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

Abstract: The invention comprises a trap (1), adapted for small animals, generally shaped as a tunnel part (A), where one end area (1) of the tunnel part is shaped and adapted to a space (B), intended for a bait (100), where this space (B), in a direction with the tunnel and towards its other end area (A2), is demarcated by one or several mechanism-releasing means, such as threads (31), and where an open snare (32) is oriented, in any case close to the floor and wall sections of the tunnel, and positioned in a direction into the tunnel, is relationship to the mentioned means or threads (31), where the mentioned means of threads (31) are adapted to, via a pulling tensional force or corresponding, let a mechanism (2) constrict an open snare in an activated position, and at broken threads or similar, let the mechanism pulling the snare be deactivated, when the mentioned mechanism consists of a spring arrangement, among other things.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting mosquitoes to an electronic insect killing machine (i.e., bug zapper) is provided. The apparatus includes a converter device that fits over a fluorescent or ultraviolet light bulb of the bug zapper. The converter device controls radiant light and heat emitted by the light bulb to produce a desired level of heat to create a warm mass, or host simulator that simulates a blood host meal for biting insects. Mosquitoes and other biting insects, which have infrared vision, are attracted to the host simulator. When used with a scented lure that lures the mosquitoes and biting insects near the insect killer, the host simulator lures the mosquitoes and other insects to the killing device of the insect killer. The mosquitoes and biting insects are destroyed once lured to the killing device. The converter device also blocks most of the visible light emitted by the light bulb, and therefore does not lure beneficial insects, which are attracted to visible light, into the insect killer.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition comprising:

Abstract: A fuel additive for improving fuel consumption comprising a fuel stabilizer and an organometallic compound, and may include a dispersant, a biocide, a high flash solvent, a lubricant, and a metal deactivator with a preferred ratio of one part fuel additive for use with 5000 parts of fuel.

Abstract: A middle distillate fuel additive comprising the reaction product resulting from the combining of a hydrocarbyl succinic anhydride and a hydroxyamine. The lubricating properties of low sulfur-content middle distillate fuels, such as diesel, jet or bio-diesel fuels, can be significantly improved by inclusion therein of such additive compounds. The use of these middle distillate fuel additives makes it possible to avoid mechanical failure problems, such as fuel pump or injector failure, otherwise caused by inadequate fuel lubricity, while still retaining the environmental benefits of using a low sulfur fuel.

Abstract: A mulch film for enhancing agricultural growth is disclosed. A layer of aluminum is vacuum metallized on a surface of a polymeric film substrate. The substrate is preferably black or white. The substrate is preferably a monolayer or a coextruded layer. In one embodiment, the polymeric film substrate is formed by coextrusion of a high density and a low density polyurethane. The substrate preferably has a thickness of at least 1.0 mil. There are also disclosed embodiments of the invention where stripes or portions of the substrate are intentionally shielded from having a layer of aluminum deposited thereon in various configurations. In yet another embodiment, substantially all of the surface of the substrate is vacuum metallized with a layer of aluminum. In yet another embodiment, the substrate is a transparent polymeric film having a color. Additionally, there is disclosed a method of forming the embodiments of the invention as described above.

Abstract: A combination plant wind screen, soil erosion barrier, water control apparatus, having an annular base member having a lower edge and an upper edge, a partial frusto-conical shield member having with an upper border and a lower border. The shield member is connected to and upwardly disposed from the base member, tapers inwardly from its lower to upper border. A ring is connected to the said annular base member for anchoring the apparatus to the soil when installed around a plant. A lower annular member disposed downwardly from the annular base member and around the roots of a plant controls water drainage.

Abstract: A decorative covering for a flower pot wherein a sheet of material having embossed and printed patterns thereon is formed about at least a portion of the flower pot. The printed pattern may be in or out of register with the embossed pattern, or a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be in register with one another and a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be out of register with one another.

Abstract: Described herein is the isolation and identification of a number of sulfur oxidizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria: RAY12, identified as Achromobacter piechaudii; RAY28, identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens, RAY132, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; and RAY209, identified as Delftia acidovorans. The PGPR act to oxidize elemental sulfur which in turn provides sulfate for the plants. As a result of this arrangement, plants are able to grow more efficiently and effectively and have enhanced growth characteristics, for example, but by no means limited to, increased vigor, early emergence, increased emergence rate, increased biomass, increased plant leaf area, higher crop yield, increased pod number, increased pod weight, increased root biomass, increased seed weight, increased macro- and micro-nutrient uptake and the like. The sulfur-oxidizing PGPR may be applied to seeds, seed pieces, carrier materials, roots and planting soil.

Abstract: A reactor/purifier for generating pure hydrogen in a stack or array of pairs of alternatingly connected high and low pressure reactor chambers wherein a gas-porous turbulence-promoting screen structure washcoated with a steam-reforming catalyst is sandwiched between a planar hydrogen-selective palladium alloy membrane and a planar gas-impermeable heat-conducting metal plate within the high pressure reactor chamber of each high pressure reactor chamber; and wherein the catalyst-coated structure in each high pressure chamber is reacted with steam and hydrocarbon fuel, such as methane or syn/gas, and/or carbon monoxide at an appropriately controlled temperature of between about 200° C. to 650° C.

Abstract: There is provided is a process for preparation of synthesis gas, i.e. mixtures containing dihydrogen and oxides of carbon, from feedstocks containing methane and/or higher hydrocarbons having from about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms by an initial catalytic treatment of feedstock to provide a methane-containing gaseous mixture substantially free of compounds having 2 or more carbon atoms, and reforming the gaseous mixture at elevated temperatures using nickel-containing catalytic materials that are unusually active under mild conditions of conversion and resistant to deactivation. The process consists fundamentally in converting the higher hydrocarbon compounds to form a methane-containing gaseous mixture substantially free of compounds having 2 or more carbon atoms in an initial conversion zone containing a catalyst while controlling temperatures within the initial conversion zone to temperatures in a range of temperature downward from about 500° C. to about 300° C.

Abstract: A motorized operator for opening and closing a window sash relative to a window frame via an arm mechanism connected to the window frame and being adapted to be installed in a cavity defined in the window frame. The operator comprises a motor, a drive axle rotated by the motor, and first and second gears in meshed engagement. The first gear is mounted on the drive axle, while the second gear is mounted to the arm mechanism such that motorized rotation of the first gear rotatably drives the second gear thereby causing the arm mechanism to pivot for opening and closing the window sash. A manual operator is adapted to disengage the first and second gears from one another while becoming engaged to the second gear for manually rotating the second gear and so manually operate the arm mechanism. The manual operator comprises a handle and a manual actuator which includes a sprocket.

Abstract: In a sliding element system with at least one sliding element (2), at least one supporting element (4) extending in displacement direction, and with at least one sliding element fitting (6,8) displaceable along the supporting element (4) and holding the sliding element (2), it is provided that the sliding element (2) consists at least partially of transparent material and comprises at least two transparent conducting current paths (10,12) in the transparent part, which invisibly supply a power consumer (14) on or in the sliding element (2) with power, and that the transparent current paths (10,12) of the transparent part of the sliding element (2) are adapted to be supplied with power via the at least one sliding element fitting (6,8).

Abstract: A replacement silo access closure assembly includes a removable closure for closing an access opening in a silo having a recessed central panel and an access hole defined in the panel, an access door mounted on a first side of the panel at an exterior side of the silo and being movable between opened and closed positions relative to the access hole in the panel, and a breaker bar mounted on a second side of the panel at the interior side of the silo and opposite from the first side of the panel and being located above the access hole in the panel.

Abstract: Abrasive particles and methods of making abrasive particles are disclosed. The abrasive particles may be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of examining quality of cerium-based abrasives which can simply determine their grinding characteristics. Specifically, the method employs X-ray diffractometry to examine qualities based on, for example, B/A wherein A and B are peak intensities relevant to LnxOy and LnF3, respectively. The present invention further provides: a method of producing a cerium-based abrasive which can give cerium-based abrasive with specific grinding characteristics; and a cerium-based abrasive which has specific grinding characteristics for specific purposes.

Abstract: A windowed egress plate storm shelter door having a shatter resistant, stormproof glass or “bulletproof glass” pane secured in a steel plate forming a frame therefor and which is part of the shelter door. The steel plate is attached to the storm shelter door to allow viewing outside the shelter to verify that the storm has passed. The egress plate or panel is structured and sized so that, if the door cannot be opened due to damage or blockage, the framed window is readily removable to create a secondary escape route for occupants to escape the shelter.

Abstract: The present invention a bunker sealing system for use with a horizontal style bunker, the bunker sealing system includes a bunker silo for storing silage therein, a cover for selectively covering and sealing silage; wherein the cover being comprised of liquid fillable bladders. The bunker sealing system further including cover handling equipment including a spool for spooling and unspooling the cover onto and off of a cover spool such that the penetration of water and air into silage is minimized and further includes a cover carriage for supporting, the spool including wheels cooperatively rolling along top rails mounted on top of bunker walls, such that the carriage spans between two bunker walls and is rollably moveable longitudinally along the walls.

Abstract: A passive optical control system for an aerial device comprising an optical signal source, an electrically passive modulator coupled with an electrically passive input mechanism located in or on an electrically isolated work station, and an optical receiver, wherein the source transmits an optical signal across a dielectric gap to the modulator which modulates, attenuates, or otherwise changes the optical signal to produce a changed optical signal corresponding to a control input provided by the input mechanism and sends the changed optical signal back across the dielectric gap to the receiver whereafter the changed optical signal is converted to a proportional electrical signal, thereby safely and efficiently maintaining the electrical isolation of the work station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement for a drilling rig and a process for erecting, disassembling, and laterally moving the drilling rig. In particular, the present invention is directed to an arrangement which permits moving the drilling rig to a closely spaced nearby well following the completion of one or more previous adjacent wells without disassembling the entire structure. Further, the present invention is directed to an arrangement that facilitates the rapid erection and later disassembly of a drilling rig.

Abstract: Because the present invention is the floor of the room which is made by laminating a porous expanded resin plastic sheet (2), a bulgy-and-hollow or undulating plate (3), and a porous expanded resin plastic sheet (2′) on a concrete slab (1), and then by plastering the surface of the expanded resin plastic sheet (2′) with mortar (4), it has the effect to improve the efficiency of sound insulation.

Abstract: A concrete for assembly and methodology by which instable window and door frames, placed within but not directly connected to a concrete form, are caused to be stable, position secured and sealed during a concrete pour.

Abstract: This invention provides a guiding support for conduit, pipe or wire that is buried beneath a floor and that extends up into an adjoining wall. It speeds and facilitates installation of the conduit by preventing kinking of the conduit as it is threaded through a ninety degree turn. It will keep the conduit in position while a concrete floor is being poured. It matches the manifold of floor and of wall spacing in order to be easily fixed in place. The speed of installation of plumbing, electrical, and other pipes and cords through conduit or conduit can be important in construction jobs, especially where such pieces of work may be on the critical path before other jobs can be started or completed.

Abstract: A fire collar is adapted to inhibit flame propagation through a partition and be supported to the partition and around a pipe extending through a hole in the partition. The fire collar includes a non-combustible sleeve having a pair of opposed, open ends. The fire collar further includes a layer of expandable material carried on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. The layer is adapted to be constrained by the sleeve to expand radially inwardly toward the pipe to collapse the pipe in the event the temperature of the material is raised above a predetermined temperature. The layer and the collapsed pipe together form a physical barrier across the sleeve to block the hole. The fire collar further includes a removable, elastic, interference member adapted to be disposed about the outer circumference of the pipe and between the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and the pipe to create an interference fit therebetween to retain the sleeve relative to the pipe.

Abstract: A multi-story apartment building has breezeways and apartment units with breezeway entrances, but also includes a plurality of first floor apartment units with non-breezeway entrances. The first floor apartment units with non-breezeway entrances may be single-bedroom apartment units without compromising the ratio of rentable area to breezeway area in comparison to conventional multi-story apartment buildings with breezeways.

Abstract: A ventilation-pipe cap has a cap sleeve (1) with an internal periphery having a cap fastener which fastens predeterminedly to an external periphery of a ventilation pipe (2) and has a plurality of ventilation orifices (4) sized and arranged intermediate the cap fastener and a cap apex (3) for preventing entry of debris and life forms into the ventilation pipe predeterminedly.

Abstract: A roof batten made of plastic which inhibits the pooling of water by permitting water that may accumulate beneath concrete roof tiles or other lug mounted tiles, to pass through the batten. The batten has spaced upper and lower skins of sheet plastic connected by a series of spaced struts disposed normal to the skins. The struts are preferably uniformly spaced apart. The battens will range in length from about eighteen inches to preferably three feet, but can be realistically used in lengths up to six feet. The plastic used permits the battens to be nailed, screwed, or stapled to the roof sheathing for use.

Abstract: A structural panel for a building structure includes first and second stud members each including a neck. Openings and venturi bridges are formed in the neck. At least one flange is attached to the neck. A foam panel extends between the studs. The openings in the neck limit the heat transferred from the stud to the edge of the foam panel. The venturi bridges in the neck also limit the transfer of heat from the neck to the edge of the foam panel.

Abstract: An athletic floor assembled on a foundation having a capacity to absorb vibration, eliminate dead spots, and remain stable and resistant to the damaging effects of moisture which comprises discrete sections of reproducible subflooring constructions which are separated from each other so there are gaps between every section which prevents the ripple effect transmission of vibration forces which combines a wood nailing bed underlayment engaged inside the open face of a c-channel support system in which such engaged components are held in fixed elevation over the foundation and supported on strips of resilient material and further comprising anchoring clips having a vertical riser member and engagement tabs at a top and which are engaged to the channels inside deflexure slot aperture cut in the channels and engaged to the foundation by fastening tab means at the bottom end and adapted to permit the entire floor construction to experience slidable vertical deflexure movement as limited by the limits of the deflex

Abstract: The invention provides a ceiling-grid system including a main-runner and a cross-tee. The main-runner has a main-runner tee-portion including at least one opening having a frustoconical portion and a second portion. The cross-tee has a cross-tee tee-portion and a cross-tee support shoulder. The cross-tee tee-portion includes an end and a projection extending from the end. The cross-tee support shoulder is coupled to the cross-tee tee-portion and the projection is insertable into the frustoconical portion and slidable into the second portion.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing injury caused by the sharp cut ends of wire such as the wire used in suspended ceilings. The safety device is formed of a polymer material which can be a plenum rated material and includes a tubular section, the bore of which is open at one end and closed at the other end. The safety device also includes one or more wire gripping jaws, formed integrally with the tubular section, which project from the tubular section along its length. When using this safety device with a suspended ceiling, the sharp free end of the twisted wire is inserted into the open end of the tubular section which causes the one or more gripping jaws to grip the portion of the suspension wire that is extending down from the original ceiling. A relatively light pressure is applied to the device which causes the gripping jaws to open sufficiently to receive and grip the wire.

Abstract: An asphalt roof shingle assembled into a roof covering, presenting repetitive and uniform, geometric patterns. The shingle has an upper headlap portion and a lower visual feature region. The visual feature region includes a first visual feature and first and second transition portions of a second visual feature. The transition portions may be either identical or different in size and configuration. In another embodiment, a plurality of alternating, identically sized and shaped visual features, such as teeth and cutout spaces, is arranged in lineal fashion along the visual feature region. Transition portions of teeth or cutout spaces are located on opposing lateral edges of the tooth portion. When adjacent shingles are installed on a roof structure in abutting relation, laterally adjacent transition portions form a full-size visual feature, such as a tooth or a cutout space.

Abstract: Column, beam and cross-bracing frame structure and methodology. The column features an assembly of plural elongate angle-iron-like components held apart by spacers which establish laterally facing recesses between spaced, confronting legs for receiving the modified, inserted ends of the central webs in beams, and the ends of cross braces. Regions of end-to-end, vertically-stacked joinder between two columns take the forms of compact, friction-bound splices created through and with the inserted ends of beams' central webs. Columns in a frame can respond to severe loads with a certain amount of beneficial individual load-handling promoted and provided by the plural angle-iron-like components, and with modest, reversible frictionally resisted energy-dissipating longitudinal motions relative to one another. Such loading is also resisted by reversible, frictional relative motion in the splices between beams and columns. Similar friction connections are provided between cross-connected beams.

Abstract: A frame member for electrical distribution cabinets, whose particularity consists of the fact that it has a substantially triangular transverse cross-section and that it has two ribs, which are arranged longitudinally along the extension of the frame member and are suitable to allow the engagement of a finishing element for finishing the frame member.

Abstract: A construction assembly in which a plurality of interconnected three-dimensional elements each has at least one wall and the elements are connected by loops or tongues of material of one element extending into windows of another element and held in place by pins of sheet material engaging through the loops and bearing upon the walls formed with the window from the side opposite that through which the loop was inserted.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: For designing a balanced stair comprising steps with treads (1-15) showing front edges (26), a line of travel (22) is determined on the stair and a reference line is determined onto each step in a predetermined position with respect to the front edge (26) thereof. In contrast to the prior art methods wherein the reference lines, more particularly the front edges (26) or the risers (25) of the steps, are divided along the line of travel (22) on constant mutual distances measured on the line of travel itself, the substantially constant mutual distances (d) between the reference lines is determined according to the invention near the line of travel (22) along a measuring line (27) which is determined for each pair of adjoining reference lines so as to form a substantially constant angle (&agr;) with at least one of the adjoining reference lines thereof.

Abstract: A pocket conveyor for use in food processing in which the pockets move independently from each other. Each pocket contains a portion of food which is conveyed from one processing machine to another in the course of food production. Independent movement of the pockets provides for, among other things, greater efficiencies in food production by allowing independent operation of the various processing machines along the conveyor as well as allowing the use of multiple processing machines for each of one or more processes. Further, independent movement of the pockets eliminates the maintenance issues associated with pockets which are chain-linked, such as chain and motor related failure.

Abstract: A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies includes a conveyor belt or similar apparatus for providing continuously DVD packages, holding tray for providing a plurality of shells, each shell defining a cavity adapted to receive one of said DVD packages; and an encasing position adapted to receive each DVD package, encase it into a respective shell and then seal the shell to form a DVD assembly.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plant using a flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance.

Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, and the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with a surface in the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of pressing a workpiece overlying a band into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slide fasteners is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together for filling through the slide fasteners.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device by 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 the package film to form the package. The zipper construction is first applied and adhered to one half of the package film and then to the other half. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the slider device and the interior of the package.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube.

Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed with a quick change module modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating one or two vertical creases along the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Such creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube.

Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.

Abstract: In an airtight chamber in an atmosphere under a desired degree of evacuation to be generated by use of a vacuum pump, there are provided an ampoule holder, which can hold at an upright position, a plurality of ampoules with an open upper portion faced upward, a stage for putting the ampoule holder thereon, a melt-sealing unit for the upper portion of each of the ampoules, and a transfer unit, which catches an ampoule held in the ampoule holder, transfers the ampoule to the melt-sealing unit, catches again the ampoule melt-sealed by the melt-sealing unit and transfers the melt-sealed ampoule to the ampoule holder to hold the ampoule therein. The ampoule holder and the stage are made of metal having a good thermal conduction. There is provided a temperature controller for the stage.