Abstract: A combination greeting card carrier and scanable card is provided which permits the scanable card to be pivoted between an initial position where the scanable card is displayed and has a scanable area thereon extending from the perimeter of the card in a first position and a second position where the scanable card is concealed. A hinge member pivotally connects the scanable card to the greeting card carrier. The greeting card carrier may include a recess in a front panel thereof to permit the scanable card to lay flat in its initial presentation. The greeting card carrier may include indicia conveying a preprinted desired sentiment which corresponds to the goods or services made available to the recipient when using the scanable card.

Abstract: A combination greeting card and gift card with a coded information portion is provided to be sold and delivered to a recipient as a unit. The greeting card includes preprinted indicia preferably corresponding to a particular occasion such as a birthday, holiday, graduation or other celebretory event. The coded information portion of the gift card preferably includes a PIN number or a scannable portion which, when an account in a remote computer corresponding to the coded information and the gift card is activated, enables the holder of the gift card to obtain goods or services by access to credit corresponding to the card from a remote database. The gift card is initially temporarily coupled to the greeting card by adhesive, tabs and slits, or a mechanical fastener, and concealed when the front and rear panels of the greeting card are in a closed, substantially parallel orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a health information card which is designed to relay specific information as to a person's present sexually transmitted disease (STD) status. The health information card is designed to be frequently updated so as to be reasonably accurate with regard to a user's current health condition. While obviously not a guarantee nor an endorsement that a particular person would presently be disease-free, the health information card would be designed to promote a cleaner lifestyle and raise awareness with regard to the presence of STD's and various preventative mechanism in which individuals can reduce or eliminate the chances of getting STD's.

Abstract: A plurality of stemware rings, are formed of resilient material in a loop having a pair of opposing ends. The loops are of a size for accepting a stem of a wine or other stemmed glass, and further, for being supported on a base of such a glass. The stemware rings each provide a distinctive ornamentation so as to distinguish the glasses from each other. The method includes distributing the glasses to guests with the rings engaged on the stems of the glasses so that one glass may be distinguished from the next, personalized, fitted to the occasion and other uses.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped boat fender is used in a method of advertising a product sold in a container having a predetermined size and shape and bearing a distinctive label or having a distinctive feature. The boat fender acts as a shock absorber and has a size that is substantially larger than the predetermined size of the product container but has substantially the same shape and bears substantially the same label or has substantially the same distinctive feature. The boat fender has an attachment member extending therefrom that enables it to be attached to a boat in a manner that positions the boat fender along a side of the boat, to thereby advertise the product.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a vending machine display apparatus and method includes a controller, an electroluminescent display electrically coupled to the controller and adapted to be coupled to the vending machine in a location externally visible on the vending machine, and a power line coupled to the electroluminescent display and adapted to supply power to the electroluminescent display. The electroluminescent display can be associated with the user-manipulatable control and/or with a product in the vending machine dispensed by operation of the user-manipulatable control. In some embodiments, the electroluminescent display is responsive to the controller by changing graphics and/or text displayed by the display.

Abstract: A device for stretching foil material and poster holder built with the device includes a guide element and a profile that can be moved and guided crosswise relative to its direction of extension. Two hollow profiles, which are open on their longitudinal sides, extend along the profile with the hollow profiles receiving the edges of the foil material to be stretched. A stretching element is included for stretching the profile crosswise in relation to its direction of extension in any direction in which the hollow profiles are located. The guide element is obliquely mounted on a frame or a structure, so that the profile can be moved or stretched in a transverse direction relative to the direction of extension and obliquely relative to the direction of stretching of the foil material which is to be stretched. The poster holder has at least one such device, which is mounted on a free-standing frame, or forms such a frame, or is mounted on a structure.

Abstract: A label is formed from cellulose film material and has embossed or debossed portions that give the label improved aesthetic appearance. The label may also include tactile coating layers to provide tactile feel to the label. The embossed or debossed portions and tactile coating layers may be applied to the label to correspond to indicia printed on the label, or may be applied to areas of the label without printed indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sewn picture frame that may be attached to a wall hanging, stuffed animal, or the like. A photograph, calendar, greeting card, advertisement or other item is held to the item by plastic sheet that is sewn in place on three sides, allowing one side free to insert and remove a photograph. In some embodiments, printed logos or designs may adorn the photograph holder.

Abstract: A combination picture retaining and item storing device that has an integrally formed plastic structure. The structure includes at least two sidewalls that extend from a base. At least one of the sidewalls has a hole formed through the sidewall. A storage area is disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls. A separate picture retaining member having a translucent planar body including first and second parallel portions are joined at a radius. The first and second parallel portions allow for retention of a picture in a gap formed by the opposing portions. Retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole positions the picture retaining member within the periphery of the hole and allows for easy removal of the picture retaining member.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a rifle (1) comprising a stock (40), a forearm (30) and a barrel (20), the barrel (20) being releasably connectable to the stock (40) and said barrel (20) being fastenable to said stock (40) by bringing the forearm (30) into locking engagement with said stock (40) by means of a locking device (50), the locking device (50) being spring-loaded and the spring (60) being compressed by an actuation member (57) for the purpose of unlocking.

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: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting deposit formation in a fuel at a temperature of from 100 to 335° C., the method comprising combining with the fuel a composition comprising: (i) high temperature antioxidant; and (ii) a deposit inhibiting compound.

Abstract: Polyalkylphenoxyaminoalkanes having the formula: 1

Abstract: A fuel composition comprising gasoline having a sulphur content of less than 10 ppm by weight and an aromatic content of less than 25% by volume, characterized in that said composition comprises at least 5% by volume of olefins and is substantially free of any ethers. The fuel composition so formed has reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. The emissions from such compositions can be further reduced by incorporating therein a small amount of ethanol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for eradicate nematodes and other soil-borne organisms to a depth of up to several feet that uses specially-shaped electrically conductive metal shanks that are pulled through the soil profile by a tractor or other vehicle. The source of the electric charge is a generator and transformer connected to each conductive shank. Electric current passes through the soil between the shanks resulting in the electrocution of unwanted soil borne pests such as nematodes. Two rows of downwardly pointing generally vertical parallel shanks are provided, the leading row being a plurality of ripper shanks, and the trailing row being parallel electrically-conductive stinger shanks. The stinger shanks are wedge shaped from front to back to compress the soil between them so as to provide a more uniform electrical charge.

Abstract: A reusable non-biodegradable plant growth barrier is disclosed comprising at least one flat rectangular body for removable placement in communication with soil for cultivation. The body comprises a frame defining an area of prohibited plant growth. The frame forms a rectangular slit exposing soil for cultivation of desirable plants. A plurality of barriers may be attached together to define a planting pattern across a predetermined cultivation area. The barrier includes for means for irrigating the soil below the growth barrier and is anchored to the soil using a plurality of spikes. Division members may be inserted into the frame to form a plurality of cultivation slits.

Abstract: Flower arranging apparatus for arranging a bunch of flowers including a sheet of substantially flexible material; a plurality of penetrations through the sheet adapted to receive therethrough elongate items of the bunch of flowers to be arranged; gripping means operatively associated with each penetration whereby one or more elongate items may be passed through one or more of the penetrations and gripped thereby with a predetermined force, the penetrations being reinforced against failure of the flexible material about the penetration by thickening of the flexible material and/or one or more round apertures operatively associated with each penetration.

Abstract: The present invention is an ornamental covering formed from a cylindrically shaped piece of cloth. The ornamental covering includes an elasticized portion affixed at an open end of the cylindrically shaped piece of cloth. A circularly shaped piece of cloth is attached at an opposite end of the cylindrically shaped piece of cloth to form a bottom. The detachable ornament includes a fastener connected to an ornament.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and blowouts and for encouraging plant growth in these propeller scars and blowouts. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots, plants or seeds in a sediment tube or sediment bag which is in turn placed in a propeller scar or blowout. When the sediment tube or sediment bag is placed in the propeller scar or blowout aquatic plant growth is facilitated. The sediment tubes and sediment bags may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes and sediment bags with and without sea grass shoots, plants or seeds, in propeller scar propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars and blowouts..

Abstract: An apparatus and a method fractionate solid fuels, especially whole tires, into metal as well as volatiles and coal to be used as alternative fuels. The apparatus includes a feeding zone wherein the solid fuels are fed to the apparatus, a gasifying zone into which the solid fuels are processed, obtaining a gaseous fraction, coal, and metal; cooled grills controlling the bed permeability and permanence time of the solid fuels at the gasifying zone; and a discharging zone into which the resultant coal and metal are discharged, in which the solid fuel coal and solid and gaseous fractions follow a path inside the apparatus through the feeding zone, the gasifying zone and discharging zone, and in which the gases inside the apparatus follow a path that is co-current with the solid fuel fractions path inside the apparatus.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a fuel cell structure is provided which includes a seal portion in the form of a gasket between adjacent fuel cells in a stack of fuel cells. In the seal arrangement, a portion of the fuel cell structure that overlaps the gasket as viewed in a direction of lamination of the cells has a constant-thickness structure having a substantially constant thickness. The seal arrangement may further be arranged to seal fuel cell coolant passages and manifolds from fuel cell gas passages.

Abstract: A fuel reforming method includes the step of supplying carbon-containing fuel and steam to a reactor filled with a fuel reforming catalyst and a CO2 absorbent and discharging CO2, and setting the absorbent at an absorption temperature, thereby converting the carbon-containing fuel into reformed fuel, and separating CO2 from the reformed fuel, the step of obtaining a product gas by oxidizing a portion of the reformed fuel and/or the carbon-containing fuel with an oxidizer, and heating the absorbent with this product gas to a regeneration temperature, thereby regenerating the absorbent and storing heat in this absorbent, and the step of supplying the carbon-containing fuel and steam to the reactor, thereby cooling, to the absorption temperature, the absorbent heated to the regeneration temperature, and converting the carbon-containing fuel into reformed fuel by heat energy stored in the CO2 absorbent. An apparatus for the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote unit 14 couples to an obstacle detection sensor 13 to both detect an obstacle in the path of a movable barrier 11 and operability of the obstacle detection sensor 13 itself. Information regarding these and, optionally, other parameters (such as battery status) is coded and transmitted as a short burst wireless transmission to an interface unit 15. The interface unit 15 decodes the message and provides controlling information to a movable barrier operator 12 as appropriate when an obstacle is present, when the sensor 13 is faulty, or when other monitored parameters are out of normal bounds. In addition, the interface unit 15 can provide local alarms (auditory and visual) when detecting one or more of the above conditions.

Abstract: A sliding double hung window structure allows a window opening to be fully exposed to the external environment in an open position, with casements or windows being stored out of sight, and not in the opening. The window structure includes two casements or sashes balanced by suspended counterweights and guided by pins in guiding grooves in the two vertical sides of the sash. In the closed position, the casements are located in the same plane, one on top of the other. When fully opened, a breast cavity under the window receives the two casements in guiding grooves which communicate with guiding grooves in a vertical section running along the whole height of the window opening. A horizontal section connects the two vertical sections.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly is provided that includes a guide defining a path. A window bar assembly having a window mounted thereon is supported on the guide and is movable along the path. A manual or automatic actuator is interconnected with a drum for rotationally driving the drum. A pair of cables each include an end connected to the drum with the opposing end connected to the guide. The cables are arranged in a pull-pull relationship between the drum and guide. A portion of the cables is wrapped about the circumference of the drum. A drum biasing assembly, which may include a mandrel urged into bore of the drum by a spring, expands the circumference of the drum to take up the slack in the cables. The drum includes radial grooves that divides the drum into sectors that are movable relative to one another by the mandrel.

Abstract: A window elevator system (10) is adapted to be built inside the door of a motor vehicle comprises a driving drum (12), a transmission member (14) and a window (16). The transmission member (14) transmits the movement from the drum to the window. The transmission member is comprises a belt (14). The belt (14) is reinforced by one or more steel cords (28, 38)): at least one of said steel cords is of one of following types which has an improved fatigue resistance: (i) The steel cord (28) comprises more than one strand (30, 34) and each of 18 the strands (30, 34) comprises steel filaments (32, 36) with a diameter less than or equal to 0.12 mm, at least five strands (34) are arranged at the circumferential side of the cord (28); (ii) The steel cord (38) comprises more than one filament (40, 42, 44) and each of the filaments has a diameter less than or equal to 0.12 mm, at least five filaments (44) are arranged at the circumferential side of said cord.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement, such as for a vehicle door opening, comprises a channel-shaped mounting or gripping portion (10) for embracingly gripping a mounting flange (40) extending around the door opening. The mounting portion (10) integrally includes an outwardly inclined support member or lip (34) on which is supportingly mounted a tubular seal (38) so as to be presented to and to be sealingly compressed by the closing door. The tubular seal (38) is advantageously made of open-cellular thermoplastic elastomer material, and is covered by a skin-like covering (42) of closed-cellular thermoplastic elastomer material. The skin-like covering (42) extends from the mounting portion (10), over the outside of the tubular seal (38) and partially over the surface of the support member (34) facing the outside of the one of the channel side walls (14) of the mounting portion (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making an embossed abrasive article comprising providing a sheet-like foam backing having a first surface and an opposite second surface; providing an abrasive coating comprising abrasive particles and binder over said first surface to provide an abrasive article; and applying under pressure a patterned embossing tool having an embossing surface including at least a pattern of raised areas to the abrasive coating of the abrasive article to provide an embossed pattern at least including depressed areas corresponding to the raised areas of the embossing surface in said abrasive coating and said foam backing to provide an embossed abrasive article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof covering for cleaning and keeping the roofs of buildings clean, in particular of plant growth, or pollutants, comprising a sheet-like material (1) which reacts in co-operation with moisture. The sheet-like material forms a partly closed chamber, when in the state of being set upon an inferior roof element (5) and slowly releases the moisture accumulated in said chamber to the exterior.

Abstract: A Method for roofing a lightweight construction, comprises the steps of fastening a prefabricated trellis of metal wires to an upper frame of said light-weight construction, so that said trellis spans over an area of said lightweight construction, and putting a sheeting material on said trellis.

Abstract: The Improved Aseismic System of the present invention isolates a structure from seismic forces, and wind forces and seismic forces combined. During an earthquake the structure will slide on seismic filters, while gas dampeners act as shock absorbers to absorb the tremors and keep the structure from impacting its foundation. Fluid flow control assemblies control the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action ram assemblies and the gas dampeners. Seismic filters provide a frictionless base for the structure support pillars to isolate them from the foundation and any forces which would otherwise be transmitted from the foundation to the structure's support pillars.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A double glass system is disclosed in which not only the sunbeams are completely shielded, but also the firefighting is made easier at a fire accident. An incombustible or combustion-resistant liquid with a pigment added therein is used as the solution to be supplied into the double glass. Thus the double glass can shield the sight and the sunbeams, and can serve as a compartment wall, while it is helpful to firefighting at a fire accident, because the solution generates a fire-suppressing gas upon being burned. Thus the functions of the double glass are diversified. Further, an opaque liquid such as mercury is used in place of the solution, so that a sunbeam-shielding effect, a sight blocking effect (to the required degree) and a mirror effect can be obtained. Mercury is supplied into double glass by expanding the mercury and the air by heating them, and therefore, a driving means such as pump is not required.

Abstract: A seamless skylight flashing has a frusto-conical curb defining an open top that can be covered by a skylight dome and an open bottom. A flat skirt extends radially away from the open bottom. Plural strengthening ribs are oriented radially on the skirt, and a peripheral rib is formed on the outer edge of the skirt. The skirt is preferably formed by die presses.

Abstract: A glass panel system that provides nearly transparent enclosure of a desired area. Specifically, at least one glass support element that may be used with a variety of glass panels to eliminate conventional opaque headers and configured to receive forces corresponding to the glass panel system.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is disclosed having a spacer with a cross-section varying in a repeating manner along a longitudinal axis and an adhesive sealant at least partially encapsulating the spacer. Also, a moisture vapor barrier may be provided as well as a desiccated topcoat.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A stone cladding system for building has a support frame formed by a plurality spaced-apart upright mullions fixed to an exterior of a building by anchcor bracke with a number of horizontal cladding panel support rails mounted in vertically space apart rows on the mullions. Each stone cladding panel is mounted between adjacent pair of vertically spaced-apart rails with a bottom of the cladding pa seated on the lowermost rail and a top of the cladding panel secured to the uppermo rail by a pair of retaining clips. A bottom of each stone cladding panel is fu supported along its length by the lowermost rail.

Abstract: A system for forming individual work areas within an open area. The system includes a spine wall extending vertically from a surface of the open area, a first work surface extends continuously and uninterrupted along one side of the spine wall and having a length substantially equal to a length of the spine wall. The work surface is positioned to extend substantially perpendicular to the spine wall. A continuous data and power raceway are attached to the bottom of the work surface. A divider wall is positioned atop the first work surface and releasably connected to the spine wall at any point along the length thereof for forming cubicles of desired size. A second work surface may be positioned on an opposite side of the spine wall. End walls are positioned on opposite ends of the spine wall and extending perpendicular to the spine wall for providing additional support to the system.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for building waterproof concrete structures. An integral casing comprised of a rigid plastic shell with an armature attached to its face is covered with concrete. The shell is formed either in the shape of a desired structure or in a generic shape to be used to splice together a larger custom structural shape in a mosaic fashion. The shell acts both as a form to support the wet poured concrete and becomes an integral part of the finished structure to provide waterproofing.

Abstract: A structural member includes an outer frame unit, a multi-cellular frame unit, and a foam filler. The outer frame unit confines an inner space. The multi-cellular frame unit is disposed in the inner space of the outer frame unit, and cooperates with the outer frame unit to define a plurality of cellular spaces within the inner space. The foam filler fills the cellular spaces.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel and method are disclosed. A panel including a sheet rock layer and a laminated in-situ foam layer within a frame is attached to a pre-existing masonry wall, such as a basement wall.

Abstract: A corner block is provided for use in constructing an exterior corner of a retaining wall. The corner block is designed to receive a portion of a retaining member that is used to secure a reinforcement member to blocks that are adjacent to the corner block. The corner block permits construction of a retaining wall having an exterior corner, where the right and left sides of the exterior corner can be reinforced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building block and a method for producing the same, which has a reduced mass by comparison with conventional building blocks and excellent insulating properties. The building block according to the invention consists of a lightweight material which is selected from expanded glass, pearlite, expanded clay or mixtures thereof. The lightweight material is obtained by liquid phase sintering or fusing of pre-expanded glass granulate, clay granulate, pearlite or mixtures thereof and forms a pore structure as an insulating core which is at least partially enclosed by a shell body formed from a conventional building block material. The building block is produced by an appropriate shell body being filled with the lightweight material, and the pre-expanded lightweight material, which has a residual expanding agent content of at least 0.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is decreased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially decreased configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.

Abstract: A modular system for the construction of a lattice panel for a bridge, comprises first and second chord members (20, 28) and a plurality of web members (1). Each web member comprises three legs forming a triangle. One leg (2) extends perpendicularly between the chord members. The second and third legs (3, 4) are joined to each other and to the ends of the first leg. The ends of the first leg (1) are provided with means for connecting the web member to the chords (20, 28). Interlocking means (13, 19) are provided at the joint between the second and third legs, and mid way along the first leg, so that adjacent web members can be connected together.

Abstract: A method of modifying a domed structure for demolition comprises forming a hinge or pivoting arrangement in a wall of the domed structure. The hinge arrangement allowing the domed structure to rotate about a reaction line for controlled demolition of the structure. The domed structure can be modified with additional openings in the dome and wall for explosive charges to facilitate the demolition.

Abstract: A laminated wood piece is disclosed comprising a solid hardwood component having an upper surface and a lower surface that are substantially parallel to each other and a wood composite component having layers oriented substantially parallel to the lower surface of the solid hardwood component. The ratio of a thickness of the solid hardwood component to a thickness of the wood composite component being from about 1:1 to about 1:10. The laminated wood piece is suitable for use a door stile.

Abstract: Magnetic gypsum or drywall is a concept that adds value and application to a standard gypsum drywall panel by insertion of a various sized flat, thin gage ferrous metal sheet into the interior face or substrate of the drywall during the drywall manufacturing process. The drywall-finished product would then become a platform to accept the attachment of a variety of magnets and magnetic objects to its finished surface for display and storage.