Abstract: A fuel additive concentrate comprising at least one aryl amine; and at least one metal-containing compound is disclosed. In an aspect, the fuel additive concentrate can be synergistic. Fuel composition comprising the fuel additive concentration and methods of combusting the fuel composition are also disclosed. Moreover, methods of enhancing research octane number, increasing fuel economy, and reducing the carbon footprint of a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthetic low sulphur diesel fuel and a low soot emission aviation fuel is disclosed. The process includes fractionation of a Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch feedstock into a light kerosene fraction and a heavier diesel fraction in a volumetric ratio of at least 1:2 to form the light kerosene fraction having a smoke point greater than 50 mm, a freezing point of below ?47° C., a BOCLE lubricity wear scar less than 0.85 mm, and an anti-oxidant additiveless thermal stability tube deposit rating at 260° C. of less than 1 useable as a low soot emission aviation fuel and/or an aviation fuel blend stock, and the heavier diesel fraction having CFPP according to IP309 of below ?5° C., a density@20° C. of at least 0.78 kg/l, and a viscosity@40° C. of above 2 cSt useable as a synthetic low sulphur diesel fuel and/or a diesel fuel blend stock.

Abstract: Alternative gasoline, diesel fuel, marine diesel fuel, jet fuel, and flexible fuel compositions are disclosed. The compositions include an alcohol and/or a glycerol ether or mixture of glycerol ethers, which can be derived from renewable resources. When combined with gasoline/ethanol blends, the glycerol ethers can reduce the vapor pressure of the ethanol and increasing the fuel economy. When added to diesel fuel/alcohol blends, glycerol ethers improve the cetane value of the blends. All or part of the diesel fuel in the compositions described herein can be biodiesel fuel and/or synthetic fuel derived from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis can also use feedstocks derived from sources other than crude oil, such as methane, methanol, ethanol, lignin and glycerol, which can further reduce reliance on foreign sources of crude oil.

Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant f or the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide and to fuel production, and more specifically, to carbonaceous fuel production by means of utilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide and water by “artificial photosynthesis”, as defined herein and methods of operation thereof.

Abstract: A lawn care device includes a first generally flat member. A second generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a first predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. A third generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a second predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. An aperture is formed closely adjacent to a predetermined top edge of such first generally flat member and disposed therethrough. A first cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such second generally flat member for alignment with such aperture. A second cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such third generally flat member for alignment with such aperture.

Abstract: Modular biodegradable garden environment control system and method including apparatus to limit soil exposure to light nearby one or more plants, including one or more layers of a biodegradable material.

Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paver restraint comprises an extruded length of plastic that has a general cross-sectional shape of an ell or an angle iron, having a generally flat upwardly extending upper rectangular section and a lower or second rectangular section extending substantially perpendicularly from the lower edge of the upper section along the length of the upper section. A plurality of openings are formed in the lower rectangular section, with the openings being spaced from each other so that the legs of elongate, u-shaped staples can be received through adjacent slots or openings and driven into the ground to securely hold the paver restraint in position on the ground.

Abstract: Device (10, 110, 210, 310) for the cultivation of plants, of a type comprising at least one bag, (18) containing a drainage substance (20) and an absorbent substance (20a), able to retain and accumulate water; said bag (18) may also contain a fertilizing substance. The invention also refers to a bag (18) for the cultivation of plants of the aforesaid type, to be used with specifically designed containers, generic pots and planters, or in open ground.

Abstract: A mixture and method for applying a soil conditioner for increasing water and nutrient retention in landscaping, turf management, forestry, horticulture and agriculture. Unique to this invention is the ability to premix a super absorbent polymer with water and apply the water and polymer solution to the soil through a conventional spray applicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.

Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.

Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: The process that is the object of the invention is a process for preparation of biomass mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon fraction for the purpose of supplying a gasification unit with said feedstock. The process according to the invention comprises a first mixing stage followed by a grinding stage and makes it possible to deliver a suspension of biomass particles that are dispersed in the heavy hydrocarbon fraction that is less than 500 microns in size.

Abstract: A gate assembly is provided including frame means for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. Barrier means are mountable on the frame means via hinge means and the barrier means are movable relative to the frame means between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. An automatic closure mechanism is provided for moving the barrier means from the open position to the closed position without user intervention. The automatic closure mechanism is associated with the hinge means and includes at least one ramp or inclined surface on which at least part of the gate travels when moving between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for lift-up sliding doors and windows is disclosed. The opening and closing device includes a roller unit (10), which removably contacts a rail (203b) of a support frame (203), a pane frame support unit (20), which is provided in a pane frame (205) and moves away from and approaches the roller unit, a handle (5), which is rotatably provided on a leading end of the pane frame, and a lift operating unit (7), which moves the pane frame support unit with respect to the roller unit. The lift operating unit (7) includes a lift operating bar (40), which is movably provided in the leading end of the pane frame and is coupled to the roller unit, and a lift operating gear unit (60). The lift operating gear unit has a drive gear (61), which is coupled to the handle, a driven gear (65), which increases the rotating force of the drive gear, and a rack gear (67), which engages with the driven gear.

Abstract: A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. The gate assembly includes barrier means mountable directly or indirectly to one or more surrounding surfaces defining the opening. Hinge means are provided to allow the barrier means to be movable relative to the surrounding surfaces in use between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. The hinge means include a hinge pin movably mounted in a channel or recess. The channel or recess receiving the hinge pin in use has a taper which narrows from an opening of said channel or recess through which said hinge pin is located in use towards a base or opposite end of said recess or channel.

Abstract: An adjustable square metal tubular strut, comprised of two square metal components, that when telescoped together and positioned horizontally at the center hinge pins on most width double entrance in-swinging doors, stops the deflection of said doors in wind load situations. The preferred embodiment of the strut is comprised of a plurality of predetermined holes for fastening the strut components together in any width configuration, and metal “U” shape straps attached to both ends of the strut with holes to receive the hinge pins, ultimately fixing the strut in place. Located along the face of the strut are a series of threaded holes of predetermined size and location, that where applicable, will receive two threaded torque screws, with a torque lever arm on the front end and a pressure foot on the inner end, that when tightened will firm the strut to the doors.

Abstract: A retainer for aircraft hangar doors in which vertical movement of doors is adjustably limited to allow sufficient movement to permit door removal from their supporting tracks or to prevent such undesirable displacement during high wind conditions as experienced during hurricanes and tornadoes or violent earth motions during earthquakes. The retainer in its retaining position does not obstruct normal opening and closing of the doors and is economical to manufacture and install.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic composites were prepared as colloidal particles of a cross-linked, thermally responsive polymer. Hybrid PNIPAM-polysiloxane particles and composite polymeric particles with embedded nanoparticles of an inorganic metal-oxide (MOx) such as CeO2 and TiO2 were formed. To promote the incorporation of unaggregated nanoparticles, temperature responsive microspherical gels (microgels) of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) with interpenetrating (IP) linear chains of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were used. The organic-inorganic composition of the hybrid polymer network was controlled by changing the time for condensation and hydrolysis of the siloxane monomer during synthesis.

Abstract: A protective tarp for covering a mass includes of a flat, flexible sheet material having a top and a bottom and having a peripheral edge, with baffles that extend outwardly from the bottom edge towards the top edge, creating sub-compartments. Along the peripheral edge or along each of at least two of the plurality of edges, and separate unconnected tank compartment anchors, arranged in a predetermined pattern, having at least one fill orifice. The plurality of tank compartment anchors are hollow, flexible, and, in preferred embodiments, the tank compartment anchors and sheet material are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is rectangular from a top view and has four edges, the four edges being two sets of two opposite edges. There are at least two edges opposite one another which contain a plurality of tank compartment anchors.

Abstract: A tarpaulin mounting frame for tightening a tarpaulin includes a frame profile having at least one groove. A anchor profile having a rounded-off foot on its edge facing the tarpaulin, wherein the rounded-off foot is insertable into the groove of the frame profile and is pivotable therein. The anchor profile has at least one receptacle for a weatherstrip, wherein the anchor profile reaches a position substantially parallel to the plane of the tarpaulin by pivoting around the foot and thereby tightens the tarpaulin, wherein the anchor profile between the foot and the receptacle for the weatherstrip is in contact with the frame profile.

Abstract: An eavestrough having a front wall, rear wall and top wall with a foraminous membrane extending between the rear wall and front wall, and a recess formed between the eavestrough top wall and the foraminous membrane which permits reversal of water flow flowing towards the recess.

Abstract: A groin vault ceiling kit comprises a set of four ceiling segments which are configured to be oriented perpendicularly relative to one another. Each one of the ceiling segments includes a plurality of arch-shaped rib members which are positionable in axially spaced relation to one another. The rib members are preferably sized and configured such that each one of the ceiling segments defines a wedge shape. The rib members of each one of the ceiling segments is of incrementally increasing arc length. Rib ends of each of the rib members is preferably beveled such that the rib members of adjacent ceiling segments are disposable in abutting contact with one another to form a plurality of mitre joints.

Abstract: A retractable roof assembly that includes at least two main hinges each connected to a telescope arm assembly used to support the opposite ends of a plurality of overlapping elongated shingles. The telescopic arm is made of a plurality of longitudinally aligned couplers designed to slide and lock together. Attached to the opposite ends of each elongated shingle is a coupler. During operation, couplers allow the shingles to be retracted and slide together into a stack configuration or extended with their adjacent edges overlapping. In one embodiment, the roof assembly extends outward from a fixed vertical support surface and supported at its opposite ends by two support arms. In a second embodiment, the roof assembly is supported by an RV slide out and automatically extends and retracts therewith. A drive rod is used that connects to a scissors frame that supports the shingles when extended. As the telescopic arms retract, the scissors frame retracts as the shingles slide together into a stacked configuration.

Abstract: A foamed resin knockdown house in which recesses are provided in opposite end surfaces of adjacent resin segment pieces, reinforcing members are accommodated in closed spaces defined by the opposite pairs of recesses to join together the adjacent segment pieces. Thus, the house is assembled, forming a living space inside. The foamed resin knockdown houses may have inside spaces of various forms depending on the purpose for which they are used.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a dome-shaped shelter that has a seismic-isolation structure so as to reduce the shock effects of earthquakes and that is easy to construct. The dome-shaped shelter of the present invention is provided with (1) a dome affixed to a bottom board, and formed so as to surround an inside space with a floor, adjoining segments that form a wall, and adjoining segments that form a ceiling, all of which are made of expanded polystyrene, and (2) as an appropriate place for the dome, an improved ground that consists of a circular hole that is dug in ground to a predetermined depth and then packed with identical spheres. Said dome is slidably placed on said improved ground. The spheres of said improved ground are preferably cobblestones or made of hard rubber.

Abstract: A telescopic undercarriage for raising and lowering a frame. The undercarriage includes a base section having a pair of parallel base legs extending from a first end to a second end of the base section, the base section including a first plurality of braces extending between respective upper surfaces of the base legs and a second plurality of braces extending between respective lower surfaces of the base legs, the base legs, first plurality of braces and second plurality of braces collectively providing an elongate central base section passage. The undercarriage also includes an extendable section slidably disposed within the base section passage and having opposed legs, a drive system for extending and retracting the extendable section relative to the base section.

Abstract: A C-type underbracing has developed for installing on a lower portion of a utility pole for firmly anchoring the utility pole. The underbracing is comprised of: a body (12) formed a half-annular or C-shape with a rectangular cross section; a pair of the enlarged end portions (11, 11?) having larger rectangular cross section than that of the body; a pair of the conjunction (17, 17?) for connecting between the body and the enlarged end portions; a hook receiving hole (13) horizontally through a center of the body, and a pair of nut mounting portions (16, 16?) formed flat surfaces for seating the nuts and a pair of slit-shaped holes (14, 14?) for horizontally inserting U-bolts (20) through the body portion, the nut mounting portions and slit-shaped holes disposed both sides of said hook receiving hole, and an earth plate (30) made of conductive material is attached to the bottom surface of the body.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant structure includes a structure base assembly and a building structure positioned on the structure base assembly. The earthquake resistant structure includes a base isolation assembly which carries the building structure and structure base assembly, wherein the base isolation assembly includes a movement member and horizontal dampening member which allow the building structure and structure base assembly to move in response to an applied force, such as from an earthquake.

Abstract: A roof ventilation apparatus for a sloped roof having a cap and base plate is provided. The cap has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a flange that defines an opening to a cavity formed between the top and bottom cap surface. The cavity provides a path for air exchange from a roof opening through an air passage formed between the flange and cap top. The base plate has a collar or curb surrounding an aperture that fits inside the cap bottom cavity. The base plate preferably is shaped such that when installed on the sloped roof the cap entirely covers the base plate. Preferably, the base plate includes a collar and an angled edge configured to channel moisture that seeps within the vent cap.

Abstract: A tornado resistant structure which includes a base and a building structure positioned on the base, The building structure includes a plurality of deflection walls and reinforced corners and a plurality of skylights carried on a roof of the building structure, wherein each skylight includes a tapered sidewall. The building structure includes an entrance and a drain positioned proximate to the entrance.

Abstract: An insulation apparatus for home windows is shown and described. The invention comprises a plastic sheet that can be rolled down to use and can be rolled up when not in use. The sheet is joined to the sides of the window by a second part adhesive strips that are positioned around the edges of the window and window ledge. The strips have a either a plastic bead or a VELCRO® mating portion on one side that permits them to be joined to a corresponding female or VELCRO® portion on the insulation strip. Support straps are used to support the plastic sheet in a rolled up position along the top edge of the window when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A window module for a school bus includes a frame, a fixed window panel affixed to a portion of the frame, a perimeter panel secured to another portion of the frame and defining an opening at the other portion of the frame, and a movable window panel. The movable window panel is slidably positioned at the frame and movable along channel members and interiorly of the fixed window panel when opened and interiorly of and generally at the perimeter panel when at least partially closed. The exterior surfaces of the fixed window panel and of the perimeter panel may form a generally flush surface at an exterior of the school bus when the window assembly is installed at the school bus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window frame. According to the present invention, there is provided a window frame, which comprises: a frame unit having a pair of side jamb frames for defining both side ends of the frame unit, an upper jamb frame for defining an upper end thereof, and a sill frame for defining a lower end thereof coupled to each other to have a rectangular frame shape, the frame unit having at least one receiving groove formed in an outer wall surface thereof along a length direction thereof; and corner angles coupled to the frame unit to surround the outer wall surface of the frame unit at corners thereof, each of the corner angles having a concavo-convex portion to be received in the receiving groove, the corner angle having at least one rib protruding from an outer wall surface thereof along a length direction thereof.

Abstract: Method for reinforcing a structure (1), comprising the following stages: a) placing in one part (11, 12) of the structure (1) an anchoring element (3) secured to strands of reinforcing wires (41, 42) such that the anchoring element (3) is at least partially incorporated into the part (11, 12) of the structure (1) and in that at least one portion (42) of the strands of reinforcing wires protrudes from a part (12) of the structure (1); b) securing the anchoring element (3) to the part (11, 12) of the structure (1); c) applying at least one layer of fabric (5) onto a surface (15) of the structure (1) such that at least one part of the portion (42) of the protruding strands of reinforcing wires is secured to the surface (15) of the structure (1) by bonding said layer of fabric (5). Structure thus produced. Anchoring element of a structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method for structure the house. It went up to a sky and it comes down. Therefore, the structure which closes all windows and all doors. My invention is to provide the method for constructing the large-scale building the building having the structure of not breaking in the large size typhoon or being protected from the criminal in the plain or the mountainous area. As to the method, all windows and door are closed in an instant. All doors and window are closed because. So, a danger can be averted. And it effectively can manage with the dangerous situation. And a damage is reduced from the extension fire. Therefore, my invention is a building which reduces the damage of the typhoon. And my invention is a building to close the infiltration of the robber.

Abstract: Insulated supports are provided. In this regard, representative insulated support includes: a framing member having opposing faces and opposing sidewalls extending between the faces, the framing member further having a cutout positioned along a length thereof; and an insulated plug sized and shaped to be received within the cutout such that the insulated plug, when inserted into the cutout, increases an insulation (R) value of the support.

Abstract: Beam-like structural component made up of individual parts connected to each other A beam-like structural component (2) made up of individual parts connected to each other, comprising at least one flange (9) and at least one web (1), which structural component is easy to produce and exhibits high load-bearing capacity and torsional rigidity, is characterized in that the web (1) is formed by web members (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the web (1), with web members (6) forming a linear longitudinal area (4, 5) extending across the length of the web (1) and with, in each case, two adjacent web members (6) extending toward different narrow edges (7, 8) of the flange (9) starting from the longitudinal area (4, 5) of the web (1) so that one web member (6) rests against the flange (9) with one side of the web (1) and the adjacent web member (6) rests against the flange (9) with the opposite side of the web (1) and the web members (6) exhibit the shape of an “S” (FIG. 1E).

Abstract: A foam panel concrete form is provided for using concrete reinforcement rods which extend on each side of a joint in the foam panel concrete form and into complementary shaped openings in ties which hold two adjacent panels in a spaced and parallel relationship. The concrete reinforcement rod can pass into the openings in adjacent ties with little resistance in a first rotary position of the concrete reinforcement rod. When the concrete reinforcement rod is rotated to a second rotational position within the openings the reinforcement rod is in a tight frictional fit in the openings for helping to hold adjacent ties and the adjacent foam panels in a fixed relationship with respect to each other during a time when concrete is poured between the foam panels, thereby also serving to re-enforce the concrete after the concrete has cured.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing vapor barrier film to subfloor material and to floor joists is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first portion having an adhesive receiving surface adapted to adhesively receive said film; and a second adhesive portion secured to said first portion and adapted for adhesion to said subfloor material and to said floor joists. A method for securing vapor barrier film to subfloor material and to floor joists is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing apparatus including: a first portion having an adhesive receiving surface adapted to adhesively receive said film; a second adhesive portion adapted for adhesion to said subfloor material and to said floor joists; adhesively securing the second portion to the subfloor material and the floor joists; and securing said vapor barrier film to said first portion.

Abstract: A composite wall panel is provided. The composite wall panel comprises a first layer of molded structural material and a second layer of molded structural material. An insulating foam layer is disposed between the first and second molded structural layers. The foam layer includes a first major side in contact with the first layer of molded structural material and a second major side in contact with the second layer of molded structural material. The first and second major sides of the insulating foam layer each have at least one groove. Each groove has at least one groove shoulder. At least one connector is configured to anchor the first and second layers of structural material to the insulating foam layer. The first and second layers of molded structural material extend into the grooves and under the groove shoulders to form a mechanical engagement between the insulating foam layer and the first and second layers of molded structural material.

Abstract: A roof panel having at least one square shaped bottom structure, at least one lower lattice structure attached to the square shaped bottom structure, a plurality of connectors, each connector attaches to the square shaped bottom structure, an upper lattice structure, the upper lattice structure attaches to the square shaped bottom structure at a position above the lower lattice structure, a plurality of spacers, each spacer attaches and separates the upper lattice structure from the lower lattice structure, a U-shaped top structure, the U-shaped lop structure attaching to the square shaped bottom structure, an eaves skeleton, the eaves skeleton is attached to the side of the square shaped bottom structure adjacent to the open end of the U-shaped top structure, at least two beams, each beam housed within a space created after attaching each connector to each square shaped bottom structure, and a cement composite, the cement composite evenly covers the U-shaped top structure, the cement composite further covers

Abstract: Methods of producing a metal framing member having a plurality of screw tunnels, metal framing members prepared using such methods, and metal framing systems using such metal framing members. The metal framing sheet in one aspect has an undulating surface where projections and associated depressions are formed on opposite sides of the metal sheet in a coordinated pattern. The metal sheets may be produced through the use of rolls having a variety of patterns and/or projections and recesses that the sheet metal is pressed between. In one aspect the rolls have a honeycomb pattern that is advantageous in many ways including enhanced screw retention, surface penetration, acoustical and thermal performance, sheet rigidity and load bearing capability.

Abstract: Truss structures assembled from modules comprising one hinge link, four spacer links and four apex joinders, one at each end or each hinge link. The second hinge link to complete a tetrahedron is missing from the module, and is provided by the hinge link of a next in line module so as to provide a series of joined tetrahedrons. When the strut is assembled, the apex joinders enable the strut to be formed into a wide variety of shapes.

Abstract: An expansion anchor includes an anchor bolt, a nut, a spring washer, first and second outer metal plates, and first to fifth inner metal plates. Each of the first and second outer plates is subjected to the dovetail-correspondence elevation-angle bending-processing. The width of the first to fifth inner metal plates is set larger in the order of the fifth inner metal plate to the first inner metal plate, and the upper portions or the whole surfaces of the four side surfaces of the first to fifth inner metal plates are subjected to the chamfering-processing so that they become the continuation surfaces with the same inclination angle as the side-wall of the dovetail when the first to fifth inner metal plates are piled up in the same direction.

Abstract: For attaching wood trim around a door or window frame. In the disclosed system, plastic spline-clips attached to the jambs serve to fix the jamb to the wall. The spline-clips have two splines, which engage slots in the wood trim, forming a dovetail connection between the trim and the splines. The splines are elastic enough to deflect apart to admit the trim, and then spring back to grip the trim and to push the trim tightly against the wall. Grooves cut in the edge faces of the jambs receive lugs on the clips, by which the clips are accurately positioned on the jambs. Also disclosed is a split-jamb system, in which the inside jamb-frame is positioned first, then squared up in the wall opening, and then held in place on the wall by means of with its inside spline-clips; the outside jamb-frame is then assembled to the inside jamb-frame, and the outside jamb-frame locked in place with its outside spline-clips.

Abstract: A system for protecting shingles or a roof includes a screen for covering a portion of the roof and a fastening device for fastening the screen. The screen may be retracted and extended by a motor. The screen may include a six sided element. The screen may include a four sided element. The screen may include a three sided element.

Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.