Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved roofing covering for affixing to a roof structure. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rigid base members, each being substantially rectangular and having a first side and a second side and a top end and a bottom end. A groove is disposed on each of the first sides of each of the plurality of base members and a tongue is disposed on each of the second sides of base members. A recess is disposed on each of the bottom ends of the base members and a projection is disposed on each of the top ends of the base members. The base members are affixed to the roof structure. A groove of at least one of the base members engages a tongue of an adjacent base member and a projection of at least one of the base members engages a recess of an adjacent base member.

Abstract: A log structure may be built from interfitting squared logs, mounted with their diagonals vertically aligned, with the upper corner of each log fitted into a "V" shaped groove formed into the lower edge of each log. Intersecting log walls are interfitted by "V" shaped notches cut on the underside of each interjecting log. The depth of the "V" notch should not exceed half of the diagonal of each log by more than one half of the depth of the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A window unit has at least one pane a face, of which is coated with a transparent conductive polymer layer that is reflective and absorptive in an infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, transparent in the visible region of the spectrum, and has a transparency ratio greater than 2. The window unit minimizes radiative heat transfer and maximizes the transmission of visible light therethrough.

Abstract: Known plant-cultivation boards for vertical epiphyte planting in a plant substrate are nowadays made of wickerwork of tree fern roots cut into a cuboid shape. However, this material should no longer be used for reasons of protection of the species. Moreover, when the epiphytes are replanted, the roots cannot, or only with a high degree of destruction be detached from the known plant-cultivation boards. For eliminating this disadvantage and permitting also a use of other plant substrates, it is suggested that a receptacle (1) should be created for the plant substrate, which comprises a back wall (3) provided with a smooth inner surface facing the plant substrate and a front wall (2) which is composed of a plurality of releasable elements (13) provided with fastening means for fastening the plants and which includes at least one opening (21) permitting the plants to reach the plant substrate, the opening being formed by spacers (18) arranged between the elements (13).

Abstract: A method for conserving water in lawn maintenance is described. According to the method, a layer of of a water-absorbent, nonbiodegradable material is provided between the ground and a layer of sod. This absorbent layer retains water which may be reached by the roots of the plants in the sod layer. This layer may also be used to retain lawn chemicals. The lawn produced by the foregoing method is also described.

Abstract: A construction apparatus comprising a framework installed above a completed structure of a building so as to form a working space for construction operations including installing permanent columns over the completed structure, guide posts detachably held on the completed structure, elevating and locking mechanisms provided on the framework for elevating the framework to form the working space and for locking the framework to the guide posts, and construction equipment mounted on the framework and capable of carrying out the construction operations in the working space. The framework is provided with a cover for covering the working space.

Abstract: A method for treating a tree comprises the steps of punching at least one hole in a trunk of a tree and injecting an individual chemical pellet directly into the at least one hole. The chemical pellet dissolves in and mixes with sap of the tree to treat the tree. A dispenser for injecting the pellets and a punch hammer for punching holes in the tree, both of which are used in the tree treating method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mulch skirt for inhibiting the growth of vegetation around a tree or post is formed from a single sheet having an initial axial opening and a slit extending from the axial opening to a point on the periphery of the skirt. A plurality of adjustment strips are formed around the axial opening by successive concentric rows of serrations. The mulch skirt can be custom-sized on the site to fit around a selected tree or post by removing an inner portion of the mulch skirt along a selected row of serrations corresponding in diameter to the base diameter of the tree or post with which the mulch skirt is to be used. The mulch skirt may be stabilized by a ring extending around the periphery of the skirt and by anchor pins fastening the ring to the ground.

Abstract: Cast members are provided with a liner assembly to protect the cast material from corrosion. The liner assembly is formed of a plurality of curved liner sections having integral joining flanges. A resilient compressible gasket is arranged between opposing flanges and is provided with at least one flange receiving slot for receiving the flange of one of said liner sections to facilitate assembly thereof. Fastening means join the opposing flanges to compress the gasket and thereby provide a liquid-tight joint. Integral flanges are provided at the upper and lower ends of the liner sections to receive a sealant which is squeezed out of the seams formed by the mating sections when joined to protect the cast assembly from corrosion. The liner sections are formed of a material which is inert to the corrosive influences.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.

Abstract: A translucent block includes a pair of parallel upper and lower surfaces each having a generally pentagonal shape. There are a pair of generally rectangular, nonparallel side faces whose planes intersect to form a dihedral angle at 45.degree.. A generally rectangular first opposing end wall is joined to the upper and lower surfaces and is perpendicular therewith, and is joined to the side faces proximal to the vertex of the 45.degree. dihedral angle. A second opposing end wall is formed of two equal sections joined at an obtuse angle to each other. The vertex of the obtuse angle points away from the first end wall, and the sections of the second end wall are perpendicular to and are joined to the upper and lower surfaces of the block and are joined to the nonparallel side surfaces of the block distal from the 45.degree. dihedral angle. The translucent block can be joined to similar translucent blocks and/or different translucent blocks to form a wide variety of wall structures of 45.degree.

Abstract: A hydroponic garden utilizing conventional flower pots for growing chambers and a plastic PVC pipe supporting the flower pots through openings in the upper wall of the pipe so that a nutrient solution circulating through the plastic pipe feeds the plants growing in the flower pots. A timer controlled pump circulates the nutrient solution from a reservoir through the conduit and back to the reservoir according to a predetermined program.

Abstract: A panel having two ends and two sides, the panel having a peripheral frame and having at the sides thereof a first surface and a second surface separated by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance extending from end to end of the panel. The panel has non opposing studs located proximate the first and second surfaces and separated by a predetermined distance. The studs of the first surface are offset or staggered laterally a predetermined distance from the studs proximate the second surface. Insulation having two ends and two sides is located proximate the surfaces extending within the peripheral frame between the first and second surfaces with the studs embedded in the surfaces. The insulation extends to each end of the panel, whereby the panel is rigidified by the lateral staggering of the studs. A joint proximate each end of the panel is supplied for interconnecting adjacent panels.

Abstract: An active seismic response control system includes a variable damping device provided between posts, beams and braces of a structure, wherein the response of the frame is reduced by controlling the variable damping device when an earthquake or strong wind occurs to give a damping force to the frame. The response of the structure is determined by the steps of judging with a computer the optimal damping force or control force to be applied to the structure on the basis of information obtained from sensors in response to the disturbance, and then controlling the coefficient of damping of the variable damping device.

Abstract: A telescopic beam has a cross-section comprising an array of members (11-17) whose cross-section are of essentially spiral or modified spiral form such that members have lengths of identical (or broadly identical) cross-section (in profile and dimension) and constant (or broadly constant) cross-section along their axis. In the array the members are rotationally offset relative to one another about an axis (A) of the beam parallel to their own axis. In addition the members in the array engage one another such that relative linear movement between two adjacent members is constrained to be possible only in the direction of their axis. The array is assembled to produce the telescopic beam. The maximum number of members in any beam is dependent on the magnitude of the rotational offset incorporated in the particular section used.

Abstract: An extension and retraction system for a four section telescopic boom having simultaneous and equal extension and retraction of the telescopic sections, wherein a pair of hydraulic cylinders are mounted exteriorly of the boom for extending and retracting the inner mid section relative to the base section; a pair of extension chains or cables are connected between the base section and the outer mid section, and between the fly section and the inner mid section; and a pair of retraction cables are connected between the base section and the outer mid section, and between the fly section and the inner mid section. The extension and retraction chains and cables are positioned within the boom sections to thereby be protected from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending the useful life of cut flowers and promoting a maximum bloom by supporting the head of the flower and preventing the head from drooping. Embodiments of the present invention include tubular structures for gripping the outer surface of the flower stem below the flower receptacle. A slot or slit is formed along the length of the tubular member. The slot widens to allow the stem to pass therethrough to the interior of the tubular member where the stem is snugly gripped. Also included is a cup-like structure adapted to hold and support the flower receptacle. The embodiments of the present invention may be economically fabricated and easily installed on cut flowers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a screed guide for a vibrating screed or the like in connection with the casting and direct smoothing of especially single-course structural floors and at the locations where the walls of the next story are to be cast.

Abstract: A device is set forth for trimming branch and frond segments from trees which includes a frame positionable about the trunk and a mechanism disposed on the frame for driving the frame upwardly and downwardly along the trunk. A carriage is carried by the frame and encircles the trunk. Trimming blades are mounted on the carriage in a chordal relationship and are biased to maintain engagement with the trunk. As the frame is driven upwardly, a motor rotates the carriage causing the blades to remove the branch and frond segments from the tree.

Abstract: The wall panels (14,16,18) of a wall panel system (12) are constructed with perimeter frames (22,24,26) each composed of tubular vertical edge members (40) interconnected with the ends of horizontal top members (42) and horizontal bottom members (46) by corner connectors (44). The corner connectors (44) have legs (84) that engage within the hollow ends of the frame members (40,42,46). A plurality of shear fins (86) extend transversely from the legs (84) with the transverse profile defined by the fins being greater than the interior envelope of the frame members so that as the corner connectors (44) are forged into the interiors of the frame members, the outer edges of the fins (86) are sheared so that the fins fit very snugly within the interiors of the frame members. The panels (14,16,18) are interconnected together by cam latches (126) composed of a pair of opposing spaced apart hooks (134a, 134b) that engage with mating catches (128) mounted on the opposing edge of the adjacent wall panel.