Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for treating wood in order to prevent or control the occurrence of stains such as sapwood stains, the method comprising a step of heating green wood in a moisture-saturated environment until the wood core temperature is in a range of about 60 degrees C. to 95 degrees C., followed by a step of gradually cooling the wood, wherein the wood is maintained in an environment with moisture contents ranging from 95% to 100% during said cooling step.

Abstract: Device for a drying section useful in the manufacture of paper or paperboard as a fibrous web. The drying section includes a drying drum rotatable about a first axis of rotation and arranged such that the fibrous web runs in contact with a surface of the drying drum, at least about a part of its circumference, and is dried thereby. The device includes at least one press roller rotatable about a second axis of rotation which is essentially parallel with the first axis of rotation, and is arranged, with a line load, to bear against the fibrous web, whereby the drying drum supports the at least one press roller. The at least one press roller is positioned at a corresponding longitudinal edge of the fibrous web, the least one press roller having a first cross-sectional diameter (D) at outer short ends in the device, and a second cross-sectional diameter (d) at inner short ends of the device, the first cross-sectional diameter (D) being larger than the second cross-sectional diameter (d).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a cushion-action applying implement comprising a gutter-like receiver, a plate spring in which a flexing portion is inserted into the gutter-like portion, the flexing portion is provided in its both sides with embedded portions in series, and an angle formed by the embedded portions is V or nearly horizontal, a switching shaft provided with a cam for pushing the flexing portion of the plate spring to change the angle formed by the embedded portions and in which an engaging portion for rotation is provided on the end thereof, a bearing of the switching shaft fixedly mounted on both ends of the gutter-like receiver, and a drive means for rotating the switching shaft is embedded in the flexing portion of the footwear bottom body, whereby the switching shaft is rotated to simply switch to the state of presence or the state of absence of cushioning.

Abstract: Described are shoes, orthodic appliances, and anatomic braces containing superelastic support members for enhanced performance. The superelastic supports provide dynamic response to deflection. As such, the superelastic supports incorporated in the soles of shoes enhance walking, running, jumping, kicking, or other motion involving the foot. The superelastic supports may be incorporated in the body of shoes to reinforce the ankle joint. The embodiments of the invention also provide superelastic supports in braces to reinforce or stabilize the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, back, neck, hips, or other anatomy commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The braces also intensify the motion of anatomic structures, apply a specific resistance at the joint to strengthen the muscles during training or rehabilitation, and/or immobilize or stabilize joints, bones, or other anatomic structures during healing of an injury.

Abstract: A shoe has an ergonomic foot pad disposed inside a cavity formed at an upper side of an outsole and connected to a bottom margin of an upper. The foot pad has a heel part which has a concave upper surface conforming to the contour of the bottom of the wearer's heel, and an upward flange extending along the periphery of the heel part. The thickness of the heel part decreases from the upward flange toward a mid part of the heel part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making ready-made shoes fitting individuals' foot shapes. This method includes the steps of forming a separate forefoot part and a separate rearfoot part, and connecting them detachably by means of a connecting means to form a shoe body. This makes it possible to easily produce sorts of shoes of different widths for each size by forming forefoot parts of different widths and/or rearfoot parts of different widths, selecting any of these parts of different widths and connecting the forefoot and rearfoot parts. This also makes it possible to easily produce sorts of shoes each pair of which has different sizes and/or widths, by forming forefoot parts of different sizes and/or widths and/or rearfoot parts of different sizes and/or widths, selecting any of these parts of different sizes and/or widths and connecting the forefoot and rearfoot parts.

Abstract: A separating device and method for padding pipelines which attaches to a bucket and has a bottom support with sloping walls for directing the padding material. A shaker assembly having a screen a vibrator assembly is mounted on the bottom support, wherein at least one resilient mount is used to mount the shaker assembly to the bottom support.

Abstract: A motorized road-going vehicle for making trenches may include on its chassis a device for digging a trench using a trenching wheel and a device for sucking and collecting the spoil produced while the trench is being dug. The trenching wheel is mounted so that it can pivot about an axis orthogonal to the chassis so as to occupy a working position projecting from the chassis and a transport position brought up onto the chassis.

Abstract: A new and improved appliance boom having opposite ends. One of the ends is adapted to be secured to the bucket of an articulated powered bucket loader. The other end is adapted to be secured to an appliance. The boom has means for guiding appliance control cables from end to end. At least one control cable having opposite ends is trained through the means. One of the control cable ends is attached to the appliance; the other of the control cable ends is attached to a control in the cab of the bucket loader to which the boom is attached. The appliance cradle may be secured to appliances ranging from crane pulleys, chain saws, and rotary drills, reciprocating saws, to other rotary or reciprocating equipment. The appliance boom may be secured to the bucket of a conventional bucket loader and unattached conveniently and stored when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the bucket of a front end loader, skip loader or any other power-operated bucket. The apparatus comprises a plurality of teeth supported in a frame that attaches to the bucket of a front end loader. The apparatus may be used to sort unwanted material, e.g., small and large pieces of wood, rocks and waste products such as manure, from dirt and then to transfer the unwanted material into the bucket of the loader.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for detachably connecting an implement provided with a pair of mounting pins to a machine-having a dipper stick and at least one tilt link, generally consisting of a body pivotally connectable to such dipper stick and such pivot link, a first jaw portion engageable with one of the implement connecting pins and a pair of opposed guide slots; a jaw member mounted on the body and cooperable with the guide slots for displacement along a line of travel, engageable with the other of the implement connecting pins; and structure for displacing the jaw member along such line of travel.

Abstract: Drink containers with a variety of shapes are disclosed. Each drink container has a shell and an image-carrying sheet molded into the shell. In some embodiments, the image-carrying sheet is a sheet of lenticular lens material. A method of manufacturing the various illustrative drink containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames transmitted in a fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light, and a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light from the light source. The simulated fuel bed defines a profile viewable by an observer. In addition, the screen includes a curved portion which is curved in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction to correspond to the profile of the simulated fuel bed. Also, the curved portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The fluctuating light transmitted through the screen is attenuated and a three-dimensional image of flames appears to curve around the profile of the simulated fuel bed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for displaying still images that appear animated to viewers in motion relative to those images. The apparatus includes a backboard, a plurality of images mounted on a backboard, and a slitboard mounted between the backboard and the viewer. As viewers pass by, the slitboard acts like a shutter creating an animation effect. Various backboard and slitboard side profiles, such as, for example, parallel and vertical, parallel and non-vertical, parallel and nonplanar, and nonparallel and nonplanar, can be used to facilitate installation of the apparatus in spatially-constrained environments.

Abstract: A device for displaying messages, including bumper stickers, which provides for adjusting the horizontal length to allow insertion therein of messages of varying lengths. The device may be removably attached to other surfaces, such as the windows of cars. The device is constructed such that the upper end is open allowing protrusion therethrough of messages of varying heights.

Abstract: Provided is a banner or picture support and display method and apparatus capable of displaying a banner, picture or other like object to the custom requirements of the object to be displayed or the user's requirements. The apparatus' design allows for it, and that which is to be displayed thereby, to be free standing, self contained and /or mounted to a “permannt” location as the user may determine. The banner support and display method and apparatus allows for the display of a banner or picture-whereby only the banner and not the display apparatus nest be visible.

Abstract: A portable exhibit system including a graphic panel and collapsible frame is provided that overcomes the shortcoming associated with traditional display systems by being inexpensive, downwardly modular, and easily assembled and disassembled. The graphic panel includes a display surface having a pole pocket within which is inserted a connected set of poles that are also attached to one another by at least one resilient cord which aids in the collapsibility and portability of the graphic panel. The collapsible frame includes a set of base supports that are respectively connected to a set of support hubs, where the support hubs horizontally support a base support pole and each support hub vertically supports an upright pole. Each upright pole has a first end coupled to each support hub and a second end used to support the connected set of poles associated with the graphic panel.

Abstract: A triangular warning sign for traffic safety having a structural shape of inner and outer equilateral triangles. The sign has a counterweighed supporting place which provides for stability. The sign can also be folded and stored in a box.

Abstract: A golf sign for displaying golf hole information on a golf course comprises a flexible, replaceable, printed display sheet having thereon an accurate graphic illustration of a golf hole, information concerning distance from the tee of the golf hole to the flat of the golf hole and advertising information relating to a sponsor of the sign. The printed sheet is mounted in a rectangular receptacle mounted on two legs with an open rear face and an open front face and a pivotal rectangular door mounted inside the receptacle for pivotal movement on hinges along one side of the door. The door has a vertical front plate which receives the sheet and holds it behind a transparent cover panel which is pressed against surrounding flanges at the front of the receptacle by a plurality of elongate spacer members arranged around the front surface of the door.

Abstract: A display assembly for mounting advertisement panels on a road barrier having a base, a vertical partition having front and rear surfaces, and transverse cavities extending between the surfaces. The display assembly has a panel sleeve and a pair of mounting brackets for securing the sleeve against the barrier. Each mounting bracket has an insert for extending partially into the transverse cavities. One mounting bracket is mounted against the vertical partition front surface and the other bracket is mounted against the vertical partition rear surface. The inserts of the mounting brackets are simultaneously brought into close proximity within the cavities and are mated together to hold the brackets and the panel sleeve securely against the vertical partition. The panel sleeve is secured to the mounting bracket and has a horizontal top lip oriented downward and a horizontal bottom lip oriented upward. The advertising panels may be easily inserted therebetween for display and removed when desired.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clean release magnet label and manufacturing method thereof. The clean release magnet includes a pressure sensitive carrier layer having a permanent adhesive applied to a first face and a clean release adhesive applied to a second face. A magnet layer is removably affixed to the pressure sensitive carrier layer with the clean release adhesive, and a filmic face layer, having printing thereon, is attached to the magnet layer with an adhesive. The method of manufacturing enables manual or automatic application of clean release magnets onto products. With this arrangement, the magnet layer is non-tacky when removed from the pressure sensitive carrier layer, the original product label is visible upon removal of the clean release magnet and the product contents remain free from contamination from the clean release magnet.

Abstract: An identification labeling system comprising a faceplate with a recess and a label cover that may be retained within the recess. The label cover may have compartments for retaining identification labels. The label cover has latching legs and the recess has a complementary retention ledge. A lift slot may be provided to facilitate removal of the label cover. The recess may contain holes to accommodate individual molded identification icons. The recess may include tapered corners to accommodate strip labels of different widths and lengths, such labels being positioned by the tapered corners of the recess and the label cover. The recess includes end configurations that prevent a label from passing through the surface of the faceplate. The label cover has a thickness so as to be flush with the faceplate. The label may be the same color as the faceplate.

Abstract: A grip for displaying information on sports equipment having a gripping end includes a bottom layer overlaying the gripping end, an intermediate layer having textual information or a design placed thereon, and a substantially transparent top layer overlaying the intermediate and bottom layers. The intermediate layer faces outwardly from the bottom layer such that the information is visible, and is protected from damage by the top layer. Integral rib and groove structures may be used to assist in securing the top and bottom layers to one another. A weighted end cap may assist in providing a balanced feel to the equipment.

Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitable fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.

Abstract: A plug assembly for inserting in a breech of a breech-loaded firearm to convert the breech-loaded firearm to a muzzle-loaded firearm is provided. The plug body is slidable in the breech and includes first and second ends. The plug body defines a powder chamber adjacent the first end, an ignition counterbore in firing communication with the powder chamber, and an access counterbore adjacent the second end of the plug. The plug body includes a mechanical interlocking device in the access counterbore to facilitate removal of the plug body from the breech of the breech-loaded firearm.

Abstract: A firearm safety device for a firearm having a trigger and trigger guard. The firearm safety device includes a first and second assemblies adapted to be secured to the firearm on opposite sides of the trigger guard to prevent access to and actuation of the trigger. A moveable clamp assembly includes slide member having first and second posts for receiving a portion of the trigger guard therebetween is disposed on the first assembly for slidable movement. A fastener is used to secure the slide member to the first assembly in a position to accommodate the trigger guard thereby preventing further sliding movement. Trigger guards having pins received in the apertures can be used to block access to and actuation of the trigger. An alarm is included which sounds when the firearm is moved or when an improper sequence of keys are pressed in an attempt to unlock the device. The alarm preferably sounds continuously during a first time period and intermittently thereafter.

Abstract: A firearm safety system restricts the use of the firearm by reference to biometric data received by a sensor coupled to the firearm trigger. The biometric data is compared to at least one record of biometric data associated with a permitted user to determine whether firearm actuation is permitted. Firearm actuation is controlled by an anchor that is pivotally coupled to the firearm trigger. Firearm actuation is prevented when the anchor is extended between the trigger and the trigger aperture. Firearm actuation is permitted when the anchor is retracted in response to a positive identification by the sensor.

Abstract: A semiautomatic handgun having multiple safeties includes a body made in two halves and a slide which can move lengthwise on a pair of rails. The hammer is cocked by rearward movement of the slide. The trigger, which has purely translation motion, is blocked from behind except when the user is wearing a special magnetic ring on his trigger finger. A decocker mechanism pushes the firing pin forward and slides the sear back, and prevents release of the hammer until the firing pin is blocked. The firing pin is normally blocked by a cup, which prevents the firing pin from moving forward if the gun is dropped. The cup is moved to an inactive position by a release lever only when the trigger is pulled. A safety lock, which is preferably operated by a special tool, prevents the transfer bar from moving. The firing pin block lever is locked in a downward position when the safety is activated. A hammer block bar prevents the hammer from moving when the safety is on.

Abstract: A repellent laser beam device for preventing pests, such as birds, from feeding on fruits in a field. The device is mounted on a tripod and housed in a weather-protected box. It is mounted so as to be adjustable in height and angle. A control unit causes a laser beam to sweep a field in vertical and horizontal patterns, frightening birds and other pests away. The laser beam is of a wavelength seen by birds or other animals and merely frightens them away rather than blinding them. The patterns and speed of the scanning device are variable. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and includes a solar panel system for recharging the batteries. The system is operable by photocell controlled switches, eliminating the need for human, manual on-off switching.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder having one or more rod stations attached to a support bar. Each rod station includes a loop terminating in a pair of legs received in a pair of apertures in the support bar. In a preferred embodiment, the rod holder provides a plurality of rod stations to improve a fisherman's chances of catching a fish. In another preferred embodiment, the rod holder is configured with a pair of clamps receivable over the rim of a bucket allowing the rod holder to be used virtually anywhere. The bucket may be filled with water to provide storage for live bait.

Abstract: A hook and torpedo head weight are inserted through a narrow passageway into a cavity shaped to receive the weight in a cast rubber simulation of a live bait. The hook protrudes out the passageway. A fish line attaching eyelet on the head protrudes through a pre-cast forward opening in the simulated bait lure. The bait lure is cast of rubberized material in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the target fish and its environment. The head is molded in a variety of sizes and weights to match the fish component and to account for the versatility for fishing the lure in shallow or deep waters. The bait lure simulates the look, posture, and motion of the live bait.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a lure body having means for attachment to a fishing line at its front end, one or more fish hooks, and one or more weights mounted along the lower surface of the lure body. The weights are retained along the lower surface of the lure body by a releasable weight mounting means, preferably in the form of a resilient wire, having a fixed end and a movable end which is releasably secured to the lure body. The weights are movable along the mounting means to shift the center of gravity of the lure body toward the front end or the rear end, and release of the movable end of the mounting means from the lure body permits the addition or removal of weights, thereby permitting adjustment of the weight of the lure.

Abstract: An insect trap apparatus includes a trap housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A source of suction is located within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet for drawing insects through the inlet. Carbon dioxide gas is disposed in the housing and includes a combustion chamber with a chamber outlet. An exhaust system is connected to the CO2 gas source for directing a flow of CO2 from the gas source to the at least one outlet. Insects are caught in a trap cup that is connected to the housing and disposed between the inlet and the source of suction.

Abstract: A device for the removal of insects, particularly ticks, from a human or animal host includes a foam backing with an adhesive surface that folds along a central folding axis. The adhesive surface will adhere to the body of the tick while the device is pulled away from the skin, resulting in the removal of the tick. The foam backing facilitates the application of pressure to the device and more complete adhesion to the body of the tick. A tab extending from the side of the backing opposite the adhesive is gripped between the user's thumb and forefinger and facilitates removal of the insect.

Abstract: A mosquito trap, capable of trapping and killing a very high percentage of mosquitoes by attracting and killing mosquitoes simply, safely and effectively. The trap utilizes the attractant lactic acid applied to easily replaceable adhesive panels located inside the trap. A mesh screen located outside of the treated panels and having particular sized openings, allows only mosquitoes and smaller insects to fly into the mosquito trap and prevents contact with the adhesive panels from outside sources. Mosquitoes are attracted by the glossy, contrasting colors of the trap. Mosquitoes are then drawn into the trap by the lactic acid, are trapped by the non-drying adhesive and die. To enhance the attractiveness of the trap to mosquitoes, a light/heat source such as a candle can optionally be used. The candle can be treated with the attractant lactic acid also. A burning candle produces light, heat, and Co2, all of which act as attractants to mosquitoes.

Abstract: An automatic roach trap having a receiving container removably located in the trap enclosure. The trap utilizes a beam to detect roaches on a platform therein and actuates a mechanism to open an internal closure and coerce the roach into the underlying container. Access to the container is restricted during operation to prevent the escape of trapped roaches. The container is automatically closed upon withdrawal and designed to prevent inadvertent reopening during disposal.

Abstract: An insecticide packet for killing biting insects comprises an envelope enclosing an insecticide and having a permeable web that is penetrable by the mouthparts of a biting insect. The permeable web allows insect attractants to migrate from within the envelope to the ambient environment. The envelope may be enclosed within an outer protective pocket. The insecticide packet is provided with a plurality of pins extending outwardly from the packet to discourage non-targeted animals from attempting to ingest the envelope or its contents. The packet is provided with a buoyant support arranged so that the permeable web is above the water line when the packet floats on the surface of a water body. The insecticide includes a stomach poison mixed with a liquid food that is preferred by the biting insects, such as cattle blood. Volatile insect attractants may be added to the mixture of stomach poison and food.

Abstract: A device for killing insects, comprising a frame mounted for movement over the ground in a direction of travel, a first grid and a second grid mounted on the frame, the first grid and the second grid each extending laterally in relation to the direction of travel and being spaced apart in the direction of travel by a gap such that insects to be killed bridge the gap when the frame is moved over a field containing insects and a power supply connected to supply an insect killing voltage to one of the first grid and the second grid.

Abstract: A fastener to secure and train branches of a vine or plant to a horizontal support wire or other structures comprises a longitudinal body including first and second hook portions and a longitudinal flexible member having first and second ends connected to the respective first and second hook portions. The first and second hook portions are mirror images of each other but rotated 180°.

Abstract: An access hatch having a frame containing an access opening, a grate, and a pull member pivotally coupled to the grate. The pull member has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is pivotally coupled to the grate near the far side of the grate, such that the proximal end is moveable away from the grate from a rest position. The proximal end is normally in the rest position when the grate is in the closed position. A worker, intending to open the grate, is prompted to stand at the near side of the grate and grasp the proximal end of the pull member, to pull the grate to the open position.

Abstract: An invertably mountable device having a generally hollow housing which mounts a movable latch member that is preferably biased toward latching engagement with an adjacent window jamb liner by a spring disposed within the housing. The housing preferably comprises a pair of mirror-image shells which fit together to form an enclosure, and provide an internal pivot mount for the latch member, and the housing has an opening through which the latch member projects. The latch member preferably carries a finger grip/thumb abutment member which facilitates movement of the latch member by an operator, and the grip/abutment member and latch member are preferably configured to permit mounting of the grip/abutment on either side of the latch member, to facilitate invertable mounting of the latch member. The latch member and jamb liner preferably provide a detent structure for secure interengagement.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a powered door operator for passenger transit vehicles having a drive nut assembly engaging a door hanger bracket substantially connected to a door disposed within an aperture of the vehicle structure. Such drive nut further engaging a drive screw to move a door for covering and uncovering an aperture for ingress and egress of passengers in a wall of a transit vehicle upon rotation of the drive screw enabled by a rotary prime mover. The drive assembly comprises a housing having an internal cavity, at least one drive nut insert having a helix portion substantially identical to the drive screw helix and disposed within said internal cavity, and a retaining clip engaging said at least one drive nut insert for substantial retainment thereof. Retaining clip further provides for simple replacement of such at least one drive nut insert during maintenance cycles thereby substantially eliminating periodic lubrication generally employed with powered door operators of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved lower member of a sliding window and door system, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient, safe and high quality window and door system by solving problems of the conventional window and door system. To provide a flat structure of a railless window and door system of the present invention, a surface member is formed on a window (or door) frame lower member, and to provide a railless structure, a guide device is provided on the window (or door) frame lower member and the window (or door) lower member such that the window (or door) lower member is not inadvertently separated from the window (or door) frame lower member even when the roller is driven on the railless surface member as the window (or door) lower member is guided by the guide device.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: An improved hurricane and earthquake connector for buildings that has a solid front face as a fire-stop, and lower part for attachment to the top plate or wall sheathing of a wall. Attached to either side of the front face are perpendicular rafter tabs for connection to adjacent roof rafters. Below the rafter tabs are double bends, spacers, and plate tabs for attachment to the top of the top plate. The double bends and spacers allow the front face to completely block the opening between adjacent rafters and the roof and top plate, even on houses having different heel heights between the roof arid top plate. Above the rafter tabs are perpendicular sheathing tabs that can attach to the roof with bolts. Along side the sheathing tabs are gussets, parallel and planer to the rafter webs, for additional strength. Bolts can connect the roof tie from above the roof to adjacent connectors effectively tying down the roof to the rafters, and top plate.

Abstract: An improved ventilation strip for providing a soffit vent on a building. The ventilation strip includes an elongated perforated panel having a substantially planar upper surface and flanges extending laterally there from. A lip is provided on the lower surface of the panel at each edge of the panel running longitudinally thereon. The flanges are of non-uniform cross section and include an upper and a lower surface. The flanges are thickest at the juncture with the panel and thinnest at their outer ends with the lower surface tapering upward from the juncture to the end. Apertures may be provided in the flanges. The ventilation strip is operated by cutting a channel in the soffit of a structure, aligning the strip with the channel, and driving fasteners through the flanges to secure the strip to the soffit. Stucco reinforcement mesh may be secured across the flanges and the soffit and stucco spread thereon to complete the installation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a skid plate and a method for attaching the skid plate to the bottom surface of a pre-hung door assembly to improve wear and moisture resistance. The skid plate includes a first side having a first shaped portion configured to conform to the bottom end of a first doorjamb arrangement and a second side having a second shaped portion configured to conform to the bottom end of a second doorjamb arrangement. The method for attaching the skid plate to the pre-hung door bottom surface includes applying an adhesive to bond the skid plate to the bottom surface, positioning the skid plate so that the first shaped portion and the second shaped portion align with their respective doorjamb ends, engaging tabs against the frame side surface to the doorjambs, and driving fasteners through the skid plate and tabs.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device comprising a base having spike elements extending thereabove, the base comprising alternating segments of differing widths having a scored or reduced thickness portion therebetween, and an elevated portion through which the spike elements are inserted into a channel formed in the bottom side of the base, the channel further having detents designed and constructed to hold the spike elements in place upon insertion.

Abstract: Vertical and horizontal beams in a building are hollow and are filled with at least one container, such as a sack, a ball, or a liner, filled with a heat sink, such as water. In a vertical column, the weight of the containers rests on the foundation and is not carried by the beams. When a fire vaporizes the water inside vertical columns, it is replaced by water falling from higher up in the column.