Abstract: A method for reinforcing a metal tubular structure (1) including the following steps: introducing inside the metal tubular structure (1), a plurality of substantially linear elements (4) having a tensile strength higher than a predetermined value; and injecting a curable filling product inside the metal tubular structure, so that the curable filling product contacts an inner surface of the metal tubular structure (1) and coats the substantially linear elements (4) of said plurality of elements.

Abstract: Universal master boards and methods of making flush door skins and doors from the universal master boards are disclosed. The universal master boards each have an expansive surface with a graphic design of at least first depressions and second depressions in at least first and second surface regions, respectively. The first depressions simulate a first wood grain pattern, and the second depressions simulate a second wood grain pattern aligned in a different direction than the simulated first wood grain pattern. The universal master boards may be cut and demarcated selectively to establish different assortments of simulated wood patterns and different ornamental features, such as stiles and rails.

Abstract: A roller bearing assembly includes an annular outer ring with first and second outer ring shoulders that define a first raceway in the outer ring. An annular inner ring may be disposed substantially concentrically within the outer ring, the inner ring including a base portion and first and second inner ring shoulders that extend from and are integral with the base portion to define a second raceway in the inner ring. A plurality of rolling elements may be arranged between the inner ring and outer ring and within the first and second raceways to rotatably couple the outer ring to the inner ring.

Abstract: A portable cutting apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor and a cutting blade driven by the motor. A protective housing encloses at least a portion of the cutting blade. A vacuum impeller is disposed in a vacuum housing to generate airflow to move dust and debris created by the cutting blade into a removable vacuum bag. At least one vacuum tube directs the airflow from the protective housing to the vacuum housing. The motor operates both the cutting blade and the vacuum impeller. A bellows interconnects the protective housing and a lower platform. The lower platform pivots relative to the cutting blade about a pivot axis that is outwardly spaced from and parallel to a cutting plane defined by the cutting blade.

Abstract: A retractable knife includes an elongate handle and a blade holder slidingly mounted within the handle for sliding movements between a retracted position and an extended position. The blade holder is configured for receiving. A manually operable blade lock is formed on the holder and including a release member rotatably mounted on the blade holder. The release member having a first portion projecting beyond the handle and positioned to be actuated by a finger of a user while holding the handle. A second portion is movable with the first portion between a locking position in which the second portion is received with a notch of a blade and a releasing position in which the second position is removed from the blade notch to a position outside the notch of the blade. A spring normally rotates the release member to move the second portion to the locking position.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting tool configured for orbital cutting, includes a housing, a power source disposed in the housing, a main linkage connected to the power source and to a blade for driving the blade in a vertically reciprocating motion, a foot plate connected to the housing and including a portion in operational relationship to the blade, a swivel bracket connected to the foot plate and disposed to exert an orbital force to a rear edge of the blade. A plunger is secured within the housing and connected to the linkage for reciprocating, pivotal and rotational movement, and has an end configured for receiving a blade. A selector mechanism for selecting at least between pivotal and rotational movement of the plunger, wherein the pivotal movement relates to orbital blade motion, and the rotational movement relates to scrolling blade motion.

Abstract: A positioning device, used in antenna's testing system, includes a crane, a fastening device, a testing antenna and a laser generator. The crane includes a gearing with a sliding shoe thereon. The fastening device is fixed on the sliding shoe of the crane. The testing antenna is fixed in font of the fastening device. The laser generator is fastened on the fastening device and located on a level different from the testing antenna. The laser generator sends out laser for defining the position of the testing antenna.

Abstract: An exterior surface has a vertical mid-plane and a horizontal aperture there through. An annular recess is provided at the vertical mid-plane. The exterior surface has planar end faces parallel with each other. The horizontal aperture has opposed frusto-conical surfaces with a central axis. The frusto-conical surfaces have interior edges at the vertical mid-plane and exterior edges at the planar end faces. The exterior edges are larger than the interior edges. Coupling grooves extend to opposite sides of the recess. The coupling grooves have a generally semi-circular configuration. The grooves are parallel with each other at an angle with respect to the central axis. The grooves have midpoints spanning the central axis. The coupling grooves are adapted to receive separated strands of draw string.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) having a upper section (11) comprising a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser levelling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs.

Abstract: Baby scales include a housing, a weighing tray associated with the housing and configured to hold a baby, a display and a measuring device configured to support the weighing tray and to determine a weight of the baby. The measuring device includes an electric length measuring device configured to measure a length of the baby. The display is disposed on the housing and configured to show the determined weight of the baby.

Abstract: A safety stud setter includes a spacer bar along with a stud flange disposed at one end of the spacer bar for abutting a first stud disposed at a right angle to a transverse stud. A stud gripper is disposed at another end of a spacer bar for positioning a second stud disposed at a right angle to the transverse stud at a preselected distance from the stud and a lever mechanism is provided for forcing the second stud against the stud base to enable nailing of the second stud to the transverse stud through the stud base without movement of the second stud from the transverse stud. Safety guides are provided for positioning a nail gun head against the stud base and preventing escape of fired nails.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that takes air through an air inlet and generates a high-pressure airflow, a main body casing, a first air path that is protruded from the main body casing, and a nozzle that is located in a position ahead of the main body casing in a direction of the first air path. The main body casing includes a main-body air inlet through which outside air is taken and a second air path that causes air from the main-body air inlet to flow upward and then downward to a level where the air inlet of the high-pressure airflow generator is located.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleanout cycle to remove treating chemistry dispensed within a dispenser dryer.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.

Abstract: A shoe construction enables a user to attach or interchange shoe components for improving function and or appearance of the shoe construction. The shoe construction includes a base, a cover, a top attachable component, and two fasteners. The base includes a series of fastener-receiving apertures. First fastening structure surrounds the fastener-receiving apertures. The cover includes a second fastening structure matable with the first fastening structure. The top attachable component includes component ends, each of which has an end aperture and a third fastening structure, which third fastening structure surrounds the end apertures. The fasteners fasten the component ends to the base member via the end apertures and fastener-receiving apertures. The cover covers the first fastening structure, the component ends, and the fasteners. The first, second, and third fastening structures function to prevent rotation of the component ends about axes extending through the fasteners.

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle, the shoe stud including a ground-engaging part and the two components are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot on one of the two components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component, and a locking means of the components which is arranged to become interengaged to resist unscrewing of the assembly, the locking means comprising a primary locking means and at least one secondary locking member, the primary locking means comprising a ring of posts extending axially from one of the components and a ring of teeth on the other component, the posts engaging between the teeth, and wherein the or each secondary locking member is adapted to engage with a post to maintain the interengagement of the primary locking means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piste grooming vehicle with a point of application for cable forces that is associated with a cable winch, the point being at a distance from a yaw axis of the piste grooming machine, at least one control device being provided and being operatively connected to at least one control for automatically compensating at least one cable torque that can be applied by a cable traction force of the cable winch in relation to the yaw axis.

Abstract: A machine bucket may include a wrapper. The wrapper may form a portion of a receptacle for holding material. The wrapper may include a curved upper portion defining an arc. The curved upper portion may have a central angle value (?U) of between approximately 129.5° and 130.5°. The wrapper may also include a curved lower portion defining an arc. The curved lower portion may have a central angle value (?L) of between approximately 29.5° and 30.5°.

Abstract: Procedure and device for the micro-mixing of miscible or immiscible fluids through reflux cell, produced by the invasion of one of the fluids going upstream into the feeding tube of the other fluid. This tube is closed and has a tube exit which is placed opposite an area of confluence where the exiting flow of the intercepted fluid meets an approximately perpendicular current of invading fluid, which is radially and centripetally directed to the axis of this exiting flow. The product is released outside through an exit orifice. The edges of the tube exit and the exit orifice are opposite each other and separated by an axial gap; and the penetration of this reflux cell into the feeding tube is regulated by controlling the velocity of the fluid. An application of the invention is the ironing with a steam-aided water spray of drops smaller than 200 microns.

Abstract: An ironing board cover assembly has a cover sized and shaped to fit an ironing board. The cover folds into a compact arrangement for storage and unfolds into a expanded arrangement to secure to the ironing board. A pouch attached to the cover, receives the cover when the cover in the compact arrangement. When installed on the ironing board, the pouch receives ironing accessories.

Abstract: A modular hand guard assembly serves both as a hand guard system and as an integrated interface system for mounting various weapon accessories and attachments thereto. The modular hand guard assembly includes a removable forward rail section that can be removed from the forward portion of the hand guard to provide for the installation of additional weapon accessories such as lights, optics or lasers in highly a desirable forward location adjacent to the barrel of the weapon. The modular hand guard assembly further includes a removable lower hand guard to provide access to the barrel of the firearm and an integrated modular switching and control system for use in connection with the various powered accessories mounted thereto.

Abstract: A firearm having a receiver having a front end and a rear end, an elongated gun barrel having a front end and a rear end, the rear end of the gun barrel being connected to the front end of the receiver; an elongated long gun stock having a butt portion, a middle portion and a front portion; the receiver and the gun barrel being supported in the long gun stock; and recoil reduction means attached to the front portion of the long gun stock.

Abstract: A rail mounting mechanism for coupling an auxiliary device to a weapon has an eccentric hub and a blade with a lever arm that can be used to overcome tolerances in mounting rails to provide a consistent grasp of the rail.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a fishing pole includes a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end receives a grip and the distal end includes at least one line guide for receiving a fishing line. The grip of certain embodiments includes a flexible mounting tube that engages the proximal end of the rod and a sheet including a polymer outside layer and a fibrous inside layer. In some embodiments, the sheet has a configuration corresponding to the exterior shape of the flexible mounting tube, being wrapped about and adhered to the mounting tube, with the side edges of the sheet abutting one another to define a substantially longitudinal seam extending from the interior surface of the sheet to the exterior surface of the polymer layer. In some embodiments, the grip includes a tube and a strip that is spirally wrapped around the tube to form a substantially helical seam.

Abstract: A plurality of grooves are formed at a position in a hook tip where a barb is to be generally provided, avoiding damage to a caught fish and avoiding fishing failure.

Abstract: A shaft in a cylindrical configuration has upper and lower ends and a cylindrical passageway. A housing forms a chamber with an open top and an open bottom. The chamber is in operative communication with the passageway. A sheet has a center, a periphery and a central extent. The sheet has a deployed orientation. The deployed orientation is in a generally hemispherical configuration. The center of the sheet is supported by the housing. The periphery of the sheet is provided adjacent to ground around the shaft. In this manner the plant is covered. The sheet has a stored orientation. The center of the sheet in the passageway is provided adjacent to the lower end. The central extent of the sheet is provided there above.

Abstract: A method of covering a potted plant or a floral grouping with a floral sleeve. The sleeve has, in one embodiment, a plurality of randomly positioned overlapping folds disposed in a sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A combination through-wall masonry flashing/drainage device having a flashing membrane with at least one reinforcing cloth adhered to at least one side of the flashing membrane. A wicking cloth made of a synthetic wicking material is then adhered to the device. The wicking cloth material is selected for wicking ability, life expectancy, mildew resistance, and strength characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable enclosure intending as a building or portion of a building that may be transported to a desired site in a folded configuration and then expanded into its intended form. The enclosure has a floor and two wall or roof support section extending upwardly from opposed sides of the floor section. A first roof section spans across the gap between the wall or roof support sections. At least a second roof section in provided that is pivotally mounted to the structure to overlie the first roof section in transit and fold out to extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first roof section in the expanded form. Similarly, second floor sections may be pivotally mounted to lie adjacent the wall/roof support sections in transit and extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first floor section when expanded.

Abstract: Systems are provided for use in balcony structures. The system includes a joist comprising an upper chord and a lower chord separated by a web. One end of the joist is supported by a supporting member and a cantilevered balcony extends generally perpendicularly from the supporting member. The cantilevered balcony comprises a cementitious balcony slab extending from a cementitious floor slab. The cementitious floor slab includes a backspan region extending from the top of the supporting member opposite the cementitious balcony slab. A portion of the joist in the backspan region comprises a decking supporting member coupled to the web. The joist in the backspan region supports decking using the decking supporting member; however, the joist beyond the backspan region supports decking above the upper chord. In this way, the cementitious floor slab in the backspan region is thicker than the cementitious floor slab beyond the backspan region.

Abstract: A rigid component is formed of a plurality of coupled cylinders. Each cylinder has a circular cross sectional configuration with an axis, a top, a bottom, first and second sides and a slit. The coupled cylinders have parallel axes and include an upper plane with the axes in a common upper plane and a lower plane with the axes in a common lower plane. The slits face downwardly in the upper plane and upwardly in the lower plane. The slits receive a side of each of its adjacent cylinders. The cylinders are secured with respect to each other by the resilience of the cylinders at their slits holding the sides of the cylinders passing through the slits.

Abstract: A reinforcement for buildings is provided. The reinforcement is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic in the reinforcement.

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: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The front and rear members are brought toward each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and while also capturing an associated transparent pane. The rear frame member has a rib formed about an inner peripheral edge which is received in locking engagement within a cooperating peripheral groove provided on an inner side of the transparent panel. The rib and groove locking arrangement transfers impact forces on the pane to deformation forces on the front and rear frame members. A series of fastening members are used to hold the front and rear frame members securely against each other.

Abstract: A blind frame for a window or door, the blind frame including a channel defined by the blind frame, the channel extending at least partially around the periphery of the blind frame and defining a space between the frame and an adjacent wall, the space being adapted and configured to receive an amount of concrete so as to affix the frame to the wall. The blind frame may include an accessory compartment including a housing defining an external surface adapted and configured to support an amount of concrete and embed said housing in said wall opening.

Abstract: A conduit adapter system enables routing of conduit through one or more structural members of width W with minimal weakening of the structural member or members, and includes a first section of conventional round conduit on one side of the structural member or members, and a second piece of round conduit on an opposite side of the structural member or members, and a bridge conduit section of sufficient length to pass through the structural member or members, the bridge conduit section having a symmetrical cross-section with a first dimension significantly less than a second dimension, and an area at least as large as the area of the round conduit sections.

Abstract: A building block assembly includes a block that has a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a front side and a back side. The block has a plurality of apertures therein extending into the top side and outwardly from the bottom side. Each of the apertures is defined by a perimeter wall. The perimeter walls of each of the apertures is cylindrically shaped and has threading grooves therein. The apertures are aligned with each other along a line orientated perpendicular to the front side and are equally spaced from the first and second lateral sides.

Abstract: A composite beam chord is between first and second reinforcement plates. The beam chord includes a first ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of +? degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the beam chord and a second ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of ?? degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle ? is between 2 and 12 degrees for suppression or delay of ply splitting.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a foam insulation layer, an attachment member, and optionally a veneer layer. The foam insulation layer comprises a front face, a rear face, a tongue along a first end edge, a groove along a second end edge, and a slot defined in the rear face. The attachment member comprises an attachment rail and a member extending transversely from the attachment rail. The member of the attachment member is inserted into the slot of the foam insulation layer. When present, the veneer layer is attached to the front face of the foam insulation layer. When joined with other insulated siding panels, the interlocking occurs along the foam insulation layers to form an unbroken layer of insulation.

Abstract: The liner for concrete forms is a plastic matrix for simulating the mortar grooves conventionally formed in masonry construction. The liner is placed within a concrete form, and the concrete is poured thereover. The form is removed after the concrete sets, thereby exposing the surface with the liner still remaining therein. The surface of the concrete panel may then be treated as desired to produce a surface finish resembling brick or other masonry construction, e.g., sandblasted or coated with stucco or other material, with the liner remaining in place to protect the simulated mortar grooves. Once the surface of the concrete panel has been treated as desired, the liner is removed to expose the natural concrete surface within the grooves, with this natural concrete surface closely resembling the mortar joints in a masonry wall.

Abstract: High-wind load wall anchors and high-wind load wall anchoring systems for cavity walls are described which utilize double-walled anchor constructs with interengaging wire formative veneer ties. The high wind load anchors are mounted upon an interior cavity wall and the veneer ties are embedded within joints of an exterior cavity wall. The anchors have an aperture, for threading the veneer ties therethrough and restricting undesired movement, coupled with a double-walled wing structure to resist anchor deformation by high-wind forces. For resistance against seismic forces, the high-wind load wall anchoring system has a reinforcement wire which snaps into contoured veneer ties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a building cladding for inclined surfaces such as for a sloped roof. More specifically, this invention relates to a building cladding that is passively responsive to sun elevation angles, is multi-functional, and is substantially uniformly ornamental when viewed from common viewing positions. The cladding is predominantly comprised of pairs of substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces extended horizontally and repeated vertically or along the incline of the building substrate. Substantially horizontal surfaces may be adapted for absorbing solar energy, reflecting solar energy, generating electricity from solar energy, converting solar energy into another form of energy, and or ornamentally matching substantially vertical surfaces.

Abstract: A masonry block and hardware set for constructing dry stack walls and columns, including a wall unit, a corner unit, and an end unit, wherein each of the wall, corner, and end units have a top surface with a depression that is brought into substantial alignment when an adjoining block at the same level or in the same course is abutted with the respective unit, and further wherein when any two of the units are adjoined, the units create a vertically oriented space for accommodated clamping hardware, and further wherein each of the end and corner units include an alignment slot to align the end units and the corner units in relation to adjoining wall units. Clamping hardware is employed to bolt the wall while construction proceeds, the hardware being disposed in the masonry unit depressions and in the vertically oriented space created by stacked units. The clamping provides a downwardly directed compressive force and lateral rigidity.

Abstract: Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. By arranging portions of the decorative motifs along edges of a flooring plank, a periodic flooring pattern larger than an individual plank can be formed by placing identical planks adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction and adjacent in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A tower includes an outer portion forming an outer covering for the wind turbine tower and an inner portion disposed within the outer portion. The inner portion includes a preassembled power module including an upwardly extending support and electrical components that extend outwardly beyond the upwardly extending support and guide supports coupled at a first end to the upwardly extending supports and extending outwardly beyond the electrical components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A reinforcing shape member for a concrete block wall, and system of construction using same, including a wall engagement portion having an integral top end engaging wall portion and an integral bottom end engaging wall portion where the top end engaging wall portion and the bottom end engage and embed into the concrete wall at various depths.

Abstract: A concrete deck insert has an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected by a threaded coupling. The upper and lower portion are drawn together to clamp onto a portion of a perimeter of a hole.