Abstract: A walking aid for old people or small children to help climbing or downing the stairs As a barrier free device is disclosed. It will help many old people or small children to use and step on this walking aid, more easy to climb and downing the stairs, safely. This walking aid is also an economical device, its material is mixed with wood and rubber that is available to made of reclaimed articles.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure includes a window frame, a shattered window pane disposed in the window frame, and a layer of unifying material bonded to the window pane to form a cohesive mass removable from the frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces. A method of stabilizing and removing a shattered window pane from a window frame includes the steps of applying a layer of unifying material to an exterior surface and/or an interior surface of the shattered window pane, bonding the layer of unifying material to the window pane to form a cohesive mass therewith, and removing the cohesive mass from the window frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stud component of a cleanroom wall system that, in addition to supporting wall panels also supports a door, thereby doing away with the need for a separate, standard doorframe. Thus, the universal nature of the wall and door stud components substantially reduces the material and labor cost associated with acquiring and constructing doorframes in a cleanroom wall system.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate (e.g., a glass pane) having generally opposed first and second major surfaces. At least one of these major surfaces bears a functional coating and has a peripheral region that is substantially free of the functional coating. Another embodiment provides a multiple-pane insulating glass unit comprising two spaced-apart panes and a spacer joining confronting, inner peripheral surfaces of the panes. At least one of the panes has a coated outer surface. This coated outer surface has a peripheral region that is substantially free of the coating. The invention also provides methods for treating a coated substrate that has generally opposed first and second major surfaces each bearing a functional coating. The coating is substantially removed from a peripheral region of the first major surface. Likewise, the coating is substantially removed from a peripheral region of the second major surface.

Abstract: A window has an elongate frame member and a bead member both of which have mutually-engaging elements, for example holes or slots, at spaced locations along their length, the engagement elements of the frame being integrally formed therewith. The bead member may be attached to clip members incorporating elements for engagement with the frame. Alternatively, the (engagement elements of the bead member are constituted by projections integrally formed with the rest of the bead member.

Abstract: The invention relates to window framing systems which seal against exterior surfaces, particularly embossed surfaces. The system is held together with a plurality of screws. The inner component of the frame contains at least one hollow void having a V-shaped strut which provides additional structural support to the inner component and minimizes any dimpling or screw breakthrough due to the use of automatic screwdrivers having a torque which is in excess of the mechanical strength of the inner frame member.

Abstract: A mounting assembly comprises a mounting member comprising a base having a first surface; a central portion extending from the base and having a second surface spaced from the base; and a shoulder region located between the base and the central portion. The area of the first surface may be different from the area of the second surface. The shoulder region of the mounting member can include a wall extending from at least in close proximity to the second surface of the central portion to the base. In a nonlimiting embodiment of the assembly, the base is cylindrically shaped with a substantially flat first surface, the second surface of the central portion is substantially flat and substantially circular in plan view and further is concentric with the first surface, and the wall extends from the second surface to a location inboard of the periphery of the base.

Abstract: An extruded door frame member for use with a fire-rated interior door has a chamber therein which opens to the exterior of the frame member proximate to the apex of a corner defined by a principle web of the member and a stop shoulder also defined by the member. That chamber can open to the exterior of the frame member either through the stop shoulder or through the principle web. The frame member can be configured for mounting, adjacent the chamber opening, a deformable member for at least partially covering the chamber opening in a desired manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for extending the length of a vent pipe for a predetermined distance above the elevation of a building roof includes an elongated extension pipe connectable with the vent pipe, a flashing attachable to the roof while fitted as a sleeve over the extension pipe, and a vent cap fittable over the flashing and the extension pipe. The vent cap includes an opening for venting to external atmosphere gases received by the extension pipe from the vent pipe. The extension pipe and the vent cap are sized so as to maintain a venting pressure in the extension pipe not greater than the venting pressure in the extension pipe.

Abstract: A postensed celled concrete runway for take off and landing of aircraft is described, also for racetracks, freeways and highways, characterized by a celled structure wherein each cell contains: nervures, a cell base and a cell cover that forms the surface of runway. A core composed of expanded polystyrene is located between the nervures, base and cover, such that the volume weight of the cells is less than subsoil density. The celled structure also contains a leveling means that acts over cells of the celled structure to allow the cells to move in an upward and downward direction so that the runway surface can be leveled when there are sunken areas on the ground.

Abstract: A wall siding system for simulating a log wall structure having notched, interlocking log ends includes a plurality of cambered side planks with each side plank having opposed longitudinal tongue and groove edges for interconnecting to adjacent side planks so that the side planks can be secured to vertical wall surfaces, and a plurality of end caps that straddle and cover the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces and that are securable to each adjacent vertical wall surface for creating an alternating and interlocking arrangement thereby simulating authentic notched log ends. The end caps project past the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces whereupon the end caps that are secured to spacer elements of one vertical wall surface alternate with and project at a right angle to the end caps secured to the spacer elements of the adjoining vertical wall surface.

Abstract: A drywall finishing system for finishing normal inside and outside corners of any angle. The finishing system comprises a preformed trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that is relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge or is stepped forming a thick and thin portion. A layer of fibrous can be bonded to the inside surface of the semi-rigid member for receiving joint compound to continuously bond the trim piece to the dry wall. A layer of finishing material can be bonded to the exterior surface of the semi-rigid member. The finishing system can be attached to a wall with fasteners such as nails.

Abstract: A reusable wall barricade assembly is disclosed. The assembly is composed of a plurality of interlocking barricade wall segments or panels which fasten securely together. The wall segments are formed with a foam interior core portion for sound deadening capabilities and with a tough, smooth exterior skin to prevent damage to the foam interior and present a pleasing exterior appearance. The outer skin substantially encases the interior core portion and has at least three edge portions. Connectors connect one panel to another at an edge portion of each panel such that a barrier of the desired height and length can be made to separate one spatial area from another spatial area, such as in a mall or other construction area. The panels are suitable for facile assembly, disassembly and reuse, providing an economical alternative to conventional barricade structures.

Abstract: A molding for positioning along a corner formed by an intersection of a wall and a floating floor, or between adjacent edges of a floating floor. The molding includes a generally planar floating floor engaging surface and a wall engaging surface. A pad is positioned along the floating-floor engaging face, and resiliently creates a substantially moisture-tight seal so as to prevent moisture from contacting the corner when the molding is in an installed position along the corner.

Abstract: A multi-use building structure has a base, roof and four wall panels, one of which provides a doorway. The wall panels are assembled to the base by a tab and slot connection and the wall panels are connected together with lengthwise corner connectors engaging the edges of the wall panels at both interior and exterior surfaces. A liner insert having a non-porous inner surface covers the inner surfaces of the wall panels. The liner insert is sized to completely cover the wall panels, however, it can be formed or trimmed to fit around various elements of or mounted to the wall panels. The liner insert can include relief grooves at bend regions corresponding to the corners of the structure. The edges of the liner insert engage either the corner connectors or catch surfaces of the wall panels.

Abstract: A shape molding operation is performed to form a three dimensional building panel. The operation involves providing a mold having a cavity, the cavity having dimensions essentially identical to a finished three dimensional building panel suitable for installation. The shape molding operation involves pre-heating at least one of two major internal surfaces of the mold; introducing polystyrene foam beads into the cavity; heating the polystyrene foam beads; and causing the heated polystyrene foam beads to flatten and spread against the pre-heated major internal surface of the mold, thereby forming a sealed water-repellant skin at least on a face of the three dimensional building panel. In view of the corresponding size of the mold cavity, no cutting action is required on the expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam formed therein, so that a least a building-contacting face of the resultant boards acquires the sealed water-repellant skin that is otherwise lost when forming boards from buns of the prior art.

Abstract: A fastener including a body having a predetermined axial length, wherein the body includes a nail head at one axial end of the body, a textured portion at an opposite axial end of the body, a shank portion extending between the nail head and the textured portion, and wherein the shank portion has an axial length in excess of at least one-third of the axial length of the fastener body, a raised ring integrally formed in the shank portion intermediate the nail head and the textured portion and a resilient ring seated against the raised ring on the side of the raised ring opposite the nail head.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a 0.625 inch (⅝ inch) thick gypsum wallboard panel to a wooden building frame. The fastener includes a body having a predetermined axial length. The body includes a cupped head at one axial end of the body, having a diameter that is at least in excess of 0.297 inches ({fraction (19/64)} inches), a threaded portion at an opposite axial end of the body and an unthreaded shank portion extending between the cupped head and the threaded portion, wherein the shank portion has an axial length that is at least in excess of one-third of the axial length of the fastener body, and a shank portion diameter that is at least in excess of 0.098 inches.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention claims fitted magnetic panels made of magnetic polymers which are shaped to fit over metal based body surfaces of automobiles and other mobile crafts. The fitted magnetic panel magnetically attaches to body surfaces and protects the surface from damage from the elements or from light to moderate collisions. Additionally the magnetic panels can be used to cover existing body surfaces that are damaged. The fitted magnetic panels can be shaped to various dimensions, colors, and designs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit-combination type frame structure comprising a plurality of frame units. Cut sides are disposed at four corners of each of the frame units. An upwards extending partition wall is disposed between an inner edge and an outer edge of each of the frame units. Indentations of circular arc-shape or another shape are disposed at four corners of the partition wall. The cut sides of the frame units can be joined together to form a unit-combination type frame capable of using the same frame. The indentations can be used to form holes so that suspension rods of a hanging system can vertically pass therethrough. The bottom of each of the frame units can extend to form a groove seat having a receiving space therein so that disposition of lines or fire pipes can be facilitated and mobile hooks can be matched, thereby achieving more extensive use.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A fastener including a body having a predetermined axial length, wherein the body includes a screw head at one axial end of the body, a threaded portion at an opposite axial end of the body and an unthreaded shank portion extending between the screw head and the threaded portion, and wherein the shank portion has an axial length in excess of at least one-third of the axial length of the fastener body.

Abstract: Floor panels and floor elements therefore are made of sheet-shaped cores which before application of the surface of the floor panels are formed with sealing means for counteracting changes in the properties of the floor panels caused by moisture.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for considerably shortening the construction time of a building that is applied to nuclear power plants. When constructing the building, megablocks having a height that extends to a plurality of floors are produced, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside them to form a wall member composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction. Alternatively, in addition to the wall megablocks, floor megablocks for forming the floor member of the building are used, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside or above them to form a structural member (wall member and floor member) composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction.

Abstract: An improved structure of a framework is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of connectors having provided with holes, and notch seats are employed in the framework for connecting side rods, slanting rods, and supporting device to form into a stable and conveniently foldable framework. The end section of the side rod is mounted with a rotatable connector for interlinking of the side rods. This facilitates the extension of the framework vertically and/or horizontally.

Abstract: A weldless stirrup spacer for manual installation, without a tool, on the concentric or parallel inner and outer reinforcement wire cages of reinforced concrete pipe or other concrete structures so as to position and maintain the cages at the required spaced-apart location. The spacer is formed as a unitary resilient wire member having a pigtail-shaped hook end at one end of a central spanning portion and a fastening end portion at the other end of the spanning portion. When installed, the pigtail-shaped hook end encircles a main reinforcement wire of the inner reinforcement cage, and the fastening end portion resiliently captures an opposed main reinforcement wire of the outer reinforcement cage. The fastening end portion includes a rounded loop portion which extends beyond the outer cage to contact the adjacent mold wall and space the outer reinforcement cage at the appropriate concrete-cover distance from the mold surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular end shoe for a cold-rolled sheet steel joist having a Z-shaped shear connector top chord or a C or Z-shape in non-composite construction, comprising a bearing surface for bearing on a support for the joint end, and means for connecting the bearing surface to the web and top chord of the joist and fastening means connecting the modular end shoe to the top chord and to the web.

Abstract: A molded plug is provided that is used to lock structural members together where those members are joined together by the interengagement of a standoff rivet and a keyhole slot. In the normal interengagement of such structural members, a standoff rivet of one of the structural members is inserted into an enlarged portion of a keyhole slot on the other structural member and the structural members are moved relative to each other in order to slide the standoff rivet into the narrowed portion of the keyhole slot. When so positioned, the plug is inserted and locked into position within the enlarged portion of the keyhole slot and thus prevents any relative movement between the structural members to insure that the standoff rivet cannot again become aligned with the enlarged portion of the keyhole slot where inadvertent disengagement of the structural member could occur.

Abstract: Compressive and tensile structural elements are disclosed having an enclosure with walls surrounding a cavity. A non-compressible material is disposed in the cavity. The walls are shaped such that a force tending to compress or elongate the element by a first deflection causes an amplified second deflection of the walls into the non-compressible material. The second deflection exerts a compressive force against the non-compressible material, resulting in a resistance to the first deflection and the force tending to compress or elongate the structural element. The walls of the elements are configured for optimum rigidity and/or optimum damping. Structural beams and motion impartation devices utilizing the structural elements to provide lightweight rigidity and/or damping are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention are methods of fabricating the structural beams.

Abstract: A sealing machine comprising an operating arm including a first end pivotally secured to a base with a pivot shaft, a holder member secured to the operating arm, and one or more sealing members each including two surfaces and each being detachably or changeably secured to the holder member, for allowing the sealing members to be changed with each other and for allowing either of the surfaces of the sealing member to be changeably faced toward the base. The holder member includes two side flanges for engaging into the side grooves of the sealing members.

Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging a block consisting of compressible material, a material block is compressed by approaching two pressing units (120,122), the block being shifted in the compressed condition either against a spread film and wrapped by this film or, alternatively, the film is shifted against the material block and drawn over the material block. The ends of the film are weld together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension following a line of feed; winding a stretch film unrolled from a first roll around first means for preforming the wrapping, positioned inside a film wrapping area and along the product group line of feed; forming a first tubular portion of stretch film; stretching the portion of film by moving the first preforming means to create an access area, whose transversal dimension is larger than the front, for a single group of products moving along the feed line; releasing the film portion to allow the portion to shrink to its former size over the group of products and thus wrapping it; expelling the wrapped package thus obtained onto the feed line.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus (30) for forming multi-compartmental packs comprises a first feed mechanism for feeding packaging material (31) to a forming station (12) adapted to form compartments in said material (31). The packaging apparatus (30) further comprises means for loading product into the compartments. a second feed mechanism for feeding a sealing material (32) to a sealing station (19), a peripheral sealing member (33) to secure the sealing material (32) to the packaging material (31) to form a peripheral seal, and one or more compartmental sealing members for forming at least one compartmental seal. Control means control the speed, position and seal parameters of the packaging apparatus (30).

Abstract: A tamale loading apparatus (10) includes a converging mechanism (61) and diverter wheels (83, 84) to position tamales (200) on a belt (24). The belt is run at a speed to fly the tamales (200) into a can (300) wherein the tamales are automatically loaded and it is no longer necessary to load the tamales (200) by hand into the cans (300).

Abstract: A drive for a carrier tape used in conjunction with a pick and place module of a machine for inspecting and handling advances the carrier tape to its desired position in two steps. Using the number of sprocket holes between compartments in the tape (n holes), the first step is n−1 sprocket holes. The second step takes the carrier tape the remaining distance to complete the advance to the distance equal to n sprocket holes. The tape is driven by friction rollers not by means of the sprocket holes. The presence of a device in a compartment and its proper positioning in the compartment is also inspected.

Abstract: In a strapping machine for strapping a stack of products, in particular a stack of periodicals or the like, by means of a strapping tape, it is provided, with a view to reliable and clean conveyance of the stack of products, in particular in the not yet strapped state, that the conveyor used to advance the stack of products is equipped with guide walls, which flank the stack of products on both sides in the conveyance direction and resemble conveyor belts, and with respective feed plates mounted thereon. The conveyor-belt-type guide walls are mounted on the machine for displacement crosswise of the conveyance direction and can be set moving crosswise of the stack of products by driving means. This transverse motion may be in particular a transverse upsetting motion.

Abstract: A modular powder recovery apparutus includes a base unit, one or more cartridge filters, and a wrapper that at least partially encloses the cartridge filters. The wrapper is designed to allow additional wrappers to be vertically stacked thereon to increase the overall height of the wrapper, thus permitting additional filter capacity without changing the base unit. The base unit is modular in design so that the size of the apparatus may be increased with a minimum of cost and waste.

Abstract: A filter for exhaust gas purification has a honeycomb structure made of a porous ceramic material and having a large number of channels, both given channels at one end of the honeycomb structure and the remaining channels at the other end of the honeycomb structure being plugged so as to be able to use the partition walls of the honeycomb structure surrounding the channels, as a filter layer for exhaust gas, wherein the thickness of the partition walls is 250 &mgr;m or less, the porosity is 40% or more, the average pore diameter is 3 to 7 &mgr;m, and the volume of the pores having diameters of 10 &mgr;m or more is 20% or less relative to the volume of the total pores. This exhaust gas purification filter has improved trapping efficiency for fine solid particulates of 0.08 &mgr;m or less while giving rise to no increase in pressure loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust gas purification filter having high purification efficiency and low pressure loss.

Abstract: A blade holding assembly for use in changing a blade of a rotary cutting machine includes a blade fixing element which can be selectively moved between a storage condition, wherein the blade fixing element is mounted to the machine in an unobtrusive position, and an in-use condition, wherein the blade fixing element is remounted in a position which obstructs the rotation of the blade. More specifically, in the in-use condition, the blade fixing element preferably projects through or otherwise engages the blade to prevent the blade from rotating in either direction. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the blade fixing element is adapted to extend through a hole provided in the blade and is threadably attached to a retainer element carried by the rotary cutting machine to secure the blade against rotation in a hands free manner.

Abstract: A tool such as a lawnmower, particularly for gardening vehicles, of the type that comprises a protective housing, suitable to provide a supporting chassis for front wheels and cutting blades arranged substantially within its dimensions of the chassis, the housing being provided, in an upper region and at the front of the central region, with two mutually adjacent blades and with an opening on which there is a fan/aspirator from which a connection for a discharge duct to be connected to a collection container branches out.

Abstract: A novel construction for a body for a vehicle in which two elongate decks are provided supported in alignment one on top of the other and spaced from each other with rib members extending from each side of the decks outwardly to the side joining the sides of the decks and defining a cavity between the decks and inside the rib members. The ribs are preferably tubular members for strength but reduced weight.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in cutting vegetation comprises an arm, arm mounting means at one end of the arm for mounting the arm, for example to a tractor, and implement mounting means at the other end of the arm for mounting an implement for cutting vegetation. The arm is pivotted to be extendable horizontally in relation to the arm mounting means. The apparatus further includes determining means for determining the horizontal extent of the arm, and controlling means for controlling the downwards pressure at the said other end of the arm in accordance with the determined horizontal extent of the arm.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a reel mower permitting the mower to roll over the ground in both a forward direction and a rear direction with the mower being drawn in the forward direction pivotable about a generally vertical caster axis forward relative the mower and with the mower being drawn in the rear direction rotatable about a generally vertical caster axis rearward relative the mower.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the height of a tool particularly for gardening vehicles, comprising front wheels whose height can be adjusted on corresponding supports that are rigidly coupled, at the front, to a housing suitable to form the chassis of the tool, the apparatus comprising: