Abstract: A slip bobber broadly includes a float and a securing mechanism. The float has a float body and a line retainer receiver disposed within the float body and partially extending through an exterior face thereof. The line retainer has a line retainer body with a clip and a securing mechanism disposed thereon. The securing mechanism removably secures the line retainer within the line retainer receiver.

Abstract: The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.

Abstract: A humane repeating animal trap having multiple points of entry and redundant mechanisms which prevent an animal reaching the storage section of the trap from escaping. The trap permits selective viewing of the contents without opening the trap and indicators signaling not only the presence of animals within the trap, but also which of multiple points of entry were used by the animals to enter the trap.

Abstract: A flytrap includes at least a collection barrel, a main unit having an upper seat, a lower seat, an electrode net, a safety net and a guiding plate, a fixing element which is deployed in the electrode net to install a bait, as well as a circuit module. By the abovementioned structural design, the bait is installed in the fixing element and an odor of the bait is used to attract files to approach the electrode net. Next, the flies are shocked electrically with a high voltage on the electrode net and finally, the dead or paralyzed flies are gathered in the collection barrel.

Abstract: The invention is a bug catching apparatus for catching and disposing of bugs. The invention catches bugs using a deformable wall, sticky on one side, and a relatively ridged perimeter to keep the sticky side from inadvertently sticking to a surface but still allowing the deformable wall to flex and catch the bug on the sticky surface when the bug is within the perimeter. The sticky part of the apparatus is designed to be disposable, so a user can catch and dispose of bugs without ever having to touch the bug. The invention also minimizes the mess associated with killing bugs and minimizes the mess of inadvertently getting a sticky bug catcher stuck to a wall or a countertop.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for killing pests in an affected area includes a burner for heating a fluid. Heat exchanger units are placed within associated regions of the affected area. Each heat exchanger unit receives the fluid from the burner and emits heated air by transferring heat from the fluid to ambient air within the affected area. Air movers are positioned to circulate the heated air emitted by the heat exchanger units and prevent stratification of the heated air. A temperature difference between the fluid received by the heat exchanger units and the ambient air within the affected area results the affected area being raised to a target temperature greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gasoline additive concentrate including a reaction product of (a) 1,8-naphthalic anhydride; and (b) a reaction product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic anhydride with a polyamine. Fuel compositions containing the additive concentrate are also disclosed. Method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel additive imparting high lubricity to gasoline and diesel fuels while concurrently increasing miles and reducing emissions. The fuel additive is formed of a plurality of individual components having individual and a combined synergistic effect along with components increasing fuel lubricity which are mixed with a liquid fuel-soluble carrier and added to the fuel supply of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A fuel additive to gasoline and diesel fuels which when added in small quantities relative to total volume of fuel treated and burned as fuel in an internal combustion engine, enhances fuel burning to concurrently increase mileage and reduce emissions. The fuel additive is formed of a plurality of individual components having individual and a combined synergistic effect along a liquid fuel-soluble carrier and added to the fuel supply of the intended internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A plant pillow for protecting a seed or plant from cold. The plant pillow includes an upper pyramid, a base for supporting that pyramid, and a bladder for holding water. The pyramid forms a greenhouse that uses solar energy to heat water in the bladder. When the bladder is placed around a seed or plant the bladder transfers heat from the solar heated water to the ground to protect the seen or plant against cold. The sides of the pyramid are attached to the base via flexible transitions that allow the sides to be lowered to allow access inside the pyramid. A filler inside the pyramid allows water to be added to the bladder.

Abstract: A method of accumulating a quantity of seeds having a desired fatty acid characteristic is provided. The method includes removing a sample from each seed in a population of seeds while maintaining the germination viability of the seeds; contacting each sample with a solvent to form a mixture comprising fatty acid methyl esters; analyzing the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters from each sample to determine the fatty acid profile of the corresponding seed; selecting seeds having at least one desired fatty acid characteristic based on the analysis of the samples removed from the seeds; cultivating plants from the selected seeds; recovering seeds from the cultivated plants, wherein the recovered seeds are a subsequent generation of the selected seeds; and repeating the operations for one or more generations of the recovered seeds to thereby accumulate the quantity of seeds having the desired fatty acid characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for facilitating the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. One aspect of the invention provides a seed kit. The seed kit may comprise a biodegradable germination cup having a base having one or more apertures, a one-piece biodegradable germination pad capable of retaining water and sized to be received in the base of the germination cup without falling through the one or more apertures, and a biodegradable seedling cup sized to receive the germination cup. The seed kit may further comprise other components, such as a growth medium, a seed, a lid/base, a stirring stick, etc. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods wherein a seed is germinated and nurtured to a seedling by using a germination pad, a germination cup, and a seedling cup.

Abstract: A vertical planter and gardening wall comprised of base planter blocks that are identical to each other and end blocks that are identical to each other. The blocks are stackable and interlock. The invention can be used by gardeners to cultivate and display their gardens indoors or outdoors in a restricted area.

Abstract: Methane product gas is produced from landfill gas and gob gas either by a three-stage process of PSA-TSA-PSA or PSA-PSA-PSA, or a two-stage process of PSA-PSA.

Abstract: Monitoring systems for automatic doors comprise at least one input device configured for sensing at least one characteristic of at least one operational parameter of an automatic door system, a door system controller coupled to the at least one input device, at least one monitor display comprising a first interface operatively coupled to the door system controller, and at least another interface operatively coupled to the monitor display and configured to be operatively coupled to at least one remote display device. The at least one monitor display is configured to continuously request information representative of the at least one operational parameter characteristic from the door system controller and display the information.

Abstract: A controller for a door system and an associated method of operation for actuating a door. The controller may be electrically coupled with a motor, an outer door switch and an inner door switch. The controller, activates a motor assist and may maintain a desirable current supply to the motor assist. Determining a relative position of the door and determining whether movement of the door is obstructed is performed. The controller actuates the door to an appropriate position and determines whether door operation exceeds a maximum time threshold. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor assist once the door reaches an appropriate position or the door operation exceeds the maximum time threshold.

Abstract: A casement window unit including a fixed frame (2); a movable sash (3) connected to the fixed frame by a pair of hinged members (4, 5) joined to respective members of the fixed frame and of the sash so as to allow the movable sash to move between a closed position, where the fixed frame and the sash are in contact with each other, and an open position, where at least one stile (3c) of the sash is at a certain distance from the fixed frame towards the outside of the room where the window unit (1) is installed, and vice versa; and a movement arm (7) acting on the sash in such a way that it moves the sash from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A case of an air passage opening/closing device is formed with guide grooves comprised of case side seal surfaces and a guide wall surface, two ends of a door body part are arranged inside the guide grooves, a gear mechanism has a driven side gear which is provided at the door body part and a drive side gear which engages with the driven side gear, the driven side gear is formed to extend in parallel with a movement direction of a slide door at a portion of the door body part which is positioned further inside in the width direction from the guide grooves, and a portion of the door body part facing the guide wall surface or a portion of the guide wall surface facing the door body part is formed with interposed parts which are interposed between the door body part and the guide wall surface.

Abstract: A power window apparatus includes a movable member, a motor, a pulse generator that generates a pulse as the motor rotates, and a controller. The controller includes a reference position setting unit that sets a pulse reference value corresponding to a reference position, a position detecting unit that detects a level of the height of the movable member on the basis of pulses, a lock detecting unit that, on the basis of pulses, detects a locked or unlocked state of the motor, a pinch detecting unit that, in the case where the locked state of the motor is detected, determines, on the basis of whether the level of the height of the movable member is positioned in a non-detection area, whether the movable member has reached the upper-end lock position or a pinch has occurred, and a voltage detecting unit that detects a driving voltage applied to the motor.

Abstract: Provided is a door opening and closing system capable of returning to a return state where a catch and a retractable arm are engaged with each other even if the retractable arm is closed completely as a result of incorrect usage such as a prank. A catch has a catch base which is mounted on either one of the door and a frame and a catch shaft which is installed in the catch base slidable in an axial direction and engaged with a retractable arm. At a tip end of the catch shaft, a small-diameter part is provided as a step part. The step part of the catch shaft and the retractable arm are engaged with each other in a state where the retractable arm is further rotated in the closing direction after a main body part of the catch shaft and the retractable arm are engaged with each other.

Abstract: In a door hinge for hidden placement between a door frame and a door leaf a first hinge rod is rotatably mounted on a door frame receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of a door leaf receiving body, a second hinge rod is rotatably mounted on the door leaf receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of the door frame receiving body, disposed at an angle of at least 45° relative to front surfaces of the door leaf in a closed position, and a depth of the door frame receiving body is less than 80% of a depth of the door leaf receiving body.

Abstract: A door sill assembly for an entryway of a building can include a substrate having a nosing and a sill channel. A nosing cover can be attached to the substrate and extending over at least a portion of the nosing and over at least a portion of the sill channel. A sill deck can be on the substrate. The sill deck can include a deck and a clip. The deck can be engaged with a portion of the nosing cover. The clip can be operably engaged with the deck. The clip can be removably attachable to the substrate. The sill deck is capable of removable attachment from the door sill assembly before or after the door sill assembly is installed in the entryway.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is provided for an opening, in particular a door or window opening of a vehicle body, having a fastening flange delimiting the opening, which is used for fastening a peripheral seal profile part and is formed by at least one vehicle body part, the fastening flange provided with one or more projections arranged around the opening on at least one flange face and the seal profile part having at least one shoulder, which engages behind the projections, for fastening on the fastening flange. A seal profile part is also provided and a method is provided for the production of a seal arrangement. A seal profile part having at least one shoulder is applied to the fastening flange delimiting the opening. The at least one shoulder caused to engage behind one or more projections of the fastening flange to fasten the seal profile part on the fastening flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivotable, multi-coil spring counterbalance, and method for using the same, which allows the user to readily attach a desired number of coil springs having chosen forces to a counterbalance connector attached to a vertically movable member, thereby providing an offset for at least a portion of the weight thereof.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polycrystalline abrasive elements consisting of micron, sub-micron or nano-sized ultrahard abrasives dispersed in micron, sub-micron or nano-sized matrix materials. A plurality of ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces are coated with a matrix precursor material in a refined colloidal process and then treated to render them suitable for sintering. The matrix precursor material can be converted to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride, or an elemental form thereof. The coated ultrahard abrasive particles are consolidated and sintered at a pressure and temperature at which they are crystallographically or thermodynamically stable.

Abstract: A fortified flashing laminate includes an uncured thermosetting polymeric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers at least a portion of the bottom surface of the polymeric layer, and a second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers a portion of the first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape to form a fortified area. The size and positioning of the second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape may be selected to fortify known vulnerable areas of flashing laminates.

Abstract: A free standing modular habitat structure is provided. The modular habitat includes a floor, ceiling and walls that comprise a plurality of prefabricated segments that join together to form the floor, ceiling and/or wall. The segments are made of durable and weatherproof outer skin and an insulated core. The insulated core may include raceways for routing wiring and/or plumbing. The insulated core may also include raceways for vertical support structures. Each segment can be solid or include a prefabricated opening such as a door, a window, or a chimney hole. The modular habitat may be a single room or it may be a multi-room habitat with interior walls and equipped with a kitchen, toilet, and/or shower and other amenities. One advantage of clustering multiple habitats together into a single structure is that clustering increases the overall stability of the structure and its ability to withstand harsh weather and high winds.

Abstract: A modular housing system, also known as “Maisons Demontables” may utilize a plurality of lightweight composite construction panels to create modular housing units that have high degrees of resistance to environmental factors like wind, hurricanes, floods and so forth. The housing units may have a very high thermal insulating rating. The panels may comprise expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels to create a bent which is a plurality of panels that are hinged to one another so that they can be compressed for shipping, and expanded or unfolded to be used as part of a housing unit. The panels may be mated together to form a section of a housing unit such as a wall. The housing unit may be easily assembled or disassembled using basic tools. A hinge technique is provided for joining the panels together to form the bents, and may include a tensioning system to bind multiple panels together.

Abstract: A connector for a geodesic dome comprises a first coupler, a second coupler, and a third coupler. Each coupler is configured to couple with a segment, which may be a substantially straight segment. Each coupler is placed at an angle with respect to the other two couplers and with a horizontal plane, such that a geodesic dome may be constructed using a plurality of the same connectors and a plurality of the same segments.

Abstract: An auxiliary member which is inserted into between a roof material and a fixing member including a base portion which is placed on the roof material and has a placement portion, a fixing portion, and a concave groove portion, an erected portion which extends to the upper side from the base portion, and a blocking portion which extends from an upper end of the erected portion to both sides so as to be in parallel with the placement portion and blocks the first frame from being moved to the upper side, includes an engagement convex portion which engages with the groove portion of the fixing member, a main body on which the engagement convex portion is formed on an upper surface, and a concave engagement concave portion which is formed on a lower surface of the main body and is engageable with the engagement convex portion.

Abstract: A truss reinforcing retrofit kit and method for strengthening an existing roof structure. The kit includes a tensile member, two couplings attached to the ends of the tensile member, and a king post tensioning system. The tensile member is coupled to the ends of the roof structure using the couplings. The king post tensioning system is positioned between the roof structure and the middle of the tensile member. Tension is increased within the tensile member so as to put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when there is an additional load on the roof structure in addition to a pre-existing dead load. For example, the additional load may be caused by one or more solar panels mounted on the roof structure. Alternatively, the tension might put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when the roof structure is subject only to the pre-existing dead load.

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulation panel consisting of one or more panes of generally transparent material configured to span a window or other framed opening of a building structure. The panel has a continuous border around the perimeter edges of one or both sides consisting of general transparent material protruding slightly from the panel for purposes of installation to the spanned opening. The second embodiment of the insulation panel is to create an attachment to an existing window or other framed opening, by use of an adhesive and/or compressive seal, which may or may not be airtight. The third embodiment of the insulation panel is to create a sound baffle or insulation effect through attachment to an existing window or framed opening similar to that of a double paned window. The fourth embodiment of the insulation panel is to create a safety barrier against flying debris.

Abstract: Improved concrete form insert assemblies (20) are provided for use in the construction of thermally insulated poured concrete sandwich wall structures (22). The insert assemblies (20) include a central sheet (32) of insulative material such as synthetic resin foam, which is preferably encapsulated by a sheath (78) to enhance the structural integrity of the sheet (32). A pair of reinforcing bar assemblies (46, 48) preferably made up of welded-together horizontal and vertical bars (50, 52) are respectively positioned adjacent the side surfaces (34, 36) of the sheet (32). The bar assemblies (46, 48) are secured to sheet (32) by means of connector elements (54) extending through the sheet (32) and presenting oppositely outwardly extending, apertured segments (56, 58).

Abstract: The basement wall reinforcement system comprises carbon fiber materials securely mounted to the wall being reinforced as well as to structural components at both the top and bottom of the wall. These additional connections at the top and bottom of the wall increase the capacity of the carbon fiber to prevent bowing and cracking by transferring lateral forces from the wall to these structural components. Such structural components can include foundations, basement floors, sill plates, rim joists and floor joists. The carbon fiber can be connected to these structural components by pins, epoxies and specially designed brackets.

Abstract: A system for trimming interior walls includes a plurality of base boards and fenestration casing boards for mounting along an edge of the wall for forming an attractive edge face of the wall. Each board has a front face with a continuously longitudinally extending groove with the rear face of the board being fastened to the wall by a series of screws at spaced positions along the board with the screws being recessed in the groove. An extruded plastic strip is inserted into the groove along the length of the board so as to cover the groove and the screws therein. The casing boards include an extra fastening connector along the rear of the board at the jamb. Corner pieces are provided which are hollow moldings to cover the ends of the boards with either a groove for a part of the strip or a simulated ridge matching the strip.

Abstract: A wall cap comprising an end cap and insulating sound-dampening material can be installed with a building structure having an interior wall to decrease the transmission of sound and vibration from the building structure to the interior wall.

Abstract: A trench drain system and method of installation thereof on a level floor surface. An elongate channel member is placed on the floor surface. A preformed elongate sloping member having a thick end tapering to a thin end in inserted into the channel with its thin end closest to the channel drain opening, thereby forming an inclined sloping surface. A grate extends over the channel inlet. The area adjacent the channel is filled to the height of the channel, whereby water thereon flows through the grate into the channel, along the inclined surface and out through the drain opening. The channel can be placed adjacent a vertical wall whereby wall tile may be installed over a channel top edge. The floor area adjacent the channel is filled with preformed sloping sheet members or with plastically formable material positioned at an incline using a floor height setting post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel; in particular a laminated floor panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for mutually coupling two floor panels, in particular laminated floor panels, according to the invention.

Abstract: A bendable cover assembly for an expansion joint gap in a tread and riser application includes an elongated resilient cover for bridging a gap between underlying structural members. A plurality of spaced-apart rigid plate members are encapsulated within, or otherwise are engaged with, the elongated cover of the cover assembly. Additional bendable plate members may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the plurality of spaced-apart rigid plate members. The cover has a thickness and sufficient elasticity to elastically deform for establishing supporting contact between the marginal support areas of the cover and the underlying structural members. Fasteners may be engaged with the cover at spaced apart sites along at least one lateral side portion thereof for elastically anchoring the elongated resilient cover to at least one of the underlying structural members.

Abstract: Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein this finishing profile—comprises a body with at least two portions made separable from each other, which, in the unseparated condition, are connected to each other by means of a break-off or cut-off zone, wherein, by whether or not removing one or more of the aforementioned two portions, various application possibilities of the remaining portion of the body are created, wherein, at least on the aforementioned two portions of the body, a layer-shaped covering is provided, wherein said layer-shaped covering shows an interruption at least over part of the length of the finishing profile, at the height of the transition between said two portions.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. The building panel includes a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers and a fiberglass mesh. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A coating/frame coupler is disclosed which securely couples the coating to the frame so that the building panel remains strong and stable even if the EPS foam blocks are melted or damaged in extreme conditions such as a fire.

Abstract: A wall brace support for an acoustical ceiling tee having a bulb includes an elongated main portion having two ends; a wall attachment tab at one of the ends, the tab being operable to abut the wall and receive at least one fastener therethrough to fasten the tab to the wall; and an acoustical ceiling tee attachment structure at the other end, the structure being operable to receive at least one fastener therethrough to fasten the structure to the bulb at a location spaced away from the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heddle (32) for a stretched fabric false wall provided with a harpoon that includes an inner arm, by means of which the harpoon is connected to the periphery of said fabric, and a curved outer arm, said heddle (32) including at least two peripheral vertical flanges (34) that extend downward and define at least one downwardly opening recess, and at least one shoulder (39) for receiving the bottom end of the outer arm when the fabric is stretched, said heddle (32) being characterized in that it includes two peripheral vertical flanges (34) and a central vertical flange (35), said flanges (34, 35) extending downward and defining two downwardly opening recesses, and in that each of said peripheral vertical flanges (34) includes a shoulder (39) on the inner surface thereof, and in that said central vertical flange (35) includes a shoulder (36) on each of the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A truss spacer and method of use to set spacing between trusses is detailed. The truss spacer typically includes teeth which grip trusses to secure the truss spacer thereto. The truss spacer may also include a central segment which is spaced downwardly between the trusses so provide a space above the central segment to receive the tips of roofing nails so that the roofing nails do not contact the central segment.

Abstract: A yielding rod to counteract seismic activity having a generally cylindrical shape with a narrow portion having a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the remaining portions of the yielding rod. The narrow portion spans a length that is approximately 8 times its diameter to approximately 16 times its diameter. A transition area connects the narrow portion of the rod to the remainder of the rod. The transition area spans a length of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch and has a preferred slope of 30 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A method of building a structure at a job site, the method comprising dividing the structure into multiple substructures, the multiple substructures defining the structure; selecting at least one construction automation module adapted to assist in assembly of the structure at the job site, the at least one construction automation module provided at the job site; defining a material kit for at least one substructure, the material kit having components; identifying automation assisted components of the material kit as one or more of the components identified to be handled by the at least one construction automation module; fabricating the material kit for the at least one substructure is provided, the components of the material kit being pre-cut to length and size; delivering the material kit to the job site; supplying the automation assisted components of the material kit to the automation component; and assembling the substructure using the automation component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforced structures wherein a hardened steel shell is constructed to desired specifications and anchored to a structure's foundation. The remainder of the structure is constructed around the hardened steel shell, thereby incorporating the steel shell as an integrated room or section of the structure.