Abstract: A tile-securing system having a polymeric wedge component positioned between two adjacent tiles that are in plane and the polymeric wedge component contacting a side edge of each adjacent tile, wherein the polymeric wedge component exerts a force against both side edges; the polymeric wedge component being secured to a solid substrate using a fastener.

Abstract: A tile-securing system having a polymeric wedge component positioned between two adjacent tiles that are in plane and the polymeric wedge component contacting a side edge of each adjacent tile, wherein the polymeric wedge component exerts a force against both side edges; the polymeric wedge component being secured to a solid substrate using a fastener.

Abstract: A tile-securing system having a polymeric one-piece bracket having a first flange, a second flange, and a central raised-wall portion, the first flange and the second flange opposing each other and being in the same plane, the central raised-wall portion being orthogonal to both the first flange and the second flange; a slot opening located on an exterior edge of the raised-wall portion; the slot opening having a first width and a first length, wherein the first width is less than the first length, and the slot opening configured to receive a wedge that upon insertion into the slot opening expands the first width to a greater second width.

Abstract: A tile-securing system having a polymeric one-piece bracket having a first flange, a second flange, and a central raised-wall portion, the first flange and the second flange opposing each other and being in the same plane, the central raised-wall portion being orthogonal to both the first flange and the second flange; a slot opening located on an exterior edge of the raised-wall portion; the slot opening having a first width and a first length, wherein the first width is less than the first length, and the slot opening configured to receive a wedge that upon insertion into the slot opening expands the first width to a greater second width.

Abstract: A composition having a base-substrate component fixably attached to a substantially planar first surface of a resilient component; a spacer component fixably attached to a substantially planar second surface of the resilient component, wherein the spacer component is a rigid structure having a planar surface with four raised flanges thereon, the four raised flanges being collectively positioned in a cross-like configuration; and at least one tile in contact with the spacer component.

Abstract: A drinking-cup composition having a drinking cup; a drinking-cup lid that is removably attached to the cup, the lid having a substantially circular raised-ridge portion and a perimeter-edge portion, the substantially circular raised-ridge portion being positioned inside the perimeter-edge portion; the raised-ridge portion having an orifice within the raised ridge through which a liquid can pass from one side of the lid to the other; a film that is removably attached to the raised-ridge portion; and the film shape having a body portion and a pull-tab portion, the body portion having a perimeter-edge shape that is substantially similar to at least a portion of the raised-ridge-portion shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structures and methods for constructing a paved structure. Some embodiments relate to improved, simplified and/or lightweight means for the construction of such structures. Some embodiments relate to means for constructing a paved area having a shelf for vertically supporting bricks. Furthermore, in some embodiments the shelf can be in a raised relation to a substrate. Some embodiments may also include structures that facilitate drainage of liquids from a surface of the paved structure.

Abstract: An engineered brick having a plastic shell having a shape that resembles a conventional brick; and an aggregate layer embedded into the surface of the plastic shell.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for labeling vehicles with visual and radio frequency indicia. Some embodiments include a plate having visually communicative indicia disposed thereon, and include one or more radio frequency labels. Some embodiments also include one or more mounting structures for mounting the plate to a vehicle. Additionally, some embodiments can optionally include one or more cover members, which may optionally include decorative elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structures and methods for constructing a paved structure. Some embodiments relate to improved, simplified and/or lightweight means for the construction of such structures. Some embodiments relate to means for constructing a paved area having a shelf for vertically supporting bricks. Furthermore, in some embodiments the shelf can be in a raised relation to a substrate. Some embodiments may also include structures that facilitate drainage of liquids from a surface of the paved structure.

Abstract: An on-line X-ray fluorescent monitoring system uses a probe having an X-ray transmitter and a fluorescent X-ray detector placed adjacent a recessed chamber in a coal feed line having an X-ray transparent window. Pulverized coal traveling through the coal feed line collects in the recessed chamber and rests against the X-ray transparent window where it is bombarded by excitation X-rays from the transmitter. The probe receives fluorescence from the X-ray excited coal and transmits the data to a data acquisition and control means for analysis and use. A pressurized air tube is provided at the base of the recessed chamber for blowing accumulated pulverized coal out of the recessed chamber and back into the feed line, thereby allowing a new sample portion of pulverized coal to settle into the recessed chamber for analysis. The on-line analyzer can also be used to determine concentrations of other elements of interest in the pulverized coal, such as iron, chlorine, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a target analyte diffused in a wall of a metal member provides a sample of the metal member which is cut to progressively reduce a wall thickness of the sample from zero at a first point on the sample to a selected depth at a second point on the sample. An x-ray analyzing system having an analyzing slot is moved past the sample between the first and second points. Data from the x-ray analyzing system during the translation of the sample is collected to analyze the analyte content.