Abstract: The present invention provides a fibrous product containing plant seeds. In one embodiment, the product is a laminate having plant seeds and adhesive intermediate first and second fibrous sheets. In another embodiment, the product is an integrally formed, unitary fibrous product that includes plants seeds in a fibrous substrate. In a further embodiment, the product is a fibrous sheet coated with a combination of plant seeds and binder. Methods for making the fibrous product are also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural item comprising a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising two randomly repeating monomer units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for growing plants without soil, comprising a container (1) for containing a plant liquid nutrient reservoir; a support unit (2; 22) mounted in the container (1) above the floor thereof and extending substantially horizontally therein for supporting a plant to be grown; a lid for the container provided with a plant growth aperture (13) for the plant to grow up through; means (20; 34) for continuously circulating the plant liquid nutrient and for maintaining flow thereof in association with the support unit (2; 22); means for emptying and charging the plant liquid nutrient reservoir. The invention also includes a method of growing plants utilizing such a system.

Abstract: The container of the present invention relates to a type of box for containing plant products, especially flowers, for transport, which includes an external box that contains an internal box, which is covered by a thermal wrapper applied by vacuum, with inserts at the ends of the box, which can be taken out of the box, and chemical compounds that prevent the deterioration of the plaint products caused by ethylene emanations and by humidity (caused by cold temperature) in a bag with cooling gel incorporated therein. This container eliminates the need for electromechanical cold chains for express deliveries of plant products.

Abstract: A window unit that includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a window located within the frame perimeter. Window hardware is disposed on the window. The window hardware has a window hardware illumination element. A frame perimeter illumination element is disposed on the frame perimeter. The window hardware illumination element and frame perimeter illumination element produce an illuminated visual indicator in response to an activating signal.

Abstract: A door closing arrangement includes a first door closer for closing a first door leaf, the first door closer being positioned on the opposite side of the first door leaf from the its hinge, and a second door closer for closing a second door leaf. The distal end of the pull arm of the first door closer moves along a guide member in a direction towards the second edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from a fully open position to a partially closed position and moves along the guide member in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from the partially closed position to a fully closed position. The distal end of the second pull arm move along the guide member during closing of the second door leaf at least initially in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame.

Abstract: A brake assembly (24) is provided for locking a slidable sash window (14) within a track (16) of a frame (12). The track (16) has a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls (20), the brake assembly (24) includes a slider body (28) adapted for slidable motion within the track (16). The slider body (28) has a central opening (34) extending from a front face (36) to a rear face (38) and has a side opening (46) adjacent to the central opening (34). The assembly also includes a brake member (30) comprising a spring having a braking surface (58), and mounted within the slider body (28) such that the braking surface (58) is adapted for reciprocal lateral movement through the side opening (46).

Abstract: A vehicle door open-close device which makes it possible to achieve a reduction in numbers of parts and also make the deflection width size of a member 5 small, to thereby allow an effective use of a vehicle compartment to be aimed at, is produced, comprising a driving mechanism positioned inwardly from a door opening, an operation transfer mechanism to connect this driving mechanism and the vehicle door, the operation transfer mechanism being equipped with a slider member reciprocatingly and linearly moving by the aid of the driving means, and a link member connecting this slider member and the vehicle door, wherein the link member is rotatably connected to the slider member and the vehicle door, and the link member includes a straight portion and a curved portion outwardly and protrudingly curved away from a center of rotation of the vehicle door, and a straight portion 5b formed in substantially straight line in a connection part 8.

Abstract: Glass-ceramics and methods of making the same. Embodiments of the invention include abrasive particles. The abrasive particles can be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: A wire mesh mat for Gabion baskets for securing slopes has longitudinal wires and transverse wires connected to one another and having wire ends, respectively. At least some of the wire ends have an eye, respectively. The wire ends provided with the eye have a compensation section configured to compensate expansions and compressions occurring in a longitudinal direction of the wires. The compensation section has two legs and the eye is positioned between the two legs of the compensation section.

Abstract: An integrally formed riser pan member for use as a modular component within an access passageway for an on-site waste disposal system, such as a septic tank, to receivably retain a secondary cover member within, the riser pan member including a cylindrical body having an upper portion having a vertical wall member adapted to receive another modular passageway component thereon, and a lower portion which includes an integral pan portion to seatably receive a secondary cover member. The riser pan member further includes an annular ring between the upper and lower portions. The riser pan member can be employed as a lowermost, a highermost, or as an intermediate component in, for example, an access passageway formed of multiple stackable riser members. In addition, the riser pan member may be formed integrally with a stackable riser member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate body fastening structure, mainly, a concave slot with a proper depth is preserved on a plane to be fastened, such as the outer wall of a building, the wall plane of a highrise, the floor plane at a doorway or an indoor wall; the said concave slot can be inserted by a figure plate, such as a labeling plate, a door rug, a writing or painting in smaller volume; a press stick is respectively and forcedly inserted between the peripheral sides of the figure plate and the inner wall plane of the concave slot; through the fastening of the said press stick, the figure plate can be rapidly and specifically positioned on the plane to be fastened.

Abstract: A shaped section (10) for a shower partition door (S) is mounted in such a way that it can pivot about an eccentric vertical axis (A) and supports partial leaves (22, 24) in longitudinal grooves (12, 14) on both sides. Said partial leaves can be adjusted in relation to each other in at least two directions. Plane elements (30, 38) can lock into a shaped body (11) on the front and/or rear sides, for example a hollow section which accommodates pivot bearings (26, 28) at the end. The shaped section (10) can be raised and lowered between said pivot bearings even during the pivoting movement, as well as stopped in at least one door position. A mounting or supporting plate (50) can be adjusted and fixed beneath the lower pivot bearing (26) for alignment purposes. The weight of the door rests on a spring arrangement (F) which can be prestressed, above said mounting or supporting plate. A pressure spring (67) can be contracted and released using a manual adjusting device in order to lower or raise the door (S).

Abstract: Shelters as shown in FIG. 3, are constructed by filled bags (1), which typically have a trapezoidal cross-section. Such bags are divided into several compartments by internal webs (3) and can be laid over an arched lining (2). In end view, the bags are slightly wedge-shaped so that they resemble stones following the curve of a masonry arch, and the webs (3) follow the curve of the arch so that there is an inner compartment (4), a middle compartment (5), and an outer compartment (6) in each bag. In addition to shelters, the bags can be used to build barriers formed of courses of bags, with at least one side of the barrier having a corbelled out portion.

Abstract: A shim is disclosed. The shim includes a body member having (i) a top wall segment having a first end and a second end, (ii) a first end wall segment attached to and extending from the first end of the top wall segment, (iii) a second end wall segment attached to and extending from the second end of the top wall segment, and (iv) a bottom wall segment having a third end and a fourth end, the third end of the bottom wall segment being attached to the first end wall segment, and the fourth end of the bottom wall segment being attached to the second end wall segment. The top wall segment, the first end wall segment, the second end wall segment and the bottom wall segment are all made from a plastic material. Additionally, the shim may include a plurality of latitudinal apertures.

Abstract: Window components are made by a fluid-assist injection molding process to reduce manufacturing costs and provide additional flexibility in the configuration of the window. In addition to the inventive product-by-process, two window configurations, a casement window and a picture window, are taught. The casement window has a frame with installation flanges and the window sash has integral mounting posts for handle hardware. Both the window frame and sash have encapsulated insulative air pockets. An acrylic window pane is taught that mimics a glass block window.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

Abstract: A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.

Abstract: A bumper system for a loading dock includes an engagement member and a guide member mounted to the face of the dock. The guide member helps guide a vehicle toward the engagement member, which receives the primary impact of the vehicle backing into the dock. If the vehicle is excessively off to one side, the guide member of some embodiments may affect the operation of a dock leveler, vehicle restraint, dock seals, or a door associated with the loading dock. In some embodiments when the vehicle is off to one side the guide member may inhibit the vehicle from reaching the engagement member.

Abstract: A window unit includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a window located within the frame perimeter. The window includes a display surface adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is disposed in the window frame and a speaker element is disposed in the window. The window can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display surface.

Abstract: A hybrid building system using metal studs and brick ties in a timber framed building. The metal stud comprises an elongated metal section including two flanges joined by a web. The elongated metal section may be a C-section or a Z-section. The metal stud comprises foldable tabs at the top and bottom of the stud, a plurality of fastener holes along its length, service apertures along its length, brick tie fixing holes, a plurality of foldable lining spikes along its length and a wall lining sheet support tab at the lower end of said stud. The primary advantage of the invention is that there is an opportunity to utilize the desirable qualities of a steel stud with timber frames, which are more widely used, to create an improved building frame system.

Abstract: Metal cladding as jamb cover assemblies and mullion cover assemblies, for door frames and mullions, using extrusions as cladding over substrates. A jamb cover assembly includes a jamb plate, a nosing, and a nailing fin. The nailing fin extends from a distal side of the assembly. Accordingly, the frame can be secured in a rough opening of a building with the nosing assembled to the jamb plate, and using the nailing fin for the securement, without any assembly or disassembly of the frame at the construction site. Regarding the mullion cover assembly, first and second jamb plates are on opposing sides of a mullion substrate. A mullion nosing is assembled to the jamb plates, and bridges the jamb plates to join together the two jamb plates and the nosing, to provide complete overlayment of the outer surface of the mullion substrate and to space the front panel of the nosing from the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a special baseboard that looks like any ordinary baseboard, yet is simple to install and has an added benefit of having a removable front panel. Once removed the invention will give access to the built-in cable tray to which cables can be retained and housed when the front part is replaced. One of the unique benefits of this invention is that no surrounding decor will be damaged by the correct removal and replacement of the front panel.

Abstract: Skirting profile (1) for transition between wall (10) and preferably floating floors (20). The skirting profile (1) includes a channel (2), which channel (2) is intended for hiding and holding cables and the like in place. The channel (2) extends parallel to the skirting profile (1) and is open on the upper side of the skirting profile (1) as well as backwards to the wall (10). A cheek (5) is formed as an extension upwards of the front side (3), between which check (5) the channel (2) is formed. The front side (3) is provided with a thin decorative and resilient laminate (7) which extends from the lower edge of the front side (3) to and beyond the rounded edge (6) of the cheek (5) to or beyond a vertical surface being a tangent of the rear side (4).

Abstract: A protective end cap adapted to engage the distal end of a wood plank. The protective end cap may include a spine and tapered sides extending from either side of the spine. Alternatively or additionally, the protective end cap may have a generally concave curvature along a lengthwise axis of the elongate body. The protective end cap may include an internal surface formed to contiguously engage the external surface of the distal end of the wood planks. Furthermore, the protective end cap may have an internal diameter that gradually increases as the sides extend from the spine. A wood plank including a protective end cap and a method for protecting a wood plank from damage by securing an end cap to the wood plank are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: In a synthetic door composed of two molded skins attached to a frame composed of stiles and rails of thin wooden strips to which the skins are adhered, with the core filled with a plastic foam, the improvement comprising a insert mechanically joined to each stile along their entire length, each said insert having a channel means operable to interlock with its associated stile thereby providing the approximate strength of thicker wooden stiles conventionally used in constructing such doors, as well as providing finished vertical edges of the resulting door while significantly reducing the overall costs of such doors. In addition the insert can be employed to form an interlocking frame by extending the insert beyond the ends of the stiles and milling the ends of the rails so that they interlock with the channel means of the insert.

Abstract: Prefabricated, light-weight, columnar or rectangular, convertible to fencing or stand-alone columns resemble solid brick and masonry structures built by skilled masons. Modules comprise heavy duty durable plastic liners with corner reinforcements comprising heavy duty square plastic tubing, faced with concrete, mortar and exterior brick and mortar. Modules are erected on concrete footings equipped with (1) raised studs that mate with square plastic tubing and (2) embedded anchor bolts which mate with bottom apertures. Ends of rectangular modules are bolted together and columnar faces. Capitols are of same plastic faced with concrete or mortar and brick veneer. Black plastic tubing simulating wrought iron may be disposed along wall tops. Module inner spaces may be ballast-filled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nail suitable for sheathing which provides an enhanced resistance to failure. The nail includes an enlarged head as well as a shank having surface deformations. Sheathing panels are secured to a framing structure through the use of the nail. The enlarged head provides a first clamping surface that is seated against an exterior surface of the sheathing panel. The framing structure within which the shank is secured is a second clamping surface. Through the provision of an enlarged head and a shank having surface deformations, the ability of the nail to maintain the securement of the sheathing panel to the framing structure element is enhanced.

Abstract: Heat insulating air bags (10) are formed with heat reflective interior surfaces (13) and the bags are filled with gas. In a preferred embodiment, the bags are formed at a forming site adjacent a dwelling, in a continuous manner, and are fed to an air delivery system (56) that blows the bags into the building structure where they are directed to an insulation receiving site, such as the floor of an attic.

Abstract: A roof structure for covering a roof substrate includes a waterproof membrane having a layer of fleece material disposed on a first side thereof. The roof structure also includes a moisture curing, substantially non-volatile polyether based adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the first side of the waterproof membrane. At least some of the adhesive is disposed within the fleece material to permit bonding of the waterproof membrane to a roof substrate of a low slope roof of a building structure.

Abstract: Panels for a suspended ceiling of the torsional spring type are disclosed. Such panels can include: a circumferential edge configuration that preserves a very tight tolerance between a surface bearing against a foot portion of a T-bar and a face of the panel; and/or reinforcing ribs in the form of T-bars whose foot portions are inserted between the laminae of a typical ceiling panel. Each circumferential side edge configuration is multifaceted and includes: a first surface intersecting the back surface; a second surface intersecting the first surface and substantially parallel to the face surface; a third surface intersecting the second surface and substantially orthogonal to the face surface; and a fourth surface intersecting, and being beveled relative to, the third surface. The length of the first surface will vary in close proportion to the variations in the thickness of a new panel, which makes the machined back-to-face distance very uniform.

Abstract: A roof panel clip that extends ten feet in length rather than the usual prior art one to two inches, enabling the clip to span the distance between two purlins to support roof panels over these distances. The extended length of the clip enables it to provide greater strength against uplift loads than that which was possible with the older narrower clips and this continuous clip can be installed more quickly than a series of the ususal smaller clips used to cover the same span.

Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1′) and male floor elements (1″). The female floor element (1′) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1″) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.

Abstract: A composite wood panel is disclosed, the wood panel having parallel first and second longitudinal edges, and parallel upper and lower faces, and comprising: a groove formed along the second longitudinal edge, a complementary shaped tongue formed along the first longitudinal edge, and a barrier layer. A first surface extends from the tongue to the upper surface and forms a generally obtuse angle, &agr;, with the upper surface, while a matching surface extends from the groove forming a generally acute angle, &bgr;, with the upper surface, and the sum of &agr; and &bgr; is from about 175° to less than about 180°. The composite wood panel allows for convenient and fast assembly, particularly in constructing roofs, and also provides resistance against the penetration of water through the structure formed by the panels.

Abstract: A wood based panel having at least one spacer, spaced at intervals or continuously, on a square edge in which the spacer will deform or be forced into an adjacent panel when subjected to linear expansion forces.

Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.

Abstract: A corner block assembly comprises a corner block and a mortar joint. The corner block has at least two faces arranged in a predefined angular relationship and joined along adjacent edges thereof. Each face has a top flange extending rearwardly from a top edge and at an edge opposite from the joined edge an arm extending rearwardly therefrom. The mortar joint is affixed to the top flanges of the corner block and has at least two legs arranged in a like predefined angular relationship. Each leg has a rear attachment flange for abutting one of the intersecting walls and a front cap spaced from the attachment flange wherein a bottom edge of the front cap abuts at the top of the corner block.

Abstract: A hollow working pole such as a luminaire pole is repaired by cutting the pole above ground level and inserting a sleeve. The sleeve is maintained in position while grout is poured to fill the space between the sleeve and the inner surfaces of the pole base. The top portion of the pole, previously removed, are replaced and grout is poured into the circumferential space between the insert and the inner surfaces of the upper portion of the pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.

Abstract: A working pole such as a luminaire pole is mounted on a steel cylindrical sleeve extending upwardly from a concrete portion of a foundation member. The foundation member is placed in a hole provided therefor and the luminaire pole or other working pole is placed over the sleeve in contact with the concrete portion of the foundation member; grout is poured between the exterior surface of the upwardly extending steel sleeve and the interior surface of the luminaire pole.

Abstract: A jig adapted for easily positioning, properly orienting and installing a molding. The jig includes a body having a positioning portion configured to receive a molding. The body also includes a first positioning margin and a second positioning margin each emanating from the positioning portion, the positioning margins being configured so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The jig facilitates placement of the molding at a proper installation angle at a juncture of two surfaces, such as a ceiling and wall.

Abstract: In a horizontal form-fill-and-seal machine (10), a continuous length of packaging film (12) is folded lengthwise over a consumer product (35) to be packaged. The consumer product (35) is placed on the packaging film (12) with a zipper (26) disposed between a lengthwise fold (29) and the consumer product (35). The longitudinal edges (40, 42) of the packaging film (12) are aligned and sealed to one another with the zipper (26) sealed to the folded packaging film (12). Side seals (46, 48) are produced in a conventional manner to form a completed bag (55) while also separating the completed bag (55) from the bags being formed. Weakness areas (62, 63, 64) and an aperture (64) for opening the completed bag (55) and accessing an attached slider (27) are provided at the lengthwise fold (29).

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closable by a slider device, on a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with side panels to form the package. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package.

Abstract: A bagging device (6) including at least two bag forming means (2, 3) capable of forming bags of a selected variable length from a supply of the material (4) from which the bags are to be formed, transporting means (7, 8, 10) to, in use convey item of differing dimensions to a selected position (5) or to one of a range of available selected positions, sizing means (15) to determine the size of each individual item, and production means to cause in use a bag of desired length to be formed by a selected one of said bag forming means (2, 3).

Abstract: A packing product and apparatus and method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The packing product includes at least one face sheet and at least one crumpled sheet pad attached to the face sheet. A package and method of packaging an article are also disclosed, the package including a container, one or more crumpled sheet pads positioned in the container, one or more face sheets positioned adjacent to the crumpled sheet pads, and an article positioned in the container in at least partial abutting relation to the one or more face sheets. The one or more face sheets may have portions that are folded to envelop the article. Also, the face sheet may include an opening having a pattern corresponding to a shape of the article.

Abstract: A caser is disclosed for packing filled containers in empty cases. The caser includes a conveyor belt that carries filled containers to the caser for loading and a pusher assembly for pushing the containers onto the loading tables wherein the containers are gravity fed into cases positioned below the loading tables. The loading tables preferably retract linearly to allow the containers to drop into the cases. A pair of bottle guides pivot to grip the containers while the loading tables retract.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for wrapping products with plastic film (50) comprises: a ring-shaped element (3) supporting a carriage (4) that moves around the ring-shaped element (3); drive means (5) for moving the ring-shaped element (3) relative to the group (P) of products to be wrapped; main motor means (6) associated to the ring-shaped element (3) and designed to drive the carriage (4). The carriage (4) mounts a roll (7) of plastic film and a pre-stretching unit (8) driven by suitable drive means (9). The pre-stretching unit (8) comprises a pair of rollers (10) for pre-stretching the film and a transmission and control roller (12) that swings towards and away from the group (P) of products and is designed to start or stop film feed according to its position relative to the group (P) of products to be wrapped.

Abstract: A stirrup includes an elongated footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. The footrest and the hanger can pivot elastically relative to one another on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the footrest.

Abstract: A method and device for purifying air contaminated by particles. Paint particles in front of a workpiece which is to be painted is suctioned off by means of a suction device. The flow of suctioned air is guided along the outer surface of at least one endlessly circulating loop. At least part of the paint particles contained in the suctioned air is deposited upon the circulating loop.

Abstract: A novel construction of a disposable filtration bag made from a sheet of composite material comprised of at least one layer of expanded polythtraflouroethylene (ePTFE) and at least one substrate layer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a conventional disposable filtration bag is provided for use in floor care appliances such as upright and canister vacuum cleaners. In an alternate embodiment, a “pillow case” type disposable filtration bag is provided for use in floor care appliances such as upright and canister vacuum cleaners. Two methods of construction of the “pillow case” type disposable filtration bag are provided wherein in one method of construction the composite sheet is folded twice and sealed, and in the other, the composite sheet is folded once and sealed to form the disposable filtration bag.