Abstract: An M16 or commercial equivalent style rifle buttstock is provided with a stowage compartment within the buttstock body for an M4/M16 style firearm or commercial equivalent that utilizes an adjustable receiver extension which is cylindrical with a radially disposed elongated rib. The buttstock can be inserted without any permanent modifications to the host firearm, and is completely reversible. Internal storage for accessories is provided, and the buttstock is able to accept standard M16 style or commercial buttplates, with or without hinged access doors to the stowage compartment. The buttstock provides an improvement to the ajustable buttstock used on M4/M16 style firearms in cold weather which can become frozen in place in the collapsed position and not provide a proper mounting of the carbine relative to the user. Additionally the buttstock provides all of the standard ergonometric relationships of an M16 style firearm or commercial variant for the user.

Abstract: A firearm interface for a buttstock and pistol grip that provides a means to attach a pistol grip or a buttstock assembly to a firearm, and shotguns in particular. It can be used for either modality individually or both in combination. It allows the utilization of an M16/M4 style pistol grip and the adjustable, as well as the fixed buttstocks of M4/M16 style rifles and carbines. The buttstock and pistol grip interface confers the ability to configure the firearm to different requirements and to the ergonometric needs of diverse individuals. By facilitating the use of M4/M16 style receiver extensions and M16/M4 style pistol grips the buttstock and pistol grip interface brings a vast array of options to the firearms to which it is afixed. For those individuals with military experience the use of M16/M4 style components imparts a degree of familiarity and utility.

Abstract: A handgun rest suitable for field use includes a shooting platform on which the shooter rests the butt of the handgun grip and one or both hands. A first extension member is rotatably coupled to the front of the platform. A second extension member is rotatably connected to the far end of the first extension member. The second extension member nests within the first extension member in the closed position, and, in turn, both extensions rotate onto the platform in the closed position. To open the rest, the shooter rotates the first and second extension members together to a stop and then may then rotate the second extension member relative to the first extension member to a second stop. Along the way, the shooter can secure the angular position of either extension member by tightening a nut to draw together arms of the extension, thereby engaging serrations with a washer through which a pin passes. The weight of the handgun is supported fore and aft, including the shooter's hand or hands.

Abstract: A shotgun sighting device and method for sighting a shotgun with the eye of a gunner that is opposite the gun mounting shoulder of the gunner. The device is comprised of a linear sighting plane mounted by a plurality of bracket members to the barrel of a shotgun. The sighting plane has elongated mounting slots and for receiving mounting bolts for adjustably mounting the sighting plane to the bracket members in a position that is adjustably offset both horizontally and vertically from the barrel of the shotgun. The device provides a sighting plane for the gunner that is in alignment with the eye of the gunner that is opposite the gunner's gun mounting shoulder and thus provides a shotgun sighting aid for gunner's having impaired vision in their customary sighting eye.

Abstract: A “zero stop” rifle scope adjustment mechanism that allows a user to establish the “zero point” at any point in the scope range, and still maintain ¼ minute clicks and with unlimited rotations of the adjustment knob. The mechanism includes a T-shaped adjustment bolt that is vertically aligned inside an adjustment body fixed in position on the turret of the rifle scope. The adjustment body includes a small threaded central bore to which the adjustment bolt is attached. The adjustment body also includes an upward cavity with splines formed on the inside surface. When assembled, the threaded upper section of the adjacent bolt extends above the top surface of the adjustment body. Disposed longitudinally and locked in position over the threaded upper section of the adjustment bolt and around the adjustment body is an index dial.

Abstract: The front and rear sights for shotguns which are the object of the present invention provide the use of M16/M4 style sights within sight bases which can be affixed to the receiver and barrel of a shotgun. An enhanced level of precision as well as familiarity is imparted to shotguns which employ sights of the configuration described within the present invention. The addition of a M-1913 style rail base to the rear sight assembly brings the added benefit of the ability to add an additional sighting collimator to the rear sight assembly in terms of a reflex, or refractory optical sight which conveys the benefit of a co-witnessed sight alignment. The use of M16/M4 style sights which have proved the test of time in military deployments from the 1960's until the present time bring an operationally sound modality to shotguns that are tactically employed.

Abstract: A wind powered reflecting pest control (10) having an outer rim (12) which has an outer rim front (12F) and outer rim back (12B). An inner rim (14) is circumferentially attached at an outer edge to an inner edge of the outer rim (12). A plate (16) circumferentially attached at an outer edge to an inner edge of the inner rim (14). The plate (16) is manufactured on at least one side from a reflective material. A holder (20) is securely attached to the top upper center of the outer rim (12).

Abstract: A crank assembly of fishing reel includes a tube having a passage which includes a circular section and a polygonal section. A crank includes a first section with circular cross section and a second section with polygonal cross section. The first section is movably received in the circular section of the passage and the second section is movably received in the polygonal section of the passage. The crank can be extended by pulling to increase the length of the crank.

Abstract: Repeating animal traps incorporating one or more inclined plane trap assemblies with means to preclude an animal on the tilting floor member of the trap assembly from engaging the top and/or side edges of the door member of the trap assembly in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the door member down to thereby unblock access to the entrance opening. Additional means are shown to preclude an animal within the enlarged holding chamber or enclosure of the repeating animal trap from engaging the inner end portions of the floor member in an attempt to escape from the trap by pulling the floor member down, enabling the animal to climb onto the floor member and then attempt to pull the door member down to escape from the trap. A barrier in the form of sharpened projections and/or an inclined ramp is provided beneath the inner end portions of the floor member to discourage an animal entering or nesting within that space when the floor member is raised in the reset position of the trap assembly.

Abstract: A flying insect repellant system includes a duct system, a blower, and a plurality of delivery mechanisms. The duct system has an intake end and a least one exhaust end for the delivery of air. The blower is connected to the intake end of the duct system. A plurality of delivery mechanisms, conjunctively defining a perimeter, each delivery mechanism having at least one orifice being connected to one of said exhaust ends, each said delivery mechanism having an airflow emanating therefrom traveling greater than approximately 1½ miles per hour.

Abstract: To improve production efficiency and continue good burning, and to avoid to carry out troublesome separation and discarding with use of container made of glass or metals, it is provided a transparent candle having a container filled with a candle composition, the candle composition having a wick embedded therein, wherein the candle composition has a melting point of 50° C. to 70° C. while the container is formed mainly of natural wax having a melting point higher than the melting point of the candle composition. All of these materials can utilize natural materials to decrease the melting point of the candle composition, thereby resulting in not only a reduced consumption of energy required for melting the materials during manufacturing and an improved production efficiency, but also better soaking up by the wick due to its melting at low temperatures, no accumulation of soot in the wick, and allowing flames not to go out even when burning is continued.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel additive compositions for internal combustion engines and to fuels that contain the corresponding additives for internal combustion engines. The inventive fuel additive compositions for internal combustion engines have an excellent performance in keeping the inlet system clean and improved viscosity properties, especially at low temperatures.

Abstract: An artificial seedbed is disclosed comprising a foundation of virgin, re-processed or waste pulp formed by an aqueous based compression system, a dry non-woven air-blown system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive or a dry non-woven needle punched system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive. The seedbed can contain seeds, fertilizers, growth hormones, hydrogels, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or any other additive to promote the germination and the growth of the seeds and surrounding landscape.

Abstract: A shield for use in protecting plants from environmental hazard, most particularly herbicide sprays. The shield is a two-layered structure, comprising an inner layer of a non-abrasive or resilient material secured to an outer layer of a herbicide-impermeable material. The two-layered structure is preferably a flexible composite sheet having two ends coupled together to form a circumferential barrier around the plant stem. The two ends may be coupled together with various fasteners. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light colored reflective outer layer, the temperature of the plant inside the shield may be minimized.

Abstract: A system for and a method of making growth and thriving conditions more favourable for grass plants in grass pitches of the type used as football pitches and for other sports, are described. The system and the method are especially intended to be put into use for treatment of grass pitches that are put partly in the shade by high, covered stands (12, 18; 14, 20; 16, 22). Another criterion for requiring additional lighting etc. is seasons with short days. This system for making growth/thriving conditions distinguishes itself by comprising and moving at least one lighting unit (24), preferably also having other functions (water/air supply, ventilation, lawn clean-up and more). so as to be able to exhibit the characteristics of a mobile greenhouse/hothouse.

Abstract: A growing medium which consists of a self supporting block formed from sphagnum material bound together by a binding material dispersed through the sphagnum material; the binding material is a compatible adhesive.

Abstract: A modular, expandable, self-regulating watering system for burial in planters, which do not have access to water pipes nearby for use in watering plants continuously with on the amount of water the plant needs and which can be refilled by relatively infrequent visits. The system is comprised of a plurality of hollow sections each of which has two upper ports and two lower ports, unless there are only two sections in which case only one upper port and one lower port is needed on each section. One section has a fill pipe that extends above the soil level. One section has an air port at the top thereof, or close to the top, which is coupled to an air tube, which is plugged at the other end with a hydrophilic sensor. Expansion sections can be added or subtracted to make the system larger or smaller. All sections are coupled together at their upper ports by flexible hose or tubing, and are coupled together by their lower ports by flexible hose or tubing.

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

Abstract: A method serves for the pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents. The organic substances (4) or the substance mixture containing the organic constituents are brought into contact with a heat transfer medium, for preference the ash (5) from a combustion reactor (2) in a pyrolysis reactor (1), for preference a shaft reactor and pyrolysed. The pyrolysis coke (10) derived from the pyrolysis is combusted in a combustion reactor (2), for preference a fluidised bed reactor, under the admission of air (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A window regulator comprises a flange member formed on a main arm so as to surround a hole penetrating the main arm and project from one side of the main arm, and a shaft section formed on a first sub-arm so as to project toward a second sub-arm, being in a sliding contact with an inner surface of the flange member corresponding to the hole, and secured to the second-sub arm. In this configuration, a distal edge portion of the flange member is formed with a curved surface toward the first sub-arm, thereby reducing a frictional resistance between the main arm and the first sub-arm. Thus, the window regulator can avoid an unusual noise caused during the respective rotations between the main arm and the first sub-arm, and ensures the rigidity of the first sub-arm.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle door has a glass window that is raised and lowered by a window regulator that includes a roller cable assembly (15). The roller cable assembly (15) has a rolled section guide rail (18) and a bracket assembly (16) at the lower end portion of the glass window that runs on an L-shaped flange (36) of the guide rail (18). The roller cable assembly (15) includes upper and lower roller assemblies (28 and 30) at the respective upper and lower ends of guide rail (18) and a cable (20) that is trained on rollers (22 and 24) of the roller assemblies and on a drive roller (26) that is driven by an electric motor (32). Each roller assembly includes a base (42) that is slideably attached to the guide rail (16) and a detachable cap pin (44) that attaches the guide roller to the base (42).

Abstract: An automated closure assembly (20) is disclosed for a motor vehicle (10). A lateral linkage is connected to the drive mechanism (25) receiving the rotational force and translates the rotational force of the drive mechanism into a linear force to move the door between the open position and an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The automated closure assembly also includes a secondary linkage that is connected to both the lateral linkage and the drive mechanism. The secondary linkage translates the rotational force into a linear force to move the door between the intermediate position and the open position such that the door is able to move to its open position past the opening within which the lateral linkage extends.

Abstract: A panel guide and impact separation system for a sliding door adapted to open and close an opening having an upper and lower extent is disclosed. The system comprises a guide, a guide follower and an elongate beam. The guide is adapted to be mounted to a mounting surface located between the upper and lower extent. The guide follower is disposed in operable engagement with the guide and is adapted to translate along at least a portion of the guide. The elongate beam has a first and second end. The first end of the elongate beam is connected the guide follower and the second end of the elongate beam is attachable to a door panel. The second end of the elongate beam is adapted to extend generally horizontally along at least a portion of a vertical plane of a door panel.

Abstract: A device and method of notifying operation of a vehicle closure member is disclosed having a door drive motor 9 for driving a vehicle closure member, mounted in a vehicle, between an open position and a closed position, a pulse encoder 6 detecting a closure position of the vehicle closure member, and a notifying unit 7 notifying a user of operation of the vehicle closure member, with control being executed to apply a motor brake on the vehicle closure member at a time instant t1, upon recognition of operation for reverse movement when the closure position detected with the pulse encoder 9 remains in an area-just-prior-to-fully-closed-position between a half-latch position and the open position, whereupon a buzzer is activated at a time instant t2 with the motor brake being terminated when the vehicle closure member remains in the area-just-prior-to-fully-closed-position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door provided with a box-type door body (1), which is constructed of a door outer skin (1a) and of a door inner skin (1b), and provided with a large-surface cutout (10), which is located in the door inner skin (1b) and which can be covered by a wet-dry space partition (2) having a sealing element. The inventive motor vehicle door is also provided with a frame structure (3), which contains the window frame (30) and which is joined to the door body (1) via at least one binding part (31, 31′, 32), and is provided with a preferably encircling outer seal located between the vehicle door and the vehicle body. Said motor vehicle door is characterized by the provision of a wet-dry space partition (2) that at least partially overlaps the door rail (33) and the binding area (11b, 11ba, 11bb, 11bc, 12b), which is situated on the body, whereby the sealing element (20) of the wet-dry space partition (2) passes through the overlapping area.

Abstract: A vehicle door comprising a strengthening structure, an inner door skin and a latch mechanism to be housed within the door, said mechanism having engagement means that co-operate with the strengthening structure to allow the mechanism to be presented for rigid fixing within the door after the inner skin has been positioned relative to the strengthening structure; wherein at least one fixing means rigidly holds both the inner door skin and the latch mechanism to the strengthening structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective tarp for covering a mass, which includes of a flat, flexible sheet material having a top and s a bottom and having a peripheral edge, e.g. a plurality of edges. Along the peripheral edge or along each of at least two of the plurality of edges, there is a plurality of tank compartment anchors that have at least one fill orifice and closure means for the fill orifice. The plurality of tank compartment anchors are hollow, flexible tank compartment anchors, and, in preferred embodiments, the tank compartment anchors and sheet material are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is rectangular from a top view and has four edges, the four edges being two sets of two opposite edges. There are at least two edges opposite one another which contain a plurality of tank compartment anchors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outdoor tent, which includes of a flat, flexible sheet material for its main body. Along the peripheral edge (i.e. near the bottom edge) or along each of at least two of the plurality of edges, there is at least one, and preferably, a plurality of tank compartment anchors, each having at least one fill orifice and closure means for the fill orifice. The plurality of tank compartment anchors are hollow, flexible tank compartment anchors, and, in preferred embodiments, the tank compartment anchors and sheet material are formed of the same material. In some preferred embodiments, the tank compartment anchors also have drain plugs.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is comprised of a fireplace surround having surround leg portions which may be inserted into a base to adjust the elevation of the fireplace surround. The base may include one or more elongated slots or other openings for receiving lower end portions of the surround leg portions. These surround leg portions may be slidably coupled or otherwise movable relative to a surround breast portion to facilitate width adjustment of the spacing between the surround leg portions. A mantel assembly may also be included.

Abstract: ADA-compliant, portable bathroom modules provide safe, easily installed complete or partial bathrooms in a room of a home or building and are easily removed when no longer needed, without permanently changing the appearance of the home or building. The units form an enclosed structure having a roof with a ventilation fan, and door. The modular design allows a complete bathroom or a portion thereof to be selected, as desired, by the user. The complete model includes a shower module, a toilet module and an intermediate hallway/center module. A portion of a complete bathroom includes a shower module or toilet module alone (⅓ unit), or together with a hallway/center module (⅔ unit) to enhance access. The complete bathroom or portions thereof may include a back flush toilet and sewage ejection pump to accommodate installation on a concrete slab, an integral (instantaneous) water heater to allow a cold water only hook-up, and a wall mounted body dryer.

Abstract: Structure of bathroom for installation in a room intended for use as a bathroom including a multiplicity of covering panels (1, 2, 3) produced to measure for the continuous lining of at least a part of the walls and the floor of the room to be installed and a multiplicity of sanitary components or modules (4, 5, 6, 7) each predisposed with its own support structure and with its own tubes (41, 51, 61, 71) ready to be interconnected reciprocally and to be connected to hydraulic conducts of the room to be installed (100, 101) in such a way as to complete the hydraulic circuit of the bathroom; floor, ceiling and wall structures for a pre-assembled bathroom; method for installing a floor structure for pre-assembled bathroom and a method for the production and installation in a room of a complete pre-assembled bathroom including the phases of: produce panels of covering, factory produced to measure for the walls of the room; produce the self-bearing sanitary components provided with tubes and joints predisposed to

Abstract: A portable and assembleable enclosure having a floor constructed of a first rigid panel and a second hingedly interconnecting panel, a recessed channel extending about an outer perimeter of the floor panels. A plurality of walls are each constructed of a rigid material and exhibit an annular shaped projection along a first extending side edge. A corresponding and annular shaped recess extends along a second extending side edge and receives, in engaging fashion, a first extending side edge of a succeeding wall and so that the walls may be interconnected along opposing extending edges in addition to being secured to the floor in upwardly extending fashion from within the recessed channel. A peaked roof is constructed of a first rigid panel and a second interconnecting rigid panel and which is secured to an upper perimeter extending edge of the interconnected walls. First and second pairs of triangular shaped and hinged end panels securing to opposite ends of the peaked roof panels and to enclose the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing purpose-made blocks (10). According to said method, several purpose-made blocks (10) are produced in a mold (37) in such a way that the blocks (10) are arranged in at least one row (28) of purpose-made blocks in the mold (37) and respective adjacent blocks (10) of a block row (28) are interconnected in a zone of at least one predetermined breaking point (30). The purpose-made blocks (10) of a block row (28) are removed together from the mold (37) and the blocks (10) are separated from one another in the zone of the predetermined breaking point (30).

Abstract: A pulling iron facility for encapsulation in a concrete structure has an elongated strength member with an intermediate portion forming an upwardly extending loop. The strength member has opposed end portions extending laterally away from the loop. A sleeve at least in part encapsulates the strength remember, and includes a planar flange below at least a portion of the loop and defining an enclosed loop aperture. The sleeve includes a number of protrusions spaced apart from the flange.

Abstract: A lifting facility for encapsulation in a concrete wall includes a bowl element forming a cavity and having a rim occupying a rim plane. The bowl element has a side wall defining an elongated aperture, which includes a pair of spaced-apart openings connected by a slit. An articulated bar having a constant cross section has a loop portion within the cavity, and intermediate portions occupying the openings.

Abstract: A portable enclosure for temporary shelter purposes as a storage building or workshop at remote construction sites comprises a plurality of articulable frames mounted on a towable boom, which may be coupled to a towing tractor, and which has wheels at the other end so that it may be towed. Each of the frames has first to fourth frame members, with a first cylinder mounted between the boom and the first frame member to adjust the tilted disposition of that member with respect to the boom to vertical. The angle between the second and third members is adjusted by a second cylinder. The fourth member also assumes a vertical orientation. Thus, each of the first and fourth frame members of each frame is articulable to a substantially vertical orientation, and they are horizontally distanced one from the other so as to form a storage or workshop space between them.

Abstract: A foundation stabilization system is disclosed for bracing a manufactured home on its foundation of the type which includes a plurality of vertical piers spaced in longitudinal and lateral directions relative to a longitudinal axis of said home which support the home above the ground, and at least one elongated brace connected between the mobile home and base portion of the pier. The system includes foundation plate having a lower ground contact surface for contacting the ground, and an upper pier support surface on which the pier is supported. Anchor slots are formed in the foundation plates for receiving ground anchors extending through the plates into the ground. The anchor slots including first slot segments extending in the longitudinal direction of the manufactured home when supporting the piers and second slot segments extending in the lateral direction. The first and second slot segments intersecting each other at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: Barrier-free multiple level residential housing can be constructed by employing ramps between adjacent housing levels where the housing levels are offset by one half the normal full story height found in multiple story houses. The ramps are constructed in a stacked and side-by-side manner so that the full standard height between housing levels is maintained between the ramps that are stacked one above the other.

Abstract: A deck planking assembly system, comprised of two independent extrusions, to construct outdoor decks, docks and like structures. The top member includes a horizontal walking surface with multiple downwardly projecting vertical legs for locking devices and two additional projections for outer side walls. The second member of the device includes an elongated support formed from a rigid extrusion of metal, plastic or composite material, having a horizontal mounting surface which is affixed to a joist system. This contains multiple upwardly extending vertical legs at different lengths to create a crowned walking surface. Each vertical leg supports a horizontal extension terminating into an engaging locking method and an intermediate support means for the top member.

Abstract: A ridge vent for tile roofing includes a vent member attached to a longitudinally extending ridge member and extending over at least a portion of a longitudinally extending vent opening. The vent member includes a number of passageways that connect the vent opening to the ambient atmosphere. A layer of air permeable and moisture resistant material covers the vent member so that air from the vented space passes through the material layer. Moisture from outside the structure coming into contact with the material layer is repelled. In one embodiment, the material layer provides a form for a sealing layer of mortar or mastic between the tile and the vent member preventing mortar from flowing into the vent opening. In another embodiment, flexible flashing material is used to provide a sealing structure between the tile and the vent member.

Abstract: A two-part base molding system includes mounting and molding portions. The mounting portion includes at least one mounting engaging element extending therefrom. The mounting portion has an outer surface, and the mounting engaging element has inner and outer surfaces. The molding portion is mountable to the mounting portion, and includes at least one molding engaging element extending therefrom. The molding portion has a rear surface, and the molding engaging element has inner and outer surfaces. When the molding portion is mounted to the mounting portion, the inner surfaces of the mounting and molding engaging elements substantially abut one another, and the outer surface of the mounting engaging elements substantially abuts the rear surface of the molding portion.

Abstract: A corner fastening device comprises a housing formed in once time and a W-type contacting surface formed by planes or cambered planes such that the present invention can be fastened to the different concave or convex fastening surfaces. Furthermore, the fastened device can be fastened on the housing of the present invention according to the receiving opening set on the housing.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.

Abstract: A slatted roofing device, includes a frame (1) receiving a lower series (2) of grid-type mounted slats and at least a support (3) superimposed on the frame (1) receiving an upper series (4) of grid-type mounted slats, the support (3) being transversely mobile with respect to the longitudinal direction of the slats on the frame (1) to modify the lateral position of the slats of the upper series (4) relative to those of the lower series (2), the slats shifting from a completely overlapping position when the roof is open to a partial overlapping position when the roof is closed. The device includes an apparatus for lifting the support (3) relative to the frame (1) to allow air to pass through the roof even when the series of upper (4) and lower slats cover the whole roof surface.

Abstract: A door panel is disclosed that includes first and second doorskins each formed from two metal stile elements including a longitudinal flange and two rail elements including a pair of U-shaped projections defining narrow grooves, wherein the rail elements are connected to the stile elements by placing the stile element flanges into the rail element grooves and piercing the U-shaped projections to form a permanent mechanical bond between the stile and rail elements. A method of forming such a door panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed masonry wall insulation system includes: a masonry wall; a bracket supported by the wall; a sheet of insulating material adjacent to the wall; and a sheet of wallboard. The wall is comprised of courses of blocks joined together with a settable medium. The bracket, which is partially embedded between two of the courses of blocks, supports the wallboard sheet adjacent to the insulating sheet. Consequently, the insulating sheet is sandwiched between the wall and wallboard. The bracket that supports the wallboard can support the sheet of insulating material in one or both of the following ways: (1) direct support beneath the bottom edge of the sheet, or (2) friction caused by the bracket sandwiching the sheet snugly between the supported wallboard and the supporting masonry wall. The system requires no separate brackets or fasteners to support the sheet of insulating material. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An unfoldable connected structure has a structural unit movable in a folded and an unfolded state. The structural unit includes five arm units, and each of the arm units include an inner arm member having first and second ends, an outer arm member having first and second ends, an elbow joint mechanism movably connecting the first end of the inner arm member to the first end of the outer arm member, a shoulder joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the inner arm member, and a wrist joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the outer arm member; and means for connecting the arm units radially through their respective shoulder joint mechanism to form a frame of a pentagonal pyramid configuration when the structural unit is in an unfolded state. The unfoldable connected structure forms no void at its outer surface when it is in an unfolded state, has improved structural strength, and allows smooth folding and unfolding action.

Abstract: A flange connector for use in joining adjacent concrete structural members, such as precast concrete double tee structural members. The flange connector includes a central faceplate having a weldable surface and a pair of arms that extend divergently from the central faceplate that are embedded or cast into the concrete structural member. Flanges may be formed on the faceplate and the pair of legs to define C-shaped channels that taper toward the distal ends of the legs. Notches are provided at the junctures of the legs with the opposite sides of the faceplate to reduce the stiffness of the flange connector. A threaded aperture extends through the faceplate for securing the flange connector to a conventional form used to cast the concrete structural member.