Abstract: An electronic circuit in a fishing lure in the water is activated to broadcast a pre-recorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature and or create lifelike bait creature motion. A switch in the lure activates a sound chip and a micro speaker, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment automatically activates the fishing lure device to replicate bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound.

Abstract: A fish spear (1) has a function to lure a fish (17) effectively underwater. The fish spear has a spearhead (2) and a shaft (3) connected to the spearhead. The spearhead has a spearing tip (5) to be thrust into a target fish, and a bait holder (6) for holding a baitfish (16) for luring a target fish.

Abstract: A fishing rod foundation and methods for constructing and adjusting a fishing rig. The fishing rod foundation may include a cylindrical element inserted in a tubular, the tubular having at least three portions. The first portion and second portions may be configured to receive a rod blank. The third portion may be configured to provide a stop for fishing rod parts to be added to the fishing rod foundation exterior. The third portion may include a threaded section that engages a locking nut for locking and unlocking the position of the cylindrical element relative to the tubular. The method may include construction of a fishing rod by adding a rod blank and other parts to the fishing rod foundation. Another method may include adjusting the fishing rig using the locking/unlocking feature of the fishing rod foundation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fishing rod holder having a generally annular mounting bezel which generally surrounds the mouth of a tube for receiving the butt of a fishing rod. The underside of the mounting bezel includes at least one blind hole or projecting mounting stud for receiving a fastener for mounting the rod holder without penetrating the exposed surface of the mounting bezel, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A rod engaging member or pin engages groove sin the butt of a rod, allowing it to swivel. The amount of resistance of the rod engaging member or pin to swivel motion can be adjusted.

Abstract: A fishing rig for use in catching fish includes a fly or a lure attached to a hook having an eye, a quadratic surface having first and second ports disposed centrally on the quadratic surface and extending through the surface, and a leader of filament passing first through the first port of the quadratic surface, through the eye of the fly or lure, then through the second port forming a loop upon which the quadratic surface is free to slide to and away from the eye.

Abstract: A stabilized fish basket, wherein the stabilized fish basket comprises a metal wire mesh enclosure having essentially a cage-like structure. The cage-like structure has a portion near one end that is extended above said cage-like structure but is unitary with the cage-like structure. The extended portion has an open top. There is a mounting structure fixedly attached to one side of the cage-like structure wherein the mounting structure comprises a metal framework containing an attachment bracket for attaching the stabilized fish basket to an oarlock on a boat.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for exterminating insects using at least a pair of spaced apart electrodes mounted within or on a supporting member, while preventing electric shock hazards to humans, household pets and animals. The electrodes are spaced apart in either horizontal or vertical planes. Optional capacitance sensor may be employed to selectively activate or deactivate the apparatus. The invention further provides means to maintain effectiveness by using redundant electrode pairs coupled to the same or unique voltage if one pair of electrodes is rendered inoperable due to the presence of an electrocuted insect across it or by providing an automatic collection means using a small vehicle or a notification signal to notify a human or robotic vacuum cleaner that collection is needed.

Abstract: A process for converting a solid biomass material comprising a) providing a pneumatic fluid; b) dispersing the solid biomass material into the pneumatic fluid to prepare a pneumatic dispersion and transporting the pneumatic dispersion to a reactor; and c) contacting the pneumatic dispersion with a catalyst in the reactor to produce a product stream comprising one or more conversion products.

Abstract: A process for converting a biomass comprising contacting the biomass with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a catalytic cracking reactor to produce a product stream containing one or more cracked products and supplying a biomass to the reactor via a feed nozzle having a feed nozzle outlet located between a first section and a second section of the reactor and downstream of an opening of a catalyst supply pipe connected to the first section, wherein the second section comprises a fluid connection to and located downstream of the first section, the second section having an inner diameter which decreases in a downstream direction.

Abstract: Additives may be used to decrease the viscosity of heavy residual hydrocarbons. The additives are prepared using a formulation comprising: a first component selected from the group consisting of (alkoxylated)-(di or tri)-alkyl phenol-aldehyde (amine) resins; ?-Olefin-maleic anhydride co-polymers and grafted polymers including half ester/amide and full ester/amide derivatives; and combinations thereof; and a second component which is a synergist and selected from the group consisting of polyamines, amidoamines, imidazolines, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: To provide an aviation fuel oil composition which has excellent life cycle characteristics and achieves excellent specific fuel consumption. The aviation fuel oil composition according to the present invention includes: a first base which is a fraction having a boiling range of 140 to 280° C. obtained through a step of hydrotreating a first feedstock containing a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon compound and an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound derived from an animal or vegetable oil and fat or a second feedstock which is an oil blend of the first feedstock and a petroleum-based base obtained by refining a crude oil; and a second base which is a fraction having a boiling range of 140 to 280° C. obtained from a heavy oil cracking apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present application discloses a continuous process for the preparation of fuel pellets, said process comprising the steps of a) feeding a feedstock to a torrefaction and partial pyrolysis step at a temperature in the range from 250° C. to 500° C., whereby a solid char and volatile fraction are obtained, said volatile fraction comprising a tar fraction; b) directing the evolved volatile fraction as counter current stream relative to the stream of the feedstock, and at least partially condensing the volatile fraction on the incoming feedstock so as to obtain a tar-rich fraction combined with the incoming feedstock; and c) pelletization of the combined solid char/tar-rich fraction so as to obtain said fuel pellets. Novel fuel pellets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gravitational settling tank including a pressure vessel which precipitates solid content contained in slurry in which coal and solvent are blended, and separates the solid-content concentrated liquid from the supernatant liquid, and a supply pipe which supplies the pressure vessel with the slurry. A main body part and a nozzle part which is connected on the downstream side of the main body part and extends horizontally are provided in the supply pipe. A plurality of holes are provided in the nozzle part. By virtue of this, agitation of the solid-content concentrated liquid which has settled in the bottom is inhibited.

Abstract: A system includes an enclosed space defining a controllable environment chamber. The system also includes at least one monitoring device configured to measure multiple characteristics of an environment within the chamber. The system further includes multiple actuators configured to alter the characteristics of the environment within the chamber. The enclosed space includes at least one rack system configured to be placed within the enclosed space. Each rack system includes multiple layers configured to receive multiple plants to be grown in the chamber. The actuators are configured to adjust the characteristics of the environment within the chamber to condition the environment based on the plants to be grown in the chamber.

Abstract: A device for growing plants on a substantially vertical surface includes a carrier and a flexible curtain wall substrate suspended from a track of the carrier. The curtain defines an array of pockets for receiving the plants to be grown and a growing medium, each of the pockets having an opening proximate a top end thereof. A water irrigation system is integrated into the flexible curtain and includes a water emitter for each of the pockets, the water irrigation system being one of connected to and connectable to a water supply. A control system includes moisture sensors connected in each respective pocket. The control system is adapted to activate the water emitters of the pockets.

Abstract: A system for the cultivation of plants, including: a cultivation table, in which the plants to be cultivated have been placed at least for the time of the growing stage; growing substrates in which the seeds of the plant are sown and which are placed at the initial end of the cultivation table for germination; and elongated troughs which hold the growing substrates in which troughs also the seeds and seedlings of the plant as well as the grown plants are placed during both said germination and said growing stage. In the method for cultivation of plants in a greenhouse, a growing substrate for the cultivation of plants is placed in an elongated trough, and seeds of a plant are sown in said growing substrate placed in the trough.

Abstract: A pot assembly includes a pot having an inner part and an outer part connected to outside of the inner part. A hollow area is defined between the inner and outer parts. A recessed space is defined between the inner bottom and the periphery of the inner part. At least one hole is defined through the inner bottom of the inner part and communicates with the hollow area. A hollow hose is connected to the inner or outer part and communicates between outside of the hollow area and the hollow area. Air of outside of the hollow area communicates with the hollow area. A water-supply unit is located at the inner part and has its lower end communicating with the hollow area. A seal unit seals the top end of the water-supply unit. Liquid in the hollow area slowly spreads upward into the soil in the recessed space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potted plant watering device and a water transporting line (WL) which is used in said watering device, said transporting line comprising a fibrous material (FB) which makes use of capillary action and comprising a watertight casing (HU) which surrounds the fibrous material in a tubular manner. The fibrous material (FB) and the casing (HU) are formed in a flat manner in the shape of a strip, and the tubular casing (HU) walls (W1, W2) which are formed in a flat manner in the shape of a strip, which lie opposite each other, and which enclose the fibrous material (FB) between each other are designed with different flexural rigidities. The different flexural rigidities are preferably achieved by forming a second casing wall (W2) with a constant wall thickness (DW) from a homogenous material and by increasing the flexural rigidity of the first casing wall (W1) by means of a central strip (MS) consisting of a second material with a greater wall thickness and/or a higher Shore hardness.

Abstract: A green wall planting support apparatus includes at least one hanging plate, a plurality of containers and a water supply system. The hanging plate includes a channel portion that is elongated in a lengthwise direction of the hanging plate and that has a first channel, and a hanging portion that is made in one piece with the channel portion and that is disposed in the lengthwise direction. The containers are detachably connected to the hanging plate for receiving plant and each includes a hanger portion that is detachably connected to the hanging portion. The water supply system includes at least one water dispensing unit that is mounted on the channel portion for conveying water to the container.

Abstract: An embodiment of a plant manipulator is disclosed, which may have a flexible cylindrical member that is bent to hold a plant in a particular configuration to train the plant. The plant manipulator may include a first end and a second end, a long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, a length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, and a slit along the length of the longest edge of the flexible cylindrical member. The plant manipulator may also have a malleable rigid member with a first and second end, a long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, and a length of the long edge of the malleable rigid member. The length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member may be coupled along the length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supervising access to a restricted area, including at least one obstacle that is mobile between a deployed configuration, in which said obstacle extends across a passageway for the entry and/or exit to/from said restricted area, and a stowed configuration in which said obstacle is removed from said passageway. The system also includes a unit for driving the obstacle between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration, a device for measuring the position of the obstacle, and a module for controlling the drive unit. The control module is suitable for comparing the measured position of the obstacle at at least one moment in time with a theoretical position of the obstacle at said moment in time, and to derive a rule for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: A security door comprises a frame structure, having a lateral surface in which a plurality of doorways are constructed. A first doorway has a first width along an inner circumference of the frame structure, and lateral surface portions delimiting the first doorway in a first direction and a second direction, opposing the first direction, along the inner circumference of the frame structure have a second width. A lock element is received in the frame structure and comprises a first segment, movable along the frame structure inner circumference relative to the frame structure, and a second segment, movable independently of the first segment along the inner circumference relative to the frame structure. The first segment is dimensioned so that, in a position in which it closes the first doorway, it also closes a second doorway adjacent to the first doorway in the first direction along the frame structure inner circumference.

Abstract: A sliding cover structure having a flappable cover is provided. A first groove and a second groove are disposed on the interior wall of the accommodating case. The cover has a plate portion and a connection wall disposed on the side of the plate portion. The connection wall has a first pivot movably disposed in the first groove, and a second pivot movably disposed in the second groove. The direction of the first groove is overall perpendicular to the plate portion. The second groove is slanted with respect to the first groove. When the first and second pivots slide and rotate respectively within the first and second groove, an effect of moving towards the center is produced to effectively reduce the space required for operation of the structure. Moreover, the cover is housed inside the accommodating case during opening, reducing the risk of impact.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed comprising a top frame and a bottom frame; a first movable glass door having at least two first pulleys at a top end of the first movable glass door and at least two second pulleys at a bottom end of the first movable glass door; and a second movable glass door having at least two third pulleys at a top end of the second movable glass door and at least two fourth pulleys at a bottom end of the second movable glass door. The first and third pulleys are slidably engaged with the top frame, and the second and fourth pulleys are slidably engaged with the bottom frame. At least one of the first pulleys is located between the third pulleys and pressed by a first pressing means provided on the third pulleys, and as a result at least one of the second pulleys is located between the fourth pulleys and pressed by a second pressing means provided on the fourth pulleys.

Abstract: A shower door pulley device is provided which comprises a pulley seat installed on a movable door; a pulley bracket having at least one pulley and an elastic member; a pressing block to press said elastic member and slidable relative to the pulley seat; a sliding cover slidablely mounted on said pulley seat, supporting the pulley bracket.

Abstract: An assembly of a swing type tailgate checker includes: a checker assembly including a first base bracket on a vehicle body and having a hole at one side and an arm locking member at an outer side of the first base bracket to form a fitting space together with the first base bracket and partially bent toward the first base bracket; and an arm assembly including a second base bracket on a tailgate of a vehicle and including an arm extended from the second base bracket toward the vehicle body and having an arm roller provided at an end portion, wherein at the time of opening the tailgate, the arm roller is temporarily fixed while being locked by the arm locking member at a primary open angle and passes through the arm locking member to thereby be unlocked, such that it is completely opened while being again rotated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond tables and PDCs in a manner that facilitates removal of metal-solvent catalyst used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond tables of such PDCs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cutting tool edges that include on a rake face a superabrasive layer and a HPHT sintered or HPHT bonded cap layer. The cap layer improves adhesion between the superabrasive layer and an optional coating system for the cutting insert and acts as a thick anti-friction layer and/or a thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: An electroplated wheel comprises a metal base formed to a disc shape and rotationally driven about a rotational axis and a superabrasive grain layer formed to have numerous superabrasive grains fixed by plating on a belt section that extends in a predetermined width on an outer peripheral portion of the metal base. In the electroplated wheel, a plurality of masking portions having no superabrasive grains electrodeposited thereat are formed of gel adhesive fixed as dots to be larger than the superabrasive grains by a dispenser at intersection points of a plurality of concentric array circles imaginarily drawn concentrically of the rotational axis to divide the belt section at equal intervals and a plurality of width-direction array lines imaginarily drawn from one end toward the other end of the belt section to divide the belt section at equal intervals in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard-metal body comprising a hard-metal, the hard-metal comprising tungsten carbide grains and metal binder comprising cobalt having a concentration of tungsten dissolved therein, the body comprising a surface region adjacent a surface and a core region remote from the surface, the surface region and the core region being contiguous with each other; the mean binder fraction of the core region being greater than that of the surface region; the mean carbon concentration within the binder being higher in the surface region than in the core region; to tools comprising same and methods of making same.

Abstract: Resin-based structures for use in corrosive environments. The resin-based structures may include a mixture of resin and aggregate. The resin-based structures may be formed in a mold by placing aggregate and resin into the mold. The resin-based structures may have thin wall design with high compression and tension strength.

Abstract: Manufactured modular units for the creation of multistory buildings are staggered stacked so as to create “bonus spaces” between units. Several lighter weight structural versions are presented. The first is a wood frame or cold rolled shape light gauge metal framed modular unit. The second version uses cross laminated timber panels to create the modular unit. The third version uses hot rolled steel shapes for the structure of the modular unit to be staggered stacked. These lighter weight modular units have many advantages. They are more easily transported at a lower fuel costs. They can be craned to higher levels with a single crane. Seismic forces are decreased. Less modular unit weight also allows for greater unit area. Thus, fewer units need to be transported and fewer units need to be craned. Also, a larger unit area and larger “bonus” area allows for more flexible space planning.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a tower structure and erection thereof include, in one embodiment, a tower structure comprising a base support member, a mast structure pivotally coupled to the base support member, and a motion control device coupled between the base support member and the mast structure for controlling movement therebetween.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a plurality of support arms coupled to a pole or tower structure. The plurality of support arms project radially from the pole or tower structure in a spaced relationship. A plurality of adjustable foot assemblies are coupled to respective distal ends of the plurality of support arms. Each of the plurality of adjustable foot assemblies is configured for coupling to an embedded helical pier. Each of the plurality of adjustable foot assemblies is capable of movement in each of three dimensions relative to the respective support arm to which it is coupled during installation of the support assembly.

Abstract: A fasting device that fastens a supporting member such as a foundation plate (42) to a connecting member such as a pillar (51) is composed of a bearing body (11), shock absorbing bodies (38), anchoring implements (55), etc. The bearing body (11) is disposed at the center of a space (S) where the supporting member and the connecting member face each other, and comprises a basic plate (12) which is in surface contact with the supporting member, a mounting plate (14) which is in surface contact with the connecting member, and connecting sections which connect both of these plates. The shock absorbing bodies (38) are formed using U-shaped leaf springs or the like, and are disposed at the outer edges of the space (S) where the supporting member and the connecting member face each other. Reaction forces are generated in the shock absorbing bodies (38) according to the displacement of the connecting member or the like.

Abstract: An exemplary building construction assembly for installation on a roof deck including a base layer and a channel structure coupled to the base layer and defining a plurality of channels is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channels include a first airflow channel and second airflow channel extending in parallel through the channel structure. The plurality of channels further includes a venting channel between the first and second airflow channels and the base layer. The channel structure defines one or more apertures between the venting channel and each of the first and second airflow channels configured to allow airflow from the first and second airflow channels into the venting channel. The base layer defines one or more exit orifices in airflow communication with the venting channel and configured such that air in the venting channel exits the building construction assembly through the one or more exit orifices.

Abstract: A shingle and method is provided, wherein the shingle includes a shingle back having at least one back conductive trace and a shingle front configured to securely include at least one solar cell. The shingle front includes at least one front conductive trace configurable such that when the shingle front includes a solar cell, the solar cell is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace in a series fashion. At least one of the back conductive traces is conductively connected to at least one of the front conductive traces. The back conductive traces and the front conductive traces are configured such that when the shingle is associated with a like shingle, the back conductive trace of the like shingle is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace of the shingle to be in a series fashion.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a unique and compact self-lock glazing mechanism for heavy glazing needs, composed of two aluminum extrusion profiles—a male profile and a female profile—designed in such a way to self-lock glass panels using rubber beading; the said glazing system functions when glass panel is placed on the setting blocks over the upper leg of the said female profile with a pair of spacers between the vertical tip of the said female profile and the said glass panel, and then the horizontal leg of the said male profile is inserted with its locking tip facing upward into the gap between the lower and upper legs of the said female profile; the locking tips of both the male and female profiles are then engaged by tilting the said male profile on its built-in fulcrum by pulling the vertical leg outward and introducing a pair of wedges into the space so created between the said glass panel and the said vertical tip of the male profile to keep the lock engaged and the said profiles get arrested; eve

Abstract: A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. The pieces may include a stop portion and a support portion, each with interlocking ribs. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a brace transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof in the vicinity of the anchorage of a structure having a cavity pipe, an adapter ring, a tubular or annular supporting element which has a second axially loadable support surface, which is arranged concentrically in relation to the second axially loadable bearing surface of the adapter ring and of which the opening, which encircles a third longitudinal axis, forms a supporting surface for the brace by way of its inner circumference, wherein the opening has an amount of eccentricity E2 in relation to the second axially loadable support surface of the supporting element, and having a fastenor which clamps the cavity pipe, the adapter ring and the supporting element together axially in position relative to one another.

Abstract: A convenient and portable space partitioning device comprises a partitioning frame, having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and two side frame members joined between the upper frame member and the lower frame member, and a hallow space being provided between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. A partitioning cover body, covering an outer surface of the partitioning frame member, is easily removed from the partitioning frame member, while the partitioning cover body and the partitioning frame member are stored conveniently. Moreover, the partitioning cover body has a zipper on both edges of the partitioning frame member, the zipper having a sliding fastener on at least one edge of the partitioning frame member, and the partitioning cover body being bonded to another one of the adjacent partitioning cover body by the zipper and the sliding fastener.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a production area which includes a hub which is at least partially surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

Abstract: It comprises a number of wind turbines having a modular jacket formed of at least an upper substructure, an intermediate substructure, and a lower substructure that are connectable to each other. At least the intermediate substructure in a wind turbine foundation is different in height (h) from at least one substructure in another wind turbine foundation in order to adapt the different wind turbines of the wind farm to a site having differences in depth (?H) where the wind turbines of the wind farm are installed of the order of about 20 to 60 m.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall assembly receives an exterior covering of a building. The prefabricated wall assembly includes a frame assembly and an insulating foam layer. The frame assembly includes a top member, a bottom member opposite the top member, and a plurality of vertical members coupled to and extending between the top and bottom members. The frame assembly also has an interior side and an exterior side opposite the interior side. The insulating foam layer is disposed between the plurality of vertical members of the frame assembly and also extends from the exterior side of the frame assembly terminating in a plurality of integral ribs. An exterior surface of the insulating foam layer is presented between the plurality of ribs. The ribs space the exterior covering from the exterior surface of the insulating foam layer for allowing airflow and drainage between the prefabricated wall assembly and the exterior covering.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall assembly receives an exterior covering of a building. The prefabricated wall assembly comprises a frame assembly and an outer foam layer. The outer foam layer is coupled to the frame assembly. The outer foam layer extends from the frame assembly to an exterior surface of the outer foam layer. The exterior surface of the outer foam layer is configured to receive the exterior covering of the building. The outer foam layer comprises a plurality of particles and a binder that define a plurality of pathways. The pathways extend vertically through the prefabricated wall assembly from the top member to the bottom member of the frame assembly for allowing airflow and drainage between the frame assembly and the exterior covering.

Abstract: A construction method is disclosed. The method includes providing a bottom support between a plurality of structural members and using the bottom support to support a structural material in a plastic state. The method also includes using the bottom support to support the structural material as it hardens from a plastic state into a hardened state. The structural material remains attached to the bottom support after the structural material hardens. The bottom support is transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A high performance wall assembly receives an exterior covering of a building. The high performance wall assembly includes a frame assembly having a top member, a bottom member opposite the top member, and a plurality of vertical members. The vertical members are coupled to and extend between the top and bottom members. The high performance wall assembly also includes a rigid foam insulating panel coupled to the frame assembly. A structural foam layer is disposed on the plurality of vertical members and on the rigid foam insulating panel. The structural foam layer couples the rigid foam insulating panel to the frame assembly and couples the plurality of vertical members to the top and bottom members such that the high performance wall is free of fasteners.

Abstract: A building block assembly is provided comprising a building block and a seal. In one embodiment, the building block comprises a first surface, and the first surface has a groove. The seal is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the seal is retracted into the groove, and in the second position the seal is extended outside the groove. In another embodiment, the seal is connected to the building block, and the seal at least partially encases a fluid sealant.

Abstract: A concealed fastening system that utilizes a slide and receiver interlocking mechanism for attaching building finishing elements to a building structure is provided. In some implementations, the system includes a slip tab and a receiver that are configured to slidably engage and interlock with each other upon application of a linear motion. The system facilitates installation of building finishing elements such as trim components, fascia boards, frieze boards, belly band boards, and the like to an underlying structure.