Abstract: A display arrangement for illuminating posters and other non-opaque planar artwork comprising an item of artwork affixed to an essentially transparent mounting member, and a plurality of precisely configured neon light tubes mounted behind the item of artwork. The light tubes are arranged in a predetermined pattern consonant with the subject matter of the artwork, with each of the light tubes being positioned behind a selected portion of the artwork, to illuminate and enhance such selected portion of the artwork when the light tubes are energized.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for optically representing information on a transparent projection surface using several projection modules and using through-light projection. The method and arrangement are both cost effective and ensures that an observer viewing even a large display of information is provided with a bright, contrast, homogeneous image. Each projection module is formed of a light source with a divergent beam radiating through a controllable light valve and a projection surface arranged behind it. The distance between the light valve and the projection surface is chosen in such a way that the image parts projected by adjacent modules border gaplessly to each other on the projection surface.

Abstract: A system of temporarily covering the wall of a building; a signage surface, billboard, glass store from and the like, particularly, a side of a vehicle, with text, artwork, logos and the like, particularly advertisement matter. The assembly comprises in combination, a substrate having a substantially planar surface; a cover to cover the substrate surface in whole or in part; retaining the cover adjacent the substrate surface; and tension adjusting the cover.

Abstract: A detachable multiple round ammunition magazine with improved "X" shaped magazine spring and improved latching mechanism.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for use with a firearm having a hammer wherein the hammer has an elongated, vertically extending recess formed therein, a transfer bar traveling within that elongated recess between an extended position and a retracted position. When the transfer bar is in the extended position, the bar is interposed between the hammer and the firing pin allowing discharge of a cartridge within the chamber. When the transfer bar is in the retracted position, a portion of the recess is exposed. The exposed recess is larger than the portion of the firing pin which protrudes from the receiver. Thus, inadvertent firing is prevented as the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. A transfer bar carrier pin located on the hand assembly initially cooperates with the trigger cam and the transfer bar to elevate the bar into the extended position.

Abstract: A weapon bolt assembly includes a bolt portion including a recess; a firing pin unit including a striker plunger axially slidably received in the recess and having an axially measured length and a firing pin attached to the striker plunger. The firing pin unit has a first position in which the firing pin projects from the bolt portion and a second position in which the firing pin is situated in its entirety within the bolt portion. A firing spring is disposed in the recess and has a relaxed state and a stressed state. In the relaxed state of the firing spring and in the first position of the firing pin unit a clearance is defined between the two components. In the stressed state the firing spring exerts a force on the firing pin unit urging it into its first position. The axially measured length of the firing pin unit is such that in the second position the firing spring remains in the relaxed state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barrel lock to be removably inserted and reliably locked within the barrel of a hand gun to prevent the accidental and unauthorized firing of the hand gun without requiring any manufacturing changes to the gun. The barrel lock includes an expandable chamber lock that is located at the distal end of a barrel lock tube. The barrel lock tube is adapted to slide inwardly through the gun barrel to locate the chamber lock to be received in and retained at the existing bullet chamber of the gun barrel, whereby the hand gun is disabled. A combination lock cooperates with the proximal end of the barrel lock tube to prevent the barrel lock tube from being withdrawn from the gun barrel and the chamber lock from being removed from the bullet chamber until a particular predetermined combination has first been successfully dialed in.

Abstract: A weapon barrel includes a muzzle, a breech, a chamber at the breech and a rifling, formed of alternating lands and grooves, extending along an interior of the weapon barrel. The lands have a hardened surface to a depth of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The hardened surface extends along a barrel length portion which includes the muzzle.

Abstract: A holster for game calls which can be fastened around the stock of a gun or of a bow. The holster has an elongated body made of flexible material, with a plurality of pockets formed on one side. The pockets are preferably formed so as to open toward the center of the elongated body. A fastener, such as hook-and-loop material (Velcro.RTM.) allows the elongated body to be wrapped around the gunstock and the ends fastened to each other, so as to form a sleeve around the stock with pockets on the outside. If the pockets are formed to open toward the center of the elongated body, they will open upwards when the holster is fastened around the generally horizontal gunstock. Game calls can be inserted into the pockets, and removed easily without removing the gun from the shoulder of the hunter and without startling the game. A bow-hunting variation has the pockets turned 90.degree.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge operated setting tool includes a driving piston (1) positioned in an axially extending piston guide (4) with a base surface (5) at a trailing end of the piston guide. A spacer (2) is located on the trailing end surface of the piston (1) and projects axially from its trailing end surface. The spacer (2) has a stop face (3) extending perpendicularly of the piston guide axis with a surface area smaller than the area of the base surface (5) against which it contacts.

Abstract: A fishing lure for largemouth bass and other fishes within the family Centrarchidae is described. The lure comprises a body member having incorporated therein a sufficient quantity of an agent in a manner such that the lure will emit effective concentrations of the agent when said lure is within the mouth of the fish. The agent comprises, L-arginine and L-lysine individually, any combinations or mixtures of L-arginine and L-lysine, any mixtures or combinations containing L-arginine and/or L-lysine, and any compounds and/or mixtures of compounds which, in combination with water, will release L-arginine and/or L-lysine.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an absorbent coating and method for coating a fishing tackle item which absorbent coating will absorb a liquid fish attractant or attractants on contact by utilizing polymer and/or copolymer particles that are applied over a finish coating on the fishing tackle item while the finish coating is in a liquid state.

Abstract: A fishhook with an eye, a shank, and a point and having a return bend portion in the shank spaced closely apart from the eye, the component of the return bend portion closest to the eye being an angular bend in the shank of about 60 degrees to 90 degrees.

Abstract: A trailer fish hook which is attachable to a primary fish hook. The trailer fish hook has a full turn loop in the middle of its shaft and an open loop at the end. The primary fish hook barb is passed through the center full loop and then pivoted so that the open loop snaps onto the shank of the primary fish hook.

Abstract: A shipping container for sea worms contains a fibrous bed of vegetable matter which is degraded by fermentation. The bed is both wetted and seeded with a microorganism in order to insure the fermentation.

Abstract: An artistic flower planting case hangable on a building terrace having a flower planting case and a hanging plate. The hanging plate is channel shaped and placed on an upper surface of a terrace wall of a building. The flower planting case is an elongated case with an upper open side, forming an interior for soil and flowers. The case is assembled with the hanging plate by bolts screwing into a plurality of threaded holes in a rear side of the flower planting case and a front side of the hanging plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for developing plants of novel type being capable of nitrogen-fixation also in their leaves. The process of the invention comprises inoculating plant protoplasts, cells, tissues, embryos or organs grown and/or treated under in vitro conditions with bacteria belonging to the family of Azotobacteraceae, then cocultivating the thus-obtained culture at a temperature of 15.degree. to 35.degree. C. and, if desired, propagating and/or regenerating the whole plant under in vitro conditions on or in a culture medium containing nitrogen and main carbon source(s) utilizable only by the plant cells as well as optionally other additives. The process of the invention ensures a well-balanced growth of the plant together with the bacteria.

Abstract: The growing room includes a closed loop track suspended above the floor and extending throughout the room. A plurality of racks are movably supported on the track by a motorized mover system. The racks include a frame for supporting a plurality of growing sheets for supporting and growing the plants. The growing sheets are made of a translucent material and include a plurality of growing cells formed by affixing a plurality of lengths of membrane material to the sheet at predetermined locations. The growing cells are gas permeable, liquid impermeable, and translucent.

Abstract: A plant growing tray comprises a plurality of strips of tray compartments and a foldable portion or pleat connecting two adjacent strips of the tray compartments. The foldable connecting portion is generally a V-groove having a folding line along the bottom of the groove. Two end members are provided optionally at both ends of the foldable V-groove portion. Each tray compartment has an opening on its bottom.

Abstract: An infant gate includes a pair of rails mounted along opposed lateral edges of a stair substantially parallel to each other, and a first gate section and a second gate section connected together so that the first and second gate sections may be selectively moved laterally relative to each other. A first support member has a pair of leg elements connected together at ends thereof at a right angle. One leg element is connected to the first gate section by a hinge member and the other leg element is connected to one of the rails. A second support member has a pair of leg elements connected together at ends thereof at a right angle. One leg element is connected to the second gate section by a hinge member and the other leg element connected to the other of the rails.

Abstract: A garage door operator is disclosed to have a front coupling for a threaded screw of the operator and the rotor of the motor. The coupling includes a first coupling device that is a unitary coupling member with opposing recesses for receiving each of the rotor shaft and an end portion of the screw. The unitary coupling member thereby connects the screw to the motor for torque transmission from the motor. The second coupling device includes a thrust containment device that is supported on the screw, and an intermediate assembly disposed between the thrust containment device and an end portion of the guide rail of the door operator. A retainer component of the intermediate assembly restricts expansion of the thrust containment device.

Abstract: Modular Structures preferably usable to form human habitations in outer space are fabricated by molding. A mold comprising progressively surrounding flexible walls defines progressively surrounding cavities. A selected cavity or cavities are inflated or pressurized, as with gas, to distend to assume a predetermined configuration. Another selected cavity or cavities are injected with mold material, which is then allowed to harden. A pressurized cavity or cavities may be evacuated and then filled with mold material. In this manner, a strong structure is progressively formed is subsequent injection and hardening steps. In alternative embodiments of the molding method, supports or reinforcing members are placed within cavities prior to inflation and material injection. These supports space apart adjacent flexible mold walls and force the flexible walls to assume a desired configuration under inflated conditions.

Abstract: An economical three-component snow guard comprising (1) a laminar strap, (2) a snow-stop and (3) a gusseted brace is reinforced and its rigidity and compressive strength greatly improved. At the same time, the resistance to damage due to re-freezing of melted snow, and internal weathering of the brace, is essentially eliminated. The disdavantages of a structurally similar prior art snow guard are unexpectedly avoided by providing particularly improved structural features. The novel snow guard, formed as a unitary structure of foldable sheet metal less than 2 mm thick, can withstand not only the forces exerted by an accumulated snow pack, but also the compressive force of a person's weight exerted in either the down-roof or vertical directions.

Abstract: An exterior ventilation device having a main body with an upstanding perimeter wall and an attachment flange extending outwardly from the upstanding perimeter wall. A plurality of louvers extend across the body adjacent to the other end of the perimeter wall each of the louvers being sloped downwardly and outwardly. A trim ring is attachable to the main body and defines a cavity between the attachment flange and the skirt of the trim ring into which siding may be inserted. The body is provided with a water directing rib to direct any water running down the body from the back of the body towards the front of the body and thus outside of any cladding material located in the cavity between the trim ring and the attachment flange. In one embodiment the water directing feature is a rib and in another embodiment the feature is a groove.

Abstract: A support member for a siding corner post which is spaced from the outer corner of a building to form a longitudinally extending hollow space within which the support member is located.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved apparatus and method for forming a cast-in-place and on-the-ground support system. The support system is especially useful in maintaining a levelled and secure undercarriage structure for dwellings. The support system consists of unitized foundation assemblies. A given assembly is comprised of a flexible fabric container, disposed to ground surface, that contains a cementitious material or binder having a pier partly embedded within the cementitious material. There is further disclosed a new and useful foundation assembly for a perimeter beam which is comprised of a flexible fabric container, situated on ground surface, that is furnished with a cementitious material having a stanchion partially embedded within the cementitious material.

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A stairway step assembly for use as an aid in climbing a stairway. The assembly is particularly useful to elderly and handicapped users who have difficulty climbing a standard stairway due to the height or rise of the steps thereof. The assembly provides a means of quickly, economically, and safely altering the step arrangement of the standard stairway with minimal or no modification to the permanent structure of the stairway. The assembly comprises a plurality of step members having predetermined horizontal dimensions and a predetermined height which is approximately one-half the height or rise distance of a standard step. The assembly further comprises an attachments mechanism for connecting the step members in place on the top or horizontal section of standard steps.

Abstract: A partition frame having two parallel side walls, a flat connecting wall perpendicularly connected between the side walls, two longitudinal grooves defined between the two side walls at two opposite sides of the flat connecting wall, longitudinal rows of key holes on the side walls for mounting partition panels, and two longitudinal rows of recessed hanging holes on each side wall at an outer side for hanging things.

Abstract: A climate resistant decking structure and method for providing same incorporating modules and a frame where the modules are constructed using an undernailing technique with profiled shank nails and corrugated nails driven into planking, joist, and nailer boards in a manner where the finished assembly has an exposed surface clear of imperfections caused by nailing.

Abstract: A foam block wall system is formed from a plurality of interconnected individual foam blocks. The individual foam blocks have a plurality of vertically oriented, quadrilateral core members spaced evenly within the block. The spaces between the core members define a plurality of vertically oriented chambers which receive liquid concrete.A plurality of connectors serve to connect the individual blocks into an integrated structure. A generally U-shaped bracket is secured to the floor or other supporting structure to provide support for the bottom layer of blocks. A generally H-shaped connector rests between successive vertical layers to provide both vertical and lateral stability. Generally U-shaped connectors connect adjacent blocks to provide vertical and lateral stability. A cabling system secures the individual blocks to the floor, also providing vertical and lateral support.

Abstract: A device is provided with a substantially rigid sheet having a pair of parallel opposite edges; and a holder for holding the sheet at a position in stable equilibrium at a predetermined location; the sheet and the holder being so constructed and arranged that the sheet can be moved easily to and away from the location by a person without a need for equipment.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having a series of closely adjacent areas of granules, the areas being of differing colors. To achieve a sharp visual demarcation between the adjacent areas, narrow slots are formed in the transition areas between adjacent areas of granules. The slots extend substantially the entire height of the portion of the shingle which will be exposed when the shingle is mounted on a roof. Preferably the headlap area of each shingle is coated with dark colored granules which will show through the slots when the shingles are installed, to accentuate the visual demarcation between adjacent differently colored areas of granules.

Abstract: Modular panels having a foam a core and top and bottom surfaces covered by a metallic skin are interlocked with one another by forming the metal skins so that contiguous panels meet along a tight, substantially immovable seam. Abutting metal parts are bent at an angle slightly greater than ninety degrees so that they meet along a distinct line of contact, forming an ideal seam. The area of contact is small so that contiguous panels are easily slideable with respect to one another in a lateral direction during panel assembly. Another metal part may be bent at differing angles at the time of panel manufacture to vary the amount of force required to interlock contiguous panels. The mating panels form a space protected from the sun within which caulking compound is positioned, and an elongate stiffener enables the panels to be manufactured in elongated sizes.

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: A shear resisting member of a frame structure comprising four triangular cross-section beams, each beam or stud formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel which is bent lengthwise along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings or flanges, side-by-side, extending from its apex. Within the frame structure of the shear resisting member, two frame beams have first beam lengths corresponding to the longer dimension of the opening in the wall to be reinforced, which are disposed parallel to each other. The other two beams have second beam lengths substantially shorter than the first beam lengths, the second beam length corresponding to the spacing between the frame studs or truss members of the structure being reinforced. Gussets are attached along the lengths of the wings or flanges of the second beams and the ends of the first beams to fasten the frame structure together.

Abstract: A frame structure is strengthned against earthquake shock and disastrous winds by extending some of the foundation rebars above the foundation walls and clamping on extension lengths of rebar and securing them to the ceiling joists. Special clamps are used which tightly secure the rebar and which also may be attached to other frame members of the structure.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction including a plurality of leg members arranged in parallel relationship and a beam integrally formed with the plurality of leg members and extending across the plurality of leg members. Each of the plurality of leg members has a foot for contacting an underlying surface. Each of the leg members includes a central body portion, a first leg extending downwardly from one side of the central body portion and a second leg extending downwardly from an opposite side of the central body portion. The foot is formed at an end of each of the first and second legs opposite the central body portion. The foot includes a plurality of pin-like projections extending outwardly from a bottom surface thereof. The beam has a waveform pattern formed across a top surface of the beam and a rectangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the plurality of leg members.

Abstract: A J-hook roof anchoring and securement assembly, which is easily set-up and taken down, includes a rope tie-off attachment point. The J-hook securement assembly also includes a hanging scaffold attachment apparatus to provide an attachment point for a hanging scaffold system. The hanging scaffold system includes a vertical support post attached to platform base and having walk boards provided thereon. A vertical safety rail post contains angled brackets that mate with top and bottom portions of the walk boards. A securing rod is attached at one end to the safety rail post, is threaded through the walk boards, and is secured at a second end. The walk boards are held in clamping contact with the vertical support post by the use of the securing rod.

Abstract: A deflection clip is provided for connection between a non-load bearing stud member of a building and a further, load bearing structure of the building such as a floor or roof frame member. The clip comprises an integral, single piece angle member consisting of first and second substantially planar plate portions located in orthogonal planes and joined together along a common lateral edge. The angle member includes a substantially centrally located, raised stiffener portion disposed intermediate the upper and lower edges thereof. The first plate portion includes a plurality of spaced, vertically extending slots for receiving fasteners used in affixing this first portion to the stud member. The second portion, which is adapted to be connected to the further structure, includes first and second spaced, parallel stiffener portions extending outwardly from the corresponding upper and lower edges of the angle member, orthogonally to the plane of the second portion.

Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord spaced from the lower chord and an openwork web structure joining the chords. The web structure includes, between opposite ends thereof, a series of horizontally spaced trapezoidal laminated panels defining a series of triangular spacings therebetween; each panel has opposite short and long sides adhesively joined to the lower and upper chords respectively and each panel is formed of short obliquely extending boards adhesively secured edgewise to one another.

Abstract: A base for equipment, including a pad having a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a core with a bottom side. The core has at least one recess in its bottom side. At least one removable insert foot mates with the at least one core recess such that the insert foot extends beyond the bottom side of the core. Similarly, rather than using a pad with a core, the pad is hollow with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. The bottom surface has at least one recess therein for mating with at least one removable insert foot. Likewise, the pad can have a top, a bottom, and a plurality of side surfaces with the bottom surface having a plurality of supports ribs extending therefrom. A removable pallet insert or a plurality of removable pallet sleds with a plurality of feet mate with the ribs on the bottom surface such that the feet extend beyond the bottom surface of said pad.

Abstract: A thermally insulating glass panel comprising two spaced-apart sheets of glass enclosing a low pressure space, and interconnected by a peripheral joint of fused solder glass and an array of pillars transversely between the glass sheets. The pillars may be made entirely of metal. Alternatively, the array may be made of a combination of solder glass-containing pillars and non-solder glass-containing pillars. Additional support pieces may be arranged between the glass sheets before the peripheral joint of solder glass is fused.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel is comprised from a base and a cover member joined together to define an inner cavity. The cover is provided with a planar fastening surface for bonding the vacuum panel to a target surface to be insulated. A peripheral rounded corner around the fastening surface is configured to eliminate deformation of the fastening surface due to atmospheric forces arising from the evacuation of the inner cavity. The rounded peripheral corner of the cover is configured to permit lateral expansion of the cover member to accommodate lateral expansion of the base member during evacuation. The corner also adds strength to the panel cover, permitting the inner fiber glass mat to be formed with a void near the flange weld and eliminating the risk of weld contamination by the fiber glass material during assembly. The fastening surface remains planar and disposed above the outer flange after evacuation of the panel, thus providing an improved fastening surface compared to prior art vacuum panels.

Abstract: A sandwich plate has a pair of relatively dense, stiff, thin, and generally parallel longitudinally extending skins, and a less dense core body having a pair of generally parallel faces bonded to the skins and formed with longitudinal and transverse cavities connected together in a Z-shape and forming central longitudinally extending tongues.

Abstract: A system for charging a coiler can of elongated horizontal cross section with sliver obtained from a sliver producing fiber processing machine includes a stationarily supported rotary coiler head discharging sliver in coils; a sled disposed underneath the coiler head for receiving a coiler can in an upright orientation; and a sled-reciprocating device for imparting a rapid back-and-forth motion to the sled during discharge of sliver from the coiler head to effect a deposition of sliver coils into the coiler can along a length thereof.

Abstract: A device for packaging liquids, particularly animal semen, in pre-scaled and pre-cut pouches provided in a roll and designed for artificial insemination. The device includes a tiltable table with a base enabling adjustment of the tilt angle of the table to facilitate gravitational filling of pouches, a pouch filling station and a sealing station. The device also includes a movable filling needle inserted into a removable needle guide and mounted on a block that includes an inductive proximity sensor for generating an alternating magnetic field which is automatically stopped when a metal liner is inserted into the needle guide following needle insertion into the pouch. Cessation of the alternating magnetic field triggers the sealing of the pouch.

Abstract: A feeding and loading mechanism for use in pulling carton side-seam-sealed blanks from a magazine, opening same into tubes, and loading the latter onto mandrels of an indexing turret on a liquid-carrying container forming, filling, and sealing machine. The feeding and loading mechanism includes a slidably mounted carrier having at least one vacuum cup mounted at each end thereof aligned with oppositely disposed magazines, a forming shoe fixedly secured between each magazine and adjacent mandrel for opening each tubular flat side-seam-sealed blank into a tube as the blank moves therepast, a loading finger for loading each tube onto the respective mandrel, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the carrier for reciprocally moving same to alternately remove blanks from the oppositely disposed magazines to alternately process same.

Abstract: A flap-folding device for use in a packaging machine comprises a rotational disc, drive means for rotating the disc in synchronization with movement of a blank and articles to be packaged in the blank, a pair of blank-engaging fingers pivotally mounted on the disc to fold flaps on the blank, and actuating means for pivotally moving the fingers. The actuating means comprises a radial member mounted on the disc for reciprocating movement along the radius of the disc, cooperating means for moving the radial member along the radius in response to rotation of the disc, and means for converting reciprocating movement of the radial member into pivotal movement of the fingers.

Abstract: The seed packaging machine of this invention is mounted on a conventional plot combine. The harvested seed is blown to a receiving compartment where the seed is weighed and tested for moisture. A bag roll comprising a plurality of bag portions is fed through power rolls to a seed deposit station. A blower blows open the endmost bag and the seed is deposited in the bag portion. A sealing pressure bar is pivoted toward a thermal bar with the top of the bag portion therebetween to seal the bag. The bag is then released to drop into a storage bin. Bar codes are imposed on the bags and are scanned as they approach the deposit station. A computer is connected to all operating components to coordinate the sequential operation thereof. The range and row numbers of the harvested field are imposed on the computer memory, and the computer associates each bag containing harvested seed with the range and row from which the seed was harvested. The bags are perforated to facilitate subsequent drying of the seed.