Abstract: The invention comprises improved designs in a recoil control device comprising a bolt and slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt and slider are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt results in a force component accompanying the slider as it moves along a slider path that traverses a line formed by a linear firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The slider can have additional structural and functional features, including stabilizing features, vibrational damping elements, elements of the fire control mechanism, and devices to manage the peak impulse of the slider movement as it contacts a base or terminus point.

Abstract: A striker assembly for a firearm and a method of assembly the striker assembly is disclosed. The method includes providing a generally cylindrical body having a first distal end, a middle portion, and a second distal end, sliding a coaxial spring onto the middle portion from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a spacer having a first side and a second side from the second distal end toward the first distal end, sliding a snap ring from the second distal end toward the first distal end, and sliding a cap over the second distal end of the body, the spacer, and the snap ring.

Abstract: A shotgun forearm-stock shot shell carrier, for storing multiples of shotgun shells and quickly releasing the same for hand loading into a shotgun magazine or chamber. Improved efficiency and speed of loading shotgun shells may be achieved by a shotgun forearm-stock shot shell carrier, which may comprise one or multiple spring-and-follower-tensioned carrier cavities, integrated into a forearm stock having, in one embodiment, a spring steel shell retainer, such that shot shells inserted into a carrier are securely stacked end-to-end and held until the retainer is physically displaced. In one embodiment, manually displacing a thumb tab, such that it is relieved of providing counter pressure to the spring-and-follower assembly, allows the spring-and-follower assembly to force shot shells out of a carrier's cavity for loading into a shotgun or evacuating the carrier.

Abstract: A method for incubating fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea is disclosed. The method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining a hymenium slice from a fruiting body of Antrodia cinnamomea; (b) transferring the hymenium slice to a selective culture medium for incubation to obtain an isolated strain; (c) transferring the isolated strain to a bagasse culture medium for incubation; (d) subjecting proliferation by liquid culture or solid culture to obtain large-scale liquid spawn or solid spawn; (e) inoculating a wood segment with the liquid spawn or the solid spawn and subjecting incubation; and (f) re-inoculating the wood segment with mixed single-spore colonies of Antrodia cinnamomea and subjecting incubation until fruiting bodies are produced.

Abstract: A method to improve the yield of an acre of a crop having a growing season of less than one year. The method includes the steps of providing an irrigation system for the crop, providing an ecosystem producing algal by-products, and applying the algal by-crop to the crop with irrigation water.

Abstract: This invention relates to multilayer films and structures such as greenhouses and agricultural tunnels covered in such films.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a functional mulching film for rice direct seeding, and a mulching film manufactured by the same method. The mulching film is installed in a paddy field and formed to suppress weed growth and contains a fertilizer for enhancing rice growth and a powder ore for reinforcing the fertility of the soil.

Abstract: A vase in one embodiment includes an outer shell comprising open top and bottom ends and at least one opening on the surface; a base comprising a projecting member on the top with the bottom end of the outer shell being securely put thereon, an annular flange on the top of the projecting member, and an annular bearing releasably fastened in the flange; and an inner container disposed in the outer shell and comprising an upper member projecting out of the top end of the outer shell, a central shaft projecting downward from the underside to be rotatably disposed in the bearing, and at least one pattern on the outer surface. The inner container is adapted to rotate about the outer shell by rotating the upper member.

Abstract: A plant watering device comprises a pair of water absorbent shells made from natural coconut husks. Cotton pads are placed between the shells for further water storage and slow persistent release. An amount of plant nutrient and water filtering carbon material is placed within the cotton pads for disbursement to the root system of a plant. The husks and cotton pads are stacked and wrapped in a mesh material. The device is buried in a planter in close proximity to a root system of a plant.

Abstract: A horticultural growing medium is made up of composted bark, a carbon-based fibrous material, a hydrophilic polymer, sea solid, and beneficial bacteria/fungicide. The materials are formed into a solid substrate having structural stability, with both micro and macro interconnecting pores. The addition of a controlled release fertilizer provides for a perfect combination of nutrients, water retention, and pest and fungus control.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pivotable, sliding door is provided that includes a door leaf and a first roller lever disposed adjacent to a lateral closing edge of the door leaf. The first roller lever defines first and second ends. A guide rail is disposed on the door leaf. A roller is disposed on the first end of the first roller lever and in the guide rail. A locking element is disposed on the second end of the first roller lever. A retaining element, affixable to a door frame, is disposed adjacent to the second end of the first roller lever, the retaining element defining a stop and a predetermined, curved track. The first roller lever is displaceable along the predetermined, curved track to the stop. In the stop position, the first roller lever is pivotable into a locked position where the locking element engages the retaining element.

Abstract: A drive unit for a door or a gate includes an electric motor, a detection unit for detecting the position of the door or gate, the detection unit being coupled to the motor and providing an identical pulse sequence with every rotation of the motor, wherein the duration of one pulse in the sequence is different from the duration of the other pulses in the sequence, which are equal. All detected pulses are stored in a non-volatile memory. The drive unit includes an electronic control and regulating circuit including an output stage for the electric motor and at least one memory, in which an operational program is stored providing a programmable learning procedure for an opening and closing movement of the door or gate based on the pulses provided by the detection unit.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power transmission tower, which includes a tower body; first through sixth main insulation arms connected by one end thereof to the tower body with an angle with the tower body, respectively, and arranged radially and symmetrically about the tower body in a longitudinal direction; and first through eighth auxiliary insulation arms for selectively connecting the other end of the first through sixth main insulation arms and the tower body so that each of the auxiliary insulation arms constitutes each side of an octagon. Since the insulation arms are octagonally arranged, it is possible to reinforce a mechanical strength and enhance electric properties of the tower.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting equipment, such as solar panels, to a roof that has shingles. A base plate has at least one mounting aperture therethrough for securing to the roof with a mechanical wood fastener, and at least one bracket projection in an upper surface thereof for securing with a mechanical machine fastener. A flashing plate has a base plate recess formed in a lower surface thereof for receiving the base plate therein. A mounting bracket has at least one aperture therein for receiving one of the bracket projections therethrough for securing the mounting bracket to the at least one bracket projection in the base plate, and through corresponding apertures in the flashing plate. The mounting bracket further includes an attachment aperture adapted to be fixed with the equipment. Additional advantages include using fewer parts by integrating above elements to reduce the costs and steps of installation.

Abstract: A roofing system includes at least one row of tiles extending across a surface in a row direction, a first tile of the at least one row of tiles including a rain lock adapted to interlock with a second tile adjacent to and within the same row as the first tile, wherein the rain lock has a lower end, an upper end, and a weakened portion proximate the lower end to allow for removal of a predetermined portion of the rain lock. The second tile of the roofing system includes a corner at the upper end of the rain lock of the first tile, the corner including a notch and a second weakened portion to allow for lengthening of the notch.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases and has a universal connector. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection.

Abstract: A method of reinstating a pole standing upright in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve of a bridging beam against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the bridging beam penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the bridging beam projecting above the ground, arranging a plurality of locating members around the outer surface of the pole, and securing the bridging beam to the pole by strapping surrounding the pole held in place with respect to the pole by the locating members.

Abstract: An assembly for finishing an edge of an insulating concrete form wall includes at least one elongated body having two surface portions coupled together with an intermediate portion positioned between the two surface portions in a substantially parallel position. The intermediate portion is dimensioned for enclosing an end of a side panel of an insulating concrete form block and a portion of the concrete within the wall. At least one of the two parallel surface portions is dimensioned for covering a portion of the side panel proximate to the end. A plurality of retention members are positioned along the at least one elongated body. Each retention member is adapted for receiving and securing a coupling device for coupling to an internal structural support member within the concrete of the wall.

Abstract: A glass locking system of locking a glass panel within a base shoe having side walls, comprising a first tapered plate having a first end and a second end. The first plate is tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. A second tapered plate has a first end and a second end, the second plate being tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. The first and second plate are insertable between a side wall of the base shoe and a glass panel in overlapping relation. Moving the second tapered plate laterally towards the first plate serves to generate a compressive force on the glass panel, and moving the plates laterally apart serves to reduce the compressive force on the panel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a frame (1) for receiving one or more elastic modules (2) forming cable entries, pipe penetrations or the like. The frame (1) has a form automatically compressing the one or more modules (2) at mounting to an appliance (7). The compression is made in that the modules (2) are received in a central opening of the frame (1) formed by inclining walls (3) and that the overall dimension of the modules (2) received in the central opening is somewhat larger than the inner dimension of the central opening. The modules (2) protrude from the frame (1) and are therefore further compressed when the frame is mounted to the appliance (7).

Abstract: A fire suppression surface system comprises a flat sheet and a plurality of support members. The sheet has fluid channels therethrough. The support members lie on a support surface in a spaced-apart arrangement, and the sheet rests on the support members substantially parallel to and offset vertically above the support surface and defines with the support surface a containment space for receiving fluid spilled on the upper surface of the sheet that flows through the fluid channels. Area of channel upper openings is larger than about twice area of lower openings so as to restrict flow of air into or restrict escape of combustion products from the containment space, thereby suppressing combustion of a flammable fluid spilled on the sheet. A method for suppressing combustion of flammable fluid spilled on the support surface comprises covering the support surface with the sheet supported by the support members.

Abstract: Hollow metal “logs” each extending usually horizontally are arranged in adjacent, parallel, spaced-apart relation to form, or be part of, a wall or roof. Rigid insulating members are inserted between the logs. Each insulating member is shaped to fit around a log on either side of the insulating member. Each insulating member has a pair of outer faces respectively on either side of the wall or roof and lying substantially in respective planes parallel to the axes of the logs. The insulating members abut one another and collectively surround the logs and insulate the wall or roof.

Abstract: The baseboard has a side with a first contour and an opposite side with a second contour. In order to be able to mount the baseboard in either of two 180°-rotated positions, the baseboard has a longitudinally extending axis of symmetry. The first contour in a first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the second contour in a second edge region. Moreover, the second contour in the first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the first contour in the second edge region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover for a conventional post, e.g., a T-post commonly used in landscaping, farming, and other fields. The cover has a partially hollow tubular body that is able to slidingly receive a post. A ratchet strip is included on the inside of the cover. Catches on the ratchet strip engage barbs on the post preventing removal. A release strap is provided which is receivable into the hollow cover. The strap comes between the catches and barbs allowing cover removal.

Abstract: The possibility of special lightening, insulating and reinforcing intermediate floor constructions enables fast building of semi-prefibraceted and prefabricated floor with complete insulation, bearing capacity and smaller price. Floor elements and are constructed to that already present steel space trusses can be placed in their channels, so that are hastened the building of intermediate floor constructions and makes them cheaper, too. They are minimum shorting at the ends and at the middle of beams, so the works below can be proceeding and the required working time is shorter. The intermediate floor construction is already insulating, so they are no need for insulating, which makes the construction cheaper and the required working time shorter. The plates are enabling the increase of the height of the floor constructions, by tying two beams in the construction. Usage of distance elements and protects the reinforcement in floor construction, so they are no need for corrosion protection.

Abstract: This invention relates to building materials and methods. A building assembly for constructing a building includes load bearing structural panels joined and finished with a non-load bearing panels. The load bearing panels comprise a structural concrete insulating panel (SCIP) comprising a pair of wire mesh members sandwiching a middle member comprising polystyrene, wherein each of said wire mesh members defines two outwardly projecting screed ridges. The non-load bearing panels comprise a pair of fiber cement boards sandwiching a polystyrene core. The load bearing SCIP panel is placed in position and then the non-load bearing panel is positioned in a desirous location abutting the SCIP. The SCIP then receives a layer of cementitious material that is cut flat using the screed ridges. The assembled SCIP and non-load bearing composite is then finished with a final finishing layer so that the entire assembly has the same outer appearance.

Abstract: Anchor and reinforcement devices for a cavity wall are disclosed. The devices are combined with interlocking veneer anchors, and with veneer reinforcements to form unique anchoring systems. All the components of the system are wire formatives, including therewithin truss or ladder reinforcements and the eye extensions. The wall anchor portion of the device is fusibly attached to the exterior of the truss or ladder reinforcement by various metalworking techniques. Beyond the portions of the wire formatives inserted in the backup wall, the wire formatives are optionally reduced in height by cold-working thereof. The combined wall anchor and reinforcement devices are compressively reduced in height for spanning insulation mounted on the exterior of the backup wall. The low-profile portions are disposed between thick strips of insulation and maintain the insulative integrity thereof by preventing air leakage.

Abstract: An insulating and waterproofing membrane for over-lying attachment to a foam insulation layer of material fixed to a roof or other structure, the membrane including a first layer of a flexible foam material for over-lying attachment to the foam insulation layer, a second layer of a fabric fixed to and over-lying the first layer, and a third layer comprising a waterproof outer skin affixed to and over-lying the second layer.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding.

Abstract: Panels that provide structural integrity to building structures and enhance the insulation and heat dissipation capacity of a structure. The panels include an inner imperforate rigid layer of a first material, an outer rigid layer of a second material, and at least one intermediate rigid layer of a third material. The layers are positioned in a spaced relationship so that there are a first air space between the inner layer and the intermediate layer and a second air space between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. At least one pair of upper and lower openings are provided in the outer layer so that the second air space communicates with ambient air. Likewise, the intermediate layer includes at least one pair of upper and lower openings that communicate with the openings in the outer layer so that the first air space is also in fluid communication with the ambient air.

Abstract: A seam clip assembly is disclosed. The seam clip assembly includes a seam clip attachable to a thermal barrier. The seam clip is connected to the thermal barrier, and the thermal barrier is connected to a structure, such as a roofing structure. The thermal barrier prevents or at least limits heat conduction from the seam clip into the roofing structure. The thermal barrier improves uplift strength of the seam clip attached to adjoining roofing panels.

Abstract: A brick assembly includes multiple bricks and each brick has at least one rib and at least one slot respectively on two sides thereof so as to be connected side-by-side. Each brick includes multiple passages defined through the top surface and the bottom surface thereof and multiple first recesses are defined in the top surface and multiple second recesses are defined in the bottom surface of the brick. Each of the first and second recesses communicates with two passages. A U-shaped reinforcement bar extends through the two passages and the connection portion connected between two ends of the two legs is engaged with the second recess and a plate is engaged with the first recess. The two legs extend through the plate and are securely connected with two nuts.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A system for setting tiles uses a number of tile assemblies and joining elements (21a) interconnecting adjacent tile assemblies. Each tile assembly—has a tile member (3a) and a support member. The support member is connected to the underside of the tile member, and is provided with recesses for accommodating parts of the joining elements. The support member has a number of openings and/or projections (12a) extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the tile member. The joining element has an elongate strip-like member provided with openings (30a) and/or projections fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies.

Abstract: An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A grating system typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, longitudinal filler bars seated on the crossbars between the deep bars and axial joining bars which join the deep bars and filler bars to one another. The crossbars are inserted lengthwise through slots formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are inserted lengthwise into holes formed in the deep bars and filler bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the crossbars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are substantially flush with one another to form most of the upper surface of the grating system on which vehicular and pedestrian traffic typically travel.

Abstract: A rebar positioner configured for being placed in a diagonal orientation within a cell of a masonry block including first and second end sections oriented in a first plane, a center S-shaped section in a second plane parallel to the first, laterally offset linear sections oriented in the second plane, and first and second vertical sections interconnecting the first and second end sections with the first and second linear sections, wherein the second end section terminates in a telltale extending away from the center section.

Abstract: A wooden joist is described. The joist comprises a wooden top chord, a wooden bottom chord, and a main section comprising at least one of wooden boards and wooden webs adhesively connected to the wooden top chord and to the wooden bottom chord to form at least one of an I-joist subsection and an open-joist subsection along the main section of the wooden joist. An end configuration at one end of the main section comprises a wooden post extending generally perpendicularly between the wooden top chord and the wooden bottom chord and is adjacent to the main section. A wooden diagonal web extends diagonally from the wooden top chord to the wooden bottom chord. A first set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the wooden top chord to the diagonal web. A second set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the diagonal web and the post to the bottom chord.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions. The method may include applying a continuous longitudinal cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip to a joint area of the first concrete portion and then forming the second concrete portion over the grout strip. The system may include a first concrete portion having a joint area, a continuous cementitious and reactive waterproofing longitudinal grout strip connectable to the joint area, and a second concrete portion formable over the grout strip. There is also provided a use of a cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip in the construction of a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions.

Abstract: A multi-component spin hardware is provided for connecting structural framing members to other structural framing members while allowing desired portions of the framing members to pivot, selectively displacing the framing members to variable positions. The spin hardware generally includes a top bracket, bottom bracket and counter bracket assembly. The spin hardware bracket assemblies can be installed along a vertical axis in infinite locations providing maximum flexibility and creativity while connecting structural framing members in infinite configurations.

Abstract: A fire resistive assembly including metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The assembly is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: A ballast system for roof membranes includes connected modules filled with loose-fill ballast and adapted to hold a predetermined volume of water for at least a predetermined period of time on the roof to control runoff.

Abstract: A support panel for thin brick, comprising a metal sheet, an array of groove retaining tabs having first tab edges, said first tab edges protruding from said sheet having at an upward angle of less than about 45 degrees, for a distance of less than about one quarter inch, and an array of mortar lock tabs having second tab edges, said second tab edges protruding from said sheet at a downward angle of greater than about 45 degrees, said array of mortar lock tabs being offset vertically from said array of groove retaining tabs, wherein, said array of groove retaining tabs are adapted to engage shallow dovetail grooves formed in the rear of thin bricks, and said mortar lock tabs are adapted, when embedded within a cured mortar matrix, to exert, in response to a tensile force away from said metal sheet, a force along a vertical axis, on the brick, in an opposite direction to a force applied to the brick along a vertical axis by said groove retaining tab, to thereby retain the brick against the panel.