Abstract: A viewing apparatus for transparencies or the like masks any display areas not covered by transparencies by generating masks without moving parts, and adapts the luminance level of the image under study and of other display areas to the optimal viewing conditions required by the observer.

Abstract: A street number display for mounting to a building in either a horizontal or vertical alignment. The street number display includes a housing, a face plate having an opening and square character plates which are mounted to the face plate. The square character plates may be arranged to be read in either a vertical or horizontal alignment, thereby permitting the housing to be mounted either vertically or horizontally on the building. A light activated switch is provided to energize or deenergize the light at nightfall.

Abstract: A bracket for index tabs of hanging file folders comprising a transparent sleeve and an element secured to the file folder, characterized by the fact that the sleeve can be directionally positioned by pivoting around a more or less vertical axis. The bracket may be provided with a structure to immobilize the sleeve directionally positioned in relation to its pivot axis which may be provided with notches suitable for interacting with at least one stop pin on the element.

Abstract: A graphic material display device having a baseball bat-like shape. A centrally located shoulder and a second shoulder located adjacent one of the ends are connected by a web portion and support a transparent, hollow, cylindrical tube. Graphic material placed adjacent the web portion and within in the tube may be viewed through the tube.

Abstract: A pair of pivoting picture frames each include a vertical picture holder and a horizontal stand. A horizontal hinge is attached between adjacent edges of the horizontal stands, so that the frames are pivotable relative to each other about a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the picture holders. The frames can be positioned around a corner of a computer monitor by pivoting them to form a right angle, or they can be positioned on top of the monitor, or on furniture, by pivoting them so that they are aligned.

Abstract: A locking device for weapons or similar structures with an elongated hollow body intended to fit into the barrel of the weapon. The body is provided with at least two telescoping parts. A locking device is inserted in the body and is expandable in such a way that the body is fixedly locked in the barrel. The locking device includes locking members arranged around the periphery of one part and another part presses the locking members radially outwards against the inner barrel surface when the parts are urged toward one another in an attempt to press the locking device out of the weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting and cleaning brine shrimp eggs on the open water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a buoyant support frame having a collection assembly operably disposed in relation thereto. A concentration member provides a means for collecting a naturally occurring mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris floating at or near the surface of a body of water. The concentration member provides means for concentrating the mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris into a concentrated egg/debris mud mixture having a general thickness of about 7.5 cm to 45 cm (3 inches to 18 inches). Engageably disposed in relation to the collection assembly, an extraction apparatus provides a means for transporting the concentrated egg/debris mud mixture introduced into the collection assembly to a filtering/cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus for setting a fish hook into a fish striking the hook and concurrently signaling the strike. The fishing apparatus includes mechanism for swingably mounting a fishing pole having a fishing reel thereon around which is wound a fishing line having a terminal end mounting a fish hook. A signaling flag is mounted on a flexible staff for movement between a stowed position and a signaling position. Mechanism is provided for moving the rod in the direction away from the base in response to tension force being applied to the fishing line to set the hook. The fish strike signaling flag is released in response to tension force being applied to the fishing line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both open ends having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion and a shank portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. The exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of both the reel seat portion and the shank portion.

Abstract: A novel hook assembly forms two hooks at the end of a single elastic length of wire which spreads the hooks elastically apart in a fish hooking posture. This hook forms the active mechanism of a weedless, self setting fishing lure, where the hooks are compressed for retention weedlessly within a hollow lure in one stable position and are released by a tug on the line from a fish bite to spring the hooks apart and set the hooks in the fish. The novel simplified weedless lure array employs a spring biassed dual-hook assembly and latch permitting the two hooks to be cocked into an elastically biased weed free bistable position inside the lure for automatic triggered release by a tug on the fishline to catch a striking fish by snapping the hooks into a second bistable position with the two hooks forced outside the lure into the fish's mouth.

Abstract: Fishing lures which include an empty firearm ammunition shell casing and a fishhook attached thereto. Soundwave-propagation is achieved by means of one or more rattle bead or beads freely housed within the interior cylindrical space of the shell casing to thereby attract game fish when the lure is submerged during use. Most preferably, the fishhook is attached rigidly to the rearward rim surface of the shell casing (e.g., in the pocket space in which the primer for the cartridge is seated) and protrudes rearwardly therefrom. A spoon or other decorative lure devices may optionally be attached to the shell casing to provide the fisherman with the desired effect.

Abstract: A fishhook is described which disintegrates upon standing for prolonged periods of time in an aqueous environment such as within biological tissue. In one embodiment, the fishhook comprises a biodegradable polymeric hook-shaped structure with at least one metal tip affixed thereto providing a sharp piercing element. Upon exposure to the chemical environment of the fish's tissue the polymer biodegrades. In another embodiment, a substantially insoluble or non-biodegradable body portion of the hook has a separable point and barb portion affixed to the insoluble portion by means of a biodegradable adhesive. When the fishhook penetrates the fish's tissue, the solvents and/or enzymes present in the tissue environment causes the adhesive to release the barb and/or the point of the fishhook and the fish may shed the disintegrated fragments. In yet another embodiment, the entire fishhook is fabricated from a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide or polyglycolide or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A bait holding device is used to comprises a thin piece of wire having a generally central loop or U-shaped bend, with a small length of free ends of the wire being bent again into a V- or U-shape so as to form a hook-like portion at each of the two ends of the wire. The hook-like portions serve to secure the bait in place with respect to the hook, but do so without themselves damaging the bait. The thin wire may be secured by means of a small ferrule which is formed around both shanks of the wire near the central bend. The bait holding device may be attached to the eye of the fishhook, or may be attached about the shank so that it can freely slide along the shank between the eye and the barb of the hook. The wire used for the bait holding device is much thinner than the wire used to make the fishhook.

Abstract: An improved plant tray formed of sturdy, injection-molded plastic. The plant tray is a precision-molded grid-like structure, having a series of individual plant cells arranged in side-by-side relationship with each other and having open tops and bottoms. A solid plastic wall separates each plant cell from an adjacent plant cell. Each cell wall has a varying thickness, tapering from a relatively thick top edge to a relatively thin bottom edge, to impart a progressively increasing cross-sectional area to the individual plant cells, from top to bottom. In each cell, there are reinforcing gussets at the corner junctures of adjacent cell walls. A perforated bottom screen retains young plants in the cells and is reinforced by relatively thick plastic runners that form a grid on its lower surface. In the one embodiment, the plant tray includes 432 individual plant cells so that the plant tray is compatible with conventional plant flats having 24, 36, 48, or 72 individual plant receiving cavities.

Abstract: The removable mullion assembly allows a mullion to be removed, thereby allowing wider objects to pass through double doors. The top fitting of the assembly includes a spring loaded retaining bolt which locks the mullion in place. A locking mechanism attached to the top fitting allows the retaining bolt to be disengaged from the mullion. However, in the event of a fire, a meltable platform within the top fitting releases a deadlock, which mechanically blocks the retaining bolt from disengaging the mullion.

Abstract: A temporary barrier for an opening includes a frame which is securable in the opening and a gate which is connected to the frame to swing open and closed, the gate including a manually activatable locking device which can include an inverted U-shaped housing that straddles an upper member of the gate, an operating handle that is positioned beneath the upper member and between sides of the U-shaped housing, and a lock bar which extends downwardly from the operating handle to cooperate with a part of the frame to lock or unlock the gate relative to the frame, the operating handle being biased downwardly by springs.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for mounting a window regulator drive unit on a molded plastic mounting panel. A plurality of flexible tabs are molded integral with the mounting panel and adapted to engage with the window regulator drive unit to retain the drive unit on the mounting panel. A molded plastic cap is adapted to fit over the drive unit and has integrally molded mounting fingers for engaging with complimentary integrally molded mounting fingers provided on the mounting panel so that rotation of the plastic cap causes inter-engagement of the mounting fingers and the drive unit is captured between the cap and the mounting panel. The cap has slots therein which become engaged with projecting lugs of the flexible tabs upon rotation of the cap relative to the mounting panel so that the flexible tabs become blocked and cannot be disengaged from their respective engagement with the drive unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and/or minimizing the formation of ice dams and icicles on a roof of a building having an unheated attic under said roof, which involves the steps of: (1) determining if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof, (2) determining ambient outdoor air temperature, (3) determining the temperature of air in the attic and (4) if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof and if the ambient outdoor air temperature is at or below freezing and if the attic air temperature is sufficient to cause melting of the snow on the roof, exhausting air from the attic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of a modern theater for providing live entertainment performances. The theater comprises an auditorium which is defined in part by a modular central core which encloses a defined space. The theater further comprises a modular stage and a two-tier balcony module. The central core module, the stage and the balcony module are each supported by independent foundations and load bearing columns. The balcony module includes an upper level with open seating and a lower level with enclosed suites. The suites are designed so as not to adversely affect the acoustics of the theater. The theater also has two side wing modules for increasing the seating capacity of the theater and other modular structures abutting the central core module. The theater also includes partitions for closing part of the side wing modules and a novel jack system for supporting the acoustic panels forming the partitions when the panels are in their extended position.

Abstract: A structure for positioning on a roof to retard snow or ice accumulation thereon is provided. The structure generally comprises an elongate fin arrangement including a central vane. The central vane comprises a material which will absorb solar energy and radiate heat, to inhibit snow buildup around the structure. The elongate fin arrangement optionally comprises an upper vane structure, and a lower cover. A combination comprising a structure as described, and a roof surface, is presented. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: A system for subdividing a building space into work areas includes interconnectable partition panels, each having an internal frame with a plurality of horizontal frame members located at predetermined heights. The horizontal frame members each have at least one horizontal row of slots, and at least one of the horizontal frame members is located slightly above an optimal worksurface height for supporting an interactively used datum shelf. Furniture components are attachable to the horizontal frame members at selected horizontal positions, including the datum shelf, an undershelf storage unit and an upper storage unit. A mobile furniture unit is provided having a worksurface located at an optimal worksurface height, the worksurface having a cantilevered edge section that can be extended partially under the datum shelf at a selected optimal depth for coordinated and efficient use of the datum shelf concurrent with using the worksurface.

Abstract: A head wall apparatus includes a support configured to be coupled to a wall, and a front panel coupled to the support to define an interior region of the head wall. The front panel includes an elongated opening. The apparatus also includes a gas block having an inlet and an outlet, and a shield configured to extend over the opening. The shield defines a track for slidably coupling the gas block to the head wall. The shield is configured to block access to the interior region of the head wall. A gas supply line located in the interior region of the head wall is coupled to the inlet of the gas block.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing or retrofitting building roof structures against hurricane-force winds which does not require removal of part or all of the roof. The improved method includes directing a thin stream of a liquid polymer foam adhesive under pressure upwardly along the intersections of the rafters or support members and the roof panels, preferably on both sides of the support members. The foam adhesive then creams and foams, forming polymer foam adhesive gussets which firmly adhere to the adjacent surfaces of the support members and roof panels. This method increases the pull-off strength of a roof about seven fold and is able to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Abstract: A safety device in the form of a building component (3) which has a channel (1) along which a traveller (4) may move. The traveller (4) has attachment means (5) for attachment to a safety harness. The building component (3) can be in the form of a roof ridge section (6) and can have an internal or external channel along which a suitable traveller (3) can move. The building component (3) can also be in the form of a gutter section (7), roof tile (9) or other component.

Abstract: The present invention entails a removable modular security enclosure for the internal cargo area of prisoner transport vans where each compartment within the security enclosure is defined by an interconnection of four walls and a roof panel. Any of the components defining the enclosure may be comprised of multiple interconnected sections. Sections and components of the enclosure are interconnected by such means as fasteners or interlocking devices. The walls of the enclosure are connected to the floor of the van where said floor serves as the floor of the enclosure. Access to a compartment is provided by a securable port in one of the defining walls. Benches may be provided along the walls inside the enclosure. When the security enclosure is composed of two separate compartments, a common wall may be used where the two compartments are in contact. Any compartment may also be provided with an adjustable vertical partition for dividing the compartment into two smaller subcompartments.

Abstract: Adjustable steps (2) extend between two parallel stingboards (3). Each stringboard (3) includes two locking flanges (4) and each step (2) is supported by four pivotable blocks (7, 8) each securable to a flange (4) by means of a nut (17). Two threaded rods (13, 16) extending through the step and between the stringboards engage two respective nuts (17) combined with two opposite blocks. The height of each step of the staircase may be adjusted by changing the spacing between the blocks (7, 8) along each flange (4). The horizontal position of the steps may be adjusted by changing the vertical distance between the front blocks (7) and rear blocks (8) along the stringboards, regardless of the angle at which the stringboards were fitted. A universal staircase may thus be achieved.

Abstract: Door and window constructions are provided which include a drainage channel fitted with a tubular member for providing a cost effective method of draining rain water which can sometimes seep along the window into its support frame.

Abstract: A reconstituted wood block modular building system utilized to build at least a wall that includes a concrete slap, a plurality of anchor bolts, a plurality of vertically-oriented steel rods, a plurality of threaded sleeves, a plurality of reconstituted wood blocks, a plurality of elongated, slender, and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped horizontal alignment keys, a plurality of elongated, slender, and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped vertical alignment keys, and an adhesive. The plurality of reconstituted wood blocks are positioned horizontally side by side and are stacked vertically without being staggered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concrete form comprising a housing having a foot portion and a leg portion. The leg portion of the housing has a top end and a bottom end. The leg portion of the housing consists of four equi-spaced identical semi-conical wall segments and four concave wall segments joining adjacent semi-conical wall segments to provide a generally truncated conical configuration with a rounded cross or four leaf clover horizontal cross section. The top and bottom end of the leg portion is open. The foot portion is an inverted dish shape. The dish shaped foot portion has an annular side wall and a top wall. The bottom end of the leg portion is coaxially connected to the top wall of the dish shaped foot portion. An opening is provided in the top wall of the dish shaped foot portion the same size and shape as the internal cross-section of the bottom end of the leg portion.

Abstract: A basement wall is formed by a series of vertical metal studs supported at their lower ends on a metal sill extending along the upper face of a concrete footing. An insulating sheathing is mounted on the metal studs to form the wall outer surface. The sheathing is formed by two panel layers of rigid foam core insulator material. Edges of the inner panels are offset from the edges of the outer panels to form labyrinth seals preventing migration of ground water through the sheathing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prefabrication of glass blocks panel, and the panel formed thereby is provided. Glass blocks are spaced on a spacing rack such that upper and lower slots are formed between adjacent blocks and a joint cavity defined therebetween. A pair of moving manifolds disposed at right angles to each other communicate with the glass blocks assembled on the spacing rack to internally caulk and seal the blocks together. The moving manifolds include vertically disposed feed tube devices, each including a pair of elongated feed tubes which are in a spring-like relation. The feed tubes include an aperture disposed on opposing surfaces proximate to the distal ends for simultaneous dispensing sealant into the upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks and a protruding distal end portion for simultaneously compressing the sealant into the lower and upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks as the sealant is released.

Abstract: Roofing assembly having a substrate covered with a base sheet which is perforated with a plurality of uniformly spaced clusters of vertical apertures designed to receive an adhesive to bond the base sheet to the substrate. The roofing assembly possesses improved wind uplift resistance.

Abstract: A double tie includes a pair of upper and lower straps connected in parallel relationship by a pair of vertical plates attached to the outward ends of the straps. The plates are oriented orthogonally relative to the straps to form a general "T" shape. A pair of stop straps are mounted on the plates intermediate the upper and lower straps, and projecting towards one another. The stop straps have orthogonal heads spaced inwardly from the plates a distance to retain a form panel between the head and plate. Each upper and lower strap has a hinge formed at each end, the hinges at each end of the upper and lower straps being coaxial and parallel to the plates, such that the upper and lower straps may be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the plates, to a position generally parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A modular structure for constructing houses is designed for children to play. The structure includes moulded material panels which are connected with the assistance of corner parts through conjugated members built into the panels. The panels have an outer embossed surface resembling stonework, windows and door openings in which the relevant leaves or panes are articulated. The facade parts form a top angle for supporting saddle roof parts above. The modular structure is used for mounting houses for children to play within and it is accessible for children. The house may also have auxiliary rotatable simulated domestic elements, such as a vertical mirror that rotates down to be a horizontal table top.

Abstract: A pitch break connector is provided. The pitch break connector has an outside and inside rigid member. Each member has a first generally U-shaped channel defined by a spine member between first and second legs. Each member has a first and a second pivot end portion. A hinge pivotally connects the inside and outside members through the pivot end portions in a generally longitudinally opposing position. In this configuration, the first and second end portions of the inside member can be pivotally accepted into a cavity defined by the generally U-shaped channel of the outside member when the members are pivoted about the hinge.

Abstract: Concrete inserts are disclosed which are preferably embedded in the rear surface of a concrete wall panel and used to mount and support the wall panel from a building frame. The insert preferably comprises a U-shaped metal housing defining a longitudinally extending channel, the housing comprising two side members in spaced, facing relation to one another and a bight portion between the side members, the bight portion having a longitudinally extending slot therethrough. The insert is adapted to be embedded in the rear surface of the wall panel with the bight portion flush with the rear surface and the side members embedded in the concrete of the panel. The side members are preferably of a trapezoidal shape which provides the insert with high resistance to withdrawal from the concrete.

Abstract: A modular structure consisting of three modular units of approximately the same size, the center module being the primary module containing the mechanical components of the building, with plumbing, air conditioning and heating ducts, and electrical wiring in the slab floor structural foundation and door jambs. The primary module used to transport the entire structure is completed at the factory, requiring no further work at jobsite, with heating and cooling unit, hot water heater, cabinets and appliances, plumbing and light fixtures and accessories installed at the factory in permanent locations. The major exterior walls, slab floor foundation panels, and ceiling/roof panels for all three modules are similarly manufactured in one piece in full width and the length of the building, eliminating joints, speeding assembly and strengthening the components.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the mean weight of articles of a soft material, for example cheese, in a flow (1), including a first weighing device (2) for weighing the articles; a flow splitter for splitting the flow (1) into a first flow (3) of articles with individual weights less than an acceptable minimum, a second flow (5) each with a weight greater than the acceptable minimum but less than a predetermined amount in excess, and a third flow (4) each with a weight above the acceptable minimum plus the predetermined amount in excess; a cutter (6) for removing the predetermined amount of material from each of the articles in the third flow (4); a second weighing device (8) for weighing individual articles in the second flow (5) and those in the flow (7) leaving the cutter (6); and a controller for controlling the splitting of the original flow leaving the first weighing device (2) into the respective first, second and third flows.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, folding and transferring a stack of flexible plastic bag products such as a stack of zippered plastic bags. The apparatus can be retrofitted in existing bag sealers used for producing and packaging a stack of plastic bags in order to produce novel shallower plastic bag products.

Abstract: A method of improving security of a luggage wrapping system. Firstly, apply at least one band around a piece of luggage. Secondly, apply a polymer plastic wrap to the luggage.

Abstract: A compact disc (CD) dispenser mounted on a bagging machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes turret and transfer assemblies. The turret assembly includes an indexing system to sequentially and one at a time position mandrels carrying CD disc sets at a dispensing location. The transfer assembly includes a pair of pickup heads driven by the rotary actuator. The pickup heads are adapted sequentially and one at a time to remove discs from a set positioned at the dispensing location and after 180.degree. rotation of the fluid actuator, drop a picked up disc into a waiting bag in the bagging machine.

Abstract: A method of forming a container including the steps of: providing a sheet material defining a peripheral wall structure bounding a receptacle with an open end, and a closure portion having gable panels and a plurality of fins for closing the open end of the receptacle; reconfiguring the closure portion to place the closure portion in a closed state wherein the plurality of fins are in overlying relationship and the gable panels reside between the fins and the peripheral wall structure; effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a first sealing pattern; and after effecting the seal using the first sealing pattern effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a second sealing pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the automatic closing of transport bags, especially bags made of paper for meal, fodders and the like, with a mass of more than 5 kg. The filled bags are first spread and are aligned in their height, subsequently clamped and provided with a double fold. An adhesive is applied between the folding steps and the double fold formed is pressed together with the adhesive joint in press rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the on-demand seating of a lid on pre-formed containers that are carried on a continually moving conveyor. A lid press plate (20) is connected to a linear actuator (36) by a mounting assembly (17). The mounting assembly (17) transmits a seating force from the linear actuator (36) to the lid press plate (20) for seating the lid while simultaneously allowing the horizontal movement of the lid press plate (20) from a first position to a second position by a driving force resulting solely from the application of a seating pressure between the lid press plate (20) and the lid (46). The lid press plate moves at the same velocity as the pre-formed container during application of the seating pressure. The lid press plate (20) is returned to the first position by a biasing assembly (18), after removal of the seating pressure.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine inserts small items, such as candy coated chewing gum, into a box with the small items arranged in a desired orientation. First, the small items are swept into a grid of individual pockets in plates on a conveyor. Then, the grid is inverted over an insertion tray having grooves which receive the small items without disturbing the desired orientation. The entire tray is inserted into a box and then withdrawn from the box. A ridge is formed adjacent said grooves for lifting a side of the box confronting the small items while the tray is inserted into the box so that there is almost no friction between the small item and the box, which might otherwise disturb the desired orientation. The small items are blocked during a withdrawal of the tray so that they are laid down in the desired orientation on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: A disposable bag making apparatus that comprises a container for holding an elongate flexible plastic tube. The container includes a first wall and an aperture in the first wall through which a free end of the compacted elongate tube can project. A cutter is formed on the container whereby any desired length of the tube can be pulled through the aperture and brought into contact with the cutter and severed to form various sized disposable bags.

Abstract: A rotary cutting assembly to be attached to a rotary shaft of a weed trimming device for cutting vegetation. The rotary cutting assembly includes a cutting member constructed of a hub and a plurality of cable ties secured to the hub such that a spoke pattern is formed. Due to the cable ties' relatively heavy mass and ability to resist a wide range of dynamic stresses that may be placed thereon during normal operation of the weed trimming device, the cutting member of the present invention can be used to cut through thick and dense vegetation. The cutting member is encased between a top cover and a bottom casing. The bottom casing is defined in part by a semi-dome shaped portion which is sized to engage the outer periphery of the top cover to encapsulate the cutting member to ensure that the hub and the head portion of the cable ties remain protected and insulated from the environmental elements typically encountered by weed trimming device.

Abstract: An adjustable chopper shaft is disclosed including a chopper shaft (14), a gear (18) concentrically mounted on the chopper shaft, the gear being accomodated in a gearbox (40). A setup (30, 32) for selectively allowing rotation of the chopper shaft relative to the gear are provided and this setup for selectively allowing rotation of the chopper shaft relative to the gear is located externally of the gearbox.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary lawn mower with an improved mulching deck. The rotary lawn mower comprises a plurality of sets of cutting blades. Each of the blade sets includes a lower, leading blade and an upper, trailing blade. The lower blade has a leading cutting edge and an upwardly angled trailing edge. The upper trailing blade extends at an angle relative to the leading blade and has a leading cutting edge for cutting clippings deflected upwardly by the upwardly angled trailing edge of the leading blade. The lawn mower further comprises a mulching deck including a plastic, dent-resistant, rust-proof insert which is positioned in the deck. The insert provides correct air flow for mulching and a sound barrier for reduced noise. The insert defines a plurality of recesses. A blade set is mounted for rotation about an axis of each recess.