Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide reinforcing guide systems used in fabrication of concrete elements and methods of constructing reinforcing guides used in fabrication of concrete elements. For example, in one embodiment, a reinforcing guide system used in fabrication of a concrete element comprises: a guide; and a plurality of brackets attached to the guide, wherein each bracket is configured to receive and secure a reinforced bar. For example, in one embodiment, a method of fabricating a concrete element comprises: providing a guide with a plurality of brackets attached thereto; securing a plurality of reinforced bars to the guide using the brackets, thereby constructing a reinforcing guide; placing the reinforcing guide in a mold; and pouring mixed concrete into the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for retractable devices that are part of or attached to vehicles, such as school buses, to protect the retractable device from damage or destruction from air movement. While such retractable devices are bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the vehicle, the retractable devices are susceptible to being damaged or torn off of the vehicle due to air movement such as headwinds, wind gusts, and turbulence from passing vehicles. The current invention overcomes the susceptibility to damage of the retractable devices from air movement by shielding the retractable device from such air movement. The current invention may include a shock absorber assembly to minimize or eliminate noisy vibration from the shield. As such, the present invention provides protection for retractable devices on vehicles from air movement with minimal additional noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for retractable devices that are part of or attached to vehicles, such as school buses, to protect the retractable device from damage or destruction from air movement. While such retractable devices are bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the vehicle, the retractable devices are susceptible to being damaged or torn off of the vehicle due to air movement such as headwinds, wind gusts, and turbulence from passing vehicles. The current invention overcomes the susceptibility to damage of the retractable devices from air movement by shielding the retractable device from such air movement. The current invention may include a shock absorber assembly to minimize or eliminate noisy vibration from the shield. As such, the present invention provides protection for retractable devices on vehicles from air movement with minimal additional noise.