Abstract: A sheet material (e.g., underlayment roofing material) is disclosed having a high coefficient of friction and being fabricated from at least one structural layer and at least one laminated layer. The structural layer can be constructed of a woven product that can include loom fibers that may be twisted, can include a heavier strain material, and/or can include any material and/or method that creates a raised structure (e.g., raised area, raised line, etc.) in the structural layer's weave. Subsequently, these raised structures in the structural layer's weave can create small squares, lines, and/or other designs in the underlayment roofing material that provide increased friction and/or traction.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener element for securing a curing blanket over the open upper end of a concrete form. The fastener element comprises a wire body including a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of the concrete form and a pair of attachment portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The attachment portions secure the fastener element to the outer walls of the concrete form.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener element for securing a curing blanket over the open upper end of a concrete form. The fastener element comprises a wire body including a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of the concrete form and a pair of attachment portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The attachment portions secure the fastener element to the outer walls of the concrete form.

Abstract: A radiant heating and cooling system clip for positioning a tube and construction support wire with one hand comprising an interior having a main channel for positioning a tube with a narrowing second channel within said main channel for positioning a wire.

Abstract: A thermally insulative and waterproof barrier for protecting an exterior surface includes a plurality of generally rectangular flexible blankets in overlapping disposition. Each blanket defines a body and a peripheral margin about edges of the body, edges of the bodies of adjacent blankets (including the base layer) overlapping. Each body includes at least one base layer of thermal insulation and two cover layers of waterproof material. The cover layers are sealed together peripherally about the base layer to form the peripheral margin and exclude water from the base layer.

Abstract: An insulation damming device formed from a moisture-proof and fire-retardant material for preventing the build up of thermal insulation around a recessed lighting fixture, fan or other heat producing device is installed in an attic. The device is formed from a vented cover member, a set of vented side panels and a set of mounting flaps. The vents are disposed at regular intervals along the side panels and cover to allow heat and moisture to escape from the enclosed area. Additionally, the vents can be covered with louvers to insure that no insulation enters the area enclosed by the insulation damming device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical composition useful in the chemical management of plant disease. The pesticides of the present invention incorporate benzophenanthridine alkaloids into formulations that are (1) residual and active for a period of time, (2) are adhesive to plant surfaces, (3) have good spreading properties, (4) are stable against photodeactivation, (5) have low phytoxicity, and (6) are capable of penetrating plant tissues.

Abstract: An insulation confining shield and application method, the shield mountable between elongated structural framing members in an unfinished wall or ceiling for insulation dispensed as curable liquid having a blowing agent or an insulation material with a curable adhesive, comprising: a sheet of elongated semi-rigid or rigid material having a center web section and a pair of opposed flanges extending substantially perpendicular from the center web section defining an insulation confining volume, the web section and the flanges being constructed and arranged to fit between the structural framing members in the wall or ceiling to retain the insulation when cured after being applied against the web section and the flanges, in one embodiment, the flanges having a plurality of vent apertures defined therethrough to enable a quantity of the insulation, when applied, to migrate from the insulation confining volume to an area outside of the confining volume and adhere to a portion of the structural framing members to mi

Abstract: A utility meter reading and communications system gathers data from utility meters and sends that data to a utility company's central data collection point (host computer) via phone lines. The system places a call on the user's telephone line at a specified time and date and transmits data using dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) format. The system ensures that users still may use the telephone line by sensing off-hook conditions initiated by a resident's telephone and immediately dropping the line to reestablish dial tone for the residential customer. The system uses a variety of error-detection procedures and communications protocols to ensure a high degree of reliability in communicating data to and from the central office and the utility meter system. The system also uses communications protocols and handshaking to ensure accurate data communication and allow immediate interruptions of communications should the customer attempt to use the telephone line.