Abstract: Yarns and fabrics that include modacrylic fibers are described herein. A yarn and/or fabric may include modacrylic fibers, meta-aramid fibers, anti-static fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. In some embodiments, the modacrylic fibers, meta-aramid fibers, and, if present, para-aramid fibers, may each be solution-dyed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a retractable awning assembly. The retractable awning assembly may include a plurality of roller tube sections, at least two torsion bar sections, a pair of spring-loaded arms, a fabric cover, a plurality of front bar sections, a pair of end caps, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a plurality of hood sections. Methods of assembling the same are provided.

Abstract: Acrylic compositions comprising a hindered amine light stabilizer are described herein. The acrylic composition may be in the form of a fiber, thread, yarn, and/or fabric. Also described herein are methods of making and using the acrylic compositions and articles comprising an acrylic composition as described herein.

Abstract: A water movement system and method configured to eradicate and/or control mosquito or insect populations that lay eggs in treated, stagnant water environments. The system is comprised of a water pump configured to function in cooperation with an underwater insect attractant device. The insect attractant device is suitably constructed to generate carbon dioxide for attracting insects to a water extermination zone or trap. In one embodiment, the underwater insect attractant device contains organisms such as mycelia for generating the carbon dioxide. Insects are attracted by the carbon dioxide generation device to reproduce in the water extermination zone, using the treated water to lay eggs, and grow larvae and pupae for the subject insects. A solar-powered water pump device is configured to direct the flow of water from the water extermination zone toward filters of the water pump device to trap and kill insect progeny including eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Abstract: A semi-trailer including an elongated trailer frame having a front portion and a rear portion, a wheel bogie disposed beneath the trailer frame, a jack disposed proximal the rear portion of the trailer frame, where the jack is configured to raise and lower the rear portion of the trailer frame, The jack includes an actuator connected to the trailer frame at the rear portion, a plurality of pivotal support arms connected to an end of the actuator and a plurality of ground engaging members connected to the end of the plurality of support arms, where the ground engaging members are powered to transversely move the rear portion of the trailer frame.

Abstract: Techniques for energy production are disclosed. A kinetic fabric for use in a kinetically-activated energy production system is implemented. The kinetic fabric comprises a three-dimensional, layer-based flexible matrix that regains shape after deformation. The fabric further comprises a kinetically activated energy source layer supported between layers of the flexible matrix. The fabric further includes a flexible electrical connection that provides an electrical path between the energy source layer and a terminal on the flexible matrix. The kinetic fabric is deformed with mechanical agitation, and energy is harvested from the energy source layer through the terminal on the flexible matrix. Various embodiments are disclosed including flags, moving vehicles, and shade structures, among others.

Abstract: Reading glasses, more specifically pince-nez glasses, for short-term, close viewing and reading. For better placement of the reading glasses on the nose, the bridge of the reading glasses is provided with knobs, of which two are located on the outside, making it comfortable to grasp and place the glasses on the nose with two fingers and third knob is located on the upper centre of the bridge. Bridge of the reading glasses is ergonomic. The measurements of the radius of bridge of the reading glasses have been developed ellipsoidal in shape, where radius r1 is 7.0 mm and r2 is 7.5 mm and the angle ? of the bridge is 36°.

Abstract: A reinforcement unit and methods are provided for creating footings for supporting structures, such as a fence post, using a reinforcement unit that has a tower that is generally perpendicular to a base, the tower defining a cavity for receiving a portion of the structure and an anchoring material. The reinforcement unit can include a top portion of a tower that is frangible. The base of the reinforcement unit can further include a pocket (or similar recess) substantially similar in width or diameter to the top portion of the tower such that a second identical reinforcement unit can be inverted and stacked on top of the second reinforcement unit.

Abstract: Techniques for energy production are disclosed. A kinetic fabric for use in a kinetically-activated energy production system is implemented. The kinetic fabric comprises a three-dimensional, layer-based flexible matrix that regains shape after deformation. The fabric further comprises a kinetically activated energy source layer supported between layers of the flexible matrix. The fabric further includes a flexible electrical connection that provides an electrical path between the energy source layer and a terminal on the flexible matrix. The kinetic fabric is deformed with mechanical agitation, and energy is harvested from the energy source layer through the terminal on the flexible matrix. Various embodiments are disclosed including flags, moving vehicles, and shade structures, among others.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including one or more light sources for producing light, a screen to which the light from the light source(s) is directed, to provide a number of images of flames thereon viewable via a front surface of the screen, and a rotatable flicker element. The flicker element includes an elongate rod defined by an axis thereof about which the rod is rotatable. The rod is positioned at a preselected elevation above a base of the flame simulating assembly. The flicker element also includes a number of paddle elements located on the rod, for intermittently reflecting the light from the light sources from the paddle elements to the screen respectively as the flicker element rotates about the axis, to provide the images of flames on the screen. The light sources are located substantially at the preselected elevation and proximal to the flicker element.

Abstract: A knit shade cloth. The shade cloth includes about 10% to about 40% by weight of un-textured yarns comprising at least one of olefin or polyester for strength. The shade cloth includes about 60% to about 90% by weight of at least one synthetic textured yarn for improved hand. The knit shade cloth provides at least about 150 lbs. of initial mean break strength in both a warp direction and weft direction to provide sufficient performance as a shade sail.

Abstract: A resilient yarn, fabric having the resilient yarn, and outdoor products, such as sling furniture, are disclosed. The resilient yarn includes a core made with a thermoplastic elastomer. A sheath at least partially surrounds the core. The sheath includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a blend of PVC and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Abstract: Reading glasses, more specifically pince-nez glasses, for short-term, close viewing and reading. For better placement of the reading glasses on the nose, the bridge of the reading glasses is provided with knobs, of which two are located on the outside, making it comfortable to grasp and place the glasses on the nose with two fingers and third knob is located on the upper centre of the bridge. Bridge of the reading glasses is ergonomic. The measurements of the radius of bridge of the reading glasses have been developed ellipsoidal in shape, where radius r1 is 7.0 mm and r2 is 7.5 mm and the angle ? of the bridge is 36°.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including a light source, a screen having a translucent region which subjects light from the light source transmitted therethrough to diffusion and a transparent region, and a flicker element for intermittently reflecting the light from the light source toward the screen, to provide images of flames in a predetermined portion thereof. The screen includes a fringe region positioned between the translucent region and the transparent region. The fringe region includes a number of diffusing areas for diffusing the light from the light source and a number of transparent areas positioned between the diffusing areas, to at least partially provide images of flames in the diffusing areas.

Abstract: Acrylic compositions comprising a hindered amine light stabilizer are described herein. The acrylic composition may be in the form of a fiber, thread, yarn, and/or fabric. Also described herein are methods of making and using the acrylic compositions and articles comprising an acrylic composition as described herein.

Abstract: A building-mounted awning. The awning includes a support frame, and a covering provided over the support frame to act as shelter from precipitation, or act as a shade from the sun. The support frame is attached to the building at only one location along a width of the support frame by a single bracket attached to the building.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including light source(s), a screen to which light from the light source(s) is directed, to provide images of flickering flames thereon, and a rotatable flicker element for reflecting the light from the light sources toward the screen. The flicker element includes a number of paddle elements located in respective predetermined locations on the rod. Each paddle element includes one or more body portions with reflective surfaces thereon. The reflective surface includes a central region and a perimeter region at least partially located around the central region, the perimeter region at least partially defining a perimeter plane. The central region is substantially non-planar and the perimeter region is at least partially planar. The perimeter region includes a middle part and side parts, partially separated by channels.