Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention includes a three-panel pocket with an internal cavity which contains a fiber optic bundle, various electronic components, fabric layer and a removable panel. A front face of the three-panel pocket contains a substantial opening thereon through which the fabric layer is visible. The fiber optic bundle contains various fiber optic strands. Each of the fiber optic strands is inserted through the fabric layer and is visible through the front face of the greeting card. A contact arm switch controls illumination of the fiber optic strands along with the insertion and removal of the removable panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decorative element (10) for a motor vehicle and to a method for producing the same. The decorative element (10) thereby comprises an at least partially transparent decorative film (12) applied to a flat carrier element (30) and back injection molded with two plastic layers (14, 16). At least the first plastic layer (14) is thereby at least partially transparent. The use of the first plastic layer (14) as an optical conductor is thereby made possible, allowing particularly optically attractive light coupling into the decorative element, and opening particularly extensive latitude in design.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.

Abstract: An ammunition compartment is located in the grip of a firearm's handle. The handle has a hinged door that opens to the compartment. The ammunition is mounted on a strip clip which slides into grooves in the inner walls of the compartment. The strip clip has a tab which extends outside the compartment when the door is open so that the ammunition can be quickly pulled from the compartment to load the firearm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a firing pin. A first force attracts the firing pin to the pre-firing position. A second force overcomes the first force to move the firing pin to a firing position. A magnitude of the first force on the firing pin is inversely proportional to the distance the firing pin moves away from the pre-firing position.

Abstract: A folding stock assembly for a firearm includes a butt stock portion; a receiver interface portion; and a bidirectional hinge assembly configured to allow the butt stock portion to bidirectionally pivot with respect to the receiver interface portion.

Abstract: A sporting rifle with a firing mechanism, comprising a chamber (3) joined to a fork (4), a barrel (2), a butt (1) and means of fixing the butt (1) to the fork (4), wherein the fork (4) comprises at least one projecting stop (6) secured to the outside of said fork (4) which, when the fork (4) is positioned on the butt (1), said at least one stop (6) is fitted into a corresponding housing (5) located on the butt (1) and said at least one stop (6) is positioned on the fork (4) with the weld (10) located between the stop (6) and the chamber (3).

Abstract: A magazine loader has an elongated bar shape with a top wall and four subtending side walls with a recessed portion in the top wall relative to the plane of the top wall. The recessed portion has an open top cartridge channel in a first portion with two opposed horizontal flanges that extend the length of two side walls, and an open top magazine cavity in a second portion with a bottom wall, three upstanding side walls, and a follower projecting member. The follower projecting member is positioned to fit between opposed retaining clips of a magazine to partially depress a follower. The cartridge channel at a first end has an inclined portion sloped from the top wall to a bottom wall. A strip of sticky tape material attached to a row of cartridges may be used to pull the cartridges through the cartridge channel and into the magazine.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optics train having at least one prism with a first surface, a display associated with the first surface to selectively supply the first surface with an image, and a processor in communication with the display to provide the display with the image. An infrared camera may be in communication with the processor and may provide the processor with thermal-energy data for use by the processor in generating the image.

Abstract: Embodiments provide modular illumination systems that may be used with any handgun platform, and are not specific to any make or model. Some embodiments may provide lighting, for instance visible light and/or infrared light for use in low light or dark environments. Also provided in various embodiments are aiming and/or sighting systems that may be equipped with an IR sight or a laser sight, such as a red or green laser. In various embodiments, the illumination modules may couple to the handgun via a mounting member that is integral to the handgun body, and the mounting member may be recessed or otherwise concealed and/or protected by the handgun body. Thus, in various embodiments, no portion of the mounting member (or the corresponding mounting element on the illumination module) is exposed or visible when the illumination module is coupled to the mounting member, and a conventional holster may be used.

Abstract: A fishing gear holding assembly is provided for floating on a water surface to facilitate fishing without having to leave the water. The assembly includes a buoyant support having an outer perimeter wall, a bottom wall, an upper wall, and an inner perimeter wall. The inner perimeter wall defines a well in the support. A box has a base wall and a peripheral wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the base wall. The box is positioned in the well. At least one upright tube is coupled to and positioned in the box. The upright tube is configured for receiving and supporting a fishing rod in an upright position. A plurality of floats is positioned in the well around the box.

Abstract: A mechanical hook assembly for catching fish. The hook assembly comprises a hook having an elongated shank, bend, and point. A spring-biased trigger resides adjacent the hook and comprises an elongated distal point guard, an intermediate latch, a proximal spring shaft, and spring. The spring normally urges the hook assembly into an open spread condition, such that the spring shaft of the trigger extends outwardly at an angle to the shank of the hook and in a direction opposite the bend. A catch is located beside the shank of the hook.

Abstract: A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member, and in at least some embodiments a sleeve, is removably disposable within the channel. The securing member is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being simultaneously disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the eradication and killing of microorganisms from among insects and worms in an aqueous system, especially for the control and eradication of the larvae. A sustained reduction or killing of the larvae is achieved by a two-step method in which insecticides and a zooplankton community are used as biological agents. The insecticides specifically kill the larvae present in the aqueous system. The biological agents, which according to the invention preferably comprise competitors for food of the above microorganisms/larvae, prevent repopulation. The combined use of insecticidal and biological treatment in aqueous systems allows an efficient and permanent eradication.

Abstract: An insect dissuasion device that incorporates a miniature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger. An insect can be discouraged by simply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the finger with the attached device to strike the insect. Devices of the present invention are designed to be removably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-like structure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in various positions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked. Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminates in an insect engagement head. The length and/or cross-sectional profile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape of the head portion or ring-like structure.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse which may be modular, free-standing or erected against an adjacent structure such as the wall of a building, having s a frame including structural members such as extruded aluminum channels which support a glazing system of transparent or translucent panels. The transparent or translucent panels preferably are opaque to the transmission of infra red light rejected from the solar collector louvers and the interior of the solar greenhouse. Positioned within the solar greenhouse enclosure below the glazed roof or top are a plurality of rotatable solar collector louvers which may be individually positioned or preferably are rotated in unison by a drive system which may be manually controlled or controlled by a software program in a computer or microchip. The louvers are effectively flat plate solar collectors. Water is circulated through the tubular axle of the louvers and is heated by solar radiation when the louvers are in their solar collection positions.

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: The invention relates to a drive device (20) for entrance and exit devices for public transportation vehicles, comprising a drive unit (22) that is arranged in and drives a rotary column (24) rotating about a rotational axis Z-Z during opening and closing operations, said column opening and closing the entrance and exit device. The drive unit (22) is held on the vehicle via a retaining component (40). The retaining component (40) acts as counter bearing for a torque of the drive unit (22). Between the drive unit (22) and the retaining component (40), a coupling device (72) is arranged, which enables a rotation of the drive unit (22) about the rotational axis Z-Z when a threshold value of the torque acting upon the drive unit is exceeded. Between the coupling device (72) and the retaining component (40), a bearing is provided, which enables a tumbling motion of the rotary column (24) with the coupling device (72) and prevents a rotation about the rotational axis Z-Z.

Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly (10) includes upper and lower rails (22, 24), at least one fixed window panel (16, 18) and a movable window panel (20). The lower rail comprises a channel (26) and a guide element (28) received in and secured to the channel. The guide element extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and the opening and the channel extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and beyond an end of the guide element and receives a carrier (30) of the movable window therein during loading of the movable window. The movable window is received in the channel at a first depth during the loading process and is raised to a second depth to generally align the carrier with the guide portion (28a) of the guide element for insertion of the carrier into the guide portion for movement along the guide portion.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for use with a tub or shower enclosure, said assembly comprising a rod, having a first end and a second end extending along said enclosure; at least one door, having a top, bottom, first end, second end, first surface and second surface; at least one roller attached to said door at a predetermined position and slidably engaging said rod; a stopper attached to said rod, at a predetermined position; a striker attached to said door, at a predetermined position; said striker further comprising at least one striking member; said stopper further comprising at least one striking member receiver; wherein when said door is in a first position, said at least one striking member and said at least one striking member receiver are not engaged and when said door is in a second position, said at least one striking member and said at least one striking member receiver are engaged, preventing said at least one door from substantial horizontal and vertical movement along said rod.

Abstract: A device (100) for closing an opening in a room has a frame (102) in the reveal of the room opening and at least one leaf (104) which is arranged movably with respect to the frame (102) and is movable with respect to the frame into a closure position in which there is, between the frame (102) and the leaf (104), a gap (112) which can be sealed by means of a deformable and/or movable sealing member (114). A sealing member actuating device (120), by means of which the sealing member (114) can be deformed and/or moved, is arranged in the frame (102) and/or in the leaf (104) in order to seal the gap (112).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated regulator device of a glass and a curtain for a door, including: a motor provided in a door panel; a drive gear inserted into the motor in a vertical direction, rotatably provided, and having a shaft shape; a glass drum operated together with a glass provided in the door and inserted into the drive gear to move in the vertical direction according to rotation of the drive gear; and a curtain drum operated together with an electric curtain provided in the door, inserted into the drive gear, positioned beneath the glass drum, and moving in the vertical direction according to the rotation of the drive gear.

Abstract: A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.

Abstract: A hunting blind including a front wall having an opening therethrough and a multi-position window covering the opening. The multi-position window includes a panel with an elongate aperture covered by a door pivotally connected to the panel. The multi-position window has a first position on the front wall and covering the opening wherein the elongate aperture extends vertically for hunting with a bow. The multi-position window has a second position on the front wall and covering the opening wherein the elongate aperture extends horizontally for hunting with a gun.

Abstract: A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.

Abstract: A barrier for blocking access to an enclosed space so that wildlife cannot enter the space for either nesting or other habitation is disclosed. Plural resilient spikes extend outwardly in an array from a base. When the apparatus is inserted into a space, the spikes bend so that the tips engage the walls of the space to lodge the barrier in place and resist extraction. The spikes discourage wildlife from entering and nesting in the space.

Abstract: A method of installing an edging system for a unit pavement system includes positioning a paver-contacting surface of an edge restraint against an edge of a unit pavement system including a plurality of paver units, and driving a plate-like stake in a generally horizontal direction underneath at least one paver unit of the plurality of paver units and into a granular material layer upon which the unit pavement system is supported such that the plate-like stake is operatively connected with the edge restraint. The edge restraint includes a horizontal section and a vertical section joined at a corner. The vertical section extends upwardly from and generally perpendicular to the horizontal section. An edging system for a unit pavement system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roof stilt for elevating flooring in a roof space comprising: a joist receptacle; a platform for affixing flooring to the stilt; and a support column extending between the joist receptacle and the platform for supporting the weight of elevated flooring.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock include a tip seal and/or an air-filled blister or elongate “bubble” that sealingly conforms to a rear portion of a vehicle (e.g., truck, trailer, etc.) at the dock. In some examples, an air chamber within the blister is open at one or both ends. This prevents otherwise trapped pressurized air from adversely affecting the blister's compliance or its ability to sealingly conform to irregular surfaces of the vehicle. In some examples, as the vehicle backs into and deflects the face panel, the blister distorts and wraps itself around the vehicle's surface irregularities, such as door hardware and protruding lights. In some examples, the face panel's tip seal includes an overlapping seal flap, wherein a series of slits in the tip seal allow the seal to fit over the vehicle's various surface irregularities.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic device suitable for directly mounting on a structure. The device includes an active portion including a photovoltaic cell assembly having a top surface portion that allows transmission of light energy to a photoactive portion of the photovoltaic device for conversion into electrical energy and a bottom surface having a bottom bonding zone; and an inactive portion immediately adjacent to and connected to the active portion, the inactive portion having a region for receiving a fastener to connect the device to the structure and having on a top surface, a top bonding zone; wherein one of the top and bottom bonding zones comprises a first bonding element and the other comprises a second bonding element, the second bonding element designed to interact with the first bonding element on a vertically overlapped adjacent photovoltaic device to bond the device to such adjacent device or to the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temporarily mounting a side rail such as a z-bar during installation of a door assembly. The apparatus includes a mounting structure cooperating with a fastener to accurately position the side rail at a location on a structural member such as a door jamb. In the case of hinge-side side rails, the side rail may be aligned without the door attached thereto while establishing the location for the fastener. The mounting structure may aid in the proper placement of the fastener in the structural member. Once the fastener is in place, the side rail can be removed from the structural member without removing the fastener. The door may then be attached to the side rail to form a door/side rail assembly. The door/side rail assembly is then temporarily engaged with the fastener for accurate positioning while the side rail is affixed to the structural member.

Abstract: A window construction set in a pre-existing frame includes upper and lower horizontal channel members that respectively engage horizontal top and bottom edges of at least two window panes and first and second laterally spaced vertical channel members that respectively engage vertical outboard edges of the window panes. Each channel member is secured to a corresponding part of the frame and a structural shim is sandwiched between each channel member and its associated frame. The preferred embodiment includes multiple window panes disposed in lateral relation to one another so that all panes are secured at their top and bottom edges and two outboard window panes are further secured along their respective vertical outboard edges. Respective abutting inboard vertical edges of contiguous window panes are joined together by respective strips of silicone, there being no vertical frame members between abutting contiguous window panes.

Abstract: A composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 60 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A laminated floor tile includes the following layers laminated together into a single unit, a base having an underside, an upper surface, and perimetric edges, the base being formed of a high impact copolymer material designed to provide a slight flexure, the base including tabs designed to interact with adjacent floor tiles to hold the adjacent tiles fixedly in place, and panels extending upwardly from the perimetric edges of the base and forming the upper surface into a tray shape, graphic media positioned on the base within the tray, and a clear protective layer overlying the graphic image.

Abstract: An interlocking panel system for top-down or bottom-up installation on an underlying structure including a plurality of panels, with an uphill course and a downhill course where each panel is generally rectangular, having an uphill edge and opposing downhill edge. An interlocking member is disposed along the uphill edge, and a receiving member adapted to receive the interlocking member and a joining flange are disposed along the downhill edge. A first panel is positioned on an underlying structure. In top-down installation, a clip is disposed along the downhill edge of the first panel and affixed to the underlying structure, and a second panel is engaged with the receiving member of the first panel. In bottom-up installation, the first panel is affixed to the underlying structure, and a second panel is engaged with the interlocking member of the first panel, and then affixed to the underlying structure.

Abstract: An asphalt shingle is provided, in which a base mat is impregnated with an asphalt material and has headlap and tab portions, with the tab portion being a plurality of tabs separated by slots, with adhesive applied to the top surface of the shingle in the headlap portion and above the upper ends of the slots, but wherein the headlap portion of the shingle has adhesive-free zones above the centers of the tabs. A roof covering is provided with the shingles being in overlying and underlying courses, with shingles in each course being laterally offset and with the adhesive-free zones being such that no adhesive on a shingle in an underlying course is visible through slots of shingles in a next-overlying course.

Abstract: A dynamic concrete form includes a sleeve defining a passage extending between first and second open ends. A first attachment feature extends outwardly in a first direction from the sleeve at the first open end and a second attachment feature extends outwardly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction at the second open end. In a first position, the passage has a first axial length, the first open end lies in a first plane, and the second open end lies in a second plane. In a second position, the passage has a second axial length that is greater than the first axial length, the first open end lies in the first plane or a first new plane that is parallel to the first plane, and the second open end lies in the second plane or a second new plane that is parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a durable solid-wood door or other rigid block assembly includes two generally-planar, mutually-parallel solid-wood boards each having a plurality of mutually-parallel dovetail-connection channels running generally along an internal surface of each of the boards, and a solid-wood central keying structure disposed between the two solid-wood boards. The central keying structure includes a plurality of two-sided sliding dovetails keys sized to slide within the dovetail-connection channels to secure the two-mutually-parallel solid-wood boards to each other via sliding dovetail connections to the central keying structure. Alternating wood grain orientations may be used to reduce warping. Each board may include multiple laterally-adjacent monolithic slabs interconnected via tongue-and-groove edge connections, with the dovetail connection channels extending across multiple slabs.

Abstract: A temporary plastic barrier section includes a plastic shell having first and second plastic connection portions integrally formed on opposite ends thereof; and a rigid straight elongate member, wherein the rigid straight elongate member lies substantially adjacent to at least a portion of each of the first and second connection portions, and wherein the rigid straight elongate member includes connection points at the distal ends thereof which are configured to align substantially with the first and second connection portions.

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.

Abstract: A steel frame structure includes brackets connected to columns to allow the columns to be connected to a girder. Each bracket includes a U-shaped plate having a bottom plate, side plates extended upwardly perpendicularly from both ends of the bottom plate, and base plates extended outwardly from the side plates, a vertical plate welded perpendicularly to the center of the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the side plates, and a horizontal plate welded to the top end of the vertical plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate. The girder has a generally U-shaped section.

Abstract: A bolt connection assembly is provided that is particularly suited for connecting components of a lattice structure wind tower. The assembly includes a pin component having a head and a shaft, with the shaft having a textured friction-fit outer circumferential surface. The shaft further includes a threaded internal bore. A bolt component having a threaded shaft engages within the threaded internal bore. In an assembled state of the pin component and bolt component, the threaded shaft has a free length section that extends into the threaded internal bore for increased distribution of a specified pretension of the bolt component.

Abstract: A mounting clip for use in the construction industry. This device will be used to effectively and efficiently establish a gap under the bottom edge of a building wall board, such as sheet rock or gypsum boards. Hanging of building panels on wall assemblies in building construction projects is very common. The present invention is a gapping device which fits onto the bottom edge of sheet rock wall board like a shoe. The clip holds the sheet rock in position raised off of the floor while the sheet rock hanger permanently affixes the panel to the panel support area, typically a stud wall. The clip prevents moisture from wicking from the floor into the wall board material The clip is designed to become a permanent fixture in the final wall construction.

Abstract: A sleeve for a post that is generally rectangular in horizontal cross-section, may have two or three panels, may have perforation which allow portions of one or more panels to be removed, may incorporate retroreflective materials, may have holes, bushings, and/or adhesive layers to facilitate attaching the sleeve to a post, may have top-bottom and side-to-side connectors to facilitate connecting the top of one sleeve to the bottom of another or the edge of one sleeve to an edge of another, may be accompanied by spacers to allow the sleeve to be connected to posts of different size and geometry.

Abstract: Disclosed a reinforcement structure for reinforced concrete and methods for manufacturing thereof. In one aspect, the reinforcement structure includes a rod comprising a spiral strip having a pitch between 1.0 and 10.0 times a width of the strip and a ratio of thickness of the strip to the width of the strip in a range of 1:4 to 1:10. The surface of the spiral strip may be entirely or partially corrugated with ribs of arbitrary shape and having height in a range of 0.05% to 0.30% of the thickness of the strip. In another aspect, method for manufacturing a reinforcement structure comprises flattening a wire rod into a flat strip, corrugating it with ribs, and twisting the ribbed strip into a spiral of the specified pitch.

Abstract: A beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles with screw-type and other caps.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.