Abstract: A cast net throwing device is provided for use with a cast net including a netting defining a mesh, with the netting being bounded at an outer periphery by a lead line, and the cast net that may including a thimble, a plurality of brail lines secured at opposite end to the lead line and interconnected there between to a throw line, with the throw line and brail lines operating in combination with one another to close the net when a user pulls on the throw line. The cast net throwing device comprises at least one handle member, (throwing device) operatively secured to the central area of the netting intermediate the lead line, without interfering with the function of the brail lines of the cast net. The handle member is sized and configured to permit a user to grasp the member, thereby enhancing the user's ability to impart rotation to the cast net when the cast net is thrown.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a body section coupled to a fishing line that pulls the lure through water. An energy storage device is positioned in the body section and coupled to a propeller. The energy storage device stores potential energy as the lure is pulled through the water.

Abstract: A line-locking fishing lure weight comprising which includes a bullet-shaped weighted body member having a central bore through which fishing line is thread. The weighted body member is adapted with a circumferential groove to interchangeably attach thereto a ring with a plurality of filaments. The bullet-shaped weighted body member is secured to the fishing line via a resilient T-plug. Notches are formed in the top head member of the T-plug which is intended to slip the fishing line therein to balance the bullet-shaped weighted body member.

Abstract: An electronic fishing device and control system. The fishing device includes an electro-mechanically actuated dive plane and rudder for steering the device in azimuth and depth by remote control or by preprogrammed instructions. In an autonomous mode, a device memory is preprogrammed with control instructions, and the device executes the instructions when placed in the water. In a remote control mode, the device is controlled by a remote control box located on a boat or shore. Preprogrammed instructions or user inputs may be utilized to steer the device. The control box may be interfaced with a fish finder to automatically generate commands to steer the device to fish detected by the fish finder.

Abstract: The barbless fishing hook has a shank having a longitudinal axis and a spike at one end, and extending longitudinally along the shank adjacent to the spike, a radially expanded surface extending radially outwardly of the longitudinal axis so as to define, in a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a smoothly rounded generally radial arc devoid of stress concentration causing corners or elongate protrusions and so as to define, in a second plane containing the longitudinal axis, along the intersection of the second plane with the radially expanded surface, a line of intersection smoothly blending the radially expanded surface with the spike at one end of the line of intersection and with the shank at an opposed end of the line of intersection and the distance between the line of intersection and the longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, increasing smoothly along the shank from the spike to a maximum radial distance where the smoothly rounded generally radial arc sweeps out a

Abstract: An insect trap (10) is operable in either an electrocuting mode or non-electrocuting mode. Further, an integral grid tester (96) is used to test whether or not power is being supplied to the grid (40).

Abstract: A method for the biocontrol of horn fly for protecting livestock, the method comprising defining an area for managing the livestock and placing a number of wasp's hives containing wasps of the species Polybia scutellaris, in an effective amount to control the flies, and placing a honey containing food for the wasps in an area at a distance from the hives.

Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a garage door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a garage door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.

Abstract: A fuel for a fuel cell system comprising 0.5-40 mass % of oxygenates in terms of an oxygen content based on the whole fuel. The fuel for a fuel cell system has a high power generation quantity per weight, a high power generation quantity per CO2 emission, a low fuel consumption, a small evaporative gas (evapo-emission), small deterioration of a fuel cell system comprising such as a reforming catalyst, an aqueous gas shift reaction catalyst, a carbon monoxide removal catalyst, fuel cell stacks and the like to maintain the initial performances for a long duration, good handling properties in view of storage stability and inflammability and a low preheating heat quantity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel for a fuel cell system comprising 5 vol. % or more of hydrocarbons based on the whole fuel, and 0.5-20 mass % of oxygenates in terms of an oxygen content based on the whole fuel, wherein the content of hydrocarbon compounds having a carbon number of 4 is 15 vol. % or less, the content of hydrocarbon compounds having a carbon number of 5 is 5 vol. % or more, the content of hydrocarbon compounds having a carbon number of 6 is 10 vol. % or more, the content of hydrocarbon compounds having carbon numbers of 7 and 8 in total is 20 vol. % or more, and the content of hydrocarbon compounds having carbon numbers of 10 or more is 20 vol. % or less.

Abstract: Deposits in a direct injection gasoline engine are reduced by providing as fuel for the operation of said direct injection engine a fuel composition comprising the fuel-soluble reaction products obtained by reacting (i) a monocarboxylic acid of the formula: 1

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface includes widely spaced rows of ribbons projecting from a flexible backing sheet. Thermal regulating means are attached to the backing sheet in the spaces between the rows of the ribbons. A relatively thick infill layer is disposed on the top of the backing sheet, thereby burying the thermal regulating means and holding the ribbons upright. The infill layer may include a growing medium for plant growth. In one embodiment, electric cables are integrated into the synthetic grass surface in order to heat the surface for de-icing or to maintain plant root warmth. In another embodiment, perforated flexible pipes are integrated into the synthetic grass surface to moisten the surface, thereby cooling the surface when the moisture evaporates. The thermal regulating system of the invention is energy-efficient and economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a paper layer and at least one biodegradable polymer layer extruded thereon is provided. The paper layer may have an extruded polymer layer on each side, it may have multiple polymer layers extruded on one side, or both. Additives appropriate for the particular use of the substrate may be added to one or more of the polymer layers.

Abstract: A protector for seedlings or small trees is provided having top and bottom protective covers that may be used individually or may be snap locked together in a plural format. Each cover is made of a sheet of moulded pliable polymer material, capable of being folded along its center to form a living hinge. A channel-like portion to each side of the hinge is formed by a plurality of stacked shell-form bodies, each with a poly hourglass shape. A bottom end has a hole, typically of a two inch diameter, for surrounding the seedling. The top protective cover formed by the channel-like portions consists of a roof member that is adapted to collect water internally in the form of condensation and externally in the form of rain, and to disperse the water onto the plant. The bottom protective cover is open at its top end and has one male snap on each sidewall for mating with respective female slots on the top protective cover when connecting both covers.

Abstract: A number of vertically upright, thin, wire mesh sections are interconnected and arranged in a circle with spokes about a bird feeder pole over a desired ground area beneath the pole. The wire sections are smooth on top with no upwardly directed sharp pieces. The wire section arrangement prevents a cat from having a stable area to sit on.

Abstract: A method for preventing destruction of crop seeds and grains by insects consisting of contacting the crop seeds and grains with an aqueous formulation containing capsicum whereby the aqueous formulation is a killing solution. The method coating, soaking, rinsing or spraying the crop seeds and grains with the aqueous formulation containing capsicum. The method also comprises forming the aqueous formulation containing capsicum into a thickened paste and applying the paste as a coating to the seeds and grains, or, alternatively, vaporizing the aqueous formulation containing prior to contacting the seeds and grains. The method further comprises drying the seeds and grains following contact with the aqueous formulation containing capsicum utilizing circulating hot air or passage through a drying chamber. A seed and grain coating for preventing destruction of crop seeds and grains by insects consisting of an aqueous formulation containing capsicum whereby the aqueous formulation is a killing solution.

Abstract: A modular type tray (1) for hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation is described, in which the nutritive solution is carried to the roots of plants grown in the tray by a tube with built-in drips (2) situated in a slot (3) on the tray bottom. The tray consists of at least one plastic casing made by extrusion, a pair of closing flanges (5, 6) to be fixed to the opposite tray ends and (if necessary) at least one middle flange (7), placed between two plastic casings to join them together with a watertight seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of gasifying carbon-containing compounds incorporating mineral elements and/or potential contaminants, and it also relates to a gasification installation having means for containing a bath of molten slag, means for charging said compounds into said bath, means for injecting at least oxidizer into the bath so that the mixture of carbon-containing compounds and oxidizer is super-stoichiometric, whereby a first fraction of the compounds is pyrolyzed, a second fraction is subjected to a combustion reaction suitable for delivering heat energy to the bath of slag, and a third fraction diffuses into the bath, means for recovering the gas given off by the pyrolysis and the combustion of the first and second fractions, and means for lowering the temperature of a portion of the molten slag so as to allow it to solidify, thereby immobilizing at least a portion of the third fraction of the compounds containing mineral elements and/or potential contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least two tubes (1, 2) which are arranged coaxially inside one another and project partially into the reactor is proposed for the production of synthesis gases by partial oxidation of carbon-containing fuels in a reactor without internals. The inner tube (2) has a device (8) for supplying the fuels and the outer tube (1) has a device (9) for supplying the combustion air. At the end, the tubes are conically tapered, so that a nozzle-like outlet opening (3) and an annular nozzle gap (4) are formed. To improve the resistance to wear, the tubes (1, 2) are in each case composed o two sections (1a, 1b) and (2a, 2b), the tube sections (1b, 2b) which extend into the reactor consisting of a high-melting metal alloy which is able to withstand high temperatures. The tube sections can be joined together in a positively and nonpositively locking manner by a screw thread or a flange structure (11, 12).

Abstract: When the hydrogen separating membrane is in a low temperature condition, a lean bus operation is carried out in a reformer in order to conduct warm-up while suppressing generation of hydrogen. At the timing t1 where the temperature of the hydrogen separator membrane has reached a temperature at which hydrogen embrittlement does not occur, reforming is initiated. In such a condition, oxygen is supplied to hydrogen which is permeated through the hydrogen separator membrane for burning the hydrogen, so as to further facilitate the warm-up. At the timing t2 where the temperature has reached an operation temperature, the supply of oxygen in a purge side is stopped so as to stop the burning of hydrogen, and an operation mode is shifted to a normal operation.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the accurate installation of a frame by establishing a required gap and alignment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a block of material with pre-determined dimensions related to the standard or custom dimensions of the frame and standard or custom dimensions of a subsequent stud and dry wall to be installed. The block of material has a slot running along the length of at least one side with the slot having a pre-determined depth and width corresponding to standard or custom dimensions of an outer lip of the frame to be installed for fitting the block of material onto the outer lip. A securing system for temporarily securing the block of material to the outer lip is also provided. The slot is offset from an edge of the block of material by a distance corresponding to the required gap and alignment to be established.

Abstract: A window frame including a pair of identical frame halves that can be interconnected without fasteners. Two different connector systems are integrally formed with the frame halves, and the frame halves have two possible orientations with respect to one another—a ship orientation and an install orientation. The first connector system releasably interconnects the frame halves in either orientation. The second connector system essentially permanently interconnects the frame halves only in the install orientation—not in the ship orientation.

Abstract: A coated abrasive having an abrasive surface comprising a plurality of individual abrasive structures wherein the structures comprise a cured binder resin in an amount that is from 58 to 75% by volume of the volume of binder plus solid particles dispersed within the binder.

Abstract: A flashing assembly includes an outer flange that covers a portion of a wall around a rough opening and a weather strip that engages the rear surface of a nailing flange of a door or window. An outer flap is bonded to or integrally formed with the outer flange. Once a window or door is installed in the rough opening, the outer flap is adhesively sealed over a nailing flange. In one embodiment of the invention, the flashing assembly also includes an inner lip that fits within the rough opening. The inner lip may include a raised water or air dam.

Abstract: A waterproof deck (10) is formed with a subfloor (20) having a waterproof sheet (30) covering the subfloor. A T-bar strip (32) has its stem (34) positioned at the edge of the subfloor, on the waterproof sheet. Protrusions (44) in the stem of the T-bar strip maintain the stem a sufficient distance away from the waterproof sheet and the underlying structure to form water passages at the free edge of the deck, which allows any water seepage through the concrete to drain at the free edge of the deck. Flashing at the sides of the deck shield the T-bar strip from direct contact with the adjacent vertical wall surfaces of the building structure.

Abstract: A transportable building module including structure defining a floor sub-frame (13) and at least one wall structure (16) about a room space. The building module further includes at least one roof sub-module (20). This roof sub-module is hingedly mounted to the wall structure for pivotal movement between an extended position and a retracted transport position, in which retracted transport position the height of the building module is less than when the roof sub-module is in its extended position. In separate aspects, there are disclosed a transportable building with a separate roof module, and a building with a transversely arranged roof module beam.

Abstract: A removable floor mounted support pole for assisting elderly and disabled persons with standing from a seated surface, and providing adjacent support while moving on, to, and from a bed, bathtub, or toilet. The apparatus is designed to be installed and used typically in buildings with a concrete slab type floor such as a hospital or nursing home. The apparatus comprises two major assemblies: firstly, a floor receptacle which is installed permanently within a concrete slab type floor, and secondly, a support pole assembly which removably fastens into the floor mounted receptacle. When the support pole is not required, it may be removed in less than a minute, and placed in storage. The floor receptacle is sealed with a flush cap when a support pole is not installed within.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel unit of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a housing constituted by a front, radiation-receiving panel and a rear panel, the panels being spaced apart and connected to one another by connecting means; a plurality of rotatable radiation-blocking members disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the members being rotatable from one angular position in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to substantially block the passage of light through the panel unit, to a selectable plurality of other angular positions in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities; characterized in that first guiding surfaces for the rotatable radiation-blocking members are disposed inside of, and extend across, the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle window assembly including a protective transparent plastic window liner covering the inner side of the glass pane and held removably in place by flexible liner-retaining strips having quarter-round molding portions overlying the margins of the liner and anchor portions that are releasably secured in mounting grooves along the edge portions of the window pane. The anchor portions are integral with the molding portions and are pressed into the grooves past detent ribs that lock the strips releasably in place, to secure the window liner against easy removal by a passenger but permitting removal by service personnel for replacement. The mounting grooves are in elongated window-retaining bars that are positioned against the inner side of the paneand also are removably secured in place for ease of reglazing, having enlarged deformable anchors pressed into locking grooves with restricted open sides forming releasable tongue-and-groove connections for removal by tilting of the bars.

Abstract: A window or door casing includes two side sections, a header or top section and bottom section. The bottom section also has caps attached at either end. The trim casing is mountable on a window or door frame and is securely fastened to the side of the house ensuring a tight fit and finished appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engineered closed wall system that includes one or more preinstalled conduits installed during fabrication of the closed wall system and an associated box that is positioned to intersect the preinstalled conduit at a standard connection port of the box and in a predetermined location. The location of the conduit and/or box can vary according to job-specific requirements. Advantageously, the conduit can be installed equidistant from the first and second outward layers. Specific boxes, and any ring extensions mounted to the boxes, can be sized to flexibly mount from either outward layer and still be substantially flush with the face of the outward layer and still intersect the conduit at a standard connection port provided on the box.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more viewports formed at predetermined locations that allow inspections of an inside member of a closed wall system. The viewports can be disposed at predetermined locations that do not significantly impair the structural characteristics of the outward layers or inside members. In at least one embodiment, the viewports are formed in one or more outward layers during fabrication of a closed wall system. Generally, the closed wall system can be mass-produced in a manufacturing facility, although the closed wall system may be assembled at the job site.

Abstract: A plastic corner device for installing drywall to form an inside corner. The corner device has a large corner with a smaller corner facing it to form a right parallelepiped, whose sides equal in length the thickness of the drywall panels. The corner device and/or the panels have adhesive applied to them, and the edges of the panels abut the smaller corner to form the inside corner. Adhesive is then applied to the rearward surfaces, and the assembly of the corner device and the panels is adhered to a building structure.

Abstract: An access floor panel having an improved applied edge trim element comprising a panel base capable of being suspended above a subfloor surface, having a load surface for supporting loads, and a method for forming such an edge trim element. Affixed to the load surface is a covering comprising a top layer having a thickness and an underlying backing layer. The covering further comprises a wear surface with a central portion and perimeter edges therearound, the wear surface along the perimeter edges of the covering being etched to a depth that is less than the thickness of the top layer. An edge trim element, such as ink, is applied to the etched portion of the covering, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the access floor panel. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A finish trim for use in dry wall construction having an elongated core that is configured with a flange having outwardly facing surfaces to which is affixed a pre-shrunk covering strip.

Abstract: An insulative building wall structure including parallel channel-bearing track and load plate structures with a plurality of spaced apart posts extending perpendicularly there between and a plurality of respective foam panels disposed between the posts. The panels are provided with a plurality of vertical slits such that width adjustment thereof can be accomplished on-site by removing an appropriate number of slitted strips from a panel. Each panel is maintained such that a void is formed between respective interior edges of the channels and the interior surfaces of the foam panels. A wall surface panel is secured to respective interior outer edges of the track and load plate structures to create an insulative dead air space, corresponding to the above-described void, between the interior surface of each foam panel and the wall surface panel.

Abstract: An aluminum wall panel comprising a plate, a top flange extending from a top of the plate, a bottom flange extending from a bottom of the plate, a first side flange extending from a first side of the plate and a second side flange extending from a second side of the plate. The panel includes a first projection and a second projection extending from the top flange and defining a channel therebetween. The panel also includes a third resilient projection extending from the bottom flange. The third resilient projection presses against a matching projection of the second wall panel to rigidly connect the wall panel to the second wall panel when the wall panel and the second wall panel are fixed to a supporting framework. The first side flange and the second side flange taper upwards to allow the plate to be parallel with the second wall panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a siding plank assembly comprising an interlocking feature that allows the siding plank to be stacked with other siding planks in a manner such that a uniform and deep shadow line is created. The interlocking feature sets the gauge of the exposed plank face and allows for leveling of the plank during installation. The siding plank may be formed from an extrusion process or from the Hatschek process.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure an be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: There is provided an engineered wall system which comprises at least one monolithic precast concrete foundation wall panel having top, bottom and opposing side edges. Each of the panels comprises a plurality of integral ribs, evenly spaced along a length of the panel between the side edges. The ribs are vertically oriented and project inwardly when the panel is in position as part of a building wall and a first and second outermost rib form each of the opposing side edges. There is a plurality of sleeve apertures located in the top edges and axially aligned in the opposing side edges and ribs and alignment means on the first and second outermost ribs to align adjacent ones of the panels. Attachment means on the first and second outermost ribs to secure together the aligned adjacent panels is also provided, as well as installation support pads attachable to the panels.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for adjustably supporting a beam end to a support structure. The apparatus includes a mounting plate, a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder, and a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means such as a bolt. The system includes the apparatus as well as a beam that has been modified to have an end recess for receiving the apparatus. By mounting the apparatus to a support structure, and placing the beam end over the apparatus, the bolt and support plate can manipulated to adjustably support the beam end. A cosmetic insert can be placed in a lower recess formed in the beam to conceal the support plate and bolt head from view, thereby creating a concealed supporting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete foundation wall. A trench is opened in the ground and a form is inserted into the trench. The form is made up of a pair of spaced-apart opposing panels, which define a cavity. The panels may be made of a thermal insulating material, which may be extruded foam insulation or, more particularly, extruded polystyrene. The panels may be supported through a combination of J-channels, spreader brackets, connecting members, and a support member. The method further includes backfilling the trench around the form with dirt and pouring concrete into the cavity. The dirt provides support for the form as the concrete is poured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel form comprising:

Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.

Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the corners of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, for example, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a solution filling and plugging system to a container capable of shortening the overall length of the transporting and filling line, and coping with containers in a variety of shapes with a change only to the chuck retaining the container.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a tablet packaging unit, a base cabinet, a swing cabinet, tablet cassettes in each cabinet and tablet passages for dropping tablets. The base cabinet is mounted on top of the packaging unit. The swing cabinet is swingably engaged to the base cabinet so the swing cabinet becomes swingable to and from the front surface of the base cabinet, whereby the first swing cabinet is attached to and swiveled on the base cabinet to open when required. The tablet cassettes are detachably racked in said each cabinet in columns and rows. When the swing cabinet is swung open, the tablet passages of the swing cabinet are externally exposed to facilitate either cleaning or vacuuming of the tablet passages.

Abstract: A gripper 12 comprises grip members 12a, 12b which are mounted on a first rotary shaft 24 and a second rotary shaft 26, respectably, so as to be opened and closed. An engaging pawl 12c is formed on an upper surface of the grip member. The both shafts 24, 26 are elevatable in an integral manner. A receptacle member 70 is disposed below an exit star-wheel 22, and is arranged to rotate integrally with the star-wheel. The gripper is located below the flange 16a of the vessel 16 when receiving the vessel, and accordingly, the engaging pawl cannot contact the flange. When the vessel is depressed by the capping head 20 during a capping operation, the engaging pawl engages the vessel. When the vessel is discharged, the vessel remains suspended above the receptacle member 70, and the gripper then descends to place the vessel on the receptacle member and to disengage the engaging pawl of the gripper.

Abstract: A material in the form of a sheet for enveloping a bale of agricultural material is coated with or contains a preservative in order to prevent spoilage of wrapped bales of agricultural material by aerobic organisms.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package with a slider activated zipper wherein a base film moves longitudinally to a filling station and, in a moving direction, away from said filling station. At the filling station a product is fed onto the base film. As the base film carrying product is moved from the filling station, a zipper with a slider attached is fed onto the moving film in the moving direction of the base film. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each of which has an attached web extending away from the slider. A top film is applied over the base film and the first profile web is sealed to the base film and the second profile web is sealed to the top film. The package is completed by transversely cross-sealing the base film and the top film together on opposite sides of the product. The base and top films may be formed from the same sheet folded over or may be formed from separate sheets.