Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device (1) for the suspension of signs (2) constituted by a sign (2) attachment means (3), a means for the vertical adjustment (4) of said attachment means (3) and a telescopic rod (5) enabling the ascent or descent of said attachment means (3), characterized in that the vertical adjustment means (4) is attached at a variable height in a movable manner to a beam (6) by the intermediary of two cables (7, 31) one end of each of which is attached to the adjustment means (4) and the opposite end passes over the beam (6) prior to becoming interconnected along the length of the cable by means of a spring hook (8, 36) so as to vertically immobilize said vertical adjustment means.

Abstract: A housing for mounting a collector plate comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a base with at least one concave recess, a plurality of clamps disposed about the periphery of the recess and an opening in a rear surface of the base. In a preferred embodiment, the clamps have plate-engaging surfaces which are biased toward the recess such as by springs.

Abstract: A fishing fly for catching a fish, comprising a folded rubber string core, one or more materials surrounding the folded rubber string core form a pattern representative of food available to the fish, and an eye formed by a continuous section of the folded rubber string core extending from the one or more materials is provided. The one or more materials may include thread, feathers, or beads. The core may alternatively be metal, plastic, or unfolded rubber. A method of fishing using the fishing fly is also provided. The method includes attaching a fly to a line containing a hook at one end, the fly being attached at some distance from the hook, placing the hook end of the line into a body of water to be fished, and retrieving one or more fish caught on the hook.

Abstract: A snag-resistant fishing lure assembly includes a light-weight snag guard mounted to a fishing lure body. The snag guard has a guard member that precedes the lure body when the lure is pulled by a fishing line, and the snag guard can be formed from the end of the line.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure used for bait casting including artificial baits and leaders. The fishing lure comprises a wire body that may be formed of a superelastic alloy comprising not greater than about 20 percent of nickel and about 30 percent of chromium, with the remainder being titanium. The wire body may have a bight and engaging divergent legs which extend from the bight. Preferably, the bight is in a generally R-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the invention provides a fishing lure having a shape memory alloy wire body having contacting, generally flat wire surfaces to provide more rigidity to the lure, thus improving lure performance.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a lure body to which diving bills of various configurations may be affixed. The lure body includes a forwardly and sidewardly open slot into which a complementary configured portion of a diving bill may be inserted sideways, the slot and bill having locking configurations preventing the bill from separating from the lure body in response to forces tending to pull the bill forwardly from the slot.

Abstract: A cockroach-preventing seat comprises a seat body and a cover. A bottom of the seat has a plurality of legs. The periphery of each leg is formed with a plurality of stepped surfaces around the leg. A plurality of conductive pieces are installed around each legs. The conductive pieces are locked to the stepped surfaces. At least one selected leg of the legs is hollowed and internal thereof has a plunge. When an electric device is placed upon the cover; a power wire of the electric device passes through the cover and through a central hole of the plug so as to be clamped therein. Then the plug is inserted into the selected leg so that the power wire is out of the bottom of the selected leg. Thereby, by the design of the leg and the plug, cockroaches will not enter into the seat body along the electric wire.

Abstract: A system and process for improving the combustion of fuel oil in boilers employs: (1) dual homogenization of fuel oil and water; (2) recovery of heat from, and injection of, boiler waste water in the homogenization system; (3) mixing of urea and boiler waste water and injection into the boiler exhaust gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides oily liquids comprising

Abstract: A system for supporting potted plants and other items around a support column. The system providing a secure method for displaying items such as potted plants in non-traditional places. A support belt that has nodes on its interior side is wrapped around a support column, such as a tree or pole, so that the nodes make contact with the support column. Items such as plants are supported around the column by special pots with hooks. The hooks slide into the gap created between the support column and the belt, by the nodes. A connecting device is used to secure opposite ends of the belt together and create sufficient inward pressure on and friction against the support column as to support multiple pots.

Abstract: A distillate fuel steam reformer system in which a fuel feed stream is first separated into two process streams: an aliphatics-rich, sulfur-depleted gas stream, and an aromatics- and sulfur-rich liquid residue stream. The aliphatics-rich gas stream is desulfurized, mixed with steam, and converted in a reforming reactor to a hydrogen-rich product stream. The aromatics-rich residue stream is mixed with air and combusted to provide heat necessary for endothermic process operations. Reducing the amounts of sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons directed to desulfurzation and reforming operations minimizes the size and weight of the overall apparatus. The process of the invention is well suited to the use of microchannel apparatuses for heat exchangers, reactors, and other system components, which may be assembled in slab configuration, further reducing system size and weight.

Abstract: Methanol steam reforming catalysts, and steam reformers and fuel cell systems incorporating the same. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes zinc oxide as an active component. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst further includes at least one of chromium oxide and calcium aluminate. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not pyrophoric. Similarly, in some embodiments, steam reformers including a reforming catalyst according to the present disclosure may include an air-permeable or air-accessible reforming catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not reduced during use. In some embodiments, the methanol reforming catalysts are not active at temperatures below 275° C. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes a sulfur-absorbent material. Steam reformers, reforming systems, fuel cell systems and methods of using the reforming catalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a reformer installation for providing hydrogen-containing gas, especially during a starting phase of energy generation using a fuel cell, includes feeding an incoming stream to and discharging an outgoing stream from, the reformer unit, branching-off at least one outflowing partial stream from the outgoing stream, and feeding-back the outflowing partial stream, as an inflowing partial stream, to the incoming stream, to at least partially form a circulating stream. The outflowing partial stream has a composition corresponding to a composition of the outgoing stream upon emerging from the reformer unit. A reformer installation includes at least one reformer unit having feed and discharge lines and a line connecting the discharge line to the feed line, at least partially forming a circulating stream. The method and installation provide a highly efficient production of hydrogen and especially short times required for starting the reformer installation.

Abstract: A fuel preparation apparatus in which coal or coal and other carbon containing material is converted to an environmentally acceptable fuel gas by the reaction with air and steam at a pressure of from 20 to 90 pounds per square inch absolute suitable for providing fuel to a gas turbine, or a stoker type or other boiler having a coal delivery system, a coal crusher, coal storage bins, lock hoppers, a gasifier vessel of two stages, liquid and solid separator vessels, heat and steam recovery vessels, equipment to control the flow of steam and air to the gasifier so as to maintain fuel quality, and a gas clean up plant that will remove environmentally unacceptable components of the gas such as hydrogen sulphide and other sulphur containing compounds and tars and light oils.

Abstract: A mechanical memory as used with a movable barrier operator serves to provide characterizing codes and/or executable code to the movable barrier operator. In one embodiment the mechanical memory is integrated with an RPM cup (20). The mechanical memory includes physical aspects that interact in a predetermined way with energy such as, for example, light. This interaction can include passage, reflection, and absorption. Regular placement of at least some of the physical aspects can be used to permit real-time monitoring of at least one operating parameter of the movable barrier operator (such as motor speed or movable barrier position). In addition, these and/or additional physical aspects can be modified to correlate to data, such as bits or symbols, that represent the operator code.

Abstract: A revolving door for placement in a facade of a building to provide an entrance and exit to the building, comprising a rotation axis and door leaves mounted on the rotation axis, placed between cylinder segment-like shell elements, wherein the shell elements comprise at least one movable wall segment. The movable wall segment either blocks or gives way to an area between the entrance and the exit.

Abstract: A lockable sliding window apparatus includes sliding window units having respective vertical frame members that are coupled at a closed configuration. Inner and outer segments of one frame member receive the other frame member therebetween. A combination dial lock is mounted to the outer segment and includes a lock pin extending through therethrough. The lock pin is immovable when the combination lock is locked and vice versa. A window pin extends through the outer segment of the one frame member and through the other frame member for locking the other frame member in place. When the combination lock is unlocked, the lock pin may be user actuated to release the window pin for opening the window units. Another embodiment includes an electronic keypad by which a user may enter a security code. Proper entry actuates a solenoid to retract a lack pin that may otherwise lock the window units together.

Abstract: A seal having a wall or element contoured and of a predetermined shape as, for example, in the form of a right circular cylinder, an extension member and a curved sheet member joined to an extension member, with the curved sheet member along the element and curved about the element such that the curved sheet member is spaced from a surface to which the extension member is attached, such as a window sill, so that the curved sheet member is spaced from the surface and the element rolls and is compressed to seal the interface between the sash and the sill when the sash is closed against the sill with minimum abrasion of the seal.

Abstract: An assembled plastic door made of door skins and formed from a molten plastic resin by gas assisted thermoplastic injection molding.

Abstract: A clip for a sash molding comprises an elongated end cap adapted to be inserted into an end portion of the sash molding, a fastener adapted to be fixed to a door pillar, and a lip for filling a gap between the sash molding and the door pillar. The fastener and the end cap are made of hard plastic material, and are integrally molded to one another. The lip is made of soft plastic material, and is integrally connected to the end cap in a predetermined configuration, by pouring the soft plastic material in its molten state onto a predetermined region of the end cap and solidifying the soft plastic material thereon. The clip may also include a cover portion, made of a soft plastic material, that continuously extends from the lip and is integrally connected to an end of the end cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for chemical-mechanical polishing which comprises at least one abrasive particle having a surface at least partially coated by a activator. The activator comprises a metal other than a metal of Group 4(b), Group 5(b) or Group 6(b). The composition further comprises at least one oxidizing agent. The composition is believed to be effective by virtue of the interaction between the activator coated on the surface of the abrasive particles and the oxidizing agent, at the activator surface, to form free radicals. The invention further provides a method that employs the composition in the polishing of a feature or layer, such as a metal film, on a substrate surface. The invention additionally provides a substrate produced this method.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose. machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A climate controlled practice facility comprises an enclosable building having an access door to permit into the building's interior, a pressurization unit for pressurizing the interior to a selected pressure differential, and a plurality of items located within the interior correlated to a selected sporting activity and arranged to simulate an appearance of at least a portion of a playing environment. In one embodiment, the climate controlled practice facility is a baseball practice facility for acclimating players to selected playing conditions. Here, a practice region is located within the enclosure interior and includes a pitching station and a batting station spaced apart therefrom. Players may enter the enclosure and practice for an interval of time while being exposed to a set of metrological conditions, such as pressure, temperature and humidity, that are regulated by a climate controlled system. A method of practicing a selected sporting activity is also provided.

Abstract: A gutter screen suitable for the DIY market consists of a tubular sleeve made of metal or plastic mesh. The sleeve is 110 mm in diameter and is pressed by hand into a gutter or drain channel. In roof gutters, it is retained by its deformation between a gutter edge and the overlying roof. The sleeve flattens allowing it to be stored on a reel.

Abstract: The House Savior, is new in the art of firefighting. It is simple, and could save many houses, from burning.

Abstract: A prefixed advertisement structure which is positioned mainly in downtown areas or places of heavy traffic, belonging to the field of advertisement making effective use of the wall surfaces of a building (1) conspicuous to passersby, etc. and which, in particular, is integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1). A prefixed advertisement structure integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1), wherein a advertising site is secured in advance on wall surface of the building in consideration of harmony with the external design of the building (1), providing a source of income from advertisement from the time of completion of the building (1) with an advertising medium attached in advance, and the advertisement structure harmonized with the external design of the building prevents the external appearance of the building (1) from being spoiled and attracts people's attention, thus proving increased advertising effects.

Abstract: In a dock unit for maintenance of aircraft there is provided, in addition to an outer support which supportingly engages against a frame disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft in the vicinity of the end of said frame and is adjustable, a further support which is located further in and is likewise adjustable. The distance between the two supports is greater than the largest dimension of the wings of the aircraft to be maintained, measured in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage. One of the supports can therefore be temporarily retracted in order to move a wing past and below this support.

Abstract: A barrier implement intended for obstructing a route of travel of crawling arthropods along a passageway comprises a sheet configured to circumscribe a passageway along which arthropods crawl. A dimension of the sheet is sized or molded relative to said passageway. An arthropod deterring component associated with said sheet for deterring said crawling arthropods and impeding their route of travel along said passageway.

Abstract: A molded barrier edging for use in lawns and gardens, and a method of making the same. The molded barrier edging has a decorative appearance which may include a veneer or molded texture. A pin is provided on one end of the molded barrier edging and a complimentary receptacle is provided at the other end of the molded barrier edging such that a piece of barrier edging may be connected to other pieces of barrier edging at any angle to form a connected series of barrier edging in any desired shape. The receptacle has a structure such that it can be molded with only two molding dies, without the use of an additional core member.

Abstract: An insulated structure including a backing surface, a bar coupled to and extending generally parallel to the backing surface, and a plurality of insulating blankets coupled to the bar. The insulated structure further includes a clip coupled to the bar, the clip being attachable to the bar at any of a plurality of locations along the length of the bar to compress at least one of the blankets.

Abstract: A building wall structure having increased heat insulating qualities. The building wall structure comprises a plurality of foam panels that are arranged substantially around the exterior of the building frame. The plurality of foam panels collectively define an insulative barrier. The insulative barrier is also designed such that exterior cladding such as stucco, siding, or the like can be attached to the insulative barrier. Moreover, the attachment hardware used to attach the foam panels to the frame and the cladding to the foam panels are substantially isolated thermally to thereby inhibit heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.

Abstract: A support for layout lines utilized in laying out construction sites. The support is slidably carried on a stake and includes a clamping bolt to fix it in position on the stake and to allow it to be moved along the stake for adjustment purposes. The support includes a transit pole tab, on which the bottom of a transit pole can be placed for positioning purposes, and a tab for supporting a layout line platform. A clamping member, such as a thumbscrew, is carried in a bracket and overlies the platform to allow the thumbscrew to clamp the layout line in position against the upper face of the platform, which can include a groove or slot for receiving the layout line. The upper surface of the transit pole tab lies in the same plane as the upper surface of the layout line platform.

Abstract: A skirting system for placement around a manufactured or modular home is provided wherein said system comprises a plurality of panels with upper and lower ends wherein the panels abut each other side to side to form a perimeter around the home. A plurality of base pads are provided and placed on the ground for supporting the lower ends of the panels. A plurality of two part channel clips are provided for securing the upper ends of the panels to the home in a manner that allows for vertical movement but provides for substantial support of the panels in a direction transverse to the length of the panels.

Abstract: A flood protection barrier is disclosed that can be deployed in the event of an immanent flood risk. The barrier comprises a shield having a sealing element and securing means for securing the shield in place to at least partially close an aperture in a wall of a building. The sealing element forms a fluid-resistant seal between barrier and the periphery of the aperture thereby resisting passage of water through the aperture. The barrier can be secured by securing means that require no modification to the building. The securing means may include clip assemblies or, in alternative embodiments, wedges or other suitable components.

Abstract: Removable door jamb assembly guard, guarded jamb assembly, and methods of controlling a doorway. The guard preferably covers the full length of the jamb assembly, and the full width of the jamb assembly between an outer trim element and the door-arresting surface. The guard has a central section, a door leg section, an outer leg section disposed outwardly of the central section, and optionally a transition section between the central section and the outer leg section. Preferred embodiments of the guard can be installed on a jamb assembly while a conventional door slab is mounted to the jamb assembly, and the door slab can be closed and opened without the guard interfering with such operation of the door slab.

Abstract: A monolithic glass member for supporting loads is disclosed. The glass member includes a plurality of glass sheets that are laminated together with one or more bonding layers. One of the glass sheets has a cut out at an edge thereof to receive a connector. The connector provides a means for connecting and supporting the glass member relative to other structures.

Abstract: A high-efficiency residential structure includes a set of dwelling units, wherein a portion of said dwelling units are first-floor dwelling units and a portion of said dwelling units are second-floor dwelling units; a set of garages comprising a plurality of parking spaces, wherein said dwelling units and said garages are disposed within a footprint associated with said residential structure; a set of interior passageways, each of said interior passageways directly linking one of said dwelling units to one of said garages such that the site-density, yield, direct-access ratio, and efficiency of the structure is substantially optimized.

Abstract: A tubular member, which is made of steel and which is useful as an upright, structural member in a pole, pylon, or tower, is filled at least partially with a foamed material protecting said member against internal corrosion and against pest infiltration. The tubular member comprises plural sections, which have end flanges and which are bolted together at the flanges, and comprises gaskets to prevent the foamed material from being extruded between the flanges.

Abstract: An External Insulated And Fixed System (EIFS) and method for making the same. The method provides a cost effective procedure for constructing an EIFS that can meet current hurricane high impact test protocol, especially for non-combustible EIFS “Systems”.

Abstract: A manufactured stone product having a plurality of cellular concrete blocks is provided. Each block includes at least one surface having a simulated-stone appearance, and the blocks are collectively adapted for installation in a stackable, brick-like installation process. A plurality of block sizes is provided, the blocks preferably having equal depths, but different heights and widths. The different sizes allows the final installation of the cellular concrete blocks to appear more random, similar to a natural stone installation.

Abstract: To effectively improve the durability against polishing of a floor sheet by placing a seal part having an improved material and shape on the periphery of edges of the floor sheet bonded to a floor surface. A floor-surface covering structure, comprising: a floor of a building; a floor sheet having an outside size smaller than the size of the floor surface, bonded to the surface of the floor (floor surface); and a seal part that is placed along the edge of the floor sheet and set to the edge and the floor surface, wherein: a material of the seal part is an epoxy resin or a polyester resin, and the seal part has a width that is substantially uniform when viewed is a direction vertical to the floor surface.

Abstract: A wall structure (10, 110) and method of construction. The wall structure (10, 110) comprises a plurality of preformed, lightweight blocks (12, 112) supported and interconnected by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, collateral support beams (16, 116). Preferably, the support beams (16, 116) are operatively connected to an appropriate substructure (62, 100) and the lightweight blocks (12, 112) are operatively connected to the support beams (16, 116). The blocks (12, 112) and support beams (16, 116) are configured so that when they are connected to each other, a space is formed between the wall structure (10, 110) and the substructure (62, 100). Thus, an assembled wall structure (10) may be setoff from a substructure and the substructure (62, 100) may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A temporary stairway rail support for erecting a temporary stairway rail for use and safety during the construction phase of the building, the temporary stairway rail support having planar base member in contact with a portion of the stair tread, an L-shaped open stringer/riser engaging portion formed of two planar adjacent, depending side walls having formed therein a nosing/tread edge engaging portion which is C-shaped in cross section and engages the lower face of the nosing, the outer edge of the nosing and a portion of the tread at the corner of a step above an open stringer, and a tubular upright member secured to the upper surface of the planar base member portion, said tubular upright member dimensioned to support a temporary newel post or temporary baluster upon which a temporary hand rail can be secured.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, elongate, tubular light pole. The elongate light pole defines a central axis and is constructed from a filament-wound composite of fiber-reinforced bonding agent and has a wall thickness of less than ¾ inch, and preferably ⅜ inch. The pole is configured and adapted to support a lighting structure thereon without failure of the composite, such that a twenty-foot section of the pole is capable of withstanding a lateral load transverse of the axis of at least 300 pounds without failure of the composite.

Abstract: A sheet member fastening system and kit, as well as methods of hanging sheet members on a framework for a wall or ceiling surface are described. Fastening members, comprising substantially flat members and corner members are usable to enable edges of standard sheet members, such as wallboard or the like, to be properly supported and attached adjacent one another by means of the fastening members. The use of the fastening members enables hanging of sheet members on the framework without cutting of the sheet members or measuring of the relationship of the sheet member to the underlying framework, except adjacent a corner of the wall/ceiling surface. The fastening members allow attachment of the edges when not positioned directly on a frame member to properly secure the edges relative to one another. The fastening members are made of a material to accept fastening devices such as screws, staples, nails or the like to secure the sheet members thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag. The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine. The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.

Abstract: A thin, heat-sealable packaging material is formed into an open cylindrical pouch having a recessed, round or oval base, similar to the base on paper cups. After filling, the opening of the pouch can be sealed to itself with heat and pressure using known techniques. The innovative design utilizes known technologies to form a stand-up heat-sealable pouch.

Abstract: An anti-rotation method (50, 52, 53, 55), used to hold containers (10) such as beverage bottles, usually after they are filled and while being capped, involves providing a container with a neck portion having an optional lip, where there is a series of interior or exterior notches (22, 30, 40) around the lip (20) or neck portion (16) of the container; contacting the neck portion of the container with a locking plate (24) that has protrusions (26, 40) or indentations (32) that are insertable into or fit around corresponding notches in the container neck or lip, and the plate (24) fits around the container and is connected to a capping machine; and locking the plate such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the container.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a strip of a soft material into a container includes a sleeve member rotatable among first, second, and third angular positions, a first cylinder unit for pushing the strip of the soft material into the sleeve member at the first angular position, a second cylindrical unit for compressing the strip of the soft material in the sleeve member at the second angular position against a spring-biased abutting member, and a third cylindrical unit for pushing the compressed form of the soft material into the container.

Abstract: A criticality safe vacuum apparatus for removal of particulates from a gas having radioactive particles entrained therein. The apparatus includes a first staged segment including a cyclone housing and a second staged segment including a first filtration media for removal of particulates from gas. The cyclone housing is configured to accept insertion of a gas collection end of the second staged segment, and includes an intake port and an elongated length extended to a particulate collection container. Within the cyclone housing, cyclonic flow separates particulates from gas, with the gas moved by vacuum pressure into the first filtration media concurrently with particulates settling into the collection container. A third staged segment of a second air filtration media is positioned upgradient of the first filtration media.