Abstract: A photographic mounting system with a mount and a peel-off backing. The mount has bonding and non-bonding areas and retains the photograph between the non-bonding area and a support such as a page of a photo album. When in use, the mount adheres only to the support. The non-bonding area is recessed with respect to the bonding area, thus allowing the photograph to be more easily interposed and located between the mount and the support.

Abstract: Improvements in the sensor array are disclosed for an array used in a module for preventing unauthorized use of a firearm or other device. The module to which the invention is applicable of the type including a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing a user's handgrip on the device; comparator means for comparing a pressure signature profile compiled from an output from said pressure sensors with at least one pressure signature profile in storage; and means for preventing operation of the device when the compared profiles do not match. The improved sensor array comprises a first set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed on the gripping surface; a thin layer of (preferably) piezoresistive material overlying the first set of conductive lines; and a second set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed over the piezoresistive layer. The lines of the second set are orthogonal to the lines of the first set, to establish a grid-like pattern of conductive lines sandwiching the piezoresistive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grip extender for a handgun. The grip extender provides a relatively continuous surface between the handgun and locked magazine to afford the handgun user with a comfortable grip. The grip extender can be adapted to fit a variety of handguns and magazines.

Abstract: A recoil system for the receiver of the firearm having an extension spring recoil assembly that is incorporated into a butt stock assembly. The butt stock assembly has an elongated receiver member and an elongated gunstock sleeve member. The front end of the extension spring recoil assembly is rigidly connected within the rear end of the receiver attachment member. The gunstock sleeve member has a front bore hole extending rearwardly most of its length and the rear end of the extension spring recoil assembly resides therein. The extension spring recoil assembly has an outer tubular member and inner tubular member that is telescopically received therein. An elongated extension coil spring is positioned within the inner tubular member and has its forward end rigidly secured therein. The rear end of the extension coil spring is rigidly attached to the rear end of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: An arm rest and support for aiming. The arm rest and support consists of an upper member hingedly attached to a lower member. A pair of straps attached to the lower member wrap around the torso of the user for support. A third strap attached to the upper member is adapted to wrap around the aiming arm of the user. When not in use, the arm rest and support may be folded, allowing the user to move about. When the support is needed, the user simply raises his or her arm, causing the upper member to pivot and lock at an approximate right angle in relation to the lower member, providing the user with support for aiming resulting in greater accuracy and reduced fatigue.

Abstract: The present optical imaging device comprises an electro-optical recording device, such as a digital still camera, videotape recorder, etc, physically and optically connected to the scope sight of a firearm. The scope may be provided with a half silvered mirror at the eyepiece, which reflects a portion of the image passing through the scope to the axially offset recording device. The user of the firearm and optical system may thus continue to view the image through the scope. Other embodiments provide a small, light weight micro camera fitted to the scope eyepiece, with the camera receiving the image from the eyepiece and providing that image to the user through a rearward viewing screen. A switch may be provided to operate the system upon trigger actuation, or independently of the firearm trigger. The system is particularly valuable in sighting in a weapon or harmlessly capturing an image of an animal.

Abstract: A robotic frame having a multiplicity of movable frame portions supporting a flexible decoy cover or figurine and thereby providing a turkey decoy having a plurality of movable parts and mounted on a self propelled carriage that moves the decoy from one location to another.

Abstract: In a fishing lure in the form of a troll, in particular for fishing swordfish or the like, it is provided, with a view to improved efficiency, that a plurality of very fine plastic fibers are fixed to the lure.

Abstract: An anti-snag fishing jig includes a body with a generally spherical configuration, an exterior surface and an interior. A fishhook includes a shaft, which passes through the body interior and is secured therein. The shaft includes a proximate end forming an eyelet for attaching a line and a distal end forming a barb. A deflector extends upwardly and rearwardly from the body and terminates in front of the fishhook barb. The jig is coated with paint or some other suitable coating for visibility and protection.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is attachable to a fishing line between the fishing reel and the hook. The apparatus makes it easier for an angler to jig the bait and set the hook because the user may manipulate their lure or bait without having to move sinkers through the water.

Abstract: A tamper resistant bait delivery system that uses visual and olfactory stimuli to attract rodents, and that allows rodents to access poison bait without fully entering the system's outer housing. The bait system is comprised of: (1) an outer housing that defines an interior portion and one or more access windows; and (2) a bait module is disposed within the interior portion. The bait module preferably comprises a poison portion, an olfactory attractor portion, and a visual attractor portion. The system is preferably configured to allow a rodent to see and smell the bait module through the access windows within the system's outer housing. This entices the rodent to extend its head through the access windows and consume the poison portion of the bait module. Preferably, the bait module's visual attractor portion is a reflective surface that visually attracts rodents by reflecting light out of the access windows.

Abstract: Arthropod monitoring stations are provided, as well as methods for using them. The stations comprise a housing having a first end, a second end, and lateral wall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end, second end, and lateral wall substantially define an interior portion of the housing, and at least one of the first end, the second end, and the lateral wall includes at least one aperture suitable for ingress or egress by an arthropod with rest to said interior of said housing. Preferably, at least two members are disposed within the housing, each of the members having a first end, a second end, and a lateral wall extending between the first end and the second end. At least one of the members comprises a material capable of being consumed by arthropods, a material capable of being penetrated by arthropods, a material capable of being transported by arthropods, or a material capable of killing arthropods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fragranced wax candle and fragranced wax composition comprising paraffin wax, a fragrance containing an antioxidant, with or without vegetable wax and/or beeswax, saturated fatty acid, hindered amine, and an additive. Also disclosed is a method for incorporating an antioxidant into the fragranced candle wax composition.

Abstract: An additive for fuels such as diesel oil and fuel oil, used respectively for diesel engines and boilers of various types, is described, comprising a metal oxidation catalyst, an organic nitrate and a dispersing agent in suitable ratios, able to improve combustion efficiency in such a way as to reduce the formation of particulate by as much as 90%.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants and seeds underwater on the bottom and edges of an estuary, where an aquatic plant or seed which is ready for planting is positioned in a holder having a means for retaining the plant or seed. The holder further has a bottom gripping section which is secured to the holder. The preformed holders may be positioned on the bottom of the estuary or broadcast onto the surface thereof. The preferred bottom gripping sections are rocks, stones and mollusk shells. The holder also incorporates an organic button which retains the aquatic plant or seed during the planting process. The plant or seed retaining section can be designed to decompose in a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period of time may be correlated to the growing cycle of an aquatic plant or the germination cycle of an aquatic plant seed.

Abstract: A combination pot includes an outer pot, one (1) or more inner pots and a support frame to support the inner pots in the outer pot. The support frame has a main frame structure and one (1) or more basket supports. The basket supports are connected to the main frame structure and extend downward into the interior of the outer pot. The size and shape of the basket supports are similar to the size and shape of the inner pots. To create the combination pot, filler soil is partially filled into the interior of the outer pot. The support frame is then positioned in the outer pot. The remainder of the filler soil is filled in around the support frame. Next, filler plants are planted in the filler soil. Finally, the inner pots having plant soil and decorative plants are inserted into the basket supports.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a flower pot, and method of use thereof, the sleeve generally having a hexagonal shape and which can be connected via a securing element to a pot disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for supporting the sleeve from a support device or for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A floral container, such as a flower pot, having a sleeve bondingly connected to an inner surface of the flower pot, together forming a pot assembly for cultivating, displaying or shipping a botanical item disposed therein.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping using a wrapper formed of an optical effect material having a holographic design which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative wrapper. The optical effect material may include printed matter and/or embossed pattern to provide at least a portion of the decor of the decorative cover. The method also includes crimp connecting means for holding overlapping portions of the wrapper in a crimped position adjacent a stem portion of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A flower pot cover constructed of a material for providing a decorative cover for an item, such as a floral grouping. The flower pot cover comprises a base portion and a skirt portion. The base portion has an upper end, a lower end, a bottom having a first thickness and a continuous sidewall extending generally between the upper and lower ends of the base portion. The skirt portion is positioned circumferentially about the upper end of the base portion and extends a distance therefrom. The skirt portion is substantially flexible and has a third thickness which is less than the first thickness of the bottom of the base portion. The base portion and the skirt portion cooperate to provide the flower pot cover with a shape sustaining configuration.

Abstract: A wrapper for flower pots. The wrapper is a sheet of material with each segment having a lower portion sized to surround a sidewall of the flower pot and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element such as perforations. The sheet of material can be formed about the flower pot and the adjacent edges of the segment joined and sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering portions of an object having an outer peripheral surface with a sheet of material having an upper surface and a lower surface with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower surface by wrapping the sheet of material about portions of the outer peripheral surface and positioning the sheet of material so that the pressure-sensitive coating either contacts portions of the outer peripheral surface of the object and is bonded thereto or contacts overlapping portions of the sheet of material and is bonded to other adjacent portions of the sheet of material having the pressure-sensitive coating thereon or overlapping portions of the sheet of material are bonded by the pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Plural protuberances are provided along each side of a tilt latch or pivot housing. The protuberances each form an edge that engage an edge of a notch in a window sash. The protuberances are provided with flexible fingers that are flexed or sheared by the sash edges to provide a snug fit.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a closure includes an elongated seal strip having a longitudinal length and including a flexible and resilient seal portion defining a substantially hollow cavity. The sealing apparatus further includes a bumper member comprising a bumper element positioned within the cavity. Methods of making a sealing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A door mounting system for mounting a hingedly swingable door to an existing door frame structure. The assembly comprises a plurality of hinge locators which can be used for mounting to the door, in essentially proper position, with respect to the hinge mortices on the door jamb. Mounting strips, such as so-called “trim strips”, are also mounted on the door with respect to the location of the hinge locators and hinges. A single trimming strip having a hinge receiving recess is also provided. This assembly allows for the very easy and relatively simple mounting of a door in a hinged position with respect to a door jamb.

Abstract: To provide an abrasive material which is excellent in loading resistance and durability, allows no attachments to attach to an abraded surface even when the end surface of the optical fiber is abraded, and is particularly suited for use in abrading a hard material such as an end surface of an optical fiber connector effectively and smoothly into a predetermined shape. The present invention provides an abrasive material for abrading an end surface of an optical fiber connector into a predetermined shape, the abrasive material having a base material (101) and an abrasive layer (102) disposed on the base material, the abrasive layer having a top layer (105) comprising an abrasive composite containing abrasive grains and a binder and a foot portion (106) comprising a binder in the absence of abrasive particles, the abrasive layer having a three-dimensional structure constructed with a plurality of regularly arranged three-dimensional elements (104) having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cerium-based abrasive slurry particles including a cerium-based abrasive particle of no less than 95% by weight of total rare earth oxides (TREO), in which the cerium-based abrasive particle has less than 3% by weight of fluorine content of TREO, and a particle size distribution determined by a laser diffraction method is within a predetermined range. And adhesion property is further improved by setting this fluorine content in 0.005 to 0.5% by weight of TREO.

Abstract: Watercraft flooring including both inflatable and non-inflatable elements is detailed. Such flooring may be designed to support substantial loads while maintaining its lightweight nature and contributing to its longitudinal and lateral rigidity. Some versions of the flooring have an inflatable core with slats positioned both above the upper surface of the core and below the lower surface of the core at regular intervals along its length. The slats extend laterally across substantially the width of the core, effectively sandwiching portions of the core between them.

Abstract: This invention comprises an inflatable structure that is constructed by combining polyhedron structural elements to form more complex geodesic structures. The structural elements are constructed out of straight inflatable tubes, in which the warp of the polyester reinforced fabric is aligned with the principal tube axis, giving it high resistance to bending. The complementary leg ends are connected at the vertices with connectors that comprise a slider and track formation, fixed along the axial angle at the end of each leg. Each leg end is shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element. Once assembled, in combination with a fabric cover and groundsheet, the tent is stable and completely freestanding.

Abstract: A collection device for a gutter is provided. The device includes a housing having an upper open end sealably connectable to the gutter about a bottom opening in the gutter and a lower end and a screen extending from the lower end through the housing to the upper end. A first compartment is formed on one side of the screen within the housing to receive water and debris as they enter the bottom opening. A second compartment is formed on another side of the screen to substantially receive only water flowing through the bottom opening and into the first compartment. A down spout outlet is formed on the lower end in the second compartment. A debris outlet formed in the lower end of the first compartment and a trap door is sealably connectable to the lower end to enclose the debris outlet to contain the debris.

Abstract: Flashing used on curved exterior wall projections designed to stop water intrusion and provide a permanent, attractive, paintable surface that is safe from UV radiation. The flashing includes a Z-shaped or L-shaped body bonded with a flexible flashing material along its back surface and front edge. The metal body includes at least two perpendicularly aligned flange members. Formed on the top flange member is a plurality of transversely aligned slits evenly spaced thereon that allow the flashing to be bent around a curved wall projection. The flexible flashing material is adhesively bonded to the inside and outside surfaces of the top flange member thereby covering the slits to create a water barrier. During installation, the top flange member and flexible flashing material are covered by external siding.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having walls and hinges, the walls being foldable to reduce the volume of the collapsible structure via hinges separated by a distance to form pockets which receive therein the thickness of one or more collapsed walls.

Abstract: The invention refers to such type of insulation for slanting roof structures that provides for optimum heat stability and for simultaneous carrying support of the basic and the protective roofings. The insulation with slanting roof structures providing for optimum heat stability and for simultaneous carrier support consists of a layer of rock wool of a 160-170 kg/m3; density and of 60-80 kN/m2; crush strength, providing simultaneously for adequate heat stability of the roof structure and applied as the carrier support of the basic and the protective roofings.

Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.

Abstract: A marker in the shape of a flat round disc that has varying permanent information (18) (for identifying different objects) imprinted upon the top of the marker that identifies the marker's use and areas for information to be permanently inscribed by a user with a portable electric en-graving tool or for temporary information to be placed thereon. The marker has a varying size holes(16), (17) through the center of the marker from top to bottom that allows different types and sizes of anchors to be used to attach the marker to varying surfaces or mounting devices or materials. The marker has an additional hole (15) for other means of attachment. The marker is solid and made of a plastic that will flex and give and is permanent and durable and is produced in varying colors for visibility and identifying different objects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for masking a planar surface and providing information at the point of use of an assembly including the planar surface are disclosed. In one advantageous method in accordance with the present invention, a masking material comprising a substrate and an adhesive disposed over a first face of the substrate is provided. One or more strips of masking material are applied to a planar surface, and an information bearing sheet is applied over the one or more strips of masking material.

Abstract: An anchor (1) is provided for securing at least one safety device to a structure (40, 70, 97), the anchor (1) including: a) a shaft (12) terminating in engagement means (11), such as an eyelet, the shaft (12) located in the structure (40, 70, 97) and adapted to reciprocate between a retracted position in the structure (40, 70, 97) and an extended position whereby the engagement means (11) is capable of extending beyond the external surface of the structure (40, 70, 97); b) stop means (31) adapted to limit the extent to which the engagement means (11) may be extended beyond the surface of the structure (40, 70, 97); and c) resiliently deformable means (14) such as a compressible rubber sleeve, adapted to coact with the shaft (12) and the stop means (31) to resist axial extension of the shaft (12) up to the extent determined by the stop means (31).

Abstract: An elongated roller shutter profile (1) made of plastic or metal for swimming pool covers comprises a water-proof closure (10) with which at least one hollow chamber (3a, 3b) extending in the longitudinal direction (2) of the roller shutter profile (1) can be closed off on a face side (9) of the roller shutter profile (1). The closure (10) comprises a cap (11) which is at least partly insertable from the face side (9) and comprises a piston plate (12a, 12b) disposed at a distance to the cap (11) within the respective hollow chamber (3a, 3b) as well as a sealing medium extending between the cap (11) and the piston plate (12a, 12b).

Abstract: A lock for retaining shutters in a closed position is disclosed. The lock includes backing and retention brackets, and a fastener. The backing bracket is mounted to a dwelling to maintain the shutters spaced from the dwelling when the shutters are in the closed position. The retention bracket includes retention and locking portions. The retention portion is spaced from the backing bracket to enclose the shutters between the retention portion and the backing bracket when the shutters are in the closed position. As such, the shutters are prevented from opening from the closed position. The locking portion extends from the retention portion to operatively engage the backing bracket. The fastener extends through the backing bracket and the locking portion to lock the retention bracket to the backing bracket such that the shutters, which are enclosed between the retention portion and the backing bracket, are retained in the closed position.

Abstract: A multiuse electric tile module for walling, flooring, or roofing applications having a photovoltaic cell, thermovoltaic cell, electroluminescent material, or a combination of these disposed over a rigid substrate, such as ceramic. Each tile is electrically connectable through a male-to-female connecter to at least one adjacent tile without external wiring. Preferably, a sealing layer is disposed over the electrical elements and rigid substrate to seal and protect each tile. Optionally, each tile may further include an inverter to convert direct current to alternating current or a battery to store electricity. The electroluminescent material provides light for architectural accents or nighttime visibility.

Abstract: A structure with vertical members and cross members, particularly for facades or roof windows, in whose frame area glass panes (100) can be inserted, comprises several vertical members (1) between which cross members (2) are fixed. Channels (3, 4) are provided on the outer surface of the vertical members (1), specifically on the edges thereof, and serve to accommodate a seal (5, 6), whereby a drainage channel (7, 8) for diverting liquid is arranged adjacent to the channel (3, 4). In addition, channels (10, 11) are provided on the side of the cross member (2), specifically on the edges thereof, that faces the outer surface of the vertical member (1), and serve to accommodate a seal (12) and a retaining strip (13) located between the channels (10, 11).

Abstract: An apparatus and system for constructing a vertical wall provides an overlapping arrangement secured by internally disposed rods.

Abstract: An innovative roofing tile is presented, the roofing tile configured to allow liquid such as rain to flow through the roofing tile. The innovative roofing tile allows the design of a roof with ahidden gutters. Such a roof is both esthetic and allows for a low-maintenance and robust gutter system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a concrete floor slab using subgrade waterproofing in a manner that favors the use of water-based adhesives for affixing floor covering materials. The method comprises casting a hydratable cementitious composition onto a flooring membrane, the composition having a shrinkage reduction admixture and a water:cementitious binder ratio sufficiently low that substantially all of the water moisture is retained in the hydration reaction, and achieving a fully adhered bond with the flooring membrane.

Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches has opposing notch sides which are oriented such that when a portion of a web is received therein, one of the notch sides contacts the web at a first portion of the web and the other notch side contacts the web at a second portion of the web such that the first portion of the web and the second portion of the web are not located on a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a new floor covering panel and floor covering system in which the floor covering panels include first and second generally planar surfaces, first and second side edges containing first and second complementary coupling members, respectively, and a barrier composition selectively applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first and second coupling members for providing a moisture barrier to prevent water penetration below the first surface of the floor covering panel. The barrier composition may be applied to at least one of the first or second coupling members during the floor covering manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention provides a new floor covering panel and floor covering system in which the floor covering panels include first and second generally planar surfaces, first and second side edges containing first and second complementary coupling members, respectively, and an adhesive composition selectively applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first and second coupling members. The adhesive composition providing the adhesive bond may be applied to at least one of the first or second coupling members during the floor covering manufacturing process. After a floor covering system is assembled, the adhesive composition provides a substantially non-refastenable bond between mated floor covering panels.

Abstract: A tongue and groove cladding panel is described.

Abstract: A transverse bar assembly for use in constructing rebar mats for reinforcement of concrete paving includes a plurality of chairs and clips each having a lower portion that fixes to a transverse bar in the direction of its length and an upper portion for orthogonally receiving and holding locked in place a longitudinal bar, the chair also having a support extending to a base surface.