Abstract: A picture frame is comprised of joint pieces and elongated members. The joint pieces constitute the corners of a frame. The elongated members define the sides of a picture frame. Fastening hardware is employed to secure the entire apparatus. The joint pieces are cut or molded from a material similar to, or compatible with, the elongated members with which a rigid connection is made. Different angles of miter cuts may be made to vary the design of the picture frame. Similarly, different sizes and shapes of joint pieces may be made to additionally vary frame size and design. The joint pieces can be used to replace conventional frame corners which have been damaged, to change the size and appearance of used frames, or to provide additional dimension and design alternatives for new frames.

Abstract: A paint ball gun is provided. The paint ball gun has a curved bore and a fluid actuated firing mechanism. The fluid actuated firing mechanism is in operable communication with the curved bore such that the fluid actuated firing mechanism propels the paint ball through the curved bore.

Abstract: The invented firearm leveler-stabilizer reduces rifle movement to improve projectile accuracy by using an adjustable elongated member connected to the bottom surface of a gun buttstock. A turnbuckle provides an adjustment means for extremely precise leveling of the firearm's barrel while a foot pad rests upon a supporting surface to increase stability during recoil, and while the front of the firearm preferably rests on a bi-pod or other support. A swivel at one end of the leveler-stabilizer connects to a buttstock mount, and a foot pad at the other end of the leveler-stabilizer rests on the ground. In between the two ends is a turnbuckle which provides a means to adjust buttstock elevation extremely accurately for targeting. This foot pad may have an optional sling attachment point. The leveler-stabilizer pivots to against the firearm for transport or storage.

Abstract: A propeller 33 is disposed on a bearing collar 42 to rotate about a shaft 10 of a lure 32. The propeller has a plurality of blades 36, each having a proximal portion 37 with a first degree of pitch and a distal portion 38 having a second degree of pitch which is different than said first degree of pitch. The blades may have distal ends which have the same direction of pitch as the proximal ends, or distal ends which have pitch opposite to that of the proximal ends. The blades may have straight bends or curved bends between the proximal and distal portions, and each blade may comprise a single, smoothly curvilinear surface. The blades may have one or more holes of various sizes in one or more blades of each propeller, either in the distal portion or the proximal portion of the blades. One or more propellers may be mounted on buzz baits, top water lures including plugs, and on other lures.

Abstract: An additive for distillate and a fuel composition having improved cloud point depressant properties.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant growth units, and more particularly pertains to an apparatus for plant cultivation which conserves horizontal space and utilizes vertical space, while providing for the growth of plants which are cultivated in an indoor environment. The plant growth unit comprises a nutrient supply module and one or more columns radially disposed about a central vertical longitudinal axis thereby defining an internal space between the one or more columns designed to accommodate a light source. Each column is in fluid communication with the nutrient supply module for circulation of a liquid nutrient flow. The one or more columns support a plurality of growth sites, which are radially disposed about the longitudinal axis and generally face the internal space. Each growth site is positioned to contact the liquid nutrient flow.

Abstract: In the hydrogen supply device for producing and supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell, a reforming section has a rotary thermal storage through which low and high temperature passages pass. Reforming material is supplied to the low temperature fluid passage on an upstream side of the first rotary thermal storage. A combustion gas supply section for generating and supplying a combustion gas is located in the high temperature fluid passage on a downstream side of the first rotary thermal storage. With the hydrogen supply device mentioned above, the first rotary thermal storage rotates to move alternately between the low and high temperature fluid passages so that, in the reforming section, the reforming material flowing in the low temperature fluid passage is catalytically reformed to a reformed gas containing hydrogen upon receiving combustion heat of the combustion gas flowing in the high temperature fluid conduit.

Abstract: An improved window arrangement is disclosed. The window arrangement has the appearance of a conventional sash and case window from external a building having it fitted. However, the window benefits from improved insulation and sealing on a second sash provided to the interior of the building. Importantly, the innermost sash has a seal around the main frame of the window in a single plane.

Abstract: An automatic door operating device drives a door for a pivotal movement in accordance with a switch operation. The automatic door operating device includes a handle disposed on the door; and a controller. The controller allows the door to be manually operable for the pivotal movement when the handle is operated during a time the door is in a process of being driven for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for moving at least one object, which is positioned movably inside a runner rail, in particular a sliding door, a sliding window, or a partitioning wall, comprising an electric motor (1) that drives a traction means (4) by way of a drive pulley (3) that is arranged at one end of the runner rail, which traction means circulates around a reversing device arranged at the other end of the runner rail and moves the object, characterized in that the rotor shaft for the electric motor (1) drives a driven shaft (6) by way of a gear (5). The axis (14) of the driven shaft extends at a right angle to the axis (13) of the rotor shaft and drives the drive pulley (3) by way of a transmission arrangement (9, 10, 11), wherein the gear (5) is positioned such that it can pivot elastically and at a specific angle around the axis (14) of driven shaft (6).

Abstract: The invention proposes a pulley apparatus (27) for use with double hung vertical sash windows. The apparatus (27) comprises a base (32) which supports a pair of pulleys (42). One or both pullies (42) may be adjustable. The apparatus (27) is adapted to be installed into a recess in a window head (20) so that it is flush with the head (20).

Abstract: A door panel assembly includes a panel with a window regulator mounted on one side and a power mechanism mounted on an opposite side. The panel has a first alignment feature for aligning the window regulator relative to the panel and a second alignment feature for aligning the power mechanism relative to the panel. The first and second alignment features facilitate alignment of the window regulator and the power mechanism to each other. Further, the first and second alignment features allow initial assembly of one of the window regulator or power mechanism components to the panel with a subsequent assembly of the remaining component to the panel without having to hold the first component in place.

Abstract: An apparatus secured to extend upwardly from a rooftop for redirecting free oncoming flow of a gas passing over an edge of the rooftop. The apparatus has an elongated member having at least a lower flow-surface, and a leading edge portion having a leading-rim extending therealong. A plurality of supports is spaced along the elongated member. An upper-end of each support is secured to, integrated-with, or otherwise extends from the lower flow-surface of the elongated member. There may be several such elongated members that may be joined. The lower-end of each support extends from the rooftop or sidewall structure to provide a spaced relationship between the lower flow-surface and the rooftop. The leading-rim of the leading edge portion extends into the oncoming flow to redirect of at least a portion thereof so that it flows under the leading edge portion and along the lower flow-surface and, preferably, on into a re-circulation region above the rooftop.

Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has at least one, preferably two or three, series of cuts extending between major surfaces of the blanket with successive cuts of each series of cuts being separated by a series of separable connectors located intermediate the major surfaces of the blanket. Each series of separable connectors hold together adjacent sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at one or more of the series of separable connectors for insulating a cavity having a lesser width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite panel for use in construction, and particularly for shingling, which comprises natural fiber and a polymer. Due to its composition and layout the construction panel provides all of the advantages of natural materials and high end roofing materials, particularly an attractive appearance, while at the same time allowing for ease of installation, little or no maintenance requirements, and providing superior impact and fire resistance when compared to other roofing materials. The construction panels can also be installed using conventional equipment and methods similar to the installation of 3-tab asphalt shingles with little or no learning curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing cage for a concrete element (1) comprising at least two layers of longitudinal armorings (C, T) maintained spaced from one another by transverse armorings (E).

Abstract: A receiver assembly for retaining a stanchion between a pair of looped supports. The receiver includes a support frame and a receiver support, the receiver support, the receiver support being adapted for engaging and retaining the stanchion. The receiver assembly also includes a locking bar that extendins from the support frame. The locking bar is adapted for engaging the pair of looped supports while extending between the pair of looped supports, so that the stanchion is retained in a generally upright position by the cooperation of the base and the locking bar with the looped supports.

Abstract: An improved construction member or joist is disclosed that includes upper and lower chords connected by various members including first and second trimmable webs at either end thereof, which webs include end portions received in grooves in the upper and lower chords. Significantly, the profile of the end portions of the webs includes at least one notch or ridge that fits within a corresponding notch or ridge in the chord to provide a more secure attachment, even under unusual loading conditions. Supplemental webs are also provided that can be attached to the member at various locations to provide an additional degree of support only where needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reshaping a butt joint, which is formed by a pair of adjacent butt edges of mounted wallboards. The apparatus has tapering means, which includes a body and a pair of beveled surfaces for contacting and simultaneously tapering the adjacent butt edges, and aligning means, which includes a ridge for aligning the tapering means with the butt joint. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle and the tapering means is a rotatable wheel that is rotatably having the ridge and beveled surfaces on its circumferential edge and being attached to one end of the handle. In another embodiment, the tapering means is a semicircular disk having an outer curved portion with the ridge and beveled surfaces thereon and being non-rotatably attached to one end of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering containers filled with goods (such as groceries and foodstuffs). According to embodiments of the invention, a delivery order is taken from a customer for a set of goods; the set of goods ordered by the customer are packed in a container; the container with the stored goods is transported to the residence of the customer; and the container is locked to a docking station at the residence of the customer. Thereafter, using a key, the customer may unlock the container and remove the ordered goods from the container. Additional embodiments for facilitating the delivery and ordering of goods are also provided.

Abstract: A machine and a method for wrapping an elongated object, such as a drinking straw, with a plastic film are disclosed. The machine has a drive for continuously advancing a thin narrow film strip from a supply roll to a wrapper loading and forming station. The wrapper loading and forming station has a trough former for folding the advancing film strip into a film trough. An inserting device positions spaced-apart elongated objects, such as the drinking straws, into the film trough of the advancing film strip for engagement by the film trough. The objects are supplied by a dispenser and disposed in a pre-oriented manner to be grasped by the inserting device. The film trough is advanced through sealing and severing stations wherein individually wrapped elongated objects or straws are produced.

Abstract: Method for producing and packaging tooth brushes (2) which at least consists in making several devices available, including at least one device (3) for supplying brush bodies (4) or parts thereof, at least one brush manufacturing device (5, 5A, 5B) and at least one packaging device (6) for packaging the produced tooth brushes (2), characterized in that use is made of a closed conveyance circuit (7) which can co-operate at least with the above-mentioned devices (3, 5-5A-5B, 6) to convey half-finished products, end products respectively, between the above-mentioned devices (3, 5-5A-5B, 6).

Abstract: Bag filling apparatus includes forward and rearward FIBC loop rigging members and a pair of generally parallel arms located one on each side of the filling head so as to extend fore and aft relative to a platform for occupation by an operator during rigging of the bag to the support structure and the filling head, the forward rigging members being slidable along said arms towards and away from the rearward rigging members to facilitate rigging of the bag by the operator.

Abstract: A plant for producing semiconductor products that includes at least one clean room having a floor and a plurality of production units that are configured in the clean room. The plurality of the production units define processing locations for processing semiconductor products. The processing locations are located near the floor of the clean room. The plant also includes an air supply system for directly feeding in feed air at the processing locations. The circulation of feed air and waste air caused by the force of gravity is utilized so that feed air is made available with little energy expenditure.

Abstract: A filter including a housing made up of two housing shells in the form of mating cylindrical vessels (12, 12a) in one of which a support tube (17), especially a support tube having a conical shape, is integrated. A conical annular filter cartridge, preferably one having a resilient axial play compensating element (21) at one end, is installed on the support tube (17). The housing shells (12, 12a) are joined by a central screw connection (22), and sealing between the housing shells is effected by a labyrinth seal (14, 15). The filter is able to adapt to tolerance variations in the axial length of the individual components, so that productions costs are kept low. The housing shells (12, 12a) are constructed in such a way that they can be manufactured using simple casting molds with no undercuts.

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission comprising a first circuit comprising a plurality of hydraulic motors in series, a second circuit comprising at least one hydraulic motor, the first and second circuits being arranged in parallel with each other to receive hydraulic fluid under pressure from a common source, a hydraulic motor of the first circuit and a hydraulic motor of the second circuit being arranged together to drive a common driven element.

Abstract: A harvester incorporating at least one force balanced shaker vibratory brush as the harvesting apparatus uses a sensing system connected to a plurality of spring feelers carried on a shaft to generate a torque value responsive to the location of the shape and position of a tree. The feeler springs may be of differing lengths to assist in tuning the harvester. Apparatus and a method for mounting the shaker head on the vehicle as well as system of steering the harvester are disclosed.

Abstract: A solid wire of precious metal, such as gold, is drawn through a die which has a groove forming element disposed in a drawing channel located between the inlet and outlet of the die. The hollow wire exiting the die has an eccentric longitudinal open groove extending axially along the wire and embraced by a pair of tapered arms or cusps. The solid portion of the hollow wire is provided with a thick wall portion that is particularly adapted for forming diamond cut facets.

Abstract: Bracelet comprising a plurality of rows of links, each row of links comprising at least two links traversed by a rod engaged in at least one link of the next row, so as to join both rows in an articulate manner.

Abstract: A coal transformation system comprises an ecological coal production unit for transforming raw coal into ecological coal. The production unit has an exhaust for carrying in a storage unit combustible, gaseous, waste by-products generated during the transformation of raw coal. A control system is provided for allowing the combustible, gaseous, waste by-products to be withdrawn and subsequently used as an additional source of energy when the system energy demand reaches a predetermined value, thereby contributing to reduce the energy costs during peak power needs.

Abstract: A co-generation system and a dehumidification air-conditioner, which generates electricity and provides highly efficient air-conditioning by reducing the latent heat load of the air-conditioner. Exhaust gas from either a turbine or an internal combustion engine heats air for desorption of adsorbed moisture from a humidity rotor. The humidity rotor has a sound adsorption material to attenuate high frequency noise coming from the exhaust outlet of the co-generation system.

Abstract: A recuperator movable between a first position and a second position in or relative to a power generating system. When the recuperator is in the first position, a gas side inlet of the recuperator is coupled to a turbine exhaust outlet of the turbomachine. When the recuperator is in the second position, a gas side outlet of the recuperator is coupled to the turbine exhaust outlet, whereby the direction of gas flow inside the recuperator is reversed. Reversing the gas flow direction extends the life of the recuperator by reducing the total amount of time that the gas inlet face is exposed to high temperatures. Reversing the gas flow direction also allows for the removal of condensation of exhaust gas byproducts on cooler passage surfaces of the recuperator gas side. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus of an internal combustion engine according to the present invention is provided with oxygen storage amount estimating means for estimating an oxygen storage amount of an exhaust purifying catalyst and air-fuel ratio control means for controlling an air-fuel ratio, based on the oxygen storage amount. An upper threshold and a lower threshold are set for the oxygen storage amount, and the air-fuel ratio control means performs such control that, when the oxygen storage amount is larger than the upper threshold, the control means controls the air-fuel ratio to a rich region and that, when the oxygen storage amount is smaller than the lower threshold, the control means controls the air-fuel ratio to a lean region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine and especially to a drive motor in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw, cutoff machine or the like. The engine is formed from a cylinder (7) with a combustion chamber (34) which is delimited by the reciprocating piston (35). The piston (35) drives a crankshaft (38) which is rotatably journalled in a crankshaft housing (37) via a connecting rod (36). In the combustion chamber (34) an outlet (29) is provided through which the oxygen-rich exhaust gases (16) and oxygen-poor exhaust gases (18) flow out. Transfer channels (40) are configured in the cylinder (7) for supplying an air/fuel mixture prepared by a mixture preparation device (39) and gas-feeding channels (41) are configured for supplying fuel-poor, oxygen-rich gases in the combustion chamber (34). An exhaust-gas muffler (2) is assigned to the outlet (29) according to the invention to obtain an exhaust-gas quality which remains the same.

Abstract: In a partition wall arrangement for an exhaust gas pipe section including a partition wall including a main plate member separating the pipe section into two longitudinal passages, a reinforcing plate member is placed over and attached to a major surface of the partition wall member in a part adjacent to the upstream edge of the main plate member so that an improved durability is achieved through elimination of membrane vibrations. By providing an edge cover on the upstream edge of the partition wall, the partition wall can be protected from the adverse influences of the heat from the exhaust gas, and is reinforced even further.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure assisting device includes a power piston slidably accommodated in a housing, an input member movable relative to the power piston in response to operation of a brake member, and an auxiliary hydraulic pressure source that increases brake fluid in a reservoir to a predetermined pressure and outputs power hydraulic pressure. A pressure modulator connected to the auxiliary hydraulic pressure source and the reservoir modulates power hydraulic pressure outputted from the auxiliary hydraulic pressure source to a predetermined pressure corresponding to movement of the input member relative a to the power piston and supplies modulated power hydraulic pressure to a power chamber in the power piston. A cylindrical elastic member has one end portion connected to the input member or power piston and another end portion connected to the housing, with a space being defined in the elastic member connected to the pressure modulator and the reservoir.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbine arranged in an exhaust gas line, and a compressor arranged in an intake duct and connected to the turbine by way of a shaft, the compressor includes a compressor wheel forming at the same time a rotor of an electric motor.

Abstract: An improved pretensioner which achieves more stable operation and reduction in power loss. The pretensioner includes a gas generator, a pipe containing a plurality of balls and a piston, and a clutch for connecting the pretensioner to a spool for a seat belt. A gas release hole is formed in the pipe in such a position that before the piston moves the hole is between the piston and the first ball and when the coupling of the clutch is completed by the movement of the accelerated balls and the hole is located between the gas generator and the piston.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for magnetically cooling and liquefying a process stream include a plurality of active magnetic regenerative refrigerators (AMRRs) configured in parallel or in series and parallel. Active magnetic regenerative liquefiers (AMRLs) include such AMRRs and are configured to liquefy, for example, natural gas or hydrogen. In specific embodiments, a magnetic field is produced by hexagonally arrayed solenoids and magnetic refrigerants are selected to provide a thermal mass that is dependent on an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: Refrigerants containing HCFC's are replaced with new blends by using R-236fa and R-125, or R-125 with R-245fa, or R-236ea, or R-134a with R-236fa in place of HCFC's. No hardware or oil composition changes are required to maintain temperatures, pressures and capacity substantially unchanged in a refrigeration system.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with at least one cooling module, which has means for receiving a coolant, characterized in that the cooling module is designed as a hollow wall that is attached at least partially in the area of the side wall of the container, whereby the hollow wall is provided for receiving coolant.

Abstract: A shell and coil type heat exchanger evaporator provides cooling for industrial coolants characterized by high viscosity and a poor heat transfer coefficient. A large heat transfer surface area is provided within a limited volume, and without a high coolant pressure drop. A short initial cool down period is provided due to minimized heat exchanger mass and minimized volume of liquid coolant in the heat exchanger during initial cool down.

Abstract: A sock with reinforced toe and heel areas, and a tread area located between these areas. The tread area is reinforced between the toe and heel areas. A sock comprising: a reinforced toe region; a reinforced heel region; and a reinforced sole region between the toe and heel regions, wherein the reinforced sole region substantially corresponds to a degree of reinforcement of the toe and heel regions, and wherein the reinforced sole region is of a contour corresponding to a foot sole surface.

Abstract: Device for forming has at least one tool upper part, at least one upper matrix and at least one lower matrix. The device also has at least one tool lower part, at least one first clamping device and at least one second clamping device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device to determine the gas properties of combustible gas, in particular of natural gas, wherein

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing equipment located in a local environment by presenting a detectable indicator gas therein. The apparatus has a container portion, a chemical substance stored in the container portion, a pump operable to draw air into the container portion and in contact with the chemical substance to generate a detectable indicator gas, and an outlet to the container for directing the indicator gas into the local environment. Further, the pump is integrally formed as one piece with the container portion. Preferably, the pump is a manually squeezable polymeric bulb that is joined (e.g., by molding) seamlessly with the container portion.