Abstract: A display device for flat surfaces preserves the integrity of both the display item and the mounting surface by enabling the placing the display item in the polypropylene pocket, thereby eliminating the need to tape or tack the display item to the mounting surface and either pierce the display item with a tack or remove a portion of the display item when removing the tape, and similarly, the integrity of the mounting surface is preserved because the attachment member simply grabs on to the surface, instead of being pierced by a tack or taped.

Abstract: A two-part chamber block for a handgun which does not interfere with the inspection, operation, or field stripping of the weapon other than access to the chamber and barrel. In a first embodiment, two lengthwise segments can be offset, inserted into the barrel and then aligned and retained by a cable tie or similar to prevent their removal. In a second embodiment a cable tie, or similar, connects a chamber portion and a barrel end portion to effectively block the chamber and barrel. A third embodiment uses segments inserted from opposite ends of the barrel with opposing teeth which interlock to retained the segments. Optional locking collars, latches, and configurations increase the adaptability of the chamber block.

Abstract: Fly fishing rod with detachable reel seat and reel that the fisherman can carry, whenever he chooses to, on a specially designed support attached to his waist. The invention allows the fisherman to cast with a rod that is free from the weight of the reel, by far the heaviest part of a fly fishing rod. The invention can be used with a rod for which it has been specifically designed; this rod includes a device that allows the reel seat to be detached from the handgrip instead of being permanently fixed thereon. The invention can also be used with any existing fly fishing rod by means of a device that permits the installation of an additional, movable reel seat. The waist holder required to hold the reel seat and the reel can be attached to a belt, a life jacket or a fishing vest.

Abstract: A bimodal, two-part, weighted lure which exhibits a remarkable simulation of life-form swimming action while being towed through water. Weights inherently disposed within the lure permits casting, jigging and trolling without additional weight being added to a fishing line external to the lure. The lure begins the swimming action immediately upon being displaced from a resting state. A loop whereat fishing line is affixed to steer and tow the lure rotates to be hidden while being towed. Form and action of the lure permits use with spinner bait and buzz bait wire forms. Also, a replaceable tail apparatus permits exchanging tails to add variety to a lures appearance and to replace damaged tails.

Abstract: An adjustable bobber system for allowing adjustment of the buoyancy and for attaching to a fishing line without the use of a bead. The inventive device includes a hook member connected to a buoyant member and a first weight member slidably positioned about the buoyant member. The hook member includes a body with an open end that receives a second weight member and the buoyant member, a jaw extending from the body with a slot within, and a slit extending into the jaw to the slot for receiving the fishing line below a stop knot. The buoyant member is preferably constructed of an elongated buoyant material, such as plastic foam, that is easily severed in any position by a cutting device.

Abstract: A storage device for fishing lures comprising a rigid spool, having a hollow interior, and a hollow lure storage element extending across the hollow interior is described. The spool has an outer surface defining an annular channel comprising a floor and two side walls extending from said floor for receiving a leader line of a fishing lure. Each of the ends of the storage element intersect with the floor of the channel to define openings in the floor of the channel. In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the openings is curved to reduce the possibility for “kinking” the leader line. At least one of said walls contains a plurality of slots that will receive the end of the leader line as will also be explained below. A small aperture located on the floor adjacent to at least one of the openings receives the lead hook of a fishing lure. A tab having a hole extends from the periphery of one of said walls to permit hanging of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of wood destroying subterranean termites. The apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber with a closed upper portion (top) and an open lower portion (bottom) that is secured to a monitor stick to be inserted in the ground. The hollow chamber top has a peripheral flange that overhangs or extends beyond the perimeter of the chamber. A monitor stick is inserted into and secured in the chamber interior and in the ground. The top is provided with an aperture having a penetrable seal such that a combustible gas detector can be inserted into the chamber to measure the combustible gas in the chamber. When wood destroying termites are present and attacking the monitor stick, they generate combustible gas that becomes trapped in the closed hollow chamber and can be detected by the combustible gas detector. A second material also can be used, e.g., cardboard wrapped around the monitor stick to attract the pests.

Abstract: A system and method for removing harmful biological and organic substances from an enclosure, vehicle or container includes protecting heat-sensitive articles within the enclosure. A plurality of temperature probes are positioned at predetermined locations within the enclosure. The air within the structure is heated to a predetermined temperature up to 400° F. to kill organisms and cause harmful substances in the enclosure to migrate into the ambient air. A negative pressure is created in the enclosure and the heated air carrying the harmful substances passed through a filter and is then vented from the enclosure and passed through a filter to remove the harmful substances from the heated air. The system effectively kills, molds, viruses and bacteria and reduces the levels of allergens and volatile organic compounds in the enclosure.

Abstract: White, dyed, dipped, unscented and/or scented candle wax is effectively stabilized against discoloration and fading by the incorporation therein of an s-triazine UV absorber plus a classic hindered amine and/or an antioxidant.

Abstract: An additive for hydrocarbon fuels such as propane, comprising active components including a hydrocarbon mixture in the range of approximately 60% to 76% by volume, and hydrotreated distillates in the range of approximately 10% to 16% by volume.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine deposits in a direct injection spark ignition gasoline engine which comprises operating the engine with a fuel composition comprising a major amount of hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range and an effective deposit-controlling amount of a fuel additive composition comprising:

Abstract: A fuel additive for use in the treatment of diesel fuels to reduce polluting emissions during the combustion of such fuels wherein the additive composition is formulated to contain mineral seal oil, mineral spirits, a glycol alkyl ether and at least one alkyl aromatic ethoxylated surfactant. It has been found that the fuel additive composition of the invention can be blended with such fuels to dramatically reduce emissions during the combustion of such fuels.

Abstract: A solid fuel composition of spent coffee grounds and/or green coffee bean waste, sawdust and a wax binder is useful for manufacturing a fire-log with more flame output. This combination of solid particulate together with wax burns with a natural-sounding sizzling and crackling. The fuel composition also develops cracks as it burns, in much the same way as natural wood logs do. The cracks expose more surface area to combustion air, thereby enhancing flame output.

Abstract: A method for spraying a liquid on plants by means of a spraying assembly adapted for mounting on a pair of upper and lower wires parallel to each other. The spraying assembly comprises a sprayer having at least one nozzle adapted for fluid communication with a source of the liquid, and a sprayer holder. The sprayer holder comprises a rigid rod and upper and lower holder members mounted on the rod and having clamping means for being clamped to the respective upper and lower wires. One of the holder members has a sprayer seat for fixedly supporting the sprayer in a predetermined orientation relative to the rod.

Abstract: A decorative tree protector which is positioned on the ground around a tree trunk to prevent grass from growing close to the tree trunk. The tree protector includes a round hollow body having a top wall, downwardly dependent sidewall, and a radially extending lower rim for ease of mowing around. A central hole through the top wall and a radial slit from the central hole allow the tree protector to be fit around the trunk of a tree. Opposing portions of the protector body at the slit are retained together after fitting around the tree by retaining screws and nuts. The tree protector can include a built-in seat formed into the top wall and sidewall thereof, being coverable by a pivoting seat cover. The tree protector can further include a decorative device such as a flower trough, a plurality of battery-powered light bulbs extending from the sidewall, a decorative metallic band, or external decorations such as bark, mulch, stones, bricks, sand, or plants, affixed to the protector body.

Abstract: A lawn and garden edging device is provided for serial coupling to form both linear and angled segments for defining lawn and garden boundaries and isolating building structures from the same. A center base portion has reduced thickness end portions with pivoting snap fit connections for mating at both ends with like devices to form a smooth and uniform horizontal base segment that can lie flush or at angles to the horizontal ground surface. A back plate of varying configurations is attached to the base center portion for insertion into the soil to form a vertical sub-surface wall for both straight and cornered configurations. One or more spikes extending from the horizontal base doubly secures the device installation. A vertical back plate is positioned on the device for an above surface wall. The vertical back plate has brackets and an extension for connecting the vertical back plates in series.

Abstract: A self-watering plant holder having a central, upright post with four horizontal radial arms extending outwardly thereof. A plant container, such as a bucket with a handle, is mounted on each radial arm. A base extends radially outwardly in a preferred embodiment from the lower end of the post to support the post. A manifold is mounted to the post, and houses a chamber with a closure for the addition of water and/or fertilizer. Watering lines extend from the manifold into one or more of the plant containers for watering and/or feeding the plants.

Abstract: A device for watering a flowerpot, which can be placed in a lower position in an outer pot containing a supply of water at a distance from the bottom of the outer pot and set down in an upper position in the region of the upper edge of the outer pot, a wick being placed with one end in the flower pot for supplying it with water and, with the other end, into the supply of water, the device having a first setting-up device (2, 5) for setting down the flowerpot (17) in a lower position and a second setting-up device (8, 9), which can be placed on the outer pot (15) or inserted in the outer pot (15) and held in the region of the upper edge of the outer pot (15) by friction for placing the flowerpot (17) in the upper position.

Abstract: A pot cover constructed such that a decoration can be included on the pot cover and the integrity of the decoration is maintained because the configuration of the pot cover does not result in the formation of arbitrary overlapping folds. The configuration of the pot cover allows a flower pot to be covered while the integrity of the decoration, such as a design or pattern, printed on each segment is maintained so that a decoration is presented throughout the outer peripheral surface of the formed pot cover.

Abstract: A collapsible container stored and shipped in a substantially planar configuration and expanded into the form of a flower pot or flower pot cover. The collapsible container includes a plurality of rigid segments and a connecting member for connecting the rigid segments such that the rigid segments define a sidewall and such that the rigid segments are movable between an expanded position wherein the rigid segments cooperate with one another to form an object receiving space and to provide the sidewall with a unitary appearance and a collapsed position wherein the sidewall is substantially flattened.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: A vehicle door stop safety system for preventing closure of a vehicle door when an object moves between an open door and body of the vehicle. The system includes field producing means for producing a field adjacent to a latch end of the door, when the door is open; and sensing means for sensing an interruption of the field and for producing a block or stop signal when the interruption is sensed. Blocking means is provided for blocking closure of the door upon an interruption of the field. Alternatively, braking means is provided for stopping the door's movement at a position when an interruption of the field is sensed. Controller means is provided for actuating the blocking or braking means upon sensing by the sensing means of an interruption of the field.

Abstract: A polishing composition for polishing a semiconductor substrate has a pH of under 5.

Abstract: A space-dividing covered work space arrangement including a pair of opposed side modules each of a three-wall construction defined by an upright panel arrangement and a pair of upright end walls disposed at opposite ends thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom. A pair of canopies project inwardly from each of the opposed modules and are attached along inner edges thereof so as to define a continuous canopy assembly which overlies and encloses the work space from above.

Abstract: A display board which comprises a thin panel member adapted to be supported on an office wall partition to closely overlie a cover of a partition. The display board is preferably coupled to an internal frame of the partition by a mounting bracket which extends laterally inwardly over the top of a cover into engagement with the internal frame. With an inner surface of the display board lying on an outerface of the cover coupling to the framework to merely provide for support against vertical downward movement of the display board can be sufficient. Mounting separate brackets which extend from the framework outwardly above a cover are advantageously provided for ease of connection.

Abstract: A system for adapting the height of a dividing wall between a space ceiling and a space floor, in which case the dividing wall is supported at the bottom and at the top in a non-tiltable manner, has a height adaptation component between the ceiling and/or the floor and the dividing wall, which height adaptation component comprises at least two profile parts which can be telescopically extended and which can be fixed with respect to one another in different telescoping positions.

Abstract: For houses and other buildings in remote locations, which are not serviced with mains (municipal) utilities, a module includes the electric generator, water supply, sewage disposal, etc facilities. The module and its utilities are constructed, assembled, and installed into a room-structure, in a factory, whereby the whole module can be tested prior to shipping. The physical and structural integration of the components and systems permits and enhances functional and operational integration of the systems. The module uses co-generation, heat exchangers, etc, for coordinating the hitherto-separate utility systems.

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: An improved structural reinforcement bar for use in poured concrete construction has an anchorage plate fixed to a rebar body through friction welding. The friction welded rebar body and anchorage plate result in a structural reinforcement bar with improved axially oriented tensile load transfer capabilities having minimal space requirements.

Abstract: A tile flooring system composed of modular interlocking tiles. Each modular interlocking tile is adapted to be coupled to another modular interlocking tile. Each tile includes a body having a playing surface, two male interlocking sides, and two female interlocking sides. Each also tile includes an interlocking mechanism coupled to the male interlocking sides and the female interlocking sides. The interlocking mechanism is adapted to allow the modular interlocking tile to be connected to the another modular interlocking tile in a staggered fashion.

Abstract: A staircase construction is provided which may incorporate an integral heating assembly. The heating assembly is mounted within stair tread covers or repair members which may also be used to repair a damaged staircase. The staircase construction may further incorporate stair tread members of various configurations for attachment to standard stringers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining means (10) for fixing panel-form material, for example, glass panes (12) of a glass facing, to a substructure (14). The invention proposes constructing the retaining means (10) with a support (16), in which supporting elements (22) projecting pivotally to the side are insertable, to which the glass panes (121) can be displaceably fixed. The invention has the advantage that in a simple and inexpensive manner it permits stress-free fixing of glass panes (12) so that thermal expansion is compensated.

Abstract: A storage unit for use in an office environment. The storage unit includes a structural frame having two opposing side panels, at least one laterally extending panel extending between and interconnecting the side panels to define an interior space. The frame includes a perimeter defining an access opening that provides access to the interior space. The storage unit includes a flexible cover having opposing side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The flexible cover is attached to the structural frame proximate said rear edge of said flexible cover. The flexible cover extends freely from the attachment to the frame. The flexible cover has an engagement feature which is selectively engageable with the frame at first and second locations on the frame. Engagement of the cover with the frame at the first location places the flexible cover in a closed position with the opposing side edges of the flexible cover extending proximate the perimeter defining the access opening.

Abstract: A partition panel includes a rigid panel frame having a lower portion configured to support the partition panel freestanding on a floor surface. The rigid panel frame defines a horizontal upper edge and an intermediate height between the upper edge and the lower portion. A utility trough extends horizontally adjacent the horizontal upper edge, and the utility trough defines a utilities passageway having an upwardly facing elongated opening extending along substantially the entire length of the utility trough and providing access to the utilities passageway. A horizontally repositionable vertically extending utility support member is adapted to support utility lines extending from the utilities passageway of the utility trough to the intermediate height.

Abstract: A wall protection assembly includes an elongated wall protector member having an impact surface adapted to face away from a wall and a mounting surface adapted to face the wall. At least two resilient mounting clips secure the protector member to the wall. Each mounting clip has a mounting base adapted to be affixed to the wall in concealed relation to the protector member and at least one resilient hook projecting from the base and received in a groove in the protector member in captured relation.

Abstract: A structural building system including an improved, structural-load-bearing, building component, such as a building panel, having front and back sections, an insulating core, integral symmetrical joinery, a thermal break, and at least one shear resistance connector The panel is asymmetrical about one axis, and is designed to be directionally positioned with respect to the maximum anticipated force. A shear resistance connector array may be positioned between the front and back sections or may be integral to the front or back section. A face sheet may span one or more than one building panel, and provides structural support to the building system.

Abstract: A polymeric floor tile of elongated shape having a top surface molded to simulate a section of wood flooring with a plurality of staggered boards. The tile is adhesive-free, made possible by novel mating interlocks formed so as to lie below the linear edges defining the top tile surface. A decorative layer of wood grain may be applied to the top surface during or after molding to enhance simulation.

Abstract: A ladder-shaped subassembly for use in assembling a subfloor for an athletic floor that is anchored, resilient, ventilatable, and DIN certifiable. Long nailing strips form the long members of the ladder-shape while shorter transverse anchor strips secured below the long members form the rung members of the ladder shape. The anchor strips have resilient pads secured to their lower face. The ladder-shaped subassemblies are positioned on a base so that the long members are abutting and the long members of the subassemblies are spaced apart from each other approximately the same distance as they are spaced from each other on the subassembly thereby creating an open channel through which ventilating air can flow between the flooring above the subassemblies and the base below the subassemblies. Anchors engage the anchor strips so as to permit the downward flexure of the floor but limit the upward rebound of the floor.

Abstract: A crush resistant seamless roofing system is formed by a layer of adjacent panels having loose joints filled by expanding rising foam adhesive, which is trimmed to remove excess foam adhesive above a top plane of the roofing system. The roofing system thus formed is covered by a fabric layer and a coating.

Abstract: A steel roofing panel support system is disclosed herein. The system generally includes a support element positioned on a roof surface, the support being configured to support at least a portion of a steel roof panel to be placed thereon. The support element may be cut from a block of expanded polystyrene such that the support is substantially wedge-shaped. A support element as disclosed herein may also be used in installations of steel panels over existing wood shakes or other roof surfaces.

Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.

Abstract: A tile made of stiff molded synthetic resin having edges which overlap when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof and an upper continuous contoured ridge along the upper edge and a lower continuous contoured ridge along the lower edge. The upper and lower ridges being stepped shape to engage with horizontal continuity when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof. A through hole is provided in the lower ridge which aligns with a slot in the upper ridge to allow a screw to pass therethrough fastening two contiguous rows of tiles to a supporting structure.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece, multi-layered shingle and method of fabrication from a planar sheet of shingle material, e.g., asphalt. The planar sheet comprises a base portion having first and second, parallel, lateral edges, with plural elongated tabs extending from the first lateral edge. The plural elongated tabs are uniquely different but each features a side edge midportion perpendicular to the first lateral edge. Extending from the second lateral edge are a like plurality of short tabs, where the short tabs are laterally offset from the elongated tabs. In a roof placement mode, the elongated tabs are first folded onto the base portion at a midpoint thereof, then reversely bent back upon themselves to form a three layer section. To complete the fabrication, the base portion is folded toward the folded elongated tabs such that the short tabs are positioned adjacent at least one elongated tab to form a second section of two layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a construction element (10) including a resiliently deformable shell portion (12) and a set settable composition (14) within the shell. The invention further provides a construction element joining member (30) is provided for joining two or more construction elements (10) together in the construction of a structure (18), the joining member (30) having a body (32) which has a resiliently deformable portion (34) and securing means (36) for securing the joining member (30) to one or more construction elements (10) thereby to join the construction elements (10) while permitting for resilient deformation thereof. The invention extends to a construction system using the elements (10) and the joining member (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cube-shaped profile element (1) provided with more than six identical side surfaces (2), wherein preferably eight slits (3 and 4) are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to each other about an axis of symmetry of the side surface (2) and wherein a central bore is provided (7). Through the slits (3, 4) behind the side surface (2) Insertable closing elements can be inserted through the slits (3, 4) behind the side surface (2). The profile element (1) is preferably hollow and is constructed from six identical, side-surface forming plates (2). All plates (2) are provided with eight-cornered edges (5 and 6), whereby the plates (2) are connected via one edge (5) and the other edges (6) each form an opening (8) at the corners of the cube-shaped profile elements (1).

Abstract: A track arrangement for supporting wall studs is provided. The track arrangement includes a central longitudinal extension, first and second sidewalls and a first stud clip arrangement comprising a pair of stud clips. In a preferred embodiment, each clip comprises a portion of the sidewall bent inwardly, to form a cam surface and a stud ridge receiver. During use, the stud is forced toward the cam surface, bending the clip until a portion of the stud, specifically a stud ridge, is received in the stud ridge receiver. This will secure the stud in place, against undesired movement relative to the track. Wall assemblies are provided which preferably involve one such track arrangement positioned on the floor as a floor track, and one on the ceiling, as a ceiling track, with a stud extending therebetween. The wall framework assembly can be assembled as a slip track, or as a non-slip track.

Abstract: A barrier cable end bracket assembly for attaching a plurality of barrier cables to a concrete support column has a cable mounting bracket for supporting the plurality of barrier cables, and an opposing rear mounting plate for locking the cable mounting bracket onto the concrete support column. The assembly further includes a sleeve for positioning through the concrete support column, an anchor rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a first nut for anchoring the proximal end to the cable mounting sidewall, and a second nut for anchoring the distal end to the rear mounting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus which is used for temporarily supporting a fascia board during the installation process and includes at least one adjustable bracket which allows any sized fascia board to be easily mounted at variable angles choice.

Abstract: An uncured, thermoset resin sheet is reinforced with oriented fibers and is slit to define a desired length for the fibers. A series of the sheets are cut and stacked to form integrated layers of the composite material for a structural panel. The panel has two outer layers that sandwich two shorter layers on each end, and syntactic or foamed resin layer in between. Each of the composite layers is formed from the same materials and by the same process, but may vary in the directional orientation of their fibers. The uncured panel is assembled into a flexible, substantially flat configuration is heated and formed to the contours of a tool having a undulated surface geometry. The panel is further heated to cure the combined composite and syntactic resins into a series of undulations that permeate each of its layers. In one embodiment, the undulations are in a smooth, sine wave-like pattern that allow the panel to maintain a planar configuration.

Abstract: An integrated multipane window sash is fabricated from a sash frame having an inside perimeter. An adhesive material is applied to the inside perimeter. The adhesive material has sufficient stiffness to function as a mounting structure for glazing panes, and may also function as a spacing structure. A first glazing pane is mounted to a first side of the adhesive mounting structure. A second glazing pane is mounted to a second side of the adhesive mounting structure or to a separate adhesive mounting structure. The adhesive mounting structure can be applied by co-extrusion with the sash profile, by post-extrusion, manually or automatically and can comprise, for example, a bead of adhesive, a preformed adhesive foam, a preformed adhesive tape, or a chemical sealant. The adhesive mounting structure can be combined with a desiccant.