Abstract: Dimensional lumber subjected to structural load regimes, where moment is the dominate load condition, usually fail structurally by initial localized compressive failure located at or near the maximum compressive extreme fiber. Said localized compressive failure, exhibited by buckling failure of maximum compressive fiber, results in an overall increase of section-modulus. The increase in section modulus, due to onset of structural failure, allows the lumber element in question to provide post-structural-failure increase in load-carrying-capacity with the trade-off of an increase in load-vs-deflection ratio. Said increase in load-carrying-capacity due to the increase in section-modulus, or thickening of the lumber element continues as an applied load is increased until the lumber element's tensile extreme fiber's capacity is exceeded, at which event the lumber element structurally fails catastrophically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Light Emitting Diode (LED) based lamps utilising thermoelectric modules improving the efficiency of the lamps. The present invention provides in a first aspect a light illuminating device that comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), at least one thermoelectric module (TEM) having a first surface which is thermally connected to the LED, a heat sink thermally connected to a second surface of the at least one TEM, a thermally insulating cover creating a chamber substantially insulating the LED from ambient air. The LED may be of any conventional type, the invention however is particularly useful for devices using hi-flux LEDs, including traffic lights, illuminated roadway and/or emergency signs, airport runway lights and such.

Abstract: The present invention reduces to practice discoveries made by the present inventors during their investigations into present-art-perceived-difficulties in thermal-management applications of solid-state devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to highway safety devices, secondarily to on-board vehicle mounted safety devices and more particularly to enhancing the performance of such devices when occupants of vehicles are subjected to severe deceleration forces.

Abstract: A guardrail assembly for highways comprises a horizontal rail secured to a plurality of posts. The rail includes top, bottom and front walls. A first wood plank is secured to the top wall. A second wood plank is secured to the front wall. The second wood plank includes a front surface and a third wood plank is secured to the second wood plank front surface. The post are also wood clad.