Abstract: To compensate for modules which expand as a function of temperature, the present invention provides for using a flat sensor having special structural components that feature temperature-dependent electrical conductivity over the entire length to be measured. The benefit derived is that the temperature is measured over the entire sensor. The structural components are interconnected into tracks, and linked to electronics integrated on the sensor. On its rear side, the sensor has an adhesive layer, enabling it to be simply adhesively mounted on the component to be measured. The manner in which the structural components are distributed, makes it possible to adjust the sensor to any desired length, simply by trimming it. After the sensor is mounted, a protective layer is adhesively applied thereto, as a protective measure.

Abstract: In connection with a position measuring system for great measuring lengths, several partial scale elements preferably formed of glass are applied on a base body. The partial scale elements are welded together.

Abstract: A ventilated foot rest for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger vehicle, has a housing which contains at least one air-inlet opening and at least one air-outlet opening, and which has a foot-depositing board on its upper side. In order to better utilize this foot rest, it is proposed to form a storage space and at least two flow paths which are independent of each other in the housing. A first flow path ventilates the storage space, while a second flow path bypasses the storage space and ventilates the foot-depositing board.

Abstract: A process for the drying of woven glass fabric to be used in a reinforcing laminate in sensitive electronic equipment is disclosed. The process implements a drying technique utilizing microwave energy for drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cleaning a pressurized container having at least one chemical contained therein. More specifically, the container may store a quantity of a chemical that is reactive with water and forms dangerous reaction products, such as, for example, acids. The pressurized container may be any type of container able to store chemicals under pressure. Preferably, however, the container may be a rail tank car. The system includes the container that may have a plurality of valves for adding or removing gaseous or liquid material to or from the container. The container may be connected with a nitrogen tank or a fan for blowing air that may be heated via a heater. A vacuum pump is utilized for removing the contents of the container. The container may further be connected to a reaction tank for neutralizing the chemical that is be removed from the container.

Abstract: A continuous form disposable shoe cover, separably linked to at least one other shoe cover or a shoe cover lineal, and the production process of the shoe cover and associated lineal. The shoe cover has a securing portion for securing the shoe cover to a shoe upon insertion of the shoe into the shoe cover. The continuous form disposable shoe cover also includes a guide portion. The guide portion is manipulated to place the shoe cover in a receiving position to receive a shoe. The shoe cover may also be used with an automatic shoe cover application device, where the guide portion functions to facilitate the conveyance of the shoe cover and associated lineal through the device.

Abstract: The combination of a footwear, such as a sandal and a magnetic fastener to be used to hold together a strap and other parts of the footwear. The magnetic faster includes a first body and a base support. Both have cylindrical recesses containing cylindrical magnets mounted therein. The magnets are oriented to be magnetically attractive to each other. The first body and the base support have interlocking cooperable walls to prevent shear movement of the first body and the base support relative to one another.

Abstract: A lace device for tightening or closing an article such as a boot upper, garment, or backpack including a lace and at least two series of at least one guide for said lace, the sub-assembly constituted by the guides and the lace(s) defining a lacing zone, in the vicinity of which a blocking zone is located, in the area where the lace(s) extends from the lacing zone, the device further including a blocking element, a pocket adapted to receive the blocking element, the pocket being located in the blocking zone, and the pocket including passage(s) for the lace enabling the penetration of the lace between its exit from the lacing zone and its entry into the blocking element.

Abstract: A slipper which has an aperture in the bottom and three different types of inserts which can be inserted into the aperture. The first insert will be filled with a material that conforms to the wearer's foot, while the second insert will be filled with a mixture of sand and marbles. The third insert will be filled with neoprene balls.

Abstract: An article having an lenticular image formed thereon and a sound generating mechanism associated therewith for generating a sound message, the sound message being coordinated with respect to movement of the article. A mechanism for moving the lenticular image along a predetermined path may also be provided and for coordinating the sound message with the movement of the lenticular image. Different sound segments may be activated with respect to the line-of-sight or distance of the observer with respect to the lenticular image.

Abstract: A display device includes a rigid back cover to be attached to a mounting surface. A rigid front cover is positioned in overlying relationship to the back cover for showing product identification information, and a rigid panel is provided having a grip portion and a support portion for holding an information sheet. The panel is between and movable relative to the covers from a retracted position to an extended position. The panel in the retracted position has the support portion underlying and hidden by the front cover and the grip portion projecting outwardly from the front cover for providing access to pull the panel to the extended position. The panel in the extended position has the support portion projecting outwardly from the front cover, whereby the information sheet is hidden by the front cover when the panel is retracted, and the information sheet is exposed when the panel is extended.

Abstract: A breech plug assembly for a muzzle loading firearm. The breech plug assembly is screwed into the back opening at the breech end of the barrel of the firearm. The forward end of the conical projection has a tapered or conical projection for supporting the end of a pre-formed explosive pellet.

Abstract: A decoy system includes an inflatable decoy including an outer wall forming a sealed inner chamber and an inflation valve extending from the outer wall. The decoy system further includes a mounting rod system rotatably supporting the decoy. The decoy is supported by the mounting rod system such that the decoy can freely rotate without contacting a mounting surface. The decoy system also includes a motor and a moveable section extending from the outer wall and connected to the motor. The motor moves the moveable section upon actuation of the motor.

Abstract: The method of molding a fishing lure having multiple circumferentially extending skirts comprised of whiskers, in a single action, and a novel mold for casting such a lure in which platens which are mirror images of one another are formed with pockets for receiving die blocks, each having formed thereon passages in the shape of half of the lure to be cast, the passages adapted to receive plasticized material, which when cooled defines the lure.

Abstract: The insect trap has a top and bottom that, when connected, form a chamber for luring and containing insects. The main entry for insects is located on the bottom of the insect trap. The insect trap has a plurality of lure support structures that will accommodate many different varieties of lure, to include projections for holding card lures, an annulus for holding a cylinder or vial, either of which contain lure, and a chamber with an adjustable plug that may hold lure or may be used as a vent to control air flow, or may serve as a second access for insect entry. The insect trap has an overall cylindrical shape, with side walls that will easily accommodate an adherent type lure. The flat sides of the insect trap enable a user to more easily examine the contents of the trap without disturbing or directly contacting the contents. The insect trap has a set of legs and a device for suspension, allowing the insect trap to be used either hanging or on a surface.

Abstract: A holder for a liquid insect bait, comprises of vacuum or otherwise formed upper and lower halves, which when brought together and sealed about their flanges, form a container for the liquid bait. The back end of the halves contain depression within their flanges, that furnishes a passage for charging the liquid bait into the formed container, when the two halves are sealed together. The bottom of the holder is preformed, to form various cavities, flow passages, chambers, where the liquid bait will flow, by gravity, when charging the station for usage. An entrance cavity at the front of the holder can be instructionally cut, to form an entrance passage for the insects, such as ants, to walk up an inclined ramp to attain access to the liquid bait, as deposited within the various chambers and cavities, during usage of this holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A container which is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion and optionally an upper portion attached to the base portion. The container contains a growing medium and a botanical item without having a pot disposed therein.

Abstract: A sliding glass door system includes a conventional sliding glass door, fixed glass door, and a sliding screen door in combination with a sliding glass door display case. All are mounted on the outside wall of a house to slide parallel to each other in the manner of conventional sliding glass door systems. The sliding glass door display case has a frame commensurate in size to the frame of the sliding glass door and has a dish-shaped body which extends outwardly in cantilever fashion from its frame. Shelves are provided within the body in order to display items placed on them through the sliding glass door and/or the fixed glass door. The sliding glass door display case is especially suited for use as a personal sliding glass door greenhouse.

Abstract: A flange for making a tower for a wind generator made up of a plurality of cylindrical segments, at least one conical transition rings, a plurality of L-shaped flanges having L cuts and a T-shaped flange.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

Abstract: A building fixture protection apparatus that covers and quickly connects and disconnects from an existing building fixture, such as windows and doors, to protect the building fixture from damage due to vandalism, hurricanes, tornados, high winds, or other types of dangerous storms. The building fixture protection apparatus comprises a panel member that is sized to cover a portion or all of the building fixture, and a plurality of connecting members provided at select portions of the panel member. The plurality of connecting members quickly connect and disconnect the panel member to and from a plurality of mating connecting members provided in the periphery around the building fixture. The building fixture protection apparatus easily fits over the building fixture in a minimal amount of time, facilitating the process of safeguarding a building fixture prior to the arrival of vandals or a dangerous storm.

Abstract: A portable screen door for positioning in an apartment doorway. The portable screen door includes a frame having a first side bar, a second side bar, a top bar and a bottom bar. A screen extends between and is attached to the first side bar, the second side bar, the top bar and the bottom bar. The screen extends along each of the bars. A first support holds the frame in a doorframe. The support is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first side bar of the frame is hingedly coupled to the support. At least one biasing member removably biases the support against the doorframe. The biasing member is removably extendable from one of the ends of the support.

Abstract: A system for boarding up a store front window, and more specifically a corner bracket for use in removably supporting a panel respective an opening formed by a store front frame having corners. The panel temporarily closes the opening while avoiding damage to the frame, and preventing intrusion through the store front frame. The corner bracket has spaced parallel flanges connected by perpendicular load bearing wall members. One bracket is received at each corner of the store front frame and the load bearing wall members bear against adjacent frame members that form a corner. One of the flanges engage an interior surface of the frame while the opposed flange is attached to the panel. This causes the corner bracket to urge the panel against the exterior wall surface of the frame. The panel can be of an area greater than the area defined by the inner periphery of the frame to bring the marginal edge of the panel into engagement with the exterior frame face.

Abstract: A plastic back-up shear plate is laterally disposed with a spring fit into the outwardly facing mouth of a metal window frame. The outwardly facing mouth is formed and defined by the window frame. The window frame is an elongated hollow body with opposing outer wall elements which define the outwardly facing mouth. The shear plate is snap fit into the mouth. The shear plate has laterally disposed opposite outer edge portions which are interlockable on the outer wall elements which define the mouth of the window frame. The shear plate has a lateral dimension slightly larger than the lateral mouth dimension which causes the shear plate to snap fit into the mouth with the spring fit. In one embodiment, the shear plate includes support ribs. In another embodiment, the outer base face of the shear plate includes at least one, and preferably two, shim elements which rise above the outer face. The shim elements may be arcuate elements. In another embodiment, compressible shim fingers are utilized.

Abstract: A gridless drop ceiling assembly having ledger boards mounted on opposing longitudinal walls of a room and extending the length of the opposing longitudinal walls, the ledger boards being mounted proximate to the height of the desired drop ceiling and in parallel relationship, a plurality of mounting studs positioned on the ledger boards, the mounted studs extending outwardly from the surface of the ledger boards, the mounting studs on opposing ledger boards being in aligned relationship, a plurality of ceiling beams generally rectangular in cross section having parallel upper and lower surfaces and parallel side surfaces and parallel opposing end surfaces, the ceiling beams dimensioned to the distance between the ledger boards, the ceiling beams having formed in the opposing end surfaces thereof an L-shaped slot in communication with one surface of the ceiling beam, the L-shaped slot having a depth at least equal to the height of the mounting stud on the ledger board for the slidable positioning of and locki

Abstract: A structural system comprises a set of elements including two or more plank members 10, which are preferably hollow and divided by interior partitions 12 into longitudinally extending compartments 13. The plank members 10 are open at each end, and are interconnected by connectors 20, comprising a stem 21, and two arrays of projections which may be aligned for in-line connection of the plank members, or set of right angles to form a corner, or have three arrays to provide a T-connection. The plank members 10 are connected vertically by rods 26 which pass through aligned apertures 14 in the plank members and notches 25 in the projections.

Abstract: A seismic/expansion joint seal and cover comprises a cover plate, and a central spine extending downwardly from said cover plate. At least one layer of a resilient compressible foam sealant is provided on each side of the spine.

Abstract: A floorboard system includes a plurality of floorboards, wherein each of the floorboards is a rectangular floorboard provided with long edges and short edges and having a floorboard body provided with an integrated long edge locking system and an integrated short edge locking system for mechanical joining, both vertically and horizontally, the floorboards, along the long edges thereof and along the short edges thereof. The long edge locking system differs from the short edge locking system in respect of at least one of material composition and material properties. And, at least one of the long edge locking system and the short edge locking system includes a separate element which is integrally connected with the floorboard body at the factory and is made of a material other than that included in the floorboard body.

Abstract: This invention is a building technique with multiple applications that addresses many known needs in a vast marketplace that far surpasses existing technology. Energy savings alone is an extremely important worldwide issue that has not been addressed by other building techniques today, as it should have been. Today, Americans are dependent upon the radical and unstable oil producing nations for our energy. This trend is unwise and extremely dangerous to the peace of our nation. Measures must be taken now to slow down the depletion of natural energy resources. This process is a cutting edge, innovative technological building system that produces the highest energy efficiency in addition to fire protection, termite protection, moisture protection, sound resistance and wind resistance possible at a cost comparable to wood, block or steel construction.

Abstract: A bar connection or splice and method uses a cage of relatively short bars which may be smaller reinforcing bars or threaded bars or rods. The bars of the cage may be joined by rings or wires and clamped to bridge or lap aligned bar ends. In one form, the concrete may be cast directly around to cage and bar ends to form the equivalent of a butt joined lap splice. In an enhanced form, the cage is included in a sleeve and set screws clamp the bars, cage and sleeve together. The sleeve may be filled with a hardenable matrix such as resin or grout, and then concrete is cast around the connection. The number of sets screws and bars of the cage may vary widely to form vertical and horizontal splices of axially aligned bar of the same or transitional sizes.

Abstract: A hollow frame member is constituted by two face plates 11, 12 (21, 22) joined in a truss shape by ribs. End portions of one of the face plates are positioned in the vicinity of an apex of the truss structure of the hollow frame member. End portions of the other of the face plates have a projection extending toward the end portions of the face plates. The face plates are joined by friction stir welding. Due to the presence of the ribs, the load during the friction stir welding time is easily supported.

Abstract: A joint structure for joining a composite beam and a column is disclosed. The composite beam includes an I-beam and a pair of wooden members. The joint structure includes a mortise pin provided on the composite beam and protruding beyond an outer surface of one of the wooden members. The mortise pin is provided with a through-hole at a predetermined position. A bottom hole is provided at a bottom surface of the column in a manner that the bottom hole is adapted to receive the mortise pin. A horizontal hole is provided at a side face of the column at a position corresponding to the through-hole of the mortise pin. The composite beam is connected with the column by first inserting the mortise pin into the bottom hole of the column and then inserting a locking pin into the through-hole of the mortise pin and the horizontal hole of the column such that joint of the composite beam and the column is firmly secured. A method of joining a composite beam and a column is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for restoring load transfer capability across a joint between two adjacent concrete slabs includes cutting a perpendicular to the joint and extending into each of the adjoining slabs. A generally flat joint tie is positioned in the slot before filling the slot with polymer concrete. The joint tie may have holes extending between the broad faces of the joint tie, with rounded corners, and made of fiberglass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a plurality of facilities conduits in a wafer fabrication facility for subsequent coupling to a wafer-processing tool. The apparatus comprises a facilities integration plate and a gauge fixture removably inserted within the facilities integration plate. The method comprises the steps of determining a location where the wafer-processing tool is positioned in the wafer fabrication facility, forming a cutout in a floor of the fabrication facility, and providing the plurality of facilities conduits through the cutout in the floor. The facilities integration plate is mounted within the cutout in the floor, and the gauge fixture is disposed within the facilities integration plate. The facilities conduits are sized to a length defined by the gauge fixture and the wafer-processing tool is coupled to the plurality of facilities conduits.

Abstract: A device for introducing an gas bag into a pot-shaped receiving container with an insertion opening for insertion of the gas bag and an installation opening at the bottom for the arrangement of an inflator is provided. The device comprises a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to the insertion opening of the receiving container, and an axially reciprocating ram arranged in the housing and serving for introducing the gas bag into the receiving container. Further, a method for folding a gas bag is provided, wherein the gas bag is introduced into a tubular housing, wherein a body is introduced into the gas bag as a dummy for an inflator intended to be mounted later, and wherein the gas bag is folded around the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for gas-tight sealing a plastic bag about perishable containers carried on a pallet utilize a rotatable turntable having an upper support surface for a pallet bearing produce, a tape dispenser for applying tape to seal a plastic bag to plastic sheeting at the periphery of the pallet, and a roller system that includes four rotatable rollers rotatably mounted on a single carrier. The carrier applies pressure through two of the rollers simultaneously against the tape during rotation of the turntable to seal the tape to the plastic sheeting and bag.

Abstract: A method for shipping very large tires which are typically used on very large vehicles such as earthmovers. The tires can be shipped so that less shipping and storage space is required.

Abstract: A package is wrapped with foil by forming a curtain of two foils pulled from respective supplies with the curtain extending transversely across a conveyor path at a wrapping station and displacing a package to be wrapped in a forward transport direction along the path into engagement with the curtain and through the station so that the foils extend downstream past the package. Then a pair of double-weld beams are moved together on opposite sides of the foils downstream of the station to press and weld the foils together downstream of the package while at the same time the package and beams are relatively displaced in the direction toward each other as the beams are moved together to reduce tension in the foils created by inward movement of the beams.

Abstract: An open cell foam with thermal memory characteristic is used as an indicator for heat damage to an article containing heat sensitive contents packaged in a carton. The foam material may be a polyurethane-based thermoplastic polymer referred to as “Cold Hibernated Elastic Memory” (CHEM) foam. The thermal memory foam can be produced in compressed form and used as inserts in the carton. Upon exposure to a temperature at or above the foam glass transition temperature, the foam insert expands to substantially its original shape (volume) so as to apply a compressive force against the article, making it difficult to remove from the carton. Alternatively, the expanded foam will deform the carton walls, providing an external indication of heat damage. The foam can also be used as a heat-indicating element in an inspection panel of the carton, which ruptures so as to provide external indication of heat damage.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A strapping head for a strapping machine of the type having a feed assembly and a chute that is configured to position, tension and seal strapping material around a load, includes a body and an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body. A sealing member is disposed in the anvil for oscillating movement. A drive is operably connected to the sealing member and movable relative to the body to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. First and second courses of strapping material overlie one another adjacent the sealing member, and oscillation of the sealing member effects a seal of the first and second courses of strapping material to one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a main body which includes the primary components for harvesting and processing crop material and to which peripheral components are attached along respective interfaces which are within or at dimensions corresponding the maximum allowable legal dimension of the implement for transport over public roads. The peripheral components may be hinged or removed at the interfaces so as to narrow the implement either for transport with its length transverse to the direction of travel or for endwise transport.

Abstract: A yarn is provided which includes a core formed of a glass material and a wrapping yarn wound about the core. The core has a roughened surface, which tends to engage and hold the wrapping yarn. The yarn may exhibit excellent strength, cut resistance and heat resistance, while providing a smooth finish. A method of making the yarn includes roughening the surface of the glass filament by various means.

Abstract: Rope chain link elements and a manufacturing process to make such link elements, each link element exhibiting a unique visual property, such as coloration, surface texture, reflectivity, design feature or characteristic, shape, or other visually attractive appearance. Methods of construction include surface pre-texturing, stamping, simultaneous surface texturing and stamping, and wire bending. Such unique visual property traits for the succession of link elements results in a more attractive, fanciful, more delicate and interesting fashion item. Each of the interconnected link elements may have the same or different visual properties, and may have multiple portions of varying color, texture, or other visual properties. In other aspects of the invention, each link element may have differently shaped portions, such as adjoining and connecting geometric or heart shaped segments. Additionally, the interior and/or exterior edges of the link element may exhibit different shapes, colors, patterns, or textures.

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine combustion system has a combustor with a burner head having both pilot gas and pilot liquid-fuel injection arrangements, the pilot gas arrangement comprising an annular gallery communicating with a downstream face of the head and a deflecting arrangement adjacent the gallery for directing the pilot gas-fuel towards a longitudinal axis of the combustor and over a central part of the downstream face. The combustion system is designed so that, during both gas- and liquid-fuel operations, the flame front face is located close to the burner head and, during liquid-fuel operation, air is forced across the downstream face to cool the head. Advantageously, the cooling air is made to replace the pilot gas-fuel in the annular gallery, so that it is deflected, like the gas-fuel, and contacts the central part of the downstream face. The burner head also features main gas and liquid-fuel injection arrangements, these communicating with one or more passageways in a radial swirler attached to the head.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for the supply of a liquid fuel to a burner member (6′, 6″). The device includes at least one fuel supply conduit (5′, 5″) and means (7, 8, 9) for controlling a fuel flow through said conduit. The control means include a pump (7) driven by a motor (8) and a control unit (9) which is arranged to control the number of revolutions of said motor (8) and thus of the pump (7).

Abstract: The skin friction drag acting on a surface of an article travelling at high speed such as a vehicle at supersonic or particularly hypersonic speed can be reduced by introducing a fuel into the boundary layer under conditions of the fuel introduction to ensure combustion in the boundary layer. The fuel is injected through orifice(s) or a slot provided at the surface so that the fuel enters the passing fluid with a major component of the direction of injection being parallel to the local flow direction. The fuel is injected at supersonic speed, e.g. at a speed of about Mach 1.5 or higher. The invention is applicable to scramjet engines with the fuel being injected around the entire internal circumference of the wall of the scramjet engine, upstream of the commencement of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle includes an annular exhaust duct for discharging exhaust from an aft end thereof. Circumferentially adjoining chevrons extend from the duct aft end around only an arcuate portion thereof leaving a plain arcuate shelf between terminal ones of the chevrons. Each of the chevrons has a triangular configuration and a compound arcuate contour both circumferentially and axially.

Abstract: Various joints within a duct assembly to allow relative movement between portions of a fluid system which are interconnected by this duct assembly are disclosed. This duct assembly is particularly suited for interconnecting a rocket fuel tank and rocket engine of a space travel vehicle. In any case, this duct assembly includes a pair of duct suctions, each of which includes a gimbal on an end thereof. The opposite ends of these two duct sections are disposed in a telescope-like arrangement with a slip joint therebetween to allow the duct sections to move at least generally axially relative to each other. This slip joint includes a pair of longitudinally spaced bushings, between which are disposed a plurality of annular seals. The bushings inhibit contain between the two duct sections by maintaining the same in spaced relation.