Abstract: A fishing lure accepts a glow stick inserted therein to provide night illumination. The fishing lure uses interchangeable glow sticks which are inexpensive and can be changed as needed for illumination. The fishing lure allows for the easy and quick insertion and removal of a glow stick as needed and saves the user a lot of time and is very cost effective. The fishing lure can be designed in various configurations, such as a plug-type lure with the glow stick inserted fully or with the glow stick protruding out of the lure. In some embodiments, a squid-type lure can be designed with one or more glow sticks used to provide illumination.

Abstract: The device for retaining fishing line on a fishing rod includes first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members has a clamping portion and a handle portion. The first and second jaw members are connected for pivotal movement between a first position, wherein the clamping portions are proximate each other, and a second position, wherein the clamping portions are remote from each other. A spring is provided for biasing the jaw members toward the first position. First and second resilient members, each having an interior planar surface and an arcuate exterior surface, are fixed to different ones of the jaw members such that when the jaw members are in the first position, the interior surfaces of the first and second resilient members face each other and can retain the fishing rod and fishing line therebetween.

Abstract: A pliable fishing lure assembly includes a lure body including a leading portion and a trailing portion joined by a connecting hinge portion. A pliable, spinnable appendage is connected for unrestrained 360° rotation to the lure body by a swivel mechanism. The lure body can bend or fold into a U-shaped form at the hinge portion. A hook through the leading portion includes a protruding barbed end on one side of the leading portion and a protruding eye on the opposite side of the leading portion. The lure assembly is formed from a neutrally buoyant or close to neutrally buoyant material.

Abstract: A composition for improving the combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The composition includes a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and an organometallic soap selected from among several cerium-containing and ferric compounds. The cerium-containing compound or compounds increase the energy released during combustion of the fuel. The ferric compound or compounds coat an interior wall of a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to increase the power output of the engine by reducing the accumulation of residues deposited on the interior wall which interfere with the combustion of fuel.

Abstract: Process for producing high-yield biodiesel applying high acidity triglycerides with generation of glycerin 90% free of salts starting from fatty lower cost fatty material allied with an esterification and innovative extraction process that generates a further value, more specifically for the production of biodiesel.

Abstract: Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons to aromatics and gasonline range hydrocarbons where the oxygenated hydrocarbons are derived from biomass.

Abstract: A horticultural therapy apparatus is accessible to a practitioner who occupies a wheelchair. The horticultural therapy apparatus presents a raised and stable working surface that can be easily accessed by a person in a wheelchair or by a person otherwise operating with impaired or limited mobility.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plant having a stem comprises a base, an upright member extending substantially vertically upward from the base proximate to the plant and at least three ground penetrating members extending from the base. The ground penetrating members are substantially parallel to the upright and spaced at least 4 inches therefrom.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a substrate element with a first cover element spaced from the substrate element. A second cover element is disposed between the first cover element and the substrate element. A first adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second cover elements, where the first adhesive layer is configured to adhere the first cover element to the second cover element. A second adhesive layer is disposed between the second cover element and the substrate element, where the second adhesive layer is configured to adhere the second cover element to the substrate element. At least one seed abuts the first adhesive layer. The first cover layer is configured to be separated from the first adhesive layer thereby exposing at least a portion of the seed(s). Also disclosed are a method of forming a composite article, and a method of planting a seed with a composite article.

Abstract: There is provided a structure including water repellent sand obtained by applying water repellent coating to sand, a plant having roots that grow in the water repellent sand, and a plurality of water retaining layers scattered in the water repellent sand, such that each of the roots grows to reach at least one of the water retaining layers.

Abstract: A self-irrigating planter system that waters vegetation on a regular schedule using hollow upright supports to convey the water from a pump and reservoir to multiple organic-shaped pods that are attached to the upright supports in a tiered manner, and which uses gravity to deliver water so as to provide sustained plant growth and a healthier living environment with reduced energy usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit operably connecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the requirements by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit.

Abstract: A device for converting a fuel including solid components, known as a solid fuel, into a gaseous fuel, includes a pyrolysis zone (2) for pyrolyzing solid fuel, having pyrolysis elements that are capable of decomposing the solid fuel into a pyrolysis gas and into a solid pyrolysis residue, known as coke, and a combustion zone (3), which is distinct from the pyrolysis zone (2), for burning the pyrolysis gas and having combustion elements (31, 32, 33). The device also includes elements for circulating pyrolysis gas from the pyrolysis zone (2) to the combustion zone (3), which is surrounded by the pyrolysis zone (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system of presence detection in a door assembly for the prevention of patient/detainee suicide, comprising: a door frame, wherein the door frame defines an opening; a door mounted in said opening, wherein the door is allowed to operate from open to closed position with respect to the door frame; a presence sensing arrangement, which allows detection of the presence of an object near the surfaces of the door, door frame, and the upper and lower surfaces of the door or door frame from open to closed position. Placement of presence sensors on the upper or lower surfaces of the door allows presence detection when a patient/detainee attempts to drape a ligature object across or underneath said surfaces. A control system may monitor the system, and can activate an alarm system for early detection and prevention.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a door. In various embodiments, exemplary systems may include a controller that may initialize and/or reset a limit count. A controller may initialize and/or reset a limit count in response to detection by a first position sensor of a first target. A controller may further initialize and/or reset a limit count by incrementing the limit count in response to a signal from a gear tooth sensor until a second position sensor detects a second target, whereupon the controller may store the limit count.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle is provided and may include a door selectively movable relative to the vehicle between an open state and a closed state. A first track may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state and a second track may be spaced apart from the first track, may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state, and may include a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion may be operable to slide relative to the second track portion when the door is moved a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A laser barrier system for an optical table includes a plurality of laser barrier panels hingeably mounted to the edge of the table by a plurality of spaced hinge brackets. The hinge brackets include a horizontal flange secured to the surface of the table, a lower pivot support extending downwardly from the flange and an upper support column extending upwardly from the flange. Each hinge bracket supports a vertically extending jamb member secured to the upper support column. Each laser barrier panel is hingeably supported by pivot pins between a pair of spaced hinge brackets and their associated jamb members, and is hingeably movable about the pivot pins between a closed position and an open position. Each laser barrier panel is maintained in the closed position by a spaced pair of rotatable latch tabs that selectively engage with the adjacent jamb members.

Abstract: A temporary window has at least two sheets of thin plastic resin correspondingly comprising a center surrounded by at least one perimeter edge. The centers of the sheets are bonded to one another while the perimeters are not. Each of the perimeter edges of the sheets has an inner surface with an adhesive coating substantially thereon. The perimeters are arranged in relation to one another so that the adhesive inner sides create a v-shaped ravine adapted to adhere to a structure contiguous with an opening. The temporary window is especially suited to temporarily cover a window opening when the window glass is broken or otherwise non-functional. Uses include temporary windows for land vehicles, such as cars and trucks, marine craft, such as boats and the like, as well as windows in a residential or business establishment. The temporary window optionally includes a gap for fresh air in a vehicle's passenger compartment.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes extruding a mixture into an opening in a screen within an application zone and translating the screen and belt to a release zone and separating the screen and belt to form a precursor shaped abrasive particle on the belt, wherein the screen and belt are separated at a release angle of at least about 15° and not greater than about 45°, wherein the release angle is defined as an angle between a surface of the screen and a surface of the belt.

Abstract: A method of forming an abrasive article includes depositing a mixture into an opening of a substrate, contacting an exposed surface of the mixture in the opening to a texturing form to form a textured preform, and removing the mixture from the opening and forming an abrasive particle having a textured surface.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible barrier that is lightweight and can be easily transported and erected. The barrier includes a base, a top and an enclosed volume such as a diaphragm that can be expanded with a medium such as a gas or liquid to a desired shape. The expanded volume will act as a barrier. When a series of expanded barriers are connected, they will form a wall that can contain bulk materials or liquids.

Abstract: In the event of hurricanes or man-made events causing high wind velocities and flying debris, a window or door material fabric is removably installed to protect the frangible elements of the openings and unsuitably protected portions of the envelope. The barrier has retainers fastened on opposite sides of an opening with a flexible material fabric extending between the retainers. Alternatively, the barrier can be secured directly to the structure providing envelop protection to the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window rough opening article of flashing that provides a moisture barrier and a uniform caulking surface upon which to apply sealant material between a window rough opening and an installed window frame positioned therein. The article is a structure formed of a continuous sheet of material, whereby the material forms a uniform return flange, a first nailing flange, and an optional outer flange. The return flange is placed over the thickness of the rough opening, while the nailing flange is secured about the outer perimeter of the rough opening and is fastened thereto. The optional outer flange is adapted for use with stucco façade, and the single flange embodiment is adapted for use with brick façade. The device is cut to length and installed, wherein adjacent segments and corner joints are installed using a lap joint configuration to prevent cold joints along the rough opening interface.

Abstract: Expandable shelters having a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system arranged to receive outside air away from a mechanical compartment are disclosed. The expandable shelters may comprise an air inlet vent disposed in a front of the expandable shelter interconnected to an in-floor air duct arranged to draw outside air below an interior floor and exchange heat with the coolest area of the expandable shelter. By virtue of having an air inlet vent receive outside air from a location substantially away from the mechanical compartment and exchange heat with the coolest area of the expandable shelter, an environmental control unit (ECU), housed in the mechanical compartment, receives relatively cool outside air, keeping air temperatures inside the mechanical compartment below the upper operating limit of the ECU.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward rollable and collapsible structures. These structures, for example, can include a plurality of tubular longerons with a slit or gap that extends along the longitudinal length of the longerons. Such longerons can be combined in an arrangement that creates a structure. The structure can be collapsed and the longerons rolled either singularly or as a group into a stowed configuration.

Abstract: A recess former is disclosed for use with anchors which are to be cast into a concrete slab. The recess former preferably includes a removable plug and preferably rectangular lugs which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab. In addition, flaps are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mould or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess and adjacent reinforcing rods thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a tower lifting system comprises a primary lifting system and a secondary lifting system. The primary lifting system includes a lift cap configured to support a tower section to be lifted, the lift cap having a first plurality of hoists, and a lift pole coupled to the lift cap, the lift pole having a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section to be lifted from within a previously lifted tower section. The secondary lifting system comprises a second plurality of hoists configured to raise the tower section to be lifted to the lift cap from a tower foundation.

Abstract: The raised flooring apparatus and system may be used to construct a raised floor directly onto joists while accommodating commonly accepted building practices utilizing 16? and 24? center to center joist spacing.

Abstract: An articulating raised access floor panel is provided. The floor panel plate has upper and lower surfaces, four edges defining four corner portions, and a diagonal clear slot positioned at each of the corner portions. A diagonal channel member is connected to the lower surface at each of the corner portions so that the channel member extends axially and parallel with the clear slot. A bar is slidably received in each of the channel members. The bar includes a leveling screw capable of operation through the clear slot so that the plate is capable of vertical adjustment with respect to a pedestal support system.

Abstract: A freestanding storage station includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel side members and a roof that is supported by the side members. Each side member includes a cross bar, and at least one saddle-shaped, hollow ballast-receiving member that straddles the cross bar and rests on the ground. When filled with ballast, the ballast-receiving members serve to stabilize the storage station relative to the ground and enable the storage station to resist movement due to environmental winds or collision. The ballast-receiving members include a first ballast-receiving portion and a second ballast-receiving portion, and the ballast member straddles the cross bar such that the first ballast-receiving portion resides on an interior-facing side of the cross bar and the second ballast-receiving portion resides on an exterior-facing side of the cross bar.

Abstract: Roof-top solar panel system that is held in place on a roof by the solar array. The system includes a softened design including rounded component edges that protect the roof from uplift damage by solar panel structure components with or without mechanical anchoring or ballast.

Abstract: A window including a glazed element, at least one portion of a profiled seal, at least one insert or a trim, and at least one fastener for fastening the insert to the portion of the profiled seal. The fastener includes a plate having a longitudinal axis, the plate being at least partially overmolded in the portion of the profiled seal and supporting at least two flanges located outside the portion of the profiled seal, for fastening the insert to the fastener, the flanges being longitudinally offset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement (202) for a building element comprising tension members. The sealing arrangement (202) is arranged to seal off an internal part of the building element. The sealing arrangement (202) comprises: (a) a first pressing element (500) of rigid material; (b) a transition pad (501) of deformable material; (c) a sealing pad (503) of elastic material; and (d) a second pressing element (505; 507) comprising a rigid layer (507) for pressing the transition pad (501) and the sealing pad (503) against the first pressing element (500). The transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are provided with holes for the tension elements to pass through. When operationally in place, the first pressing element (500), the transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are pressed together.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece includes an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement.

Abstract: A joint cover system is operable to span a gap between two building members, wherein each building member including a first side surface and an end surface. The joint cover system comprises a first base member, a second base member, an intumescent sheet, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the first building member, and the second base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the second building member. The intumescent sheet may include a first edge positioned between the first base member and the first side surface of the first building member and a second edge positioned between the second base member and the first side surface of the second building member. The first fastener may penetrate the first base member and the first edge of the intumescent sheet. The second fastener may penetrate the second base member and the second edge of the intumescent sheet.

Abstract: A log for a log home has a plurality of pockets formed within the body of the log. The pockets are filled with foam to enhance the thermal rating of the log.

Abstract: A system for assembling a wall including first and second panels is provided. The system includes a plurality of caps that are slip-fittable onto respective corners of the first and second panels. First and second pairs of the plurality of caps include hinge-caps configured to be pivotably coupled with one another via first and second hinges. The first and second pairs of the plurality of caps are configured for respective association with first and second pairs of opposite corners of the first and second panels such that the first and second panels are disposable in a shoulder-to-shoulder configuration with the first and second panels being pivotable about a rotational axis defined through the first and second hinges or movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A preformed corner bead for use in wallboard construction is provided and includes an elongate strip formed of a web of at least one layer of non-woven fabric, a resin impregnating the strip. The impregnated strip is formed into a desired angle defined by a pair of flanges prior to a curing of the resin.

Abstract: A wall module for a modular wall structure integrates a wall panel portion with a post portion having top or upper and bottom or lower extensions and at least one groove for receiving a distal end portion of a wall panel portion of an adjacent module. The bottom/lower extension is set within an exposed portion of a reinforcing cage of a caisson or pier extending below grade and the reinforcing cage and bottom/lower extension are encapsulated with a material such as concrete to integrate the caisson or pier with the bottom/lower post extension. Alternatively, the bottom post extension can be formed to have a length sufficient to support the module in soil and a pier or caisson integrally formed therewith by pouring concrete around the bottom post extension within a post hole.

Abstract: An access floor panel is disclosed that has a top plate with a plurality of non-directional air passageways intermingled with a plurality of directional air passageways. The directional air passageways are configured to direct airflow through them at an angle to the upper surface of the top plate of other than 90°. The directional air passageways include an opening in the top plate and a tab adjacent to each opening that is at an angle with respect to top surface of the top plate of other than 90°. Due to the intermingling of the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways, the composite air flow direction through the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways is at an angle with the top plate of other than 90°.

Abstract: A method of fastening a wall panel to a wall, according to one illustrative embodiment, comprises coupling a retaining body to a mounting body mounted on an outer surface of the wall adjacent a side edge of the wall panel. Coupling the retaining body to the mounting body may comprise coupling a first connector on an inner surface of the retaining body to a second connector on the mounting body, and positioning a retainer on the retaining body against a retaining surface on the wall panel to fasten the wall panel to the wall. Kits and wall assemblies according to other illustrative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anchoring clip system that includes an anchoring clip that has a top flange portion and a base flange that can be connect to a substructure, and a cap member designed to be inserted over a portion of the roof panels so as to secure the roof panels to the anchoring clip. The anchoring clip system can optionally be designed to allow for fluid flow through or on one or more components of the anchoring clip system. The anchoring clip system can optionally include a locking crown that improves the wind uplift resistance of the panels.

Abstract: A wall panel system is provided that includes a series of interlocking wall panels with a pressure-adherent backing. The wall panels are configured to be placed on a wall in interlocking fashion, with the interlocking attributes contributing to the overall appearance of the panel. In one aspect, surface features are provided on the wood panels that add surface texture to the panel by laser burning into the surface of the wood panel. The width of the surface features can be changed by adjusting the properties of the laser, such as beam focus. The wood panels are conveniently sized so that they can be easily manipulated for interlocking placement on the wall.

Abstract: A spacer for securing a grout tube to a frame prior to the pouring of concrete to form a concrete structure. The spacer comprises a central portion and two free ends extending from the central portion. The central portion surrounds at least a portion of the grout tube and the free ends are fastened in some fashion to the frame. A plurality of spacers can be utilized for securing the grout tube in place. The central portion is preferably circular and the manipulation of the free ends can expand or contract the diameter of the central portion.

Abstract: A mullion connection system for resisting wind load reactions using a connection clip structurally engaged with a mullion without a hole or a fastener penetrating into the mullion surface. The connection clip can undergo stress-free vertical sliding relative to the mullion along the entire length of the mullion without impairing the structural connection strength; therefore, the building construction tolerance in the vertical direction is eliminated as a design consideration of the curtain wall system. The design also eliminates the need for pre-fabricating mullion holes for the connection locations. The design does not require the pre-determination of the elevation of the connecting point and thus is most beneficial for a curtain wall renovation project where the available locations in the building structure for structural connection cannot be determined prior to the demolition of the existing wall.

Abstract: Odor emissions from improperly prepared Chinese drywall commonly termed “Chinese drywall” are reduced by the use of a hydrophobic coating on preferably both sides of the drywall, and by positively ventilating air from between the joists onto which the drywall is mounted.

Abstract: Bitumen-impregnated cellulose fiber sheets include on one of their main surfaces, an adhesive primer layer, and, deposited on this adhesive primer layer, a fireproof coating including expandable graphite. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the expandable graphite has a trigger temperature lower than 300° C. and the layer of expandable graphite corresponds to a dry matter basis weight of 80 to 140 g/m2. The sheets have a fire resistance fulfilling in particular the European Standard EN 13 501-5. They are mainly intended to be used as covering material, and in particular, as roof covering material.

Abstract: This improved method of forming a foundation uses a dynamic leveling foundation and method uses a prelevel coplanar support while installing permanent foundation. This improved method starts when a manufactured house arrives at the permanent site. The manufactured house has flooring assembly supported on its underside by horizontal parallel beams or joists that needs firmly grounded foundation support. The temporary support step provides a temporary level support for the manufactured house. When the temporary support is established, the house arrives from the factory. The preferred temporary support is a temporary tripod support system that may be installed under the sidewalls and the mate line. The tripod support system comprises multiple tripods each having a triangular transverse frame to support an extended undercarriage area. Each tripod makes at least two separate supporting abutments with its overlying perimeter joist or mate line joist which reduces total labor time.

Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.

Abstract: A floor drain includes a head having a top surface, a leveling member, and a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frame is positioned adjacent the top surface of the head. The leveling member is positioned between the head and the bottom surface of the frame and is displaceable relative to the head in a first direction. A method of leveling a floor drain with a floor surface is also disclosed.