Abstract: Plant cutter apparatus includes a handling rod, a drive source unit mounted on one end portion of the handling rod via a clutch case, and a cutter blade mounted on the other end portion of the handling rod for being rotated by activation of the drive source unit. With the handling rod inserted in an axial loosely-fitting hole of the clutch case, the one end portion of the handling rod abuts at its end surface against an abutting region formed on the way through the loosely-fitting hole. The drive source unit is supported by the end surface of the handling rod via a drive-source mounting portion of the clutch case. The drive source unit is allowed to freely vibrate about the one end portion of the handling rod supporting the unit, so that a flexible coupling portion of the clutch case can perform a vibration attenuation function to reduce vibrations transmitted from the drive source unit to the handling rod.

Abstract: In a saw blade for power tools, in particular for power reciprocating saws, with a blade back (11) and a toothing (12) extending along the lower edge of the blade back and comprising many saw teeth (13) lined up in succession, in order to increase the blade life and service life of the saw blade, especially in a thick, stable embodiment, the saw teeth (13) in successive portions (a, b) of the toothing (12) are embodied with the same tooth width (az, bz), which however differs from that of the saw teeth (13) in the preceding or the succeeding portion (b, a) of the toothing (12).

Abstract: A circular saw 30 includes a housing 32, a fixed upper guard 34, a movable lower guard 36 and a shoe 38. A saw motor 48 is selectively operated to rotate a circular saw blade 54 to facilitate the formation of a selective cut or kerf into a workpiece 57 under the control of an operator. A forward end 126, and a wing wall 138, of the upper guard 34 form an enclosed chamber 122 which is placed in close proximity with an adjacent surface 46 of the shoe 38 to essentially preclude chips from discharging through a slight space 39 therebetween. A trailing peripheral portion 148 of the upper guard 34 is formed with an inner radial path for receiving the lower guard 36 within the upper guard, and an outer radial path for management and directing of chips to a rear end 130 of the upper guard for discharging of the chips. A pair of stripes 102 and 104, and a sight window 90, are located on a forward portion of the surface 46 of the shoe 38 to assist an operator of the saw 30 in the accurate formation of the kerf.

Abstract: A modular level is formed of unequal length first and second components which may be joined to form a single, elongate level or alternatively joined to form a framing square. Each component includes a series of level vials, enabling each component or joined components to be used for determining horizontal and/or vertical lines. The first component has a pair of pins extending from one end, parallel to its elongate axis. The second component has a first pair of passages in a first end parallel to its elongate axis, for joining the two components end to end to form a single long level. The second component also has a second pair of passages in its second end orthogonal to the first passages, for joining the two components at right angles to form a framing square. A storage compartment may also be provided in one component.

Abstract: A new level having a very rigid and rugged construction in the form of solid blocks between four track members that guide the relative movement of the level frame and level extension. The track members and extension provide planar surfaces the length of the extended level on the top and bottom. The extension includes handgrips to assist in both extending and using the level. As an option, a rotatable spirit vial is located in the extension. The rotatable spirit vial may be set for any angular degree between the horizontal and the vertical. Thus, angular pitches may be accurately determined with as much ease as the horizontal or vertical.

Abstract: A tile spacer is provided which can be used to create consistent gaps between tiles in a tile floor installation. The spacer is in the form of a cross having a center and four arms extending outwardly from said center with each arm positioned at an angle of about ninety degrees from each adjacent arm, and each arm has a predetermined width for forming a space of desired width between adjacent tiles placed on a substantially flat, adhesive-coated surface which will be subsequently filled with grout, and a groove of predetermined shape connecting the diagonally opposed intersections between the arms forms a raised bead in the adhesive for providing further support for the tiles and grout once the adhesive cures.

Abstract: A high-efficiency drying kiln, particularly for wood-like material, constituted by an internal chamber, which is covered with thermally insulating material and is provided with at least one opening for loading and extracting the material to be treated; two flues for recirculation of the air inside the chamber by aspirating and delivering air respectively from and into the outside environment; an air heating device; an air acceleration duct and air acceleration elements located inside the acceleration duct; the air acceleration duct has, at least at its output section, elements for orienting in an axial direction the air stream that is forced by the acceleration elements.

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing one or more frozen products of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with dry ice, and a heating device for heating the frozen product by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen products to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen product retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while holding it under rotational movement to thereby facilitate the sublimation of dry ice and of the frozen

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a cylindrically-shaped cushion 32 for attachment around the straps 16 of footwear 14, 15 having straps 16 thereon which cushion 32 is designed to be worn between the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22 of a user 18. The cylindrically shaped cushion has an inner fabric 36 and an outer fabric design 30 which can be made in many different designs and colors. The cushion 32 also has a split 34 running vertically therethrough which allows the cushion 32 to be opened at 38 so that it can be placed around the straps 16 of the footwear. Located on one side of the split 34 is a vertical adhesive strip 26 having a peel-off strip 27 which will adhesively seal to the opposing vertical face of the non-adhesive side 40. Also disposed on the inner bore of the cushion 32 is a horizontal adhesive strip 28 having a peel-off strip thereon 29 which is used for attachment to the strap 16.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.

Abstract: The object of this invention is an active ironing board. This board includes a perforated plane support, for example a metal grill, covered by a covering material that is permeable to gases, usually a cover, which forms the ironing surface and under which there is a suction compartment bound by a lower support panel where at least one ventilating unit or similar is mounted to suck in gases present in the suction compartment and push them outside, the lower support panel being also permeable to gasses.

Abstract: A hand-held sign with a handle having a portion forcibly insertable inside structure spacing apart opposite sides of a sign board. The handle may provide positive retaining structure to resist decoupling of the handle and sign board, or may be attached through a friction fit. Preferred handle embodiments provide a plurality of tines which are inserted into channel structure of a sign board. Preferred sign boards display a patriotic graphic on one face, and a suggested ranking, or score, on the opposite face.

Abstract: A banner stand for displaying banners or signs is disclosed. The banner stand is lightweight, portable, and easy to assembly while utilizing a minimum of parts. The banner stand includes a base tube with a flat, external portion against which two flat feet are secured. The feet may be rotated to extend laterally when the banner stand is erected and longitudinally when the banner stand is collapsed and stored. The base tube is substantially hollow providing a storage compartment for a pole assembly, the storage compartment being closed by end caps. The pole assembly is a multi-pole assembly that may collapse to the length of the longest pole, and each piece is connected by an elastic cord which also serves to hold the assembly together when the banner stand is erected. Between two of the poles of the pole assembly is a spring. In order to erect the stand, this spring is temporarily compressed and, upon returning to its original size, places the sign or banner under tension.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact. In other embodiments, the support tube is weakened by weakening members so as to fail upon impact. In one embodiment, the weakened portions are placed under tension.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact.

Abstract: A billboard tab which includes a uniformly thin flat sheet of synthetic resin material having at least first and second sections integrally connected along a mutually adjacent edge by a perforated joint. The first section has a display surface area thereon configured to be oriented at an angle to the second section. The second section has a hole therethrough adjacent a first edge thereof, the hole being oriented adjacent the perforated joint. The second section also has a connecting structure adjacent connecting means adjacent a second edge remote from the first edge adjacent the first hole for facilitating connection of the second section to an object.

Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitably fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.

Abstract: A firearm safety lock comprises a chamber insert and a muzzle insert secured together through the barrel of a firearm by an swiveling adjustable-length cable connection. The chamber insert is sized to fit within the breech of a firearm, and to prevent the loading of ammunition therein. The chamber insert receives a first end of a flexible cable, which is secured to the chamber insert by a swivel connection. The flexible cable extends the length of the firearm barrel, and is fitted, at the opposite end, to a lock receiving rod. The lock receiving rod includes at least one circumferential groove, and passes through an axial bore in the muzzle insert. The flexible cable length is adjusted such that a portion of the lock receiving rod is retained within the barrel, and a portion extends external thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight low profile variable shotgun bore choke that is easily manually adjusted by the user. To minimize the choke profile, the choke is connected to the shotgun through a threaded connection within the muzzle bore. External threads on a choke inner sleeve are configured to mate with standard threads found in existing prior shotgun barrel muzzles or with custom threads specifically formed. By using a threaded connection internal to the gun barrel, the overall radial dimensions of the choke are minimized thereby reducing the profile visible to the user. Weight is also reduced by a design which reduces radial dimensions and by use of light weight materials. The choke is adjusted by the user by manually rotating an outer adjustment sleeve with respect to an inner bore sleeve which is fixed to the shotgun barrel. The adjustment sleeve rotates through a range of choke conditions between two physical stops.

Abstract: The invention adds function to standard fishing gaffs of fishing nets to guide the fishing line clear of obstacles using the same gaff or net used to land the fish.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable arm supporting device for attachment to an elongated handle for the purpose of assisting the user to hold, support, and/or use a tool attached to the end of the elongated handle. The adjustable arm supporting device has a cradle for the forearm of a user, a handle support holding the cradle in an ergonomic alignment with the elongated handle. Preferably, the adjustable arm supporting device is self-adjusting in response to pressures exerted on it by the user and/or the tool.

Abstract: A plastic spoon bill, oval or circular in plan view with two angled thin faces which may be flat or curved, has a horizontal insert in the mouth of an artificial or natural bait fish. A pin through the bait fish body and through a hole in the insert secures the insert. A multiple pronged hook on a wire leader from the spoon bill is inserted in the underside of the bait fish. A weighted ballast attached to the hook is inserted in the underside of the bait fish. A live fish being hooked pulls the hook from the bait fish and the undamaged bait fish is reusable.

Abstract: An improved animal trap apparatus for capturing prey without injuring same, comprised of an upper enclosure means of light weight and flexible netting or mesh material supported by poles or rods arranged in a self-supporting manner.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide standing water at convenient locations for the use of mosquitoes to lay eggs. After eggs are deposited in the development cycle of the egg, the larva, pupa, adult life stage are interrupted by denying the proper environment to sustain their development. Also disclosed is an apparatus to abate mosquito populations which provides a convenient and attractive reservoir of liquid situated to encourage use by mosquitoes for egg laying. At intervals the liquid in the reservoir is flushed or filtered eliminating mosquito biomass developing in the liquid. The bio-matter is substantially removed and aborts the development of the bio-matter into adult insects.

Abstract: Composition for and method of stimulating growth of plants, e.g. increase in crop production. The composition comprises a carbon skeleton/energy component, typically a sugar or mixture of sugars; a macronutrient component providing the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, preferably also magnesium and sulfur; a micronutrient component providing zinc, iron and manganese, preferably also copper, boron, molybdenum and cobalt. The composition also preferably contains a vitamin/cofactor component and an enhancement component. The composition may be in the form of an aqueous solution or in a form suitable for coating seeds or coating pollen. It may be applied as a foliar spray, as a soil amendment, as a root dip or as an injectable solution. Preferably where, for example, it is used as a foliar spray it is applied at intervals at different stages of growth.

Abstract: Awny seed are prepared for planting by mechanical planters. The awny seed are prepared for removing the awn by chilling the see to less than 5° centigrade. The awn is removed from the chilled seed by flaming. The deawned seed are sprayed with a tackifier while being tumbled. Then the seed are sprinkled with a mixture of a high density material, a hydrophilic substance and optionally a fertilize and a growth regulator. While being tumbled, thereby producing a coated seed.

Abstract: A planter for high-density growth of plants is described. The planter contains a bottom and at least one wall disposed on the bottom for forming a cavity. The at least one wall contains a plurality of holes configured for allowing plant stems to extend therethrough in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one drain hole is formed in the bottom or the at least one wall for draining water from the cavity. Plant growth medium is placed in the cavity, and plants are planted in the plant growth medium such that the stems extend through the holes in the wall.

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 curvilinear 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 curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.

Abstract: A floral sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a medial portion. The floral sleeve can be placed about a plant container, such as a potted plant, such that the lower portion contains a pot, and the upper portion surrounds a floral grouping. When desired, the upper portion and lower portion can be detached, leaving the medial portion which can be attached to the pot forming a skirt extending from the upper end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a pavement edging device consisting of an elongated extrusion having a flat bottom portion, said bottom portion having opposite first and second side edges. The extrusion also has a trough formed from first and second spaced apart parallel wall portions extending upwardly from the bottom portion between the first and second side edges. The wall portions have first and second top edges, respectively. The extrusion also has first and second flange portions formed on the bottom adjacent the first and second side edges, respectively. The first and second flange portions extend away from the first and second wall portions, respectively.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a roof window frame with two opposite parts (1) determining the window height, having in their outer side wall on their full length a rectangular recess (2) with a supporting surface (2a) facing the roof, and having through fixing holes (3) between the frame surface above the glazing plane and the parallel supporting surface (2a) of the recess (2). The method of embedding and fixing the window frame in the roof following the invention includes inserting the window frame in an opening of matching size in the roof surface so that the supporting surface (2a) of the recess (2) in the side parts (1) rests on the rafter framing elements of the roof, and then screwing it down to these elements with screws inserted in the through holes (3) in the side parts (1).

Abstract: An edge seal polymer profile (31) attached proximate the peripheral edge of a vehicle window glazing (1), wherein the profile (31) is adapted to cover the gap or channel between the glazing edge and the adjacent vehicle window frame in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In an exemplary embodiment, a flexible lip of the profile (31) bends back toward the exterior surface (2) of the glazing/substrate upon insertion of the glazing into the vehicle window frame, thereby bending or flexing into a position where an end portion (e.g., approximately T-shaped end portion) of the lip is approximately flush with the exterior surface (2) of the glazing and the exterior surface of the window frame.

Abstract: A building system comprising interlocking log-like construction members to be used with or without screw-like fasteners. Various real-sized structures such as cabins, play-houses and tool sheds may be formed by perpendicular arrangement of recessed surfaces formed in the log-like members. A fastening system allows semi-permanent attachment of adjacent log-like members using a flanged fastener having an axial threaded recess and an axial threaded extension. When two fasteners are axially aligned, the axial threaded extension of one fastener may be engaged in the axial threaded recess of the other. The fasteners extend through holes in the recessed surfaces of the log-like members and thereby secure adjacent log-like members together.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system including a plurality of panels used for defining an office space. Each panel has opposite top and bottom distance channels, opposite left and right vertical posts, a panel covering, a ceiling rail, and an articulating floor channel. The top and bottom distance channels extend along a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of the panel. The left and right vertical posts extend along a direction substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the panel. The distance channels and vertical posts are affixed to one another by means of connecting studs in order to form a rectangular support frame of the panel. The panel covering is removably mountable onto receiving means of the rectangular support frame. The ceiling rail is operatively connected to a top portion of the rectangular support frame and is used for operatively securing the rectangular support frame of the panel to a ceiling surface.

Abstract: A corner piece for covering the corner of a structure with mating walls having siding panels containing multiple shingle impression courses attached thereto includes a first wall having an exterior face with first and second lateral edges and a second wall having an exterior face with first and second lateral edges. The exterior faces of the first and second walls include an ornamental appearance containing a plurality of vertically stacked shingle impressions. The shingle impressions of the exterior faces are staggered at least along the second lateral edges. These staggered shingle portions overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and corner piece are attached to the structure. The staggered shingle portions and multiple shingle impression courses of the siding panels cooperate to give the appearance that the corner piece substantially blends into the siding panels.

Abstract: A corner protector is provided for protecting a corner of an object. The corner protector includes first and second spaced sidewalls. Each sidewall includes an outer edge having a notch formed therein in order to allow sidewalls to flex. A connection element interconnects the first and second sidewalls such that the inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls define an object receiving cavity therebetween. Support shoulders are provided within the object receiving cavity of the corner protector to support the corner of the object when inserted therein.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: Building block systems are provided. An embodiment of a building block system includes a first preformed, monolithic block exhibiting indicia of media and mortar about at least a portion of the exterior of the monolithic block. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A shingled roof includes a waterproof roofing membrane bonded to the roof deck adjacent an eave of the roof for preventing water damage to the roof deck and an interior of a building from wind-blown rain or water buildup on the roof. The waterproof membrane underlies at least a lowermost course of shingles adjacent the roof eave; has a first major surface bonded to the roof deck; and has a second major surface with an adhesive strip extending the length of the waterproof roofing membrane that bonds the lowermost course of shingles adjacent the roof eave to the second surface of the waterproof roofing membrane. The waterproof roofing membrane has a release strip overlaying the adhesive strip which is removed immediately prior to applying and bonding the lowermost course of shingles to the waterproof roofing membrane.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A hoarding module 100 is disclosed which cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding and includes a substantially rectangular panel member 101 and positioning means in the form of a sleeve set 69, 70 and sleeve 71 which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along at least one vertical side thereof. Positioning means 69, 70 and 71 cooperate with joining means in the form of pins 80 to hinge together horizontally adjoining modules in a hoarding.

Abstract: A plank having a wood core with a groove formed in each of its sides and a protective cladding formed on its top surface. The wood core is formed by bonding a plurality of wood strips or chips together. The cladding is provided by a sheet of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polycarbonate, and composites thereof that is bonded to the top surface, or by two or another number of sheets of a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, phenol, epoxy, and composites thereof, that are sprayed or rolled onto the top surface. T-shaped connector clips can be provided with the arms receivable in the grooves of the plank for securing adjacent planks together.

Abstract: A spacer/support having a body portion, a surface engaging portion and a securement to attach the body portion to a weldment plate in tilt-up construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the securement includes a plurality of fingers that can snap onto the head of a Nelson stud. A second embodiment is equipped with a flat head that can be secured to the weldment plate using an adhesive. The length of the spacer/support may be adjusted manually by cutting the body to length or by rotating one threaded member relative to a second to accommodate different thicknesses of walls. The spacer/support is preferably plastic but may be metal.

Abstract: A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist including a body having a central portion with a base wall. An upper portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a first wall secured to and extending forwardly from the top of the base wall and a second wall secured to and extending from the front of the first wall. A notch in the top of the base wall extends upwardly through the first and second walls. A lower portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a third wall secured to and extending at right angles from the bottom of the base wall and a fourth wall secured to and extending at right angles from the third wall. A brace is secured to the base wall beneath the notch.

Abstract: A window shutter frame for attaching window shutters to a wall comprising an elongate frame base having a first length, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first longitudinal axis, the top surface having a mounting channel with a first width, the mounting channel extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the frame base along the entire first length of the frame base, the mounting channel having a base surface and a first side surface and a second side surface, the base surface of the mounting channel having one or more mounting points through which fasteners may be disposed; and an elongate concealing strip for insertion into the mounting channel having a second width, a second length, and a second longitudinal axis, the second width of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first width of the mounting channel, the second length of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first length of the frame base, such that upon insertion of the concealing strip into the mountin

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight building material (1) for structural work. The light weight building material (1) comprises at least three walls, a first wall (11), a second wall (12) and a third wall (13) formed from a single piece of galvanized iron sheet to form a triangular-section. However, a circular section may also be used while a rectangular section is preferred. The galvanized iron sheet is cut and cold-rolled to form the light weight building material (1).

Abstract: A securing assembly applies an elongated member to a flexible construction material, such as roofing felt or insulation, and holds the elongated member to the construction material in place on a building with a fastener, by feeding the elongated member through a fastening device under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A temporary support device for installing sheet material in a building construction is provided with a multitude of perpendicular surfaces and a pair of offset surfaces for temporarily supporting a variety of sheet materials in a variety of orientations. Countersunk through holes integral to the support device accept standard screw hardware for temporarily mounting the support device to the building substructure. The pair of offset surfaces provide clearance for loosely supporting the sheet material before final securement of the sheet to the building substructure. The support device may be manufactured out of lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, wood, or plastic, and may include cored out sections, thereby enhancing the utility and handling of the device. Materials that can be temporarily supported by the support device include, but are not limited to, sheetrock, insulation board, plywood, and particle board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safeguarding device of a glass door serving functions of windshield, soundproofing and safety, in which a buffering member for providing a soft feeling with an elastic buffering member is assembled on an edge side of the glass door, and a weather strip is assembled on the frontal edge surface of the buffering member.