Abstract: Various embodiments of a muzzleloader firearm system are claimed and described.

Abstract: A door-mounted rifle rack for use with a gun safe. The rifle rack has a stock support having one or more butt recesses located on a lower portion of an interior surface of the safe door. The butt recesses may be postioned at an angle to the interior surface of the safe door. A barrel support having one or more barrel holes is located on an upper portion of the interior surface of the safe door above the stock support. The barrel support, alternatively, may have one or more barrel recesses provided with barrel restraints instead of barrel holes.

Abstract: A weapon sight has an optical system that causes first radiation to propagate along a path of travel within the sight, and has a reticle generating portion that causes second radiation representing a reticle to propagate along the path of travel with the first radiation. The reticle generating portion includes a reticle illuminating portion that illuminates the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion includes a first light source having thereon a surface, light from the first light source passing through the surface and then illuminating the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion also includes a second light source spaced from the first light source, light from the second light source traveling toward the surface, being reflected and then illuminating the reticle.

Abstract: A weather-tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple fishing rods and reels releasably mounted to a vehicular roof carrier rack. When not mounted on a vehicle, the storage device and carrier is manageable enough to be hand-carried and may also serve as a stand for the rods and reels. The storage device and carrier includes a carrier box housing the fishing reels and a portion of the associated fishing rods and an anchor portion for securing the distal ends of the associated fishing rods to the vehicular roof rack.

Abstract: A fishing jig head to be molded with or inserted thereinto a hook thereby form a fishing jig, includes a body, a ring attached on the body, and plate(s) or prong(s) which is shaped and positioned to prevent the fishing jig from landing flat on a bottom of water after the fishing jig is cast into the water. A fishing jig includes the fishing jig head, a hook molded with or inserted into the jig head, and optionally at least one of a weed guard, a skirt, and a trailer.

Abstract: A float may be used as a strike indicator for fly fishing and may be attached without hooks, clamps, grommets, rubbery gripping members, or tying of the line/leader. Instead, the float is attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, preferably by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader to cause a sufficiently tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. A slot may be provided from the outer surface of the float to the bore. The slot may be a straight slot, a Z-shaped slot, or other circuitous slot including curved, non-planar slots. This way, in addition to the friction/interference between the leader and the surface of the axial bore through the float, there is resistance to the leader sliding out through the slot.

Abstract: A method of growing fruit such as papaya commercially, the method including the use of a structure having a covering adapted to permit sufficient light, nutrients and moisture, while substantially precluding access by potentially virus-carrying insects; together with seeds that are obtained, germinated, planted, and grown in a manner that permits plants to grow and bear seedless fruit suitable for harvest.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.

Abstract: A modular container for aeroponic and/or hydroponic cultivation of plants comprising vertical columns of cultivating compartments for cultivating plants A vertical nutrient conduit for delivers a nutrient solution to the cultivating compartments. A vertical water conduit is in communication with the cultivating compartment. Mounting elements provide for mounting the container on a vertical support. When at least two like containers are vertically mounted on a vertical support with one container adjacently above another the respective nutrient and water conduits of the like containers are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A method of mass producing potato seedlings, involves collecting growing points of seed potatoes and culturing the growing points in a liquid or solid medium; introducing in vitro plantlets obtained from the culture of the growing points to solid culture; and removing the in vitro plantlets from the solid culture, and planting through stem cutting and acclimatizing the in vitro plantlets in deep flow culture, in which a nutrient solution is circulating. Upon planting in hydroponic facilities, such potato seedlings have high adaptability to the external environment and thus rapidly, uniformly generate roots in a short time. The rapid root anchoring prevents planted seedlings from withering, leading to death, growing poorly, and the like. The direct planting of in vitro plantlets through stem cutting without a separate acclimatization process shortens the overall production period of potato seedlings by omitting the acclimatization process.

Abstract: An agricultural method is provided for reducing the amount of fertilizer needed to effectively grow various plants as well as reducing fertilizer run-off, therefore minimizing fertilizer contamination of groundwater. A composition and/or material are also provided to facilitate the agricultural method. The material may include a semi-permeable or selectively permeable membrane made out of, for example, activated charcoal. An apparatus is also provided that incorporates the composition and/or material.

Abstract: Drainage systems for plant gardening in flowerpots, specifically a shaped porous rock or perhaps even an enclosed pouch having soil preservation capability and filling inside the enclosed pouch. Embodiments may include a pot hole locator which may place an enclosed pouch in a bottom of a pot prior to adding soil and planting a plant in a flowerpot. Other embodiments may include the addition of soil amendments, water retention elements, drying elements and the like. Filling may include plastic, various rocks, various stones, pebbles, synthetic materials and the like.

Abstract: The present superstructure involves, for each upright, a spacer section bar (3), a hinge-bearing section bar (6), a hinge (8), a piston (13) that helps to lift the pane (1), and is completed by a gripper (9) for supporting the pane (1), a closing section bar (11) and a gasket; the section bar (3) has a box section so that it can be adjusted to be joined together with the section bar (6); each hinge (8) is fixed to the section bar (6) and at its end to be fixed to the gripper (9), bears conical guides (8.1) suitable for fitting the conical arms (9.1) situated on the gripper (9) itself; a gasket (12) is fixed to the gripper (9); where spherical panes (1) are involved, hinges (15) are used containing a body (15.1) and a connecting piece (15.2) that can be rotated with respects to the body (15.1) so that the panes (1) can be fitted on at different lengths of the circular arc.

Abstract: An adjusting system for a motor vehicle door includes a window winder for adjusting a window, at least one guide area of the window winder for guiding the window along a direction of adjustment, a door lock and a lock support. The one guide area of the window winder and the lock support are fixedly connected to one another, such that the guide area and the lock support form a structural unit. The guide area which is combined with the lock support into a structural unit includes at least one overlap area for a lateral window edge of the window to be adjusted and a further guide area of the window winder is provided, which is extended in the direction of adjustment of the window, and is positively engaged with a carrier being forcibly guided along the direction of adjustment of the window to be adjusted.

Abstract: Offshore structures such as wind turbines, wave machines and tidal stream turbines are mounted in a previously located foundation including a socket. The foundation includes an upper body with a conical inner surface which acts as a guide for inserting a leading end of the structure into the socket. The conical surface also provides a reaction surface for setting the vertical alignment of the structure when inserted in the socket. Clamps are provided supported by an A frame for controlled lowering of the structure into the socket.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is utilized for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. The invention generally includes a frame or truss that is pivotally secured to the top bay assembly of the tower. A transverse beam is connected to the frame or truss and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which includes injection molded roof panels, header assemblies and ridge caps having integrated connectors which combine to form a family of variously sized roof assemblies for utility enclosures. The injection molding facilitates integrally formed connectors so that the roof panels, header assemblies and ridge caps interlock with one another without the need for separate connectors.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-stiffness structural beam having a web and a chord, which features a cross-sectional geometry featuring a plurality of sides arranged in an asymmetrical, non-closed, convex polygon shape. At least three of the sides of the chord are substantially parallel to one another, and are substantially perpendicular to the web. The beam is easily manufactured using fully-automated fabrication machinery and may serve as the main, flexure-resistant structural component of a sunlight-concentrating photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening means for preferably fastening a glass pane (12) in a frame structure made of wood or plastic material.

Abstract: An entryway for disposition in a door opening of a building includes a threshold and a corner sealing member mounted in the door opening between the building and the threshold. The threshold has a bottom facing downwardly and a back extending upwardly from the bottom. The corner sealing member has a middle portion disposed partially below the bottom of the threshold, a first vertical portion extending upwardly from the middle portion adjacent the threshold, and a second vertical portion extending upwardly from the middle portion transversely from the first vertical portion. The back of the threshold defines a recess and the second vertical portion of the corner sealing member is disposed in the recess to allow for adequate sealing between the threshold and the corner sealing member and to allow for proper placement of the threshold in the door opening without interference from the corner sealing member.

Abstract: A leadthrough (10) for passing conduits through a constructional component includes a tube (11), a base member (16) arranged at the first axial end (12) of the tube (11) and having a receiving space (18) for isolating means (19) and defining an opening (17), and first (14) and second (15) annular, diaphragm-shaped sealing elements provided, respectively, at the first (12) and second axial ends of the tube (11).

Abstract: A device for controlling the atmosphere in a space (16) which is partly delimited by at least one glass component (12, 13; 61) and which is separated from the environment (17, 18), with at least one connection between the space and the environment, and with at least one electrically actuatable valve (32, 33; 47, 48) associated with the connection, which valve is connected to an electric control unit (24); the valve (32, 33; 47, 48) is arranged in a connecting passage (34) within a member (15A) delimiting the space (16), namely in the case of an insulating glass assembly (11), a connecting ledge (15) arranged between two glass panes (12, 13) or, in the case of a lamp (60), in a socket (64), and the control unit (24) provided for an automatic actuation of the valve is also arranged in said member (15A).

Abstract: To provide an external corner member with excellent workability, which can be constructed on an external corner portion of a building without making a noticeable gap formed in abutting portion and without using any sealing material, a constructing structure of external corner portion using the external corner member, and a construction method of external corner portion. The present invention is an external corner wall material, which is obtained by disposing two plate material at substantially a right angle, and which has abutting portion that is obtained by abutting an inclined end surface of each plate material to an inclined end surface of the right or left external wall board disposed adjacent to the plate material, and a cutout portion that is provided behind the abutting portion.

Abstract: A tower, in particular for a wind energy turbine, comprises a first tower segment (18) having a wall (20) comprising concrete material and a second tower segment (26) having a wall (28) comprising steel. The wall (28) of the second tower segment (26) comprises an end portion (30) embedded in an embedent portion (32) of the wall (20) of the first tower segment (18). The second tower segment (26) within its embedded end portion (30) comprises at least one anchoring element (38, 40, 52) projecting radially from an inner or an outer surface (42, 44) or both inner and outer surfaces (42, 44) of the wall (28) of the second tower segment (26), the anchoring elements (38, 40, 52) being arranged along an axial direction of the second tower segment (26).

Abstract: A flashing assembly includes a member extending between a first end and a second end. The flashing member includes a top portion and a flange at an angle to the top portion. The top portion extends from a rear edge to the flange. The top portion includes a mounting surface substantially level from the top portion rear edge toward the flange. The top portion includes at least one channel and at least one cross channel in communication with the channel. In one option, the cross channel is separated from the coupling portion. The channels facilitate trimming of members to desired sizes such that the assembly is used with windows and doors of various sizes.

Abstract: An improved weep vent for use in brick and masonry wall construction includes an adjustability feature that provides a superior vent. The vent includes an outer inverted U-shape casing having an inner smaller inverted U-shape member slidably retained in the casing, and an open mesh insert type plug that fits in front of the casing to keep out insects while allowing water to drain outwardly. During installation, the casing is positioned adjacent the side of bricks of the first course above a foundation or at other locations. The sliding member is extending out the back of the casing until it contacts the balloon frame or masonry, flashing or other obstructions. Then mortar is positioned over the vent. Excessive mortar does not clog the vent.

Abstract: A system for building using glass blocks is disclosed which employs spacing strips. The spacing strips comprising elongate, generally planar elements having a cross section generally corresponding in shape to the intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed construction. The spacing strips are hollow and may be provided with interior supporting webs. The strips are provided with adhesive which may be included during manufacture.

Abstract: A fastener system for fixing hardened plates includes a fastener element having a frusto-conical head and a threaded shaft portion, wherein a smallest outer diameter of the frusto-conical head is adjacent the threaded shaft, and a largest outer width of the shaft is smaller than a smallest diameter of the head.

Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a slate roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other such that the lower edges of the overlay and underlay members are generally co-linear with each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more generally rectangular-shaped tabs separated by relatively narrow cutouts. In one embodiment, the width of each tab is randomly selected. Preferably, the entire front surface of the underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to enhance the slate simulating aspect of the shingle. In another embodiment, the overlay member also includes a layer of relatively dark granules randomly applied to the upper and lower edges of the tabs.

Abstract: A portable light-emitting stage component including a deck supported by a support portion comprising at least one light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the first end, the second end connected to the first side and the second side. The at least one light-producing element directs light through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch member comprising a first hook. The first side and the axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or parallel. The second side includes a first receiving member comprising a first post. The support portion includes a protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.

Abstract: There is provided a caulk free window trim for use with a replacement window in a wall having a window jam. The window jam has a jam liner. The window trim includes a vertical rigid first member for disposing against a portion of the replacement window. An angled flexible second member extends away from a predetermined intermediate position on the vertical rigid first member and above an uppermost portion of the vertical rigid first member in contact with a portion of the jam liner to prevent air from infiltrating into the wall between the jam liner and the replacement window. No caulking or painting is required because the angled flexible second member together with the vertical rigid first member seals any minor gaps and produces an attractive finished product.

Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (10, 12) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers (2, 4), having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1?) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that at least the stabilizing edge (12) comprises a synthetic fiber material, preferably a cellulose-based fiber material, particularly paperboard material.

Abstract: The invention contemplates constructing a building by making composite walls in a factory using continuous or batch processing equipment. To make the walls, a Fiber Reinforced Coating (FRC) is prepared and then applied to foam core panels on their faces. Preferably, the panels are precut to the required dimensions before coating with openings for doors and windows. The coated panels are then transported to the site and bonded together to form the building.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire retardant roof system with a roof deck, a sealant material applied to the roof deck to prevent fluid migration, a polystyrene insulation board upwardly adjacent the sealant material and a sealing material upwardly adjacent the polystyrene material.

Abstract: Floor element (1), which is mainly in the form of a board with triangular, quadratic, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape as seen from above. The floor element (1) is provided with edges (2), a lower side (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1), which are intended to be joined via tongue and groove are on at least two opposite edges (2), preferably on all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extends inwards from the edge (2) mainly parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged on a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and on a predetermined distance from a closest corner between two adjacent edges (2), whereby the holes (4) are intended to receive each one part of a guiding means (6).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for installing an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which cylindrical-shaped pads are coupled. The pads elevate the horizontal batten strip above the roof deck surface, preventing water and debris from gathering on the roof deck surface and eliminating the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. Other various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which pads are coupled that define a depressed portion. The depressed portion receives a fastener for coupling each pad to the horizontal batten strip, and in some embodiments, prevents irregularities in the height of the horizontal batten strip relative to the roof deck surface when installed on the roof deck surface.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A panel connector for interconnecting adjacent panels, wherein the panels have one or more flanges each having an edge. The connector comprises a portion of sheet material arranged to extend from the edge of the panel with a curved profile having an inner end adjacent the edge of the panel and an outer end. In transverse cross section, the curved profile includes a first portion extending from the inner end in a generally elliptical path and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outer end. The second portion curves inwardly from the generally elliptical path and the curved profile of the connector curves through at least 360 degrees. The second portion defines an opening between the inner end and the outer end to receive a portion of a further connector on an adjacent panel of the same shape.

Abstract: Various rolled or extruded profiles (1c, 1d) with weld locations are used to connect together structural sandwich plate members comprising first and second outer metal plates (21) and an elastomer core (22) bonded to said outer metal plates (21) with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.

Abstract: A method of producing a sealed bundle containing consumer articles such as smoking articles comprises the steps of wrapping a sealable material around an outer surface of a sleeve; at least partially sealing the sealable material while being wrapped around the sleeve at its bottom and along its length; pushing a group of smoking articles through the sleeve to remove the partially sealed sealable material from the sleeve; and sealing the partially sealed sealable material at the top so as to form the sealed bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a pocketed spring unit, the method comprising the steps of compressing and feeding a plurality of springs (42) into troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations in opposed conveyor belts (2, 4), moving said springs (42) from said troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations to a position between upper and lower layers of fabric or other material (16A, 18A), step-wise advancing said material (16A, 18A) and said springs (42) in the direction of the output of the apparatus and welding together said lengths of fabric or other material (16A, 18A) at each step-wise advancement by a plurality of sequentially controlled welding anvils (10) so as to form a plurality of discrete pockets (46) each containing a spring (42). Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. In contrast to prior art packaging methods during which the row is formed before the packaging material web is fed thereto, the invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2).

Abstract: A machine for forming, filling, and sealing sacks has an unwinding device for a plastic tube, a cross-cutting device that cuts the tube perpendicularly to its principal axis of symmetry and creates tubular pieces in the process, a bottom forming means for forming a sack bottom at one end of the tubular piece, transport equipment to transport the resulting sacks through the machine, a filling station with a feeding element for filling the product in the sack, means of reducing the distance between the product discharge opening of the feed element and the bottom of the sack to be filled, and sealing means to seal the filled sack. The means of reducing the distance is a sack lifting device with which the sack can be lifted in the filling station such that an upper edge of the sack is located above the product discharge opening of the feed element.

Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs in which a disposable fitting is retained on a blow-molded body by an inwardly-projecting flange structure which engages with an outwardly-projecting flange structure on the blow-molded body.

Abstract: A method of forming a container that has improved release properties for a viscous material configured to minimize residual material remaining in the container upon normal use thereof and also generally maintains the physical stability of a material in the container. The method includes applying a coating to a portion of the inner surfaces of a container in an amount effective to provide the improved release properties.