Abstract: An apparatus for drying a wet web of paper comprising at least one through-air dryer, each dryer including a rotatable cylinder having a porous cylindrical deck, at least one continuous drying fabric wrapped about a portion of the circumference of the deck, a plurality of fabric support members positioned relative to each cylinder so as to direct the fabric and the web onto and from each cylinder, and a hood and a plenum cooperating to form a substantially sealed enclosure containing each cylinder. The drying fabric is adapted to support and transport the paper web about a portion of the circumference of the cylinder of each dryer.

Abstract: Disclosed are bulk lyophilization containers including aseptic closure portions or heat flux equalization portions that promote improved bulk lyophilization. Also disclosed are methods of using the bulk lyophilization containers and improved lyophilization stoppers.

Abstract: A process for drying semiconductor wafers includes loading a wafer wetted with rinsing fluid into a rotor and orientating the wafer along a substantially vertical plane. A gas saturated with a solvent vapor is passed over the wafer surfaces until condensation forms on the wafer and displaces residual fluid. The rotation of the wafer by the rotor at a first rotation speed to aids the flushing and displacement of residual fluid. The passage of a dry gas over the wafer combined with the rotation of the wafer at a second rotation speed promotes drying of solvent condensed on the wafer. The first rotation speed is limited to a rate that does not cause the condensed solvent film to evaporate as quickly as it forms. The second rotation speed may exceed that of the first rotation speed to complete the drying of the wafer. The rotor and process chamber are optionally pre-saturated with condensed solvent vapor prior to the introduction of a wafer to hasten the drying process.

Abstract: In a chisel-type convergence for a chip bin in a wood chip pulping process and system, an improvement in uniformity of discharge of the chips from a chips bin or the like is provided. The bin includes a conventional hollow substantially right circular cylindrical first, upper, body portion, a second, hollow transition, portion connected to the bottom of the first portion, and a third transition portion, below the second portion and above a metering device, such as a metering screw or a star-feeder. The third transition operates less than full of chips, and provides relief from chip compaction. The third transition portion may include stationary or movable baffles, and/or a metering screw may be provided which can pivot downwardly in order to minimize or eliminate the thrusting force against the bin or upper chips to facilitate discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heat input of a dryer where the initial heat input to a clothes load is set at full power until a first predetermined temperature or time condition occurs. The heat input of the dryer is then reduced to in order to reduce power consumption while effectively removing moisture from the clothes load. When the moisture content of the clothes load falls below a predetermined amount, full heat input is once again applied to remove remaining moisture in the clothes load.

Abstract: An air knife mouth arrangement for use in an air knife assembly having a laterally extending mouth through which pressurized fluid passes to operate on a coating applied to a surface of a sheet material passing the mouth in a longitudinal direction to control the thickness of the coating. In the preferred form of the invention shown the air knife mouth arrangement comprises a mouth defined by a pair of facing lips, each lip having in front elevation a curved shape along its length. The curved shapes of the two lips face each other. The lips of the air knife mouth arrangement are selectively laterally displaceable relative to each other by a moving means so as to thereby vary the separation of the lips and hence the width of the mouth along the length of the mouth.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprises an upper (3) for accommodating an instep of a foot, and outer sole (4) having a tread on bottom surface, and a midsole (1) interposed between the upper (3) and the outer sole (4). A shock absorbing groove (2) is formed in the midsole (1). The shock absorbing groove (2) is formed of a long transverse groove (20) and a short longitudinal groove (21) in a continuous manner. The transverse groove (20) is formed on the midsole (1) extending from a side face of a rear foot part (1B) of the midsole (1) on lateral side (10) of the foot to a back face of a heel part (1H) of the midsole (1) and has an end (22) on the heel part (1H). The longitudinal groove (21) is formed in such a manner as to cut out the heel part (1H) of the midsole (1) from a lower end face of the midsole (1) toward the end of the transverse groove (20).

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole with a stability element constructed of a material and configured for controlling, in a pre-selected manner, the rotation of the forefoot portion of the article of footwear around the longitudinal axis with respect to the rearfoot portion.

Abstract: A laminated foam sockliner for use in combination with footwear to cushion a foot inserted in the footwear. The sockliner comprises a compressibly resilient closed cell foam lower layer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion into the footwear and for supporting at least a portion of the foot. The lower layer has a compressibility sufficient to permit the layer to resiliently compress under the foot in response to pressure applied to the layer by the foot during periods of a gait cycle when the footwear impacts the ground thereby absorbing shock and cushioning the foot during impact. The sockliner further comprises an open cell foam upper layer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion in the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe produced by a vamp cut method and having an enlarged slip-on region while ensuring proper fitting and gripping on the foot. The shoe is formed with a sole, a vamp cut shaft, an apron, and a closure element cooperating with the apron. The closure element is variable in length and fastened by one end to the apron and by the other end in the region of the sole.

Abstract: A high efficiency snow thrower relying on a cutting action to create snow chunks which are conveyed and discharged, using one or more cutter bar arrays arranged in the front opening of a housing and an auger member which also has a cutting edge on helically wound strips splitting the packed snow and conveying chunks of the same while importing significant velocity to an impeller pocket at the center of the helical strip, which discharges snow chunks out through a discharge chute.

Abstract: It is intended to keep low the moment of inertia of a boom, etc. and maintain the whole of a working machine in good weight balance. At the same time, a highly efficient recovery of energy is to be attained to increase a continuous working time of a battery. A battery-powered working machine using a battery as a power source is provided. Rotation of a rotatable superstructure 12 and rising and falling motions of a boom 28 are performed directly by electric motors 22 and 34. The recovery of energy is attained by utilizing the electric motors 22 and 34. An arm 30 and a bucket 32 both located remote from a centroid position of the machine are actuated by an arm cylinder 38 and a bucket cylinder 40, which are hydraulic actuators less heavy than electric motors. Further, a hydraulic pump 18 for supplying those hydraulic actuators with a hydraulic oil is actuated by a hydraulic pump actuating electric motor 20 which utilizes the battery 14 as a power source.

Abstract: A system of hinges for pop-ups. The system consists of subsystems that could function on their own if they were ideally rigid, but which are in the practical situation in sufficiently rigid. The subsystems are interconnected by extra hinged connecting parts in such a way that the total system achieves as yet sufficient rigidity, but without impairing the sought pop-up movement.

Abstract: A merchandising marker such as a tag or card including an electronic article surveillance (EAS) security device for use with EAS systems in order to protect merchandise from unauthorized removal from a controlled area. The security device can be embedded into the marker to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: An illuminated grid sign designed to be viewed at a maximum viewing angle (&agr;) from a horizontal line of sight of an observer, the sign comprising: a frame, a partially transparent face thereon, tubing mounted therein and having an inside radius (r), and a plurality of concavely-curved, reflective channels each having an angle of wrap (&bgr;) and positioned at a minimum distance (d) from the luminous tubing; wherein the improvement comprises each channel being substantially semi-cylindrical and having a radius (R) approximately equal to 80 to 120% of r×(1+1/(sin &agr;))+d.

Abstract: A scent pellet that is used by hunters to dispel a game scent into a desired area without leaving a human scent has a pair of hemispherical body members that are coupled together. A game scent is introduced into the pellet through a capped opening located on one of the body members. The pellet is propelled, by way of a compressed gas gun, a slingshot, or by throwing, into the desired area such that the pellet strikes a relatively hard object. Some of the game scent is released through the opening during pellet flight. The pellet is constructed of a material that will break the pellet up upon striking the object thereby releasing the game scent. The pellet can be constructed from a biodegradable material.

Abstract: A banding collar for a banded skirt or a core piece for a rollup skirt that includes a number of straps that radiate from a bored hub or core piece and include one or more holders that accept detachable rattles and other fish attractants. Each strap may include a number of bored hubs that support additional rattle holders, scent pods or other attractants. An alternative core piece for a rollup skirt having a number of straps and rattle holders is also disclosed. The rattle and/or skirt strands can include curlicue tailpieces and the strands, straps and holders can be formed to a variety of shapes.

Abstract: The weight has a sound chamber and a tail section. The sound chamber embodies a plunger stem, a plunger seat, a flexible reed or spring biased balls and a compression spring. The tail section embodies a tail canal and an amplifier which forms a venture having a vortex and a vertex intersecting the tail canal. The sound is made when the plunger stem is pulled, the flexible reed or spring biased balls mounted in the plunger seat deflects the sound chamber grooves of the sound chamber. The plunger stem reaches it's maximum travel when the plunger seat reaches the spring seat. The compression spring retracts the plunger stem when the pull is released. The spring's retraction allows the flexible reed or spring biased balls on the plunger set to deflect the sound grooves in the opposite direction until the plunger seats meets the tail seat. The sound induced in the sound chamber is transferred to the tail canal where it is amplified through the vortex and vertex making an amplifier.

Abstract: A housing includes a closed bottom, closed sides, an open receiving end and a closed rear end. The housing is adapted to receive a platform of a conventional mouse trap therein. A cocking handle includes a pair of handle arms attached to pivotal connections on the sides, and terminating at a cross-bar. A pair of bow urging arms are also attached to the pivotal connections. The bow urging arms have tabs at the distal ends thereof, which are adapted to be positioned beneath a bow of the mouse trap when the platform is slid into the housing of the cocking device. A safety latch is pivotally connected to the housing above the receiving end. By rotating the cocking handle, the bow urging arms urge the bow to a cocked position. The catch member is then pivoted inward to maintain the bow in the cocked position until the locking arm of the mouse trap is engaged in the bait pedal of the mouse trap.

Abstract: The present an invention can provide effective and excellent flea catching method and apparatus which can attract and catch fleas living in the life space of human beings at a high efficiency without harming the living environment of human beings. The present invention relates to a flea catching method which comprises emitting from a light source light effective for attracting fleas so that the flea catching zone is irradiated with light from the light source in such a manner that even points apart from the end of a catching means at the maximum moving distance made by one leap of a flea have an illuminance effective for attracting fleas, whereby the fleas thus attracted to the light source can be caught by the catching means.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for providing a continuous slow release of compressed gas includes a pressure vessel 12 and a restrictor tube 16. The restrictor tube 16 has a first open end 18 located inside the pressure vessel 12 and an opposite second open end 20 located outside the pressure vessel 12. The restrictor tube has a small diameter so as to restrict the flow of gas therethrough and out of the pressure vessel 12. Pressure vessel 12 is connected to a supply of compressed gas via a valve 28. When a volume of gas is transferred to the vessel 12 via valve 28, the gas enters the first opening 18, travels through the restrictor tube 16 and out of the second opening 20 to provide a slow continuous release of gas. In one embodiment, the pressure vessel 12 is incorporated in an insect trap 30. The trap 30 also includes a light source 48 of emitting light that attracts insects and a solution tray 44 for holding the liquid in which insects can become entrapped and drowned.

Abstract: Vitreous, algae growing materials, release stably ferrous ions, over long periods of time. The duration of ion release can be controlled as desired by adjusting the particle size of the materials. The vitreous, algae growing, materials can be converted into porous forms or fabricated into at least parts of structures. The vitreous, algae growing, materials consist essentially of 15 to 50 weight percent SiO2, 1 to 35 weight percent either or both of Na2O and K2O, 30 to 70 weight percent B2O3, and 1 to 40 weight prercent of either or both of FeO and Fe2O3. Increasing the content of boron facilitates the release of ferrous ions from the vitreous, algae growing, materials.

Abstract: Crystalline polymers are prepared as a latex, and are useful for coating fibrous materials such hair and fabrics. The latex can have a high solids content greater than 30%, a residual monomer content of less than 1%, and can be used for repeatedly setting fibrous materials into desired configurations. The latex is also useful for coating organisms such as seeds. The particulate coating extends the dormancy of the organism and/or protects the organism, and is easily shed by a germinating seed. The coating can contain a seed coating additive, such as a colorant or fungicide.

Abstract: A container, such as a nursery container, includes a tag attached thereto in a manner to render the tag tamper resistant and tamper evident. The container includes at least one slit formed in the side wall of the container for receiving the tag. The slit can be provided in the side wall at the upper end or at a point between the upper end and the bottom. The tag has a coupling member at one end with at least one projecting hook-like member. The coupling member is inserted through the slit until the projecting member hooks over the exposed edge of the slit to resist separation of the tag from the container.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A fastening of end caps to housings that are made of profiles and are used for door-specific devices on automatically operated doors. The end caps are thereby invisibly clipped or clipped in a concealed manner onto installation elements that have previously been connected with the sections, whereby at least one of the installation elements is simultaneously used as a fastening for the housing.

Abstract: At the time of changing over an open/close body from a manual operation to an automatic operation, a reliable clutch connection is established in a power transmission system between a drive source and the open/close body thus enhancing the operability of the open/close body. An open/close body automatic drive equipment comprises a clutch mechanism which connects or interrupts a power transmission system between a motor for driving a slide door which constitutes the open/close body and the slide door, wherein a clutch of a clutch mechanism is interrupted in a manual manipulation, and in an automatic drive, a clutch is connected to operate the slide door.

Abstract: A double-hung window structure including an upper window and a lower window within a window frame having seals. The upper and lower windows include a plurality of interlocking horizontal and vertical mutton members for forming a plurality of window openings with each having a window pane therein. The double-hung window structure includes a first sealing assembly located between the right stile of the upper window and the right jamb of the window frame; a second sealing assembly located between the left stile of the upper window and the left jamb of the window frame; a third sealing assembly located between the right stile of the lower window and the right jamb of the window frame; and a fourth sealing assembly located between the left stile of the lower window and the left jamb of the window frame.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structures that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment. The backstop portions are arranged in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height an an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with a flange element that extends transversely therefrom and which engages with a top surface of the seating level. Preferably, the engagement portion forms a forwardmost edge termination. A fastening portion is arranged intermediate of the engagement portion and the riser portion of the backstop member.

Abstract: A power system is provided for extending and retracting a telescopic seating structure. The power system includes a frame, a drum operably mounted on the frame for rotational movement, and a plurality of slidably interconnected telescoping members having a terminal telescoping member operably attached to the telescopic seating structure. A cable is wound about the drum and the plurality of telescoping members. Upon rotation of the drum in a selected direction, a tensional force is exerted upon the telescoping members causing their selective extension or retraction to thereby extend or retract the telescoping seating structure. A control assembly is operably connected to the drum shaft to thereby deactivate the power mechanism when the telescopic seating structure is filly extracted or retracted. A cable guide assembly is positioned below the drum to thereby ensure that the cable is properly wound upon the drum during rotation to thereby assure maximum efficiency of the power system.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable corner fitment for a roof. The adjustable corner fitment is comprised of a top membrane and a bottom membrane. The top membrane has a cutout. The cutout extends from a side of the top membrane. The base membrane portion has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is connected to the second side at a first angle greater than 90 degrees, and the third side is connected to the fourth side at a second angle greater than 90 degrees. The base membrane portion is conformed to loop shape such that the first side and the second side underlie portions of the top membrane contiguous to the cutout. The first side of the base membrane may be completely welded to the top membrane prior to installation. However, the second side of the base membrane is adjustable relative to the top membrane prior to installation on the roof.

Abstract: The invention provides a memorial plaque adapted for detachable mounting to a forward surface of a base, such as a cover slab of a crypt, a headstone or grave marker. The plaque includes a marker block having an exposed face adapted to receive memorial indicia and a hollow back frame having a front wall with peripheral rearwardly extending side walls. The peripheral side walls have a back edge with profile mating the forward surface of the base thus defining a rearwardly open cavity between the base and front wall laterally bounded by the side walls. The close fitting of the frame protects the marker block from weather damage and vandalism. The marker block is releasably secured to the frame within the cavity with its exposed face adjacent a window in the front wall of the frame. Mounting brackets can be housed entirely within the cavity or hidden from view under removable ornaments to releasably mount the frame to the base.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid storage system for storing liquid products, particularly petroleum and its derivatives. An auxiliary dam (1) within a bund defined by a main dam (3) bounds an area (5) around a tank (2) in such a way that the contaminating wastes from the fluids stored in the tank are contained within that area (5).

Abstract: A skylight protector having a support frame covered by a protective mesh and including positioning members for positioning the protector relative to a skylight.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a door frame positioned in a structure opening. The door frame includes a roller track along a bottom portion. A fixed door panel may be positioned in the door frame. A sliding door panel is slidably positioned in the door frame and includes a sliding wood door sash, and a reinforced transparent panel carried by the sliding wood door sash. The sliding door panel further includes at least one roller extending outwardly from a bottom of the sliding wood door sash to engage the roller track. At least one shim or other vertical constraining member is mounted adjacent a top of the sliding door panel for vertically constraining the sliding door panel against upward movement when in a closed position so that the roller remains on the roller track despite hurricane force winds. At least one bracket may be connected to the door frame adjacent the bottom of the sliding door panel to laterally confine the sliding door panel despite hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A log facade. A siding facade member is attached to a wall of the structure and extends to a corner thereof. A side of the siding member is formed as a portion of a semi-cylinder, giving the illusion that the siding member is part of a whole log. A corner member is attached to the corner of the structure and includes a round side surface that simulates the cross-section of a whole log. The siding facade member has an end that is received by the corner member, so as to cover an edge thereof, giving the illusion that the siding facade member is interlocked with the corner member without requiring that the edge be specially shaped to fit the round side surface.

Abstract: An elongated strip for covering the ends of a row of spaced protruding reinforcing bars has an elongated body member having a substantial horizontal top with outer and inner surfaces, and with parallel side edges. A pair of converging side walls extend downwardly and inwardly from the side edges of the top and terminate in lower ends which define an openable throat portion normally having a breadth less than the diameter of reinforcing bars upon which the body member is to be placed. The body member is at least partially resilient and spring-like so that the throat portion can be manually opened sufficiently to receive the ends of a row of reinforcing bars. At least two oppositely disposed elongated protruding ribs extend inwardly from the inner surface of the side walls of the body member to frictionally engage reinforcing bars extending through the opened throat portion and in between adjacent ends of the ribs.

Abstract: A cladding element is provided with a decorative relief pattern milled into the outer facade of the cladding element, forming a matte having a grid-like interconnective cellular structure. The matte is mechanically fastened to a wall structure as by fasteners extending through a fastening face thereof into the wall and a layer of plaster material is set within the matte's cellular structure. An outer finish coat is applied to complete an outer, wall finish cladding assembly. The interconnective cellular structure is formed of adjacent cells arranged in rows and columns with the cells opening at the outer face of the cladding element. The cells including a first and second set of cells with the first set of cells being tapered to a narrow end adjacent the outer face and a wide end adjacent the fastening face. The second set of cells being tapered to a narrow end adjacent the fastening face and a wide end adjacent the outer face.

Abstract: A floor structure for use on an ice surface includes sheets of rigid, lightweight material each having a topside and a bottom side which includes a margin and geometric recesses and recess dividers. Only the margins and recess dividers are in contact with the ice surface when this floor structure is laid upon the ice. The recess dividers effectively seal the geometric recesses creating sealed pockets which trap ambient air thus creating a thermal insulating effect which substantially prevents the coldness from the ice from penetrating the sheets to the topsides and prevents condensation from forming on the topsides making it safe for the users to move about upon this floor structure unlike other floor structures which are used on ice. In addition, this floor structure does not stick or freeze to the ice unlike the other floor structures, because it has a substantially smaller surface area which is in direct contact with the ice, making it much easier to remove and reuse.

Abstract: A wall framework includes top and bottom tracks, a horizontal channel and vertical studs. A first vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a first opening sized and shaped to permit the horizontal channel to extend therethrough and a second opening vertically spaced from the first opening. A second vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a third opening sized and shaped to permit the channel to extend therethrough and a fourth opening vertically spaced from the fourth opening. At least one clip extends through the first opening and the second opening. A fastener connects the horizontal channel to the clip. The clip cooperates with the fastener to secure the horizontal channel in a fixed relationship to the first vertical stud.

Abstract: A cladding system for walls or ceilings of a building structure consisting of a panel or panels that are sectioned so as to provide a variety of aesthetics. The sections in the panel may be joined along articulated lines of joinder so that an entire panel comprised of a plurality of sections can be expanded or retracted to either cover or selectively expose the wall or ceiling across which the system is mounted. The sections in a panel may be cellular and may thereby form a honeycomb-type panel, and the materials from which the panels are made may vary between being rigid, flexible, hard, soft, flat, reflective, and the like.

Abstract: A strip shingle is manufactured with a perforation along a lengthwise centerline. The traditional headlap and buttlap areas are substantially identical to one another, each having a line of adhesive material near the shingle edge whereby breaking the shingle along the perforated center line yields two starter shingles which can be used with any type of roofing shingle.

Abstract: A durable, modular, adaptive containment system, which has a composite composition comprised of wood fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix, the system being suitable for holding soil and plants, and which is comprised of rails, preferably of rectangular cross-section, each of said rails being joined by means of a T-shaped tenon along one of its ends and a complementary T-shaped channel on the side of the rail near its other end, or which is comprised of a connector having T-shaped channels so that when four rails, each of which has a T-shaped tenon on each end, pairs of which are of equal length, are joined by inserting the T-shaped tenons of each rail into a complementary T-shaped channel on a connector, a rectangular containment system is formed.

Abstract: An elongate modular decking plank is provided for assembly on a supporting subfloor together with a plurality of like planks to form a decking structure. The decking plank has a top wall spaced-apart from a bottom wall, and opposing laterally spaced downwardly converging side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls. An integrally-formed flange extends outwardly from the bottom wall on one of said sides of the decoding plank. The flange includes a fastening portion for receiving fasteners therethrough to the supporting subfloor to mount the decking plank on the supporting subfloor, and a connecting portion for connecting the plank to an adjacent like plank in a manner which permits limited lateral and angular adjustment between adjacent planks. The plank is preferably extruded from high-impact polymeric material, such as PVC plastic.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lightweight steel frame system having end nailed connections where lightweight steel structural members frame into support members. The end nailed connection is made by driving fasteners through the support member and directly into the connection end of a lightweight steel structural member without the need for using additional connection hardware. Where the lightweight steel structural member is a roof or floor truss, the support member may include a leveling member to facilitate positioning each roof truss at an elevation set point to produce a level roofline along the finished structure.

Abstract: Core-type structures are formed by extruding elongated tubular members or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are subsequently cut into segments or plates having a defined length and then assembled into a bundle. The bundle is then simultaneously cut at a number of spaced-apart locations along the length of the bundled segments, or plates, whereby a plurality of separate core structures are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: A hook type assembly that interlocks a pair of intersecting cross-beams and a main beam in a grid for a suspended ceiling. A gapped ridge in a clip on each cross-beam engages the other gapped ridge in a vertical movement that is part of a hooking action while the assembly is formed. The assembly can be optionally made to provide for expansion during a tire.

Abstract: Grid-shaped reinforcement strip is configured for reinforcing masonry joints, and includes at one substantially straight elongated reinforcement wire having a substantially rectangular cross section. There is a further reinforcement wire having a substantially rectangular cross section that is spaced apart from the at least one reinforcement wire. At least one connecting wire extends between opposed faces of such at least two spaced apart reinforcement wires. An unflattened weld attaches the at least one connecting wire to respective ones of opposed faces of such at least two reinforcement wires. The connecting wire preferably has a substantially round cross section, and the thickness of the at least one connecting wire is as thick as or less thick than the thickness of the at least two reinforcement wires.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seismically retrofitting pre-existing household brick chimneys is described to meet current building codes. Vertical steel rebar and horizontal chimney anchors are inserted into the chimney and a polymer concrete is poured between the liner and the brick masonry thereby bonding to the chimney, the vertical steel rebar, and the horizontal chimney anchors. The horizontal chimney anchors are coupled at one end to the external face of the chimney and at another end to the interior frame of the house. Holes are vertically drilled into the masonry of the chimney base in order to anchor the steel rebar at one end. Holes are drilled through the chimney and into the interior of the house at an appropriate point to properly anchor the pre-existing chimney to the house. A polymer concrete that has similar heat properties to other fireplace components is poured into the chimney around a chimney liner in order to reinforce and provide resiliency.