Abstract: A snow thrower machine having an axle driving unit comprising a housing, consisting of a front housing and a rear housing and containing an axle. Disposed in the housing are a hydraulic pump, which receives power from an engine, a hydraulic motor, which is driven by pressurized oil received from hydraulic pump and a center section, having a pump mounting surface parallel to a joint surface between the front housing and the rear housing. The axle is supported by the front housing below the hydraulic pump and a parking brake system for the axle driving unit is disposed above an expanded portion of the front housing, which contains the axle. The parking brake system is constructed so that a lock pin, supported by the housing, can be engaged with a lock member, fixed onto a motor shaft of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of the gun head.

Abstract: An aquarium toy structure includes a back body and a front body with an observation window. A transparent water tank is inserted in the observation window and toy fish having magnets are placed in the water tank. A motor and a rotary shaft having magnets are disposed in the back body. The motor rotates the rotary shaft through belts, so that the toy fish are magnetically attracted and repelled by the magnets of the rotary shaft to freely swing back and forth in the water to mimic the swimming of real fish.

Abstract: An advertising display for displaying advertising messages on a telephone booth has a pair of side mounts pivotally attached to the telephone booth and a bottom mount attached to the telephone booth. Each side mount and the bottom are comprised of a pair of generally coextensive panels either hingedly or non-hingedly attached to one another with the front panel being transparent. The advertising can be placed directly on the rear panel or an appropriate insert positioned between coextensive panels.

Abstract: Each display panel of a free-standing, foldable floor sign includes an integrally formed handle portion and male and female hinge projections. The male and female hinge projections snap together into interlocking engagement with each other in response to simultaneous axial compression. The male coupling member includes a resilient finger portion and a latching head, and the female coupling member includes a cylindrical collar having a latch pocket and a radially stepped, inwardly projecting retainer. The resilient finger portion is radially deflectable in response to sliding engagement of the latching head against the retainer to permit the latching head to clear the retainer and enter the latch pocket. The display panels are stabilized in a spread-apart service position by a locking arm that is pivotally coupled to the display panels for folding movement within longitudinal slots formed along side edges of the display panels.

Abstract: A solar lighting system and method which is especially useful for street and address signs. An upper unit contains a solar energy collector, a storage battery and a light sensor to turn the light on and off as needed. A system to bypass the light sensor control includes a radio frequency(RF) radio receiver which responds to a transmitter. The lighting unit may be economically manufactured and installed on new or existing lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque reflective layer on its face that receives light from the light source. The opaque reflective layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text, figures, and/or art design to be communicated to a viewer. The zones are covered with a light diffusion layer on the side of the light source, and the surface of the sign plate facing the viewer and opposite the light source includes a layer of reflective material in a corresponding configuration that is in general register with the configuration defined by the zones and covered by the light diffusion layer on the side of the light source.

Abstract: A display mounting device for holding a display object has a mounting region with at least one mounting edge.

Abstract: A dual stage trigger assembly including a spring loaded hammer, a spring loaded trigger, a disconnect lever, a torsion spring adjustment plate, springs, and user available adjustment screws whereby a sear face of the trigger fully engages a notch in the hammer in cocked position; whereby a user available adjustment screw, without disturbing the assembly, allows a user to adjust a screw in a first end of the disconnect lever to adjust second stage trigger travel to set the length of engagement of the trigger sear with the hammer notch. At this point a contact face of the disconnect lever contacts a tang on the hammer and a user available adjustment screw in a second end of the disconnect lever compressing a spring held in the trigger adjusts trigger pressure needed to complete the second stage trigger pull after the contact face on the disconnect lever contacts the hammer tang.

Abstract: A safety device for rifles having a housing (1) which accommodates a breech body (3) and having an operating part (14) which is arranged on the butt grip and is operatively connected to a catch (12) for a release plunger (30) which is loaded, when the breech is cocked, by the force of a firing pin spring (7), and in the case of which items a breech holder (10) is provided in the vicinity of the catch (12), can be lowered against the force of a spring and engages in a guide groove (11) in the breech body (3), is intended to be improved and, furthermore, the operating convenience is intended to be increased.

Abstract: A muzzle loaded firearm safety device for relieving the tension in a hammer spring of a weapon prior to storage without dry-firing the weapon and causing damage to the weapon's firing pin. The device comprises a jacket having an enclosed jacket top with an outward-extending threaded cylinder, and a partially enclosed jacket bottom having an aperture. An impact piston is slidably secured within the jacket, biased against the jacket bottom by a coil spring. A standard gun cleaning rod is secured to the threaded cylinder, and the entire jacket assembly is secured to the threaded cylinder, the entire jacket assembly is inserted into the muzzle and down the barrel of a shotgun, until abutting the weapon's firing chamber wall. By depressing the trigger of the weapon, the hammer spring extends, forcing the hammer into the firing pin which in turn contacts the impact piston, moving the impact piston forward against the biasing coil spring without causing damage to the firing pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an otter board (20) which may be used for generating a spreading force in connection with trawl fishing. The otter board according to the invention comprises at least two foils (1-3) which are suspended between a number of longitudinally extending ribs (5, 6, 10, 17, 26, 27) in such a way that at least one tapered channel is formed in which the flow of water is passing through the otter board. The channels are curved and formed so that water is ejected at a high speed in relation to the towing speed in a direction slightly downwards and along a respective end section of an adjacent lower or intermediate foil extending from the outlets of the channels, whereby turbulence is prevented from occurring even at high angles of attack of the otter board.

Abstract: An artificial lure arrangement for sport fishing. The artificial lure has a basic body that can be secured to a fishing line. The basic body can be shaped in approximately the shape of a fish, or can be configured in imitation of a fish head. A paddle may extend from the underside of the basic body. The basic body can have a cavity therein which can be filled with a liquid or the like to adjust the density of the basic body. This advantageously permits adjustment of an immersion depth of the lure arrangement. The liquid or the like can be introduced into the cavity from the outside of the body, through a closable opening. A spear element can be movably attached to the basic body. Dead bait fish, rubber fish, twister or the like can be slid onto the spear element.

Abstract: An exemplary fishing lure includes a blade having on its rear-facing or inner surface one or more detail elements, such as an eye-shaped marking or dot, behind which is a background surface finish. Desirably, the detail element contrasts in underwater shade with the background lighting afforded by the surrounding water and the background surface finish likewise contrasts with the detail element thereby increasing that element's visual prominence per the optical principle of figure and ground to a fish just behind the lure moments prior to strike. Also, an inner surface finish behind and contrasting with the background surface finish increases the lure's visibility to a fish initially moving into alignment behind the lure while an outer surface finish contrasting with the background lighting increases the lure's visibility to a fish first noticing the lure while swimming a distance off to one side.

Abstract: A method for poisoning of termites without poisoning the soil by displacing a solid unitary article, such as, a stone or patio block, placing a thin cellulose body impregnated with a borate salt in contact with the soil exposed by displacing the article and restoring the article to its original position wherein the cellulose body is covered by the article. The cellulose bodies are perferably impregnated with a sodium borate salt, such as disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or disodium tetraborate decahydrate.

Abstract: Composition and method for enhancing the moisture content of growing and cut trees and plants, including the steps of providing a polyacrylimide polymer in crystalline form, mixing salt with the polymer wherein the salt comprises about 5% by weight relative to the polymer, treating the mixture in a reaction tube for about 60 seconds, and applying the mixture to the tree or plant to enhance the ability thereof to absorb and retain moisture.

Abstract: A cover/wrap system for flower pots and the like allows the use of any sheet of material to cover a pot and be held in place by a sleeve. A transparent sleeve can be used, and colored or patterned material will decorate the pot; and, if the material is subject to moisture damage, an inner sleeve acts as a moisture barrier. The sleeve can be set down, the sheet of material placed over the sleeve, and the pot simply placed on the sheet of material. The pot will sink into the sleeve and will urge the sheet of material around the pot, then hold the material in place.

Abstract: An automatic plant watering apparatus is described in which a plant's growing medium is maintained uniformly moist. A one-piece water-holding body used in conjunction with a moisture-sensitive valve. The water-holding body includes a central filling chamber flanked by two reservoir chambers. A continuous air duct surrounds the periphery of the two-reservoir chambers and filling chamber. One end of the duct is coupled to a capillary plug which operates as a moisture-sensitive valve. By controlling the conducting of air ambient pressure is utilized to regulate the flow of water from the reservoirs into the planting medium.

Abstract: A self-watering tray includes a plate and a leg. The leg is filled with a material which provides a fluid conduit capable of draining water or fluid from a plant pot or box into the plate and of sucking water from the plate to the plant pot or box when needed. The plant pot or box can be a conventional plant pot or box. The top end of the leg is inserted into the plant pot or box. In addition, a self-watering pot-shaped apparatus is disclosed to allow fluid to be sucked or drained from one section of the apparatus to another section of the apparatus. Further, the tray or pot-shaped apparatus includes air vents on its side walls. Various arrangements and configurations of the tray and pot/tray are implemented in the self-watering pot-shaped apparatus.

Abstract: A device for operating blinds includes a centralized control device 92) for the blinds and an actuator (3) for actuating the control device that are in a casing (4) fixed in or on an upright (5) of the window. The actuator (3) for the blinds includes a rod (6) connecting the centralized control device (2) to individual levers (7) that are each secured to a pivotal axle (8) of a slat of the blinds. The actuator (3) for the blinds is provided with a device (10) for compensation of the weight of the slats.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of air in an air duct structure includes a lamella unit in the air duct structure moveable between a plurality of positions for controlling the flow of air in the air duct structure. A rocking lever having a groove is pivotally mounted on the air duct structure for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis. The lamella unit has an engageable part disposed in the groove to provide an operable connection between the lamella unit and the rocking lever such that pivoting of the rocking lever about the pivotal axis effects movement of the lamella unit between the plurality of positions. An adjusting element is provided for effecting pivotal movement of the rocking lever about the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A vehicle door closing apparatus includes a latch mechanism adapted to be mounted on a side of a vehicle door to hold the vehicle door in a half closed state and a completely closed state through engagement with a striker, and a closing mechanism that operates the latch mechanism for bringing the vehicle door in the half closed state into the completely closed state. The closing mechanism includes a pivotable active lever connected to a drive source, a passive lever engaged with the active lever and capable of being engaged with the latch mechanism, and a cancel lever connected to an operation source and capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the passive lever above a pivoting center of the active lever for effecting engagement and disengagement between the passive lever and the active lever.

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: The present invention provides a mount assembly for a vehicle window, comprising a bracket having a section with first and second opposing major surfaces, a receiver having first and second spaced apart leg members positioned such that when the section of the bracket is positioned between the first and second leg members, at least a portion of the first leg member contacts the first major surface of the bracket and a portion of the second leg member contacts the second major surface of the bracket to provide a clamping force against the section of the bracket, and an interlocking assembly to interlock the fastener and bracket when the section of the bracket is positioned between the leg members.

Abstract: A weatherproof sliding door assembly for opening and closing a boat cabin companionway wherein upper and lower aluminum track C-channel rails are supported to extend generally horizontally above and below the companionway. Each rail has a hollow interior slideway and a longitudinally extending slot opening thereto. A flexible plastic door panel has upper and lower edges respectively juxtaposed to the upper and lower rails and slidably mounted therein by upper and lower slide and cap panel-clamping sub-assemblies respectively that are secured by clamping to the door panel upper and lower edges and that extend the full length thereof. Each sub-assembly has a first leg wall extending therefrom into the associated rail slideway via the rail slot opening and terminating therein in a glide carrier portion. A pair of glides are mounted on each glide carrier portion adjacent its longitudinally opposite ends and bear slidably on the rail slideway for supporting the door panel for sliding motion along the rails.

Abstract: A vehicle door sealing system includes a flexible weatherstrip containing magnetizable particulate material. Selected areas of the weatherstrip are magnetized to enhance the sealing action at hard-to-seal zones, such as curved corner areas along the door perimeter. The magnetic action is confined to the hard-to-seal areas so that the magnetic action will not make it excessively difficult for a person to open the vehicle door.

Abstract: In an automotive door weather strip arrangement, including a primary door weather strip for sealing an inner gap between a door sash of an automotive door and a body panel, and a secondary door weather strip for sealing an outer gap between the door sash and the body panel, a first seal lip extending from the primary door weather strip overlaps a second seal lip extending from an opposing surface of the secondary door weather strip. Thus, a favorable sealing can be achieved by the slidable contact between the first seal lip and the second seal lip. Because the contact pressure between the two seal lips is not affected by the deformation of either one of the door weather strips, a permanent set of the seal lips can be avoided. Because the contact area between the two seal lips extends over an area of a certain size, a highly effective and durable sealing performance can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an apparatus and method for a storm shelter which can be used aboveground and belowground, and, may be skin supported. The present invention discloses that its top 11, front 13 and rear 15 surfaces can be made from a single, curved piece of material 12, and, that its sides 14 are made from two straight pieces of material all of which pieces are mounted onto parallel curved fine members 18 which are mounted onto a base frame 16 which is anchored to a foundation 34. The storm shelter of the present invention can be manufactured and pre-assembled in an embodiment having a single piece 12, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction or in an embodiment having a multiple piece 46 and 48, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction designed for on-site construction in the form of a kit or pieces which can be assembled on-site.

Abstract: An excavation pit lining consisting of a slit wall of a hardening single-phase slit wall material with an exposed surface on the pit side, and also of vertical support elements placed at a distance in the single-phase slit wall material, whereby the slit wall forms a panel wall between the support elements and where the single-phase slit wall material has at least one water-retentive, lightweight aggregate.

Abstract: A garage door window facade is constructed from a flat panel having a plurality of apertures shaped to resemble small window openings. In a first embodiment, a dark-colored backing is positioned behind the flat panel and is visible through the apertures to create the illusion of a window. In a second embodiment, a layer of transparent or translucent material is sandwiched between the flat panel and the dark-colored backing to give an enhanced appearance of a window opening. The assembly is rigidly secured to a standard garage door by bolts, screws, adhesive or the like to give the illusion that the garage door has windows. The apparatus does not protrude far from the exterior surface of the garage door so that the apparatus does not interfere with the opening or closing of the garage door. An aesthetic molding may be positioned around the peripheral edges of the assembly for framing purposes, or the flat panel may be provided with built-in molding.

Abstract: A clamping fitting to attach glass panes whereby the clamp screw's screw head and screw shank are conceived as individual components, so that the screw head is vertically displaceable in four degrees of freedom with regard to the screw shank's axis and fixable at a screw shank's holding flange in order to achieve tolerance compensation in the glass pane's plane between the wall mounting and the bore hole in the glass pane. Between a support flange sitting close to a carrier structure and a bore hole in the glass pane, a locating flange sitting close to the glass pane is provided for, which locating flange's distance is variable with regard to the support flange. The distance adjustment is realized by penetrating through the bore hole in the glass pane.

Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: A trim strip has an angle strip with flanges meeting at an elbow and is covered with a paper strip having a tearaway wing extending laterally beyond one of the flanges at a line of perforations. The wing can be folded back at the perforations over the adjacent flange to project away from the elbow to provide a masking portion which can be severed at the perforations by pulling on the masking portion after the masking need is satisfied.

Abstract: An integrated enclosure and antenna support tower for telecommunications equipment, such as cellular telephone, radio transmitter/receivers. The enclosure includes a generally rectangular tubular steel frame including vertical column members, roof purlins and roof rafters welded together to form a frame for supporting exterior wall paneling and roof decking. A cylindrical cross-section metal plate tower section is supported on the enclosure frame by a plurality of webs interconnecting the tower section with the frame to transfer the weight of the tower to the frame column members. Conventional antennas or antenna truss type towers may be mounted on the tower section connected to the enclosure. The tower section may serve as a duct for enclosure ventilation air for intake or exhaust of such air at an elevation substantially above ground level. An air intake or exhaust plenum may also be mounted directly adjacent to or formed as part of the enclosure.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed by a plurality of pre-cast concrete elements. Each of the pre-cast elements has a length corresponding to the length of a corresponding side or leg of the foundation perimeter. The foundation includes a plurality of pre-cast concrete footing pads that are dispersed along the perimeter and specifically at the corners of the foundation. The pre-cast foundation elements rest on the footing pads and are contiguously arranged to complete the foundation. A bonding agent can be introduced into the joints between adjacent foundation elements to seal the joint. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical fasteners can be used to interconnect adjacent panels. Certain ones of the pre-cast foundation elements define an integral brick ledge, with varying configurations to ensure continuity of the brick ledge around the corners of the foundation. In a method of the invention, a trench around the perimeter is dug and the pre-cast concrete elements laid in place with a crane.

Abstract: A synthetic textile support for bituminous sheaths, particularly for the coating of roofs. The textile support consists of two layers of non-woven lap of polyester fibers, between which there is interposed a plurality of continuous polyester threads arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the textile support.

Abstract: A fire barrier for use in dynamic voids to seal against the spread of fire. Flexible foil-backed insulation material is supported by a woven metallic support screen positioned in the void. As the surfaces defining the void undergo relative movement, the ability of the individual wire elements of the screen to move in a scissor-like fashion relative one another allow the screen to distort laterally without shearing, wrinkling, or buckling while the insulation material floating thereon is effectively isolated from any shear forces. The foil backing allows the insulation to freely shift relative the support screen.

Abstract: A composite drainage mat for preventing water and moisture from remaining trapped within walls and roofs of buildings which includes a weather barrier fixedly attached to a three-dimensional matrix filamentatious mat of a thermoplastic polyamide resin such as Nylon 6. The mat contains a great number of voids for permitting gas and liquid such as water to flow therethrough. The mat possesses a crush-resistance which allows the mat to withstand the compressive force of other building materials without inhibiting the ability of the mat to allow liquids and gases to flow therethrough.

Abstract: Hurricane shutter hardware for patio doors, picture windows, and other large openings on a house. The hardware consists of mounts that are permanently attached to a house, and brackets that are mounted to a shutter cover. The mounts are composed of unique metal bends that are configured to fit on a wide variety of homes and lock onto the brackets which are attached to shutters. The brackets have distinctive shapes which allow almost any type of material to be used as a shutter cover. The mount and bracket are quickly and easily locked together after a hurricane warning, covering a window with a shutter.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface downward from the top, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: An apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. The disclosure relates to securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. The invention relates particularly to muntin bar clips intended to fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and or butyl as the sealing medium. The disclosed invention more particularly relates to muntin bar clips for the purpose of fixing the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window.

Abstract: An articulated modular beam formed by a plurality of rigid modules designed to withstand compression on a planar surface, and a bendable coupling piece connecting the modules on one side such that the distance between one side of the modules can be varied so as to achieve a desired shape or curve.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a thin, flat base whose back side defines a surface area sufficient to cover a rearwardly-tapered through-hole formed in an interior panel of a modular wall preform. The joist hanger includes at least one anchor member on the back side of the base. Each anchor member extends rearwardly from the base into the through-hole to a depth greater the nominal thickness of the first panel. Each anchor member defines an angled deflecting surface such that, with the joist hanger's base secured to the panel so as to cover the through-hole, and with the anchor members extending into and through the through-hole, wall material poured into the preform will be urged by the deflecting surfaces toward the back side of the joist hanger, into the through-hole and around the anchor members, whereby the presence of voids behind the joist hanger is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A spacer clip for securing side-by-side joists and a method for using such clips is provided. The spacer clip, constructed from sheet metal or a rigid composite includes a bridging section and a pair of legs that extend transversely to the bridging section. A draw bar is provided along the legs at positions remote from the bridging section. The draw bar is movable to vary the pressure applied by the legs to confronting sections of joists. The draw bar can be locked in a pressure-applying orientation with respect to each of the legs. In this manner, the joists are spaced by the bridging section at one end of their height and the draw bar pressurably spaces them at an opposing end of their height.

Abstract: An anchor body has an inner portion adapted for connection to a back-up wall, an outer portion adapted for connection to a masonry wall and an intermediate membrane flange. The membrane comes into contact with the membrane flange of the membrane side. The membrane flanges on the anchor insure continuity of the membrane without the need for any additional caulking or other application.

Abstract: A combination clamp and support bracket for transient support of sheet goods during their alignment and fastening to underlying support structures, like joists and studs. The bracket has either one L-shaped longitudinal end, or at least one offset longitudinal end, or, in an alternate configuration, a pair of one L-shaped longitudinal end and the other an offset longitiudinal end. A pattern of bore holes and key slot perforations are arrayed along the bracket longitudinal axis and provide temporarily tacked pivot points and/or ledges for subjacent support of the sheet goods during placements of an abutting edge and permanent fastening. The brackets are handily displaced and ready for reuse in placement of subsequent sheet goods, like dry wall installation.

Abstract: A building beam structure having two sheet metal chords and a sheet metal central web section disposed between the two chords. Each chord has an end wall with two opposed side walls extending therefrom and two angular support walls extending from the side walls. The angular support walls converge inwardly from the side walls toward the central web section. The central web section has a main web wall extending between one of the angular support walls on each of the chords. In addition, the central web section has a first web wall section extending from another of the angular support walls on one of the chords, and a second web wall section extending from another of the angular support walls on another of the chords.

Abstract: A commercial greenhouse roof and roof glazing system that maximizes the intake of direct winter sunlight while managing spring, summer and fill sunlight to similar levels so that continuous produce and other crops can be grown. This system has transparent corrugated roofing sheets with north and south facing sections running in an east/west direction, where portions of the outer face of the outer glazing sheet are coated, insulation separates each sheet at locations of top surface coating, gas spaces separate each sheet at locations of no coating, and reflective material coats the interior surface of the interior sheet at portions of insulation. This system has no moving parts other than the movement of the sun in relationship to the structure. The color of the sunlight spectrum is split in the summer months so that the photosynthetic active portion is maximized in summer months leaving the unwanted summer heat gain outside of the structure.

Abstract: An elongate tubular spacer frame bar for insulating windows. The spacer frame bar is formed of metal and has spaced, staggered sequences of longitudinally oriented elongate slits which increase the length of the thermal conductivity path from the first pane to the second. These slits are formed by displacing the material so that this breaks and shears away along the edges of the slit, thereby forming an effective but narrow air gap. The air gap is sized to prevent the escape particulate desiccant material from within the interior of the spacer.

Abstract: A wall-unit structural system has wall units (1) with insulating structural material (2) intermediate an exterior panel (3) for fixation of outside covering and an interior panel (4) for attachment of inside wall surfacing (5). Attachment ridges (6) are spaced apart on the interior panel to provide channels or vacancies between the attachment ridges for positioning of plumbing, electrical and other lines. Tie-down members (8) such as rebar are attached vertically to the wall units for securing the wall units to the footing (21) and for securing elevated tie-down structure (20) such as roofing and/or higher sections of wall units to secured wall units in accordance with applicable building regulations and design preferences. Bottoms (12) of the wall units have attachment members (15) for attachment to base elements such as floors (14), concrete pads, footers, metallic frame bases, wooden frame bases and other structural bases.