Abstract: The present invention provides a boxed and self-supportive, multi-functional calendar having a cover member that supports a date element at a slanted position on a flat surface for viewing and writing notes, and also wraps around the date element for preventing information from being seen by others. The calendar also has a magnetic element, supported by the cover member, to hold metallic pieces such as paper clips for a user to keep the surrounding surface organized. The disclosed calendar is composed of a minimal number of components which simplifies the manufacturing process and lowers production costs.

Abstract: A greeting card which allows for the viewing of an image is provided. The card is a substantially tubular, flexible structure. The structure has a face area, including an eye area and nose area. One or more magnifying lenses are integrally mounted to the structure in the face area. Two one images are deposited on the inside surface of the structure, opposite the face area, next to each other. A viewer places his or her eyes in near contact with the magnifying lenses and views the image. The image may also be viewed in three dimensions.

Abstract: An identification device having a surface for the display of one's name, title, artwork, or other information which, after being positioned properly, gives the illusion of levitating without any visible supports. The device uses magnetic field repulsion to achieve this illusion with a simple, easy release mechanism for lateral stability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating an illuminated sign system with a dasher board in a hockey rink. The illuminated sign system includes an outer frame with an impact resistant transparent sheet secured to a front surface of the outer frame. The sign system includes a display panel member having a white front surface and a plurality of apertures therein. The display panel member includes a circuit board assembly having a plurality of LED trios positioned proximate the rear surface of the display panel member so that LED trios register and protrude through a corresponding aperture in the display panel member. The illuminated sign system includes a power supply and a controller for controlling the power supplied to specific LEDs in each of the LED trios. In addition, the controller controls the intensity emitted by the LEDs to thereby manipulate the color contrast with the white front surface of the display panel member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a page for displaying inserts, such as photos. The page comprises a backing sheet, a clear display sheet and at least one horizontal row of pockets for receiving the inserts. The clear display sheet overlays at least one side of the backing sheet and is attached thereto about the backing sheet peripheral edge and along predetermined attachment patterns. The clear display sheet includes at least first and second openings, such as slits. The attachment patterns and the openings define a row of pockets. Two adjacent pockets of a given row share one of either first and second openings. A row of pockets may be used to display inserts, such as landscape photos, which span at least two adjacent pockets of this row. Also disclosed is an album including such pages, and a similar page in which the backing sheet includes at least first and second openings.

Abstract: A two-dimensional figure display device supports an animal or figure silhouette with loose appendages, such as a dog's ears and tongue, on the exterior of a vehicle rear window. The image of the figure to be simulated is formed on a multi-layered element which is attached to a stiffening support. The support has frontwardly and upwardly extending clips which engage between the window and the window frame of the moving vehicle. Loose flaps of material on the multi-layered element are acted upon by the wind as the vehicle travels, simulating the movement of the depicted figure.

Abstract: A sign system is disclosed for use with a parking lot which includes a plurality of parking spaces. The sign system comprises at least first and second monuments, a plurality of signs, and at least first and second cable segments suspended between the first and second monuments in a spaced relationship to each other. Each of the plurality signs is disposed adjacent to and bearing indicia identifying a corresponding one of the plurality of parking spaces and is affixed to both of the first and second cable segments in a steadying relationship. The first monument includes first and second weights, each of which is coupled respectively to a corresponding one of the first and second cable segments, whereby tension is applied to each of the first and second cable segments.

Abstract: A golf accessory that is produced with slight variations in customized surface ornamentation on a recurring basis is fabricated by manufacturing it with two separate component elements. A main body portion is formed with a shallow tray having a flat floor recessed below the level of a surrounding rim. A modular insert bearing customized surface ornamentation is produced as a separate part. The modular insert is permanently secured in the tray defined in the main body to produce the finished golf accessory which has a customized surface ornamentation. By producing the main body as a separate part, a significant savings in tooling is achieved, since the molds or dies for the main body can be reused year after year. Smaller, simpler tooling for the modular insert must be produced on a recurring basis, but the cost of this tooling is substantially less than the cost of the new tooling that would be required to produce an entirely new main body part each time there is a change in surface ornamentation.

Abstract: A specific letter and color visual aid is preprinted on a Medication Profile sheet for each medication. Applying the same visual aid to medication cap and medication container provides a simple “match” medication identification system.

Abstract: The present invention allows for a picture frame of common manufacture and availability to be converted into a locking display cabinet.

Abstract: System for mounting a thin flat object such as a photograph into a curvilinear recess formed in the front of a substrate, using a curvilinear decorative flexible retaining ring. The retaining ring is retained either by interference or frictional engagement with a smooth sidewall portion of the recess wall. Optionally, a transparent protective cover may be included.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a handgun having a pivotal hammer arranged to activate a firing pin, the mechanism including a locking element for engaging the firing pin and preventing its movement, and a separate release element for releasing the locking element, the release element being releasable upon being hit by the hammer with a force above a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: The firearm safety device and method for locking of a firearm is useful for breech load and revolver type weapons. The case hardened shackle lock has a shackle for insertion through an open breech including a magazine well thereof or a revolver space to engage a top strap thereof. The shackle is then slidably inserted into a lock body to be retained by a lock mechanism. The legs of the shackle have a plurality of notches to engage the lock mechanism to accommodate a variety of forms and types of firearms. The insertion of the shackle in the firearm in this manner prevents the insertion of a magazine, inhibits the insertion of a cartridge in the chamber, prevents the closing of the breech bolt or the revolver cylinder, and prevents contact of the firing pin on the cartridge.

Abstract: A flex-plate adapter for a takedown firearm has front and rear sections. The rear section includes adjustment screws to change the gap between the front and rear sections. Guide pins are included for assuring proper alignment between the front and rear sections. The adjustable gap between the front and rear sections of the flex-plate adapter provides compensation for thread wear. A magazine cutoff provides a manual cutoff for retaining ammunition in the magazine whether the rifle is assembled or disassembled. A cutoff lock prevents the accidental movement of the magazine cutoff.

Abstract: A weapon mount for mounting a night vision device to the receiver rail of a weapon. A self-adjusting cam operated connection device is present at one end region of the mount for attaching to the receiver rail, while the night vision device is connected at the other end region of the mount with a knob operated mounting screw. The knob and mounting screw are a one piece design and the mounting screw is captivated by an E-clip. The cam operated connection device may be adjusted to accommodate different size receiver rails by the provision of compressible means, such as Belleville washers.

Abstract: An animated decoy which is constructed to simulate movement of an actual waterfowl/bird in its natural setting. The body of the decoy is fabricated from a plastic or hard foam material and is inserted in a cover made from PVC or similar material. The PVC cover is imprinted with an actual photograph of the body of the species of waterfowl/bird that the hunter or photographer intends to lure. The body of the decoy is provided with openings so that appendages of the decoy may be removably mounted on the body. These appendages are mounted for controlled animation and are coordinated with the photograph of the particular species to enhance the realistic effect.

Abstract: A net assembly includes a specially shaped double curved, elongated frame, a net on the frame, and an adjustable length handle attached to the rear end of the frame that is effective in inserting through a hole in the ice for retrieving a fish hooked on the end of a line.

Abstract: A fish catching device for signaling to a fisherman that a fish bite has occurred using a conventional fishing rod. The device comprise of tubular rod holder attached to a spring-loaded u channel table for receiving the handle of a fishing rod. The device is set up through use of a safety bracket, which is released, after device is cocked through use of extendable latch trigger, which released when a line jerk produced by a fish strike.

Abstract: The invention described relates to a downrigger line clamp mechanism used in downrigger fishing and includes an adjustable clamping force for adjusting the overall release tension of a fishing line. The pre-stressed line clamp mechanism includes a pair of pivotally engaged, elongate arms which, when assembled, are resiliently flexed such that one portion of the arms, the proximal grip portions, are outward bowed, the tips of the proximal grip portions pinching together, thereby biassing another portion of the arms, the jaws, towards a closed clamp position. The line clamp mechanism uses an adjustable compression-force biassing device movably mounted between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms. The biassing device may include spacers of different spacing dimensions, each spacer being positionable into an active position between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms by moving the biassing device relative to the arms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bait organizer and storage case for fishing. In a preferred embodiment the case is for organizing and categorizing soft plastic bait bags, and the case is made out of a soft durable nylon-type material and a soft interior nylon.

Abstract: Bark chips articles for use as mulch for houseplants. A mulch composition is formed of Douglas Fir bark that has been chipped to have a longest dimension in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm (averaging a length of about 1 cm). The bark chips have been treated chemically so that they will not float when doused with water. A process of making the mulch composition includes selection of appropriate bark material from which the chips are to be formed, chipping the bark, and sterilizing it prior to one or more chemical treatment processes.

Abstract: A field stand used to support and prevent accidental toppling of potted plants in outdoor field applications is disclosed. The field stand uses a two piece detachable design, which includes a tubular metal boot and a detachable wire basket. The tubular metal boot is designed to be driven into the soil as an anchor for the detachable wire basket. The metal boot has an elongated tubular body with a pointed bottom end and an open top end for receiving the wire basket. The wire basket is constructed of three individual strands of a resilient metal wire, which are bent from the body of the basket and whose ends are bundled together to form an elongated neck. The neck extends into the open end of the boot to securely seat the basket atop the boot.

Abstract: There is provided, in a preferred embodiment, a hydroponic apparatus for growing plants within a confined space. Plants rooted in removable containers are placed within a receptacle that rotates on a vertical axis. During hydroponic fertilization a recirculating system delivers and transfers the nutrient solution to and from the receptacle. The plant container in the preferred embodiment allows for removal, replacement, and repositioning of plants within the receptacle. The preferred method increases the photosynthetic service area of the light source in a confined space by arranging a plurality of hydroponic apparatus beneath the light source. The combination of removable containers and rotating receptacles with a plural arrangement of apparatuses prevents algae growth, empowers the grower with plant manageability, and amplifies plant productivity.

Abstract: A device for prevention of theft of a vehicle and for keeping a parking space for a vehicle when the vehicle is not parked in the space. The device is a collapsible barrier controlled by a remote control. It has a novel mechanism of protecting accidental damage to cars and to the barrier itself. Protection is afforded by means of a biasing element built into the device which gives way when accidentally hit by an approaching car and then automatically returns to a vertical position. When the vehicle with the remote control approaches and is about to hit the barrier a warning alarm is sounded, or in another embodiment of this invention, the remote sensor in the device is automatically lowered when it senses the approaching vehicle. In another embodiment of this invention the collapsible barrier is secured onto a ceiling above a parking surface enabling a convenient electric source for the devices and easier maintenance and central control over numerous barriers placed in a large parking facility.

Abstract: A reinforced storm shutter for protecting doors and windows of buildings from high winds of severe storms and hurricanes. The shutter is comprised of heavy-gauge components, including tubular members having a plurality of aligned, slotted openings and louvers mounted in the aligned openings. The louvers are welded to the tubular members, preferably on the inside surface of the tube, with the weld completely sealing each slotted opening. The tubular members are then welded around the entire periphery of the tube ends to the remaining frame members of the shutter to hermetically seal the tubular members and protect the welds securing the louvers from continuous weathering conditions. The tubular members are formed of mating channel members that are sealingly secured together after the louvers have been welded in place.

Abstract: A window or door has at least one folding panel or sliding door and a frame is installed in a chamber wall including an opening to be closed. The edges of the window or door are fixed on the chamber wall to be closed such that the window or door remains parallel to the wall and is not inserted into the thickness of the wall. Thus, there is no empty space to fill up, and the operation of creating a seal, which is often difficult to carry out successfully, is no longer necessary.

Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. A means is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: A regulator assembly is provided that may be used as part of a door module. Attachment of the regulator components to the panel provides a convenient door module for attachment to a door. The regulator assembly may also be used for sunroofs. The assembly includes a glass support member for supporting a pane of glass or window. A drive motor produces a drive force for moving the glass support between open and closed positions. A flexible belt, such as a timing belt, includes a profile. The belt interconnects the drive motor and the glass support member. In a preferred embodiment, spaced apart brackets may be connected to a panel for supporting opposing end portions of the belt. A drive pulley has a complimentary profile to the profile of the belt. The drive pulley is connected to the drive motor with the drive pulley engaging the belt and movable relative thereto in response to the drive force.

Abstract: The intrusion of insects into a home or similar building is controlled by utilizing insect controlling plastic materials in the construction of the building. The insect controlling plastic building materials are manufactured by first blending one or more plastic resins with one or more insect controlling chemical agents to form a blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material. The blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material is then utilized to manufacture plastic films, sheets, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, insulating foams, flooring materials, wall covering materials, and the like utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving poured concrete including a nonmetallic form which surrounds an inner cavity and is capable of supporting poured concrete. In one particular embodiment, the assembly is composed of individual segments which are joined together to produce a rigid concrete form. The assembly is utilized as an upstanding island for location and placement of fuel dispensers.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of a self standing communications tower or a guy wire supported communications tower with such structural design as to allow raising the tower from ground level with an upper section raised up and a lower section inserted below. The apparatus structural design allows for a tie down to prevent toppling during the erection sequence.

Abstract: A wall panel has elongate members connected together to form a rectangular frame having a top, a bottom and opposite sides, a sheathing extending over the rectangular frame; and connectors providing a connection between the sheathing and the rectangular frame. The connectors are varied so that the strength of the connection increases from the top and bottom towards the middles of the opposite sides of the frame.

Abstract: An improved framed structure incorporating a coupled-girder system provides enhanced seismic energy dissipation by as much as 30% over that provided by conventional yielding of the girders. The coupled-girder system includes a pair of spaced-apart girders coupled by one or more girder-to-girder links which are preferably vertical links. Energy dissipation takes place when the structure drifts beyond its elastic limit and the differential displacement of the pair of girders causes the web of each vertical link to shear yield. The links are proportioned to remain in the elastic regime under wind loads and moderate earthquakes as prescribed by building codes. Beyond the elastic limit, preferably the yielding in the links will take place prior to that in the girders. In this way, the links will be the first line of defense for dissipating seismic energy before the girders themselves.

Abstract: A system for covering fasteners that are provided at an exterior building wall for mounting storm panels. The system includes cover plates that are located adjacent to the fasteners. The cover plates are mounted so as to be pivotable about one side of a mounting track. This permits the cover plates to pivot between a closed (use) position for covering the track and fasteners, and an open (non-use) position for permitting installation of storm panels. The cover plates can be painted in a variety of colors to match the building wall or the shutters, which permits the covers to blend into the exterior finish of the building. Thus, when the storm panels are removed, the present system conveniently covers the unattractive and conspicuous fasteners in an attractive manner.

Abstract: A building closure for temporarily closing a bare opening in a wall in a building under construction or renovation. The building closure includes a closure frame made up of a number of bars and defining an opening mainly congruent with the wall opening, a plastic sheeting fastened on the closure frame and spanning its opening, and fastening members for fastening the closure frame to one side of the wall in an area around the wall opening. Each of the bars of the closure frame is V-shaped, has a first part mainly at right angles to the plane of the window and defining the closure frame opening, and a second part mainly at right angles to the first part and defining the periphery of the closure frame. The closure according to the invention can cover a bare wall opening in a building under construction or renovation in a less expensive, easier and tighter manner than known so far, with the two parts of the closure frame closing tightly maintained around the edge of the wall opening.

Abstract: A method of constructing stained glass window systems is described. The stained glass window system includes a stained glass panel that includes a stained glass member joined to a seam member of a frame member with a joining material. A metal decorative silhouette is placed on one of the major surfaces of the stained glass panel and is joined thereto by applying a joining material to an aperture formed in the silhouette. In this manner, the silhouette obscures the seam member of the frame member. Optionally, a second silhouette may be joined to the opposing major face of the stained glass panel so that the design of the silhouette may be viewed from either side of the stained glass window. Additionally, the stained glass window system can be provided with at least one glass panel member, a peripheral frame member and peripheral insulation member.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a shaft extending along a clip axis. The shaft has a shaft diameter and first and second opposed ends. A head extends radially outwardly from the shaft adjacent the first end of the shaft. The head has a head diameter which is greater than the shaft diameter. The head includes a cam surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and facing the second end. At least two portions of the cam surface located at different circumferential positions about the shaft are disposed at different axial distances from the second end. A frame/panel assembly may be formed by mounting and retaining a panel member in a frame using one or more of the retainer clips.

Abstract: A stud guard for metal wall studs protects wiring and plumbing passing through the stud from being pierced by a sheet rock screw or nail during sheet rock installation or from a screw, nail or other type of hazard after sheet rock installation. The stud guard is a generally flat plate member that has a length and a smaller width and that is made from at least 18 gauge stainless steel. The back surface of the stud guard has an adhesive layer thereon for fixed attachment of the plate member to the stud.

Abstract: A corner piece includes a first group of vertically stacked walls and a second group of vertically stacked walls is provided. Each wall in the first and second groups includes an exterior face and an interior face and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge. The first group and second groups meet at a common corner defined by the first lateral edges. The exterior faces collectively include an ornamental appearance containing a plurality of vertically stacked shingle impressions. The second lateral edges of the walls in at least one of the groups are staggered in width relative to the common corner, wherein the shingle impressions of the at least one group overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.

Abstract: A resilient pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket includes first and second insulation blankets. The blankets each have a first major surface with one or more longitudinally extending cuts in the surface that are spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the surface and spaced apart from each other. The cuts only partially sever the blankets to form separable connectors in the blankets that join adjacent blanket sections formed by the cuts. The first major surfaces of the blankets are bonded to each other, with the cuts in the major surfaces of the blankets aligned longitudinally, to form a batt with longitudinally extending batt sections joined by the separable connectors in the blankets whereby the batt can be handled as a unit or one or more batt sections can be separated from the remainder of the batt by hand to form a batt of lesser width.

Abstract: A device for the exchangeable and partial fixing of ceramic or natural stone wall and floor lining elements, such as borders, tiles, plates, and similar, on tiled faces, including a bar of substantially U-shaped cross-section which can be fastened to the wall surface between two rows of tiles, and on which the wall and floor lining elements can be detachably fastened between first and second legs extending from a U-shaped portion of the bar. The first leg is movable with respect to the second leg so that a distance between the first and second legs can be varied.

Abstract: Improvements in a stackable construction panel system are disclosed. The system includes stackable wall forms for receiving a flowable material, each form having a pair of foam panels tied together in a spaced and parallel relationship by connectors. In a first improvement, the connectors have head pieces with transversal terminal surfaces facilitating the stacking and handling of the wall forms on construction sites. In a second improvement, an end panel assembly is provided for mounting an end panel used as a wall stud for the construction of a window or door frame. The end panel assembly has first and second engaging members, each removably engageable with side end portions of the pair of foam panels. The end panel itself is mountable therebetween. In accordance with a third improvement, a corner connector is provided for reinforcing corner wall forms.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for constructing buildings using non-wood construction products and buildings constructed from such non-wood construction products. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for manufacturing high-performance fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (HPFRCC) products and the use of such products as replacements for conventional wood lumber construction products. The products of the invention have the necessary strength, durability, nailability, and sawability for direct substitution for dimensional wood lumber in wood-frame construction applications. The invention also includes externally reinforced retaining wall systems that include stackable blocks formed of fiber-reinforced cellular concrete.

Abstract: Pieces for modular construction, that allow the construction of greenhouses both for industrial and domestic use, as well as of any type of construction, adaptable to any form and size, for which the longitudinal piece has some longitudinal channels (1), and on each circular ends (2) and (3), one female (2) and another male (3), wherein both have some perforations (4) and (5), while the end (3) has some truncated conical nipples (7) and the end (2) has some complementary truncated conical perforations (6). For curved constructions the longitudinal pieces are joined by means of a piece (8) which likewise has some channels (9), a central perforation (10) and other perforations (11), as well as truncated conical perforations (12) and (13).

Abstract: The flexible or expandable link for a heavy duty truck has an elongated U-shaped roll formed channel of a selected length made from a high strength metal and a pair of end brackets, each made from a sheet metal stamping of a lower strength metal, welded to the ends of the channel, with each end bracket having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls having aligned openings in the side walls for receiving mounting pins or bushings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building material derived from straw, such as rice straw, that has significantly improved fire-resistance properties over traditional cellulose-based materials. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of fabricating a board from milled rice straw. The milled rice straw is blended with a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is then formed into a mat with sufficient size to achieve a predetermined board thickness and density. The mat is then pressed into the board. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fire resistant board that includes milled rice straw, a resin binder, and a fire retardant material such as an organic phosphate, zinc borate, aluminum tribydrate, sodium silicate, or even rice hulls.

Abstract: For supplying production and packaging machines, in particular for supplying lines (10, 11) for producing and packaging cigarettes, an intermediate store (12) is provided for storing packaging material, to be precise for pallets (20) with reels (18) of web-like material. Pallets (20) with the packaging material are fed to the intermediate store (12) by a pallet conveyor (28). A separate reel conveyor (48) transports reels (18), as required, to the individual machines and subassemblies of the lines (10, 11).

Abstract: The transfer device has a means of securing the grip of the lifting device on the lid (14), in the form of an elastic suction pad (11) with narrowing and widening aperture and a suction line (21). The closer (8) can grip the lid and exert suction on it. There is a monitoring device, possibly with a sensor, to monitor the seating of the lid on the lifting device.

Abstract: A tube of film 12 is pierced by an injection needle 18 that fills the tube with air as the film and needle move. Two spaced heat seal wires 22 seal longitudinal extents of the tube from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for processing packages made up of a filmic casing containing a product, to separate the casing from the product for subsequent further processing of the product. The package is moved through a series of steps to first weaken the casing, and then a leading end of the moving casing is gripped and the end of the casing is moved away from the product. As a result the casing is stripped off the product as the weakened casing opens and the product continues to move.