Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin sandal made for reef and river walking utilizing a sponge-top layer directly fixed to a rubber sole as well as a single continuous adjustable elastic strap.

Abstract: A shoe sole having at least one midsole or outer surface portion that is concavely rounded relative to a space inside the shoe adapted to receive an intended wearer's foot. The sole includes a midsole and an outer sole. The midsole extends up the side of the sole to a vertical height above the vertical height of a lowest point of the inner midsole surface. The midsole includes a portion of greatest thickness in a side portion that is greater than a thickness of a second midsole portion located in a middle sole portion of the shoe sole. The combination of the midsole height and thickness with the concavely rounded surface portion together provide improved stability of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper, a foot support region positioned below at least a portion of the upper to support the bottom of a user's foot, a sole secured below the foot support region, and a flexible member positioned below at least a portion of the foot support region and above at least a portion of the sole. The flexible member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral portion, and an interior portion. The interior portion of the flexible member deflects in use in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the shoe. At least a portion of the peripheral portion is restrained from movement relative to the interior portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper having an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, a insole for supporting the wearer's foot, and an outsole. The upper, the insole and the outsole are comprised of at least two different forms of injection molded polymer materials permanently bonded at interfaces between the different forms of polymer materials to provide an integrally formed and unitary article of footwear. For example, the upper is formed of a limb silicone material, the insole is formed of a silicone gel material, and the outsole is formed of a silicone foam material. The method for manufacturing the integrally formed injection molded article of footwear includes providing a mold having at least one cavity for forming the article of footwear and providing the at least two different forms of polymer materials.

Abstract: A trench digging machine is provided that includes a digging implement capable of being laterally offset beyond the bounds of the transport machine, thereby enabling the trench digging machine to dig trenches that are laterally offset from the transport machine. The trench digging machine also generally includes an attachment plate and frame to operably connect the digging implement to the transport machine. The attachment plate may be disposed at an angle offset from vertical such that the attachment plate faces downwardly. As such, the frame and, in turn, the digging implement may be operably connected to the transport machine at a position closer to the ground, thereby reducing the clearance required for access by the digging implement.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, identifying, and retrieving at least one predetermined object. The apparatus comprises a storage receptacle of a predetermined size, shape, and material. A plurality of compartments is disposed within the storage receptacle. Each compartment has a predetermined size and shape for storing such objects within the storage receptacle. The apparatus includes a first means engageable with a respective compartment to differentiate each compartment from another. A second means associated with the first means for cross-referencing a corresponding item that the object in the respective compartment belongs to is provided for locating and retrieving the object in the storage receptacle, whereby the corresponding item may be matched with the object that it belongs to.

Abstract: A sign holding device for a folding chair that allows the user to display customized messages on a back rest of the chair. The sign holder is attached to the back rest in various manners so as to permit messages to be displayed when the chair is unfolded. The sign holders are configures such that when the chair is folded, the chair can be carried and stacked without having to remove the sign holders from the back rest. One embodiment of the folding chair also includes an integral carrying handle that permits the folded chair to be carried by one hand. The integral carrying handle further comprises an opening that permits the carrying hand to grasp the handle better, and also permit the chair to be unfolded without removing the hand from the handle, such that the unfolding action does not pinch the carrying hand.

Abstract: A colorful pyramidal waterglobe has a base. A transparent pyramidal body filled with water is mounted on the top of the base, inside of which an air pump, a projection lamp and two concentrically revolving rounding boards are contained. Air is sprayed out from an air spray nozzle that passes through top of the base. A conical air bubble duct is fitted to the top of the base and inside the transparent pyramidal body, and several side holes are disposed on the bottom portion of the conical air bubble duct. Accordingly, small air bubbles gather and combine into bigger bubbles as they rise up along the conical air bubble duct to generate a better visual effect. The windows on four sides of the base also glare and amplify the panel drawings on the revolving rounding boards.

Abstract: Dexterously and versatilely designed decorative mirror set has a reflector plate, a transparent plate, a liquid medium, a miniature water pump, a stairway, and a down light. With a combined function of these components, the image of a picture or photograph is improved to become more beautiful and appealing by means of the principle of optics.

Abstract: An inflatable billboard is described which comprises an inflatable frame with an advertising face mounted thereon. The advertising face is mounted to the frame by both releasable and detachable mounting means. As a result of this arrangement, the inflatable billboard is incurs only minimal damage even in high winds.

Abstract: A system for displaying and storing sheets including printed information thereon, as well as the components of the system separately. The system includes a plurality of relatively rigid sheets with the printed information thereon, a mounting fixture for displaying at least one sheet, and a hanging bar for storing the sheets not being used. Specifically, the mounting fixture includes an elongated bar, means for attaching the elongated bar to a wall, and a plurality of hooks. The hanging bar includes a rod, an upper hook configured for hanging the bar upon a pole, and at least two generally S-shaped hooks attached to the rod. The S-shaped hooks are designed to receive the sheets not being displayed. The printed information may include word puzzles, rebuses, gramograms, doodles, etc. If the information is a type of puzzle, a separate answer key is also preferably provided as part of the system.

Abstract: An apparel mounted picture securing and displaying apparatus is provided having a lower support member with a corner attachment orifice formed at each corner point. An upper frame element forming a transparent retention means within an outer perimeter is attached to the lower support member.

Abstract: The invention is created by taking photographs and introducing them into a computer by either scanning hardcopies or directly from a digital format. The photos are then arranged in a way to allow the colors or patterns to flow around an opening in the center in which a removable photo or item can be placed. Once an appropriate pattern is achieved, the image is printed onto a glossy photo quality paper and then adhered to matte board. The center is then removed using a beveled cutter in order to display the depth of the matte board. The final photo matte is a blended image of photos that depicts a story told with photos rather than words.

Abstract: A frame system for holding a planar display article includes a frame component defining a border region, and a central platform located inward of the border region and including an outer layer of reusable adhesive. A see-through cover is coupled adjacent the central platform and sized to fit over the central platform to be held there by the reusable adhesive. A planar display article may be placed over the central platform and held in place by the reusable adhesive. The see-through cover is movable over the planar display article to protect it.

Abstract: A personalized picture postcard for holding inserted photographs includes a backing sheet of a rectangular shape that has an exposed lower surface provided with printed indicia indicating the location of a mailing address and a position for writing a message to the recipient, a rectangular transparent window sheet adhesively bonded to an upper surface of the backing sheet along three aligned side edges to define an envelope therebetween that is open on one end. The backing sheet has a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive extending along the remaining edge i.e., the free edge thereof. A removable cover strip or liner is releasably secured over the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip to define an open end into which a photo can be inserted by the user. A rectangular border is bonded to the postcard for framing the inserted photo. The border is aligned with the side and end edges of the postcard over the adhesive so as to obscure the adhesive and thus provide an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A removable cylinder for a revolver according to the present invention includes a plurality of cartridge chambers, each appropriately sized to receive a blank cartridge therein. The cartridge chambers are sealed at their distal end to prevent debris from a fired blank cartridge from entering the revolver barrel. The cylinder may further include passages (e.g., vent ports or grooves) in communication with the cartridge chambers to vent exhaust gases released from the blank cartridges in response to revolver actuation. The revolver may further include a laser transmitter assembly to project a laser beam toward a target in response to revolver actuation to simulate firearm operation.

Abstract: This patent application describes an accessory for lever action rifles which enables the user to secure such rifles against unauthorized use with readily available trigger style locks. Lever action rifles are inherently difficult to secure due to the integration of the operating lever and trigger guard. Common trigger locks rely on the immobility of the trigger guard to secure themselves in place. A lever action arrangement renders this method useless, as the combination operating lever and trigger guard can be swung out of the way, freeing the lock from the rifle, and enabling unauthorized use. Many designs for cable style locks exist, but these almost all require that cable be threaded either through the action or the barrel of the rifle, which poses a risk of damage to the rifle and is usually rather difficult to achieve. Also, these designs force the action to remain open, exposing them to potentially dangerous contamination.

Abstract: A fire arm, especially a small caliber pistol, having a grip, a frame connected to the grip, a barrel unit fixed on the frame in the operating state of the fire arm, with a barrel tube and a bolt which can move relative to the frame and barrel unit such that when a shot is fired it can move to the rear against the direction of firing, the barrel unit and/or the frame having fastening means which allow detachable mounting of the barrel unit on the frame.

Abstract: The heat activated, scent impregnated or encapsulated game lure and cover scent provides a superior means to disperse and vaporize the scent molecules that attract animals and the cover scent helps to camouflage human odors for the purpose of hunting or trapping. A self-contained sealed strip, pad, wafer, or canister, once opened and exposed to air will cause heat. This in turn will cause the impregnated or encapsulated scent to be released without the use of messy liquids or gels. Heat will vaporize the scent, causing it to rise and travel on the air currents further and more efficiently.

Abstract: A pole handling apparatus includes a T-shaped base mount with a connecting member pivotally attached thereto. A cradle member is attached to the connecting member, and two securing arms are pivotally attached to the cradle member. The cradle member is secured to the connecting member via a pin, with the cradle member including a base plate with a pair of attached sidewalls. A central aperture traverses the base plate such that the pin may extend through the base plate to join with the mounting cylinder. At least one of the sidewalls includes a recession to receive and support the fishing pole. To secure the fishing pole in the pole handling apparatus, the securing arms are initially in an open position, and the fishing pole is inserted into the recession of the sidewall. The securing arms will pivot from the open position to the closed position as the fishing pole is inserted into the recession.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder that allows horizontal striking of fish either while trolling or still-fishing. The fishing rod holder consists of a rod holder support arm assembly, a rotating unit, a base unit and an optional mounting adapter. The rod holder may be mounted for horizontal striking on the top surface of a gunnel wall on a boat or other substantially flat horizontal surface. Alternatively, the mounting adapter may be used to mount the rod holder to a boat handle rail. The rod holder support arms are slidably engaged in the support arm assembly and allow for customized vertical orientation of the rod's tip with respect to the reel. In addition, the horizontal orientation of the rod may be customized to accommodate fishing technique and fishing conditions.

Abstract: This invention has the novelty of being able to protect and contain fishing flies, fishing hooks, and baits while fishing rods are being moved from one location to the other. An additional novelty of this invention is that it prevents the fishing hooks and flies from being caught on tree branches, persons, clothing, and other areas while fishing rods are being moved from one location to the other. The invention can made manufactured from any type of plastic, metal or other appropriate material of construction and can be either temporarily or permanently affixed to the fishing rod.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emitting pre-recorded sounds that simulate the natural sounds present in the preferred habitat of lobster and other marine crustaceans. The attractant sound simulates the sound of water splashing, gurgling and moving as waves, current or tidal shift impact on the reef, boulder or other such geographic feature on the ocean floor. To lobsters and other crustaceans, these sounds represent shelter from prey and the presence of food source. When the apparatus is placed in a trap and the attractant sound is emitted, lobsters and other crustaceans are attracted to the source of the sound and enter the trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating the mosquito bait as well as simulating the human body's surface temperature and emanated odor. A well-controlled heating assembly can be used to generate a suitable thermal gradient for incubating both microorganisms and evaporating the bait. The bait comprises at least the bacterial decomposition and the yeast fermentation solution. The bait is not poisonous to human beings and produces mosquito attractants from natural products of fermentation or decomposition. The apparatus according to this invention comprises at least an upper compartment for trapping mosquitoes and a bottom compartment including the bait and the heating assembly. This invention can also combine with electrocution grids or insecticide webs to destroy attracted mosquitoes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-chemical device for repelling flies from a covered area open to the outside, the invention hung from edges of the covered area. The device repels flies from such covered area using the prismatic effect of ambient light passing through the fluid contents of the transparent container without the use of pesticides, sticky films or residue which can contaminate and harm the environment. The device may also use mild chemical repellants to the liquid contents to prevent flying insects from entering the liquid contents deterring the laying eggs upon the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating the mosquito bait as well as simulating the human body's surface temperature and emanated odor. A well-controlled heating assembly can be used to generate a suitable thermal gradient for incubating both microorganisms and evaporating the bait. A bait-releasing unit is used to enhance the release of the mosquito bait. The bait comprises at least the bacterial decomposition and the yeast fermentation solution. The bait is not poisonous to human beings and produces mosquito attractants from natural products of fermentation or decomposition. The apparatus according to this invention comprises at least an upper compartment for trapping mosquitoes and a bottom compartment including the bait and the heating assembly. This invention can also combine with electrocution grids or insecticide webs to destroy attracted mosquitoes.

Abstract: A termite colony is treated with a termiticide by locating a bait station on or beneath ground surface, adjacent a building, to attract termites in the region. The bait station container holds nontoxic cellulose bait and has openings in a bottom wall and an upper wall. The opening in the bottom wall permits termites' ingress and egress to feed on the nontoxic bait within the container. The opening in the upper wall permits any termite activity within the container to be monitored without disturbing the nontoxic cellulose bait within the container and permits a termiticide to be introduced directly into the soil beneath and one or more termite tunnel tubes, beneath the container and leading into the container through the opening in the bottom wall, by passing a termiticide injection tube through the openings in the upper and bottom walls and into the soil beneath the container. Preferably, the termiticide is a non-repellent termiticide, which is lethal to termites through ingestion, contact and/or transferal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent compositions that may be used as a base material of transparent candles, to the transparent candles made therefrom, and to methods of making such compositions and candles. The compositions of the present invention include a liquid base material; at least one copolymer that includes at least one diblock, triblock, radial block and/or multiblock copolymer or combination thereof; and at least one derivative of an N-acyl amino acid. Preferably the at least one copolymer is a triblock copolymer and the derivative of an N-acyl amino acid is N-lauroyl-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide. The candles of the present invention may be formed into free-standing candles or container candles. The compositions and candles of the present invention may optionally further include one or more of the following: fragrances, coloring agents, decorative materials, insect repellants, solvents, stablilizers, antioxidants, and/or UV blockers.

Abstract: An aqueous hydrocarbon fuel is produced by a batch or continuous process. The process employs a reactant emulsion as a starting component with a hydrocarbon fuel, emulsifier and water. The resulting aqueous hydrocarbon fuel emulsion has improved stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective plant treatment material comprising at least one pigment and having high reflectance of UV (280-400 nm), visible (400-700 nm) and near infrared (700-800 nm) radiation, but allowing at least part transmission of radiation of 800-2500 nm, and to use of the material and method of treating plants.

Abstract: An automatic houseplant watering apparatus for homes and offices to work with existing planter and decorative containers without modification, comprising a programmable timer, a water reservoir, a micro submersible pump, a connecting tube, a soaker line, multiple anchoring stakes, and a siphon tube. The watering schedule can be programmed for any day of the week, any time of the day, and any duration of watering. The water reservoir can be refilled periodically without changing the watering schedule. The siphon can be used to connect an auxiliary water tank to the water reservoir for several months of extended vacation.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a rounded lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The rounded lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A fuel processing assembly adapted to produce hydrogen gas from a carbon-containing feedstock. The fuel processing assembly includes a fuel processor, such as a steam reformer. The fuel processing assembly further includes a feed assembly adapted to deliver a carbon-containing feedstock, such as a hydrocarbon, to the fuel processor. In some embodiments, the fuel processing system includes a fuel cell stack that includes at least one fuel cell adapted to produce electrical power from hydrogen gas produced by the fuel processor.

Abstract: A window assembly has a frame with balance channels to opposite sides of the frame, balance devices in the channels and a sash which is both slideable and tiltable relative to the frame. Also provided is a sash tilt limit bar which has a first end attached to the sash and a second end which is held within and which slides vertically of one of the balance channels without interfering with the balance device in the channel. The bar limits the tilting of the sash to positions which do not allow the second end of the bar to travel sufficiently far as to allow the bar to move to a position perpendicular to the frame where the bar might otherwise block closing of the sash.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a tilt lock latch mechanism to be incorporated in double hung windows. In one embodiment, the tilt lock latch mechanism includes a rotatable element which rotates serially from a locked position, to an open position, to a tilt position.

Abstract: An invertably mountable device having a generally hollow housing which mounts a movable latch member that is preferably biased toward latching engagement with an adjacent window jamb liner by a spring disposed within the housing. The housing preferably comprises a pair of mirror-image shells which fit together to form an enclosure, and provide an internal pivot mount for the latch member, and the housing has an opening through which the latch member projects. The latch member preferably carries a finger grip/thumb abutment member which facilitates movement of the latch member by an operator, and the grip/abutment member and latch member are preferably configured to permit mounting of the grip/abutment on either side of the latch member, to facilitate invertable mounting of the latch member. The latch member and jamb liner preferably provide a detent structure for secure interengagement.

Abstract: The invention provides an abrasive product having a sheet-like backing including a plurality of concavoconvex portions, the backing also having a first major surface including convex portions and an opposite second major surface including concave portions opposite said convex portions. A coating of a binder is applied over the first major surface and the convex portions. A single layer of a plurality of substantially erectly oriented abrasive particles is bonded to the backing by the binder coating. The abrasive product is made by providing the backing as defined, coating the first major surface with an uncured composition which will cure to provide the binder, applying abrasive particles to the uncured composition coating with an electrostatic sprayer and curing the uncured composition to provide the binder coating.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one boom including a tip and a foot and being designed and arranged to be rolled up to form a roll. The tip is located in a radial inward region of the roll and the foot being located in a radial outward region of the roll. The apparatus further includes a unit being designed and arranged to unfold the at least one boom and including a bearing being designed and arranged to cooperate with the foot in a way that the boom in the region of the bearing at the beginning of the unfolding process has an enlarged cross section. Especially, the apparatus may be used in space technology for unfolding a solar sail.

Abstract: A engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure which is the size of an ISO shipping container and which includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure with the walls of the structure being prewired and preplumbed and adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.

Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.

Abstract: A below in floor lengthwise interconnected arrangement of wire baskets serving as a repository of cables for computers and like apparatus, in which opposite sides of the baskets are assembled in depending relation from opposite side supports by inverted U-shape hooks thereof being urged in ascending movement through an opening into a compartment of each opposite support bounded by U-shaped edges, and resulting in the inverted U-shapes and upright U-shapes engaging with each other.

Abstract: An inner leg telescopically fits within an outer leg and includes a motor coaxially mounted to an end remote from the outer leg. A drive screw is coupled to the motor shaft and extends through a drive nut in an axially extending drive nut riser. As the motor rotates the drive screw, the inner leg extends and retracts from the outer leg. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive nut riser is a hollow cylindrical tube extending substantially the length of the outer tube to position the drive nut near the intersection between the inner and outer legs when fully extended. Such an arrangement allows a motor to be coaxially mounted within the inner leg and, therefore, concealed and provides the desired extension and retraction of the legs for adjustment to different operative positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a plurality of facilities conduits in a wafer fabrication facility for subsequent coupling to a wafer-processing tool. The apparatus comprises a facilities integration plate and a gauge fixture removably inserted within the facilities integration plate. The method comprises the steps of determining a location where the wafer-processing tool is positioned in the wafer fabrication facility, forming a cutout in a floor of the fabrication facility, and providing the plurality of facilities conduits through the cutout in the floor. The facilities integration plate is mounted within the cutout in the floor, and the gauge fixture is disposed within the facilities integration plate. The facilities conduits are sized to a length defined by the gauge fixture and the wafer-processing tool is coupled to the plurality of facilities conduits.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for preventing water infiltration into an in-floor receptacle fitting, such as a poke-thru fitting. The cover assembly includes a trim flange which overlies the fitting and is adapted to support at least one receptacle within the fitting. A cover plate is mounted on the trim flange includes access doors for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles. A first seal member is interposed between the cover plate and the trim flange for sealing against water infiltration therebetween. The first seal may be in the form of a planar gasket or O-ring. A second seal, in the form of at least one compressible gasket, extends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is adapted to be compressed between the trim flange and the surface of the floor. The cover plate may also include top and bottom portions and a third seal member interposed between the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A non-slip, nocoat drywall finishing system for finishing inside and outside corners of any angle, the finishing system being a preformed, continuously extruded trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that can be relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. An outer finishing layer of fibrous material that directly receives paint or texture. A pattern of protrusions, ridges, or grooves on the inner surface of the semi-rigid member to avoid the need for an inner material layer. To install one of the pieces, it is selected from stock and cut to length. A flat coat of mud is applied to both sides of an exterior or interior angle, and the trim piece is placed over the mud and smoothed into place. Once, the piece is in place, the edges are feathered once with a small amount of mud and a wide blade. At that point the corner is complete except for drying.

Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.

Abstract: A single metal sheet roofing panel having a plurality of alternatively raised and lowered patches longitudinally arranged in three rows. The panel30 comprises a side clip connection system for laterally connecting adjacent panels. The panel is coated with the stone based coating and has a unique patterned appearance of multiple colors and shades. A method for manufacturing of the panel.

Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.

Abstract: A corner form assembly for forming inside corners of concrete structures. A pair of double bias form components, each of which has an acute angle between a side rail and the face sheet are arranged with the side rails in contact engagement to form a form assembly with an inside angle equal to twice the acute angle of the side rails. A reverse bias coupler is used to join the double bias form components with conventional wall form panels having 90° end rails. The corner assembly acts to release the forces imposed on the components by the poured concrete upon disassembly and so allows the components to be readily stripped from the poured wall.

Abstract: A corner web member is disclosed that may be used for making corner structures in building form systems, such as systems used to construct concrete walls. When used for this purpose, the corner web member is preferably at least partially disposed within a side panel that forms a corner section of the form system used to construct walls. The present invention further includes methods of manufacturing the corner structures and methods of using the same to construct buildings. It is noted 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. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).