Abstract: An automated power actuated gun having a fastener feeding track with guides for holding a fastener assembly having a plate and attached stud in a firing position. The power actuated gun is attached to the fastener feeding track so as to permit relative movement there between. A fastener loading control prevents movement of an adjacent fastener assembly held within the fastener feeding track from moving until the barrel of the power actuated gun is clear. The relative movement between the fastener feeding track and the power actuated gun is utilized to activate a control mechanism to perform various functions on the power actuated gun, such as to advance a charge or to push a trigger firing the power actuated gun. The functioning of the power actuated gun is automated, greatly increasing productivity of a worker and eliminating the need of the worker to tediously load by hand and fire individual fastener assemblies.

Abstract: A load change safety system in which a sheet stacker having a stacking deck formed with a discharge end discharges sheet material onto and builds a sheet stack on a conveying sheet stack removal system formed with a receiving means. A variable pinch point gap is formed by relative motion between the discharge end of the stacking deck and the receiving means of the conveying sheet material removal system. The safety system includes redundant means selectively preventing a decrease in the variable pinch point gap. The redundant means of the safety system preferably includes an electro-optical light guard means operably connected to the redundant means with one or more redirections of light beams to create a light guard perimeter guarding portions of the stacker and sheet removal system to guard against access to the pinch point.

Abstract: A fastener adapted for anchoring into a masonry structure, such as a concrete block, employs an epoxy resin system so that the fastener is both mechanically engaged and bonded to the structure. In one preferred configuration, the bead is composed of a hardener, a resin and a nylon powder and has a cardioid-shaped configuration which subtends substantially 360° around the shank at an intermediate position of a threaded portion of the fastener. Various configurations are disclosed, including a fastener wherein adhesive in microencapsulated form is also applied to a lower intermediate portion. In addition, wings may extend from the shank.

Abstract: A connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wall studs to a base plate and to a top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include an edge member for connection to the edge faces of the stud and the base or top plates, and a face member for engaging the lower face of the base plate or the upper face of the top plate. The face member is joined to the edge member and projects at a right angle thereto. The face member serves the dual purposes of locating the connected at the ends of the studs and of resisting tension forces.

Abstract: An improved erosion control system has a field of spines disposed on a support structure. The spines capture landscaping material that is placed on top of the erosion control system, hiding the landscape/erosion control system. The spines are arranged in relation to each other and to the lower support structure such that spaces exist between most of the distal portions of the spines, and the spines are relatively stiff such that the distal ends of the spines stand away from the lower support structure when in a rest position to capture the landscape material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24?. This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connection having a plurality of parallel structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member, preferably light gauge steel. The end of the strap member is held in place by an overlapping strap holder. Fasteners hold the strap holder and the strap to the underlying structural member, with at least one passing through only the strap holder into the first side of the the first structural member.

Abstract: A load change safety system in which a sheet stacker having a stacking deck formed with a discharge end discharges sheet material onto and builds a sheet stack on a conveying sheet stack removal system formed with a receiving means. A variable pinch point gap is formed by relative motion between the discharge end of the stacking deck and the receiving means of the conveying sheet material removal system. The safety system includes redundant means selectively preventing a decrease in the variable pinch point gap. The redundant means of the safety system preferably includes an electro-optical light guard means operably connected to the redundant means with one or more redirections of light beams to create a light guard perimeter guarding portions of the stacker and sheet removal system to guard against access to the pinch point.

Abstract: A rotary stop cock is formed so that in a first selected position it can separate a plurality of compartments, in a second selected position can allow for the flow of material from one or more upstream compartments into a downstream compartment, while also allowing air to vent from the downstream compartment through the stop cock and out to the atmosphere, and in another selected position can allow for the flow of material from what was the downstream compartment to what was the one or more upstream components without venting any of the compartments.

Abstract: A connection in which an elongated strap or a connector having an elongated strap member is secured by a strap holder. Such straps and connectors are used in a variety of building applications, typically in connections that resist tension forces parallel to the main axes of the straps or strap members. A number of connectors with elongated strap members are in common use with a variety of structural members.

Abstract: A cleaning device and method for making which is constructed from a flexible base member of thermoplastic material to which a plurality of fibers are fused and protrude therefrom, and formed into a curvilinear configuration such as a helix-like, or U-shaped-like configuration. The method includes the steps of heating the base until it is softened and bent to a U-shape like configuration and then cooling the base member, or helically winding the base onto a rotating mandrel; stopping the mandrel and severing an end of the base member; and cooling the base member so that it retains its U-shape or helical configuration. A core member may also be inserted through the opening in the helix-like configuration and attached at one or more points of the base member permitting the cleaning device to be pushed through tubular members.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.

Abstract: A device for use in a torque transmitting system including a driver having a specially configured driver end and a fastener having a specially configured recess for receiving the end of the driver, wherein the respective externally configured and internally configured components include a body having an axis in which the body has an outer polygonal cross section defined by a perimeter wall, an inner polygonal central portion positioned within the perimeter wall and having an area less than the area of the outer polygonal cross section; a drive wall which forms a portion of the perimeter wall and extends on a plane from a proximal end outwardly from the polygonal central portion to a distal end; a first outer wall forming another portion of the perimeter wall has a proximal end joining the distal end of the drive wall at an angle which may be less than 90° and a distal end terminating on the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A connection, and a method of forming a connection, that adhesively fixes and bonds a fastening element or anchor in bore hole, particularly in a soft substrate or substrate with an interior cavity or void where the anchor is to be set in vertical wall or set upwardly into a ceiling. To make the connection, an accessory is used that has the form of a sleeve having a closed or partially blocked insertion end and an open anchor receiving end and apertures running along its length. The accessory helps to ensure that the anchor is surrounded with mortar or adhesive, and the mortar or adhesive contacts the wall of the bore. The cylindrical wall of the sleeve has apertures along its length. The sleeve can be formed with larger apertures formed near the anchor receiving end of the sleeve and smaller apertures formed near the insertion end of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed by inserting an open-ended cylindrical mesh tube into a frame that holds the tube along its length at a select location.

Abstract: A concealed hinge for doors in furniture and cabinets installed with screws in which the weight of the door rests on the hinge pivot point and is borne by the frame of the cabinet. The hinge is preferably installed using a template. The hinge includes an elongated door plate member having a projection member, a hinge base plate member, pivot member connected to the distal end of the door plate projection member and to the hinge base plate member. The pivot means is located so that the arc scribed by the front pivot corner of the door does not intersect the side face portion of the vertical frame member of the cabinet.

Abstract: A strap connector is compressibly held to a support member by a holder which is connected to the support member by fasteners. The support member can be a formboard for containing a concrete foundation during pouring and setting, and the strap connector is a strap tie holdown.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named ‘White Robe’ originated as a cutting taken from the cultivar ‘Buffie’. The cultivar ‘White Robe’ has white sepals at maturity and is distinguished from other similar cultivars of which the inventor is aware by the unique manner in which the inflorescence ages. As the mature sepals age and turn green they are highly resistant to burning and turning brown The new variety ‘White Robe’ further possesses the favorable characteristics of a compact growth habit and long lasting large inflorescences.

Abstract: A variety of the Cactaceae family produced by a controlled cross named ‘Rio’. ‘Rio’ has a strong growth habit, a “red” colored bloom, a strong propensity to branch with minimal pruning, erect stems, and blooming flowers that last for two weeks on the plant.