Abstract: A roof vent cover for spherical roof vents, made of hard vinyl construction, and two congruous pieces. The pieces cover the bulb and exterior shaft of the roof vent, and are affixed to one another by screws and wing nuts.

Abstract: One piece integrally molded frame members that fit against each other to form a support frame having an article retaining recess therein.

Abstract: An embeddable air duct block includes a tubular member extending between a pair of rectangular plate members spaced from each other. The tubular member has a pair of open ends and an interior passageway. One plate member has an inner surface coupled to one open end and a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the interior passageway. The other plate member is coupled to the tubular member and has a duct opening aligned with the interior passageway. Two cement cavities are preferably formed on opposite sides of the tubular member. An air duct is formed in a concrete block wall by installing and securing the air duct block in the concrete block wall. The blocks are coupled together by cementing slurry poured into the cavities. Optionally, reinforcing bars can also be utilized within the cement cavities and at least one cavity of the concrete block wall.

Abstract: An end-to-end connection for main beams in a ceiling grid for a suspended ceiling. A connector is formed at the end of a beam by combining a clip, fastened to the beam, with a configuration in the end of the beam. The connections are engaged to form a connection. The connection can be disengaged and reengaged.

Abstract: A fire resistant door edge construction composed of an incombustible door stile including an intumescent seal intimately fixed in a groove in the stile, over a rigid strip of high density material located in the base of the groove for anchoring hinge screws.

Abstract: A device for invisibly fastening panels, especially natural stone heating panels, to walls with the help of a holding element, engaging a blind recess of the panel, wherein the blind recess essentially is a T-shaped groove with a threading opening, which is engaged by the cross sectionally corresponding head of the holding device.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching items such as solar shading to curtain walling mullions of the kind defined, comprises a bracket having a generally U-shaped formation at one end for fitting over the generally U-shaped formation of the glazing bar of a mullion, a substantially planar portion which, when the bracket is fixed to the mullion, projects forwardly of the glazing bar and in use between two adjacent glazing units and a seal locating formation projecting laterally of the substantially planar portion. The generally U-shaped formation comprises a web portion and two parallel or substantially parallel side portions. The web portion has an aperture therein above and/or below the substantially planar portion for receiving a self-tapping screw which can, in use, extend through the aperture and engage with the groove in the U-shaped formation of the glazing bar.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying down floors or linings and for their quick removal and replacement by glueing or fixing them onto a support, removable with respect to a support sheeting (9). The method includes providing fixed support (8) and movable support (7), which have a substantially similar shape. The fixed support (8) being immovably fixed into the support sheeting (9) and the second movable support (7) being movably fitted with the first fixed support (8) and being intended for laying down floors or linings (5).

Abstract: A perimeter weighted foundation has a central pier pedestal and an enlarged base spaced outwardly and extending below the pedestal. The enlarged base includes an outer concentric perimeter wall section with a radially extending, disk-shaped spread section interconnecting the bottom of the pedestal section and the top of the perimeter wall section. The pedestal section includes vertically extending post-tensioning anchor bolts sleeved through substantially the entire height of the cylindrical pedestal in accordance with earlier U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,586,417 and 5,826,387 and the spread section includes two layers of similarly sleeved post-tensioning bolts which extend through the bottom of the pedestal section and into or through the top of the perimeter wall section, thus tying together the enlarged base to the pier pedestal.

Abstract: A fresh masonry wall protection device and method for rapidly protecting a newly laid block or brick wall from inclement weather. A thin plastic channel element has a top panel member and a pair of parallel side panel members. The top panel member has a smooth, flat inner face which is adapted to engage the topmost surface of the newly laid block or brick wall. The parallel side panel members are springy and angled inwardly so that they engage the newly laid block or brick wall and have lower ends which angle outwardly to form a water deflector and guideway for installing the protection device on the newly laid block or brick wall. The top panel member is provided with a plurality of spaced rebar punchouts. One end of the channel element is provided with guide lines for adapting the ends to cover corners and other wall angulations.

Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.

Abstract: A decorative, lightweight column structure suited for interior decorative purposes includes a lightweight, decorative fiber support and thin, flat decorative segments secured to an outer surface of the support. A method of making includes providing a durable fiber support and fastening the decorative elements to the support in a particular decorative pattern array that also increases the strength of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular floor including a plurality of floor tiles having two sides with different functional characteristics so that one side has a regular checkered surface with protrusions of equal maximum height and on the same plane, comprising areas with open grids and blind areas, while on the other side are some areas with through openings and some with regularly spaced blind openings with protrusions of equal maximum height, all of which coincide with the counterpart of the first side, which are combined with flat sunken areas with respect to the maximum height of this side, which constitute grooves for the insertion of interlocking members and present a surface formed by the closed backs of the blind areas of the first face.

Abstract: A roof covering includes a thin film safety barrier coupled between the lower flanges of spaced roof purlins for supporting the weight of a person thereon in the space between the purlins. The preferred safety barrier includes a plurality of layers with at least one of the layers being vapor impervious. In the preferred embodiment, fasteners are used to couple straps to the purlin lower flange with the barrier there between in order to secure the barrier to the purlins.

Abstract: A system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising panels molded from a closed cell foam plastic, with a facing material attached to the outside surface of panels adding substantial strength to panels during material handling and construction, providing a substrate for finish materials and adding UV resistance to panel surfaces. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relationship. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud has a flange and groove connected with a web. Spreaders slide vertically into the grooves of studs in opposing panels creating a form with a cavity between panels. Each spreader has opposing flanges connected by horizontal members, horizontal members having multiple formations, thus when spreaders are stacked the formations compliment each other allowing wall reinforcing to be locked in any preferred location. A chase way is provided in panels to accommodate electrical wiring.

Abstract: A construction block, bed gasket and butt gasket are described, as well as a unique construction method for constructing a construction array utilizing the construction blocks and gaskets. The construction blocks comprise a first and second load bearing faces, first and second engaging faces, an inner face and an outer face, which faces define a block passage, as well as at least one lifting rod to aid in assembly of the construction array. The construction method utilizes bed gasket and butt gasket to provide for ease of assembly of the construction blocks, as well as other benefits.

Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.

Abstract: An external utilities manager is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. The posts include outwardly protruding flanges which extend along the length of the posts. The external utilities manager includes a vertical raceway having a hollow interior configured to route utilities therealong, and an enclosed exterior disposed between the flanges of an associated post, and extending therealong to an open upper end. A horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and extends along the side face of an associated beam, and includes an interior configured to route utilities therealong. One end of the horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and communicates with the upper end of the vertical raceway to route utilities throughout the furniture system.

Abstract: A floor for a bumper car amusement ride is of modular construction. A base of each module may be of wood and has a multitude of openings for inserted reception of threaded studs welded to the underside of sheet metal panels extending lengthwise thereof. Nut elements, upon removal, permit panel removal and replacement. Dielectric spacers on each base insulate metal panels of different polarity. A metal framework supports the floor modules.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: The open joint wall panel system includes panels having a standardized shape attached to an extrudable track that, in turn, is attached to an exterior wall. Each panel is vertically positioned using dead load anchors and positioned relative to the exterior wall with anchor clips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor is described The approach involves using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which Surround a cut away of the anchor sheet In one embodiment the attachment pieces are corner pieces which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets

Abstract: A block pad for being disposed between courses of blocks in a segmental retaining wall, the block pad having frictional properties for transferring tensile load from a soil reinforcing geosynthetic to the wall. The block pad further providing cushioning between block courses to minimize block cracking from bearing loads and wall settlement.

Abstract: A folding square framework which may serve as a support for a tensile canvas or membrane. This framework, which may be mounted on a fixed column or wall, may fold, around hinges set at 54.3° to the longitudinal axes of each member of the framework, at each corner, compactly together such that all four sides of the framework are rested parallel with one another, perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded structure.

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members each having a curved cross section forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends and flattens by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furniture including multiple rods, wherein a first rod has a first end rotated about a support shaft, and a second end formed with a first rod end corresponding to a second rod end of a second rod. A positioning base mounted on the second rod end has a locking groove. A fitting base mounted on the first rod end defines a receiving chamber having a wall formed with an opening. A locking base has a locking plate extended into the receiving chamber through the opening. The locking plate is formed with a locking hole. Two elastic member are mounted between the fitting base and the locking base, so that the locking base is normally moved outward. A retaining device may mount the locking base on the fitting base, so that the locking base may move toward the receiving chamber after being assembled.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a moment resisting connection that comprises a column connection, a girder connection, and a field weld that couples the column connection to the girder connection. The column connection includes a column and a pair of column side plates in which each column side plate is coupled to the flanges of the column. The girder connection comprises a girder and a pair of girder side plates in which each girder side plate is operatively coupled to a doubler plate that is coupled to each girder flange. Alternatively, each girder side plate is joined to each girder flange. The field weld is performed by positioning the girder connection so that it may be welded to the column connection. The present invention also teaches a method comprising the steps of welding each column side plate to the flanges of the column. Additionally, the steps of fixedly coupling each girder side plate to the flanges of the girder is described.

Abstract: A wooden trussed structure includes beams which are constructed from at least three elementary planks, nailed together. The plank located in the central part is offset relatively to the ends of the lateral planks, so as to form thereat, tenons and/or mortises for inserting, at the junction forming a node, a panel-type reinforcement, positioned in the core, and wherein the shearing surfaces correspond to the lateral surfaces at each node. The panel includes a wooden structural element such as a micro-lath or plywood as a plate-type solid web.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, elongate, tubular light pole. The elongate light pole defines a central axis and is constructed from a filament-wound composite of fiber-reinforced bonding agent and has a wall thickness of less than ¾ inch, and preferably ⅜ inch. The pole is configured and adapted to support a lighting structure thereon without failure of the composite, such that a twenty-foot section of the pole is capable of withstanding a lateral load transverse of the axis of at least 300 pounds without failure of the composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gypsum board hanging tool that allows a single workman to hang gypsum board on a conventional or inclined ceiling. Specifically, the gypsum board hanging tool comprises a support housing, a wheel that is rotatably attached to the support housing, and a support strut which is removably attached to at least one extension of the support housing. The support housing also has a means whereby a support strut may be attached. The support housing also has a means an aperture in its upper surface that is capable of receiving, within the support housing, a hanging member, such as a nail or screw, that is first attached to a ceiling or a wall. The hanging member allows the support housing to be suspended from the ceiling and to adjust and swivel about the hanging member.

Abstract: A construction method is provided using wooden bricks for building wall structures and the like. The bricks are formed from stocks of wood wastes cut into rectangular blocks. The wood grain of the blocks is arranged to extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the block to reduce the effects of wood shrinkage on the completed wood structure. A rabbet is formed in a forward face of the blocks adjacent a top side and the second end of the block. The blocks are laid out similarly to masonry bricks in a staggered pattern.

Abstract: A countertop assembly comprising a horizontal deck having an upper and a lower surface and an elongated vertical edge surface and an elongated molded strip superimposed on the vertical surface. A pattern formed from either ridges or recesses or a combination of ridges and recesses may be molded into the front side of the elongated molded strip. A method of manufacturing this countertop assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric container for holding albumin. The container is made of a sheet of flexible polymeric film formed into a bag having a cavity enclosed by a first wall, an opposing second wall, and seals about a periphery of the first and second walls. The seals join an interior portion of the opposing first and second walls and create a fluid-tight chamber within the cavity of the container for storing a concentration of the albumin. A method of packaging the albumin protein into a flexible polymeric container is also provided. Therein a flexible polymeric material is converted into bags, the bags are filled with a quantity of albumin by a filler, and a seal area of the bags is sealed to enclose the albumin within the bag.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a pallet against pilferage is disclosed. A pallet seal is comprised of two-part seal structure, one male and one female, having one, or more locking devices, with male and female connecting ends. The Seal is secured together against the pallet strap, by a double-sided adhesive secured to each of the male and female part of the seal. The seal is then marked with seal numbers and can be bar coded and color-coded for additional security.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a low profile magnetic component, a method of manufacturing an apparatus for manufacturing low profile magnetic components, and a method of manufacturing a low profile magnetic component. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame with a fixture adapted to hold a magnetic core. The apparatus includes a loading station coupled to the frame that is adapted to load the magnetic core onto the fixture. Also coupled to the frame is a wire feeding and cutting station configured to feed and cut a wire and form a conductive element having a particular configuration. The wire feeding and cutting station also positions the conductive element for mounting on the magnetic core. The embodiment includes a clamping station coupled to the frame for clamping and mounting the conductive element on the magnetic core.

Abstract: A device for wrapping bales of agricultural produce such as bales of hay, straw or green crop with a film. The bales are completely wrapped with the film and are marked to set forth the quality of the bale as silage and with further information. The information may include the amount of film used to wrap the bale and thus the number of wrapping layers, and the name of the person responsible for wrapping the bale. Electronic devices may be applied to the wrapping film for ascertaining the location of the bale after it has been wrapped by GPS or DGPS. The information can be imprinted directly on the film used for wrapping the bale or on labels applied to the film.

Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintained in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24, 26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).

Abstract: A method of packaging spring units in which at least one web of insulator material is fixedly located against one of the top and bottom surfaces of the spring units. Each web of insulator material is secured to the outermost coil springs along longitudinal edges of the spring units with securing elements. The resultant bedding products are then roll-packed.

Abstract: A method and system for storing of a bulk commodity utilizes a flexible, low air-permeable sheet material enclosure in which the bulk commodity is hermetically sealed. The atmosphere in the sealed flexible sheet material enclosure is evacuated to establish a vacuum therein. The vacuum is maintained during at least a portion of the storage of the commodity to ensure a significant reduction of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is maintained sufficiently high to ensure substantial total kill of infesting insects within a desired time period. At least a portion of the commodity can be removed from the enclosure by opening a hermetic seal therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for packaging articles in bags is proposed, where a packaging magazine is used for receiving and guiding an article to be packaged. An article to be packaged is slid by a slider into the packaging magazine. The packaging magazine then moves together therewith into an opened bag, which is removed from a bag stack. With the bag, which surrounds the packaging magazine, the latter is then slid into the transfer magazine from where further conveying takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils, wherein the utensils each have first end and a second ends defining a longitudinal axis. The utensil wrapping apparatus includes a utensil manipulator for placing the a utensil adjacent a surface of the napkin. First and second utensil engaging devices are provided for releasably engaging the first and second ends of the utensil and the portions of said napkin respectively adjacent the first and second ends of said utensil, such that said napkin and said utensil are held in a fixed relative position. A napkin guide for wrapping the napkin around the utensil, wherein the napkin guide is manipulable to orbit the longitudinal axis such that the napkin guide contacts the napkin and thereby wraps the napkin around said utensil.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated and integrated method and apparatus for packaging, loading, storing, and/or retrieving a specified product. A preferred embodiment of a system comprises a packager, a feeder device, a magazine, an unloading device, and a control unit. The packager is adapted to package a predetermined quantity of a product in a package. The feeder device has a loading screw which engages the package and transfers it to a storage screw in the magazine. The magazine preferably comprises multiple horizontal rows of storage screws. Each horizontal row of storage screws may be individually rotated about a central axis of the magazine. The control unit maintains a data base of the location and contents of each package in the magazine. The unloading device is adapted to retrieve a desired package from the magazine. The unloading device then transfers the desired package to a predetermined location such as a tote, bin, or patient specific drawer.

Abstract: An envelope-filling station having an envelope-filling bench which is added onto a push-in station of a mail-processing machine, in which enclosures or sets of enclosures are conveyed into the push-in station by a conveyor and are pushed into envelopes by a push-in arrangement. The envelopes are conveyed by an envelope-conveying arrangement, on the envelope-filling bench, into a position opposite the push-in arrangement and being opened there and held ready for receiving the enclosures or sets of enclosures.

Abstract: A fingerprint capture or processing apparatus incorporates a casing defining a sealable chamber, a first support in said chamber for holding a source of a chemical fingerprint fixative agent, a second support in said chamber for holding an article to be tested for fingerprints, a filtration system connected to said chamber for removing contaminants from air in said chamber, and an air circulation assembly operatively connected to said casing for circulating air from said chamber and through said filtration system. Preferably, the air circulation assembly is a closed system, ensuring that no contaminants will be spilled to the ambient atmosphere prior to complete cleansing of the air inside the casing. A humidity control device may be connected to the air circulation assembly for modifying a humidity level in the chamber to a predetermined relative humidity, thus optimizing effectiveness of the chemical fingerprint fixation agent.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural machine having drivable members for working the soil or crop or both. Either the agricultural machine or a tractor connected therewith has a storage medium which may be a computer memory in which a desired relationship between the rpm of the working member and the driving velocity of the agricultural machine is stored. The agricultural machine includes a governor or control mechanism for regulating, on the basis of the relationship stored in the storage medium, the rpm of the working member in dependence on the agricultural machine's velocity. In this manner, the optimum rpm for the driven working member can be set for any driving velocity of the machine to maximize the results obtained by the working member in improved soil or crop conditions or both.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and easy-to-use wheeled lawn care unit comprising a two-wheeled carriage, a power source, plurality of tools which may be alternatively connected to the power source, a handle and a boom connecting the selected tool to the power source. The power source is pivotally connected to the carriage at a location within its footprint. The unit has a low center of gravity by placing the power source pivot and center of gravity within a cylinder defined by the wheels. The boom extends horizontally from the power source and is of a split boom configuration which allows selective rotation for the boom portions relative to one another. An edger that can be selected for the unit, which includes a spring-loaded wheel. The edger may be rotated from a non-working position where the edger blade does not contact the ground to a working position by rocking a handle behind the carriage forward against the bias of the spring. A second more compact version has the shield positioned on the boom.

Abstract: A forage additive application system of the present invention is adapted to apply a additive onto forage without first mixing the concentrated additive with a large volume of water. The application system includes a separate water tank and additive container. As water is pumped through a nozzle, the forage additive is injected into the water at a rate dependent upon the desired additive application rate.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a front wheel unit (1), a rear wheel unit (2) having a left rear wheel (2a) and a right rear wheel (2b), a body frame (3) supported by the front wheel unit and rear wheel unit, a mower unit (10) disposed under the body frame between the front wheel unit and rear wheel unit, a driver's seat (5) disposed on the body frame to be above the mower unit, an engine (7) disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat, and a drive transmission mechanism (70) for transmitting drive from the engine to the rear wheel unit. The engine (7) is disposed between and substantially at a higher level than the left and right rear wheels (2a, 2b) to secure a utility space (100) extending longitudinally of the vehicle body between the left and right rear wheels.