includes a primary latch operatively coupled to the casing and movable between a normally restricting configuration that normally holds the main spring in a compressed configuration and a releasing configuration. A latch release member is coupled to the trigger spring and the primary latch for moving the primary latch to the releasing configuration when the trigger spring is extended, say by the strike of a fish on a line coupled thereto. At the releasing configuration, the primary latch allows the main spring to decompress and this action sets a hook in a fish. When extended, the main spring absorbs shocks caused by a fish's movements while being reeled in.

Abstract: A fish lure includes a soft, fish-shaped body including forward and aft body segments connected by an integrally-formed vertical hinge. A buoyancy-controlling insert is concealed inside the forward body segment. The vertical hinge includes a pair of vertical grooves that extend from the dorsal surface to the ventral surface of the body, defining a hinge web that attaches the forward body segment to the aft body segment. A pair of front hinge surfaces extend between a side of the forward body segment and the hinge, and a pair of rear hinge surfaces extend between a side of the aft body segment and the hinge. The front hinge surface and the rear hinge surface form a hinge angle between 5 and 20 degrees when at rest. Each front and aft hinge surface is angled aft. Water flow past the hinge angle creates flexing of the body at the hinge.

Abstract: A fishing lure combination having a spoon 6 with a leading region 17, a disturbance-creating attachment lug 16 extending from a surface 19 associated with the leading region 17, and trailing fronds 14 that are secured via a shaft 12 to the attachment lug 16. The trailing fronds 14 are agitated by turbulent fluid flow downstream of the attachment lug 16.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a body having a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom. A hook is secured by a shank to the rear end of the body. A slot extends through the body from the top to the bottom. The slot at the top of the body is enlarged toward the front end and the slot at the bottom of the body is enlarged toward the rear end. A fishing line, is extended through the slot from the top to the bottom and secured to the shank of the hook. The body assumes a substantially linear orientation when the body is pulled forward by the line, such as when casting or trolling. The body enlarged slot results in the body pitching, such as to imitate a swimming motion during jigging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fishing tackle carriers and, more specifically, provides an improved and novel type of fishing tackle carrier. The device includes a main body with a variety of pockets and pouches. Attached to the main body is an expandable pouch with a liner to hold live bait; cylindrical sleeves are attached in main body seams to provide a holding compartment for a fishing rod.

Abstract: Trap for an animal comprising a table (31), at which a bait may be arranged. A spring-loaded shackle (50) with a mass (53) is intended to hit the animal at the release of a locking device for the shackle. Above the table, there is a pivotable cover (41) and an link member (20) operated by the cover. The link member is connected to the locking plate (18), which retains the shackle in its activated position. The shackle is biased by two springs (54, 55) integral with the shackle.

Abstract: The present development relates to a pest control device that is effective because it uses a mild shock to train animals to associate a designated area with a painful sensation. The device has a base with a bait cup rigged to form an open circuit with a power source mounted to the base. When an animal attempts to eat the bait, the animal closes the electrical circuit and receives a mild electrical shock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for abating insects in an efficient, cost effective and environmentally pleasing manner is disclose. In one embodiment, the apparatus is formed of an exterior hollow and perforated pipe-like structure that can be made in various lengths and widths depending on its application. The outer structure holds the interior components of the device and serves as a means for attaching the device to a support structure, such as a fence, the ground or other surface. The outer structure also allows the device to be suspended from its support structure where circumstances make hanging of the device a more desirable installation. In another embodiment, a plurality of bait stations is provided. The bait stations may be jointed together end to end to form the apparatus.

Abstract: A synergistic combination antioxidant mixture that provides excellent characteristics for biodiesel fuel compositions, when incorporated therein.

Abstract: A compressed wood fuel product is made by first coarsely comminuting pieces of scrap wood from a manufacturing process and/or pieces of virgin wood to produce a mixture of coarse combustible particles and coarse generally noncombustible particles. Then the noncombustible particles are separated from the coarse combustible particles. The coarse combustible particles are then comminuted into fine particles that are compressed into bodies suitable for use as fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting sludges, wastes or a combination thereof to biosolids, including a) at least one heated air system, b) at least one trough arrangement, c) at least one auger system, wherein the at least one auger system is situated in the at least one trough arrangement to form a conveyor system, and d) at least one heat box enclosing at least part of the conveyor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.

Abstract: In a system for optimizing crop growth, vegetation is cultivated in a contained environment, such as a greenhouse, an underground cavern or other enclosed space. Imaging equipment is positioned within or about the contained environment, to acquire spatially distributed crop growth information, and environmental sensors are provided to acquire data regarding multiple environmental conditions that can affect crop development. Illumination within the contained environment, and the addition of essential nutrients and chemicals are in turn controlled in response to data acquired by the imaging apparatus and environmental sensors, by an “expert system” which is trained to analyze and evaluate crop conditions. The expert system controls the spatial and temporal lighting pattern within the contained area, and the timing and allocation of nutrients and chemicals to achieve optimized crop development.

Abstract: A landscaping vegetation border unit that is elongated and is formed by a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall which has an open top. The unit defines an internal compartment. Each of the sidewalls are divided by a series of transverse slots that form each of the sidewalls into a plurality of separate panels. The bottom wall includes an adjustment means that will permit the sidewalls to be bent. The soil and growable vegetation is to be placed within the internal compartment with the border units to then be used to separate to divide separate cement sections in a landscape environment.

Abstract: A potted plant and knick-knack stand including an elongated upright main support column, a lower end of which receives vertical support from a support surface. A plurality of generally horizontally disposed potted plant and knick-knack support plates are each connected at a distal end of, and laterally spaced from the support column by, an elongated arm each having a collar connected at a proximal end thereof for slidable support on the support column. Each support member is disposed at a different height above the support surface in a staggerable fashion. The support members at the lowest height include downwardly extending leveling legs for adjustably establishing and maintaining the upright orientation of the support column.

Abstract: A tomato plant support device includes a pole and a plurality of claw shaped support arms which are repositionable to optimally support the plant as it grows. The bottom end of the pole is anchored in the ground by a plurality or equally spaced fins. A glider has a longitudinal aperture for engaging the pole and is attached to the claw shaped support arm. A lever having a threaded end is received in a passageway in said glider and used to selective immobilized the claw section with respect to the pole said that it can be moved and rotated when necessary. Each tomato plant support device preferably includes two or more claw shaped support arms that curve towards each other so that together they can grab a plant as it grows.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising (i) growing a plant in a substantially transparent container charged with a particulate, non-transparent growing medium; and (ii) evaluating plant roots through said transparent container by digital imaging. An apparatus for evaluating plant roots in a high throughput manner is also provided.

Abstract: A vase made of a material that can be folded up and stored when not in use and when in use filled with water and able to hold flowers.

Abstract: A system of irrigating a plurality of plants may include: a floor having an upper surface generally declining from an upper area location to a lower area location; an water delivery system for delivering an amount of water to the floor proximate the upper area location; and a drainage system for draining an excess portion of the amount of water from the floor. The system is operable to deliver water proximate the upper area location such that said amount water will flow toward the lower area location over the floor whereby a first portion of the amount of water flowing toward the lower area location will irrigate the plants. The system is also operable to drain an excess portion of the amount of water from the floor.

Abstract: A system and method for producing multiple syngas products. In one embodiment (FIG. 5) a syngas producing system (200) includes a gasifier (210) and a hydrocarbon steam reformer (226). The gasifier (210) is configured to react a solid or liquid carbonaceous material (212) and provide a first syngas product (222). The reformer (226) is coupled to receive sensible heat from the first syngas product (222) and drive an endothermic reaction in which a second syngas product (238) is produced from a liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply (150). In a method of processing fuel, a solid or liquid carbonaceous material (212) is provided to a gasifier (210) in the form of a slurry, which is converted into a first syngas product (222) in an exothermic reaction. A liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply (150) receives sufficient sensible heat generated during the exothermic reaction to convert the liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply (150) into a second syngas product (238).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertically oriented gasifier comprising vertically successive processing regions for conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into gas. The gasifier comprises of: one or more processing chambers with two or more vertically successive processing regions being distributed within said one or more processing chambers, within each one of which a respective process selected from the group consisting of drying, volatilization and carbon conversion is at least partially favoured, The processing regions are identified by temperature ranges respectively enabling each said respective process. One or more additive input elements are associated with the processing regions for inputting additives to promote each said at least partially favoured process therein.

Abstract: An overhead door cable assembly includes a length of cable having first and second ends and a metal stop permanently molded proximate the first end of the length of cable. A molded metal stop, preferably formed of aluminum, may be secured at both ends of the cable. An overhead door cable assembly may be formed by a method that comprises providing a length of cable having first and second ends and positioning a portion of the length of cable proximate to the first end into a mold cavity. A molten metal material, preferably aluminum, is introduced into the mold cavity and allowed to cool, thereby forming a metal stop permanently molded to the cable. The overhead door cable assemblies of the invention may be utilized in a method of counterbalancing an overhead door.

Abstract: A device that includes a revolving pulley around which an operating cable is rolled which runs inside a cover and a support device onto which the aforementioned pulley is rigidly mounted on the end of the rail, and equipped with stoppers at the end of the cover. It includes a flat cover with an opening for the assembly of the stoppers which include a tubular body fixed to the flat, insides which the end of the cover is held. The tubular body has a lower extension to be inserted into the opening of the flat cover which is in a V shape to prevent the tubular body from being released from the flat cover once it is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A casement window assembly includes a hinged sash window pivotally mounted within a window frame. The casement window assembly has a sash lift mechanism having a base and a moveable member. The base is mounted on the window frame. The moveable member is pivotally supported by the base. In instances where the sash window may become misaligned within the window frame, the moveable member engages the sash window as the sash window moves to its closed position. The moveable member provides a lift force to the sash window to enhance the alignment of the sash window as the sash window is placed in the closed position.

Abstract: A window includes at least one movable sash having a horizontal rail with a horizontal top portion and a vertical portion extending downward from the horizontal top portion. A pull rail portion extends from the horizontal rail beyond the vertical portion. A latch is located below the pull rail and adjacent the vertical portion. The latch includes a pull handle configured to release a latching mechanism from one of a second sash or a frame.

Abstract: A combination sealing system and seal activation system for use with a combination of a panel and a frame includes a plurality of sealing systems and a seal activation systems. Each of the sealing systems include an anchor, at least one movable member, and an actuator. The anchor engages one of the panel and the frame, and the anchor movable from a first position to a second position towards the panel. The at least one movable member is positioned in an other of the panel and the frame and moves the anchor between the first position and the second position. The actuator is connected to the at least one movable member and drives the at least one movable member. The seal activation system is connected to each of the actuators of the plurality of sealing systems.

Abstract: The door assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a door part and a trim panel (1) configured for attachment to a door part (21, 22) by means of attachment means (4, 5) configured to achieve the attachment by means of two movements, one of these being perpendicular to the other. The assembly comprises a connection system (7, 8, 9) between an opening handle (6) and a latch (3); this connection system comprises two pivotable elements (7, 8) which are coupled to each other when the trim panel is coupled to the door part.

Abstract: Polishing tools and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a tool for polishing a work piece is provided. Such a tool may include a solid substrate with a greater than 10 wt % graphite having a high degree of graphitization. The solid substrate may have a working surface which has asperities having a tip-to-tip RA value of less than or equal to about 10 ?m, and the working surface may have a surface roughness RA value of less than or equal to about 50 ?m. A method for making such a tool and a method for polishing a work piece are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite coating for architectural pieces used in building and remodeling of existing buildings. The architectural pieces include plastics, polyurethanes, wood and glass decorative items, granite and all manners of stone, wood inlays, wood flooring products, full size brick and pavers as well as thin veneer varieties such as brick or stone veneer. In addition, the invention relates to a method for grouting the architectural pieces.

Abstract: A modular wall system is provided for use in a healthcare facility to divide the available floor space into rooms and to support hospital equipment modules. The system includes a plurality of frame units configured to rest on the floor and extend vertically upwardly. The frame units form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart wall spaces having a predetermined height and a predetermined width. A plurality of family zone modules is configured to be positioned in the spaces to form a wall of the healthcare facility.

Abstract: A window backdam assembly includes an elongate backdam placed flat on top of a window sill near an interior end. A portion of the window sill adjacent to the exterior end is temporarily uncovered. A one-piece waterproof adhesive material is placed over the entire backdam and uncovered portion of the window sill. The elastic adhesive material is generously sized to cover the backdam, the uncovered window sill, and lower portions of the jambs of the window frame and structural panel. Thin flashing material may be applied horizontally to the structural panel beneath the sill, vertically along the two jambs of the panel, and horizontally on the top portion of panel, thereby forming a border around the panel opening.

Abstract: A personal observatory structure including a base having an open top, and a hemispherical dome having a center point, the dome being shaped to be mounted on the base and to selectively enclose the open top. The hemispherical dome includes a first dome segment and a second dome segment pivotally connected to the first dome segment. The second dome segment has an outer radius smaller than the inner radius of the first dome segment. The first dome segment at second dome segment are connected together by pivotal connectors for movement about a pivot axis. One of the domes can be pivoted from a lowered position, in which the dome segments together enclose the open top of the base, to a raised position which exposes the interior and nests one dome segment within the other. The pivot axis may be a horizontal pivot axis that extends through the center point, and the dome segments may be shaped generally in the form of a quarter sphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a building or shelter system 10 comprising a series of structures or modular frames 12A to 12F being arranged generally parallel to and laterally spaced from one another and interconnected with roof sheeting 14. The modular frames such as 12A are each in their erected condition in the form of a roof truss each including a plurality of constructional modules or truss modules or panels such as 16A and 16B. The truss modules or panels such as 16A are each shaped in the form of a trapezium including upper and lower substantially parallel chord members 18 and 20, respectively, which are interconnected at opposite ends with web members 22 and 24. the structure or module frame 12A includes conditioning elements arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules or truss panels such as 16A and 16B to form the module frame 12A.

Abstract: Inherently strong multiplicity of unique, planar, triangular roof truss frames or panels assemble into a replete, self-supporting roof system useable on a wide variety of building shapes and roof slopes. Compound angles on edges of truss panels facilitate connecting panels directly to each other either face-up and/or faced-down. Combinations of triangular trusses create domed, even-sided hipped roof structures, and also form ridges, eaves, valleys, dormers and overhangs. Compound angles used to construct triangular roof trusses are unique to the shape (number of sides) of the building and the roof slope (pitch) desired but can be used to design and build a diverse collection of building styles. Half trusses create gable ends on roofs; special trusses connect different geometric shapes; roof pitch can be changed part way up many roofs.

Abstract: A shear wall construction panel having a pair of load bearing vertical posts arrayed between upper and lower horizontal tracks or structural members is improved by the addition of a pair of bracing brackets for each diagonal bracing member. Shear wall bracing boot brackets at each end of the diagonal bracing members are securely affixed to the four interior corners of the shear wall panel system and the bracing members are located in the interior volume of a framed panel. The bracing members and bracing boot brackets are connected with a hillside washer configuration. A typical shear wall panel of the present invention will additionally contain several interior non-load bearing steel framing studs having an array of punch-out holes to facilitate the passage of the bracing members.

Abstract: A window for absorbing sunlight heat in warm weather that otherwise would flow uncontrolled therethrough and discharging the sunlight heat to the atmosphere while permitting relatively unobstructed vision therethrough and passing the sunlight heat in cold weather therethrough for thermal warming. The window includes a frame, an inner pane, an outer pane, and a heat sink. The inner pane is pivotally mounted to the frame. The outer pane is affixed to the frame and spaced from the inner pane so as to form a space therebetween.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided for securing decking boards to underlying joists for decking applications. In certain example embodiments, substantially U-shaped mounts are provided over the top of respective joists of a deck, and at least double-sided tape is used to adhere overlying composite decking boards to the U-shaped mounts and thus on the joists.

Abstract: A panel assembly (40) that addresses oil canning when installed over a substrate or deck (72) is disclosed. The panel assembly (40) includes a panel (42). The panel (42) includes a first primary panel surface (44) that faces the substrate (72) in the installed configuration, as well as a second primary panel surface (46) that faces away from the substrate (72) in the installed configuration. Another component of the panel assembly (40) is a first structure (60) that is disposed between the panel (42) and the substrate (72). Typically, either a first surface (62) of the first structure (60) is chemically bonded directly to the first primary panel surface (44) such that an interface between the first surface (62) and the first primary panel surface (44) includes a chemical bond, or a second surface (64) is chemically bonded directly to the substrate (72) such that an interface between the second surface (64) and the substrate (72) includes a chemical bond.

Abstract: A construction member includes a composite material offering strength and functionality. Embodiments of the present invention include a thermoplastic composite for use in applications such as decking, exterior siding, seating and furniture. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a glass-reinforced PVC core surrounded by a thermoplastic layer that further includes a thermoplastic with elastomer thermofoamed layer as a exterior layer. All three components can be extruded and bond together to form a composite material that offers appropriate structural strength with resistance to heating from sunlight.

Abstract: The method for protecting a pipe and/or cable lead through from heat and/or fire by providing a heat and/or fire retardant sealing for a pipe and/or cable passageway using a dimensionally stable, deformable fire protection element using an elongate fire protection element which is laid in the pipe and/or cable passageway, the elongate fire protection element being arranged transverse to the pipeline or to the cable.

Abstract: A finishing panel using marble including a marble panel to be disposed at a front surface and a back body panel joined with a rear surface of the marble panel, wherein the back body panel comprises a supporting panel formed in the same size with the marble panel and attached to the marble panel, and a coupling panel positioned at a rear surface of the supporting panel and having both sides facing each other in complementary shape, and wherein one of the sides is formed with a groove part behind the supporting panel, and the other side is formed with a protrusion part, so that the groove part and the protrusion part of the coupling panel are engaged with a protrusion part and a groove part of adjacent coupling panels.

Abstract: Metal tie straps create tension/compression connections between plywood or oriented strand board decking panels in portions or throughout the roof diaphragm of a typical panelized or built up roof system. Heat build up at such metal tie straps is minimized by installing a radiant reflective sheeting or cool seal over the metal tie strap before applying the roofing membrane over the sheeting and tie straps.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation medium configured for placement between a subfloor and a finished floor with a poured underlayment, includes a first layer being a sound reduction mat disposed upon the subfloor, a second layer placed upon the first layer and being one of a sheet of fibrous material and a web of hi-density limp mass material with a high internal damping coefficient, and a third layer placed upon the second layer and being the other of a sheet of the fibrous material and a web of the hi-density limp mass material.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for easy prefabrication of a self aligning three dimensional roof support and roof structure, such as a dormer or porch roof, which is fully constructed of sheet goods with tab and slot interconnecting components. The roof support structure is constructed of a parallel aligned space series of substantially rigid sheet truss members and a parallel aligned space series of substantially rigid purlin members running perpendicular to the truss members and interlocked with the truss members with opposing interlocking slots to form a self- aligning three dimensional support structure whereby the flush upper sheet ends provide support for roof sheathing. The roof sheathing and additional side fascia members are fit to the substructure with inter-engaging tabs and slots.

Abstract: A ceiling clip for terminating a suspended ceiling main runner at an adjoining wall that provides appropriate movement and movement resistance of the main runner, and provides appropriate main runner end gap, and provides an indicator for perimeter hanger wire tie placement and inspection thereof, and provides an indicator for ceiling clip height relative to a predetermined height. The clip includes a receiver box to accept and hold the end of a main runner that slides into the receiver box until it is resisted by stop bumps. The stop bumps provide appropriate main runner end gap, and for appropriate movement and movement resistance of the main runner. The ceiling clip includes a vertical flange that abuts to an adjoining wall and indicates appropriate ceiling clip elevation and alignment. The vertical flange includes a fastener hole for temporary fastening to an adjoining wall during installation.

Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile.

Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof.