Abstract: A shoe includes a hollow insole component which has a horizontal part with an inner peripheral end confining an opening and an upward flange extending upward from a top face of the horizontal part, an upper having a bottom open end attached to the horizontal part; and a lining mounted within the upper and having a bottom open end attached to the upward flange, wherein the hollow insole component is made by forming an elongated strip into a loop, and the insole component has a connection joint extending transversely of the hollow insole component.

Abstract: Shoe structure comprising a first subset apt to be a foot-containing structure and a second subset which can be coupled to the first subset and apt to isolate, at least partially, the foot sole from the ground. The first subset comprises a first insole, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, and one or more edges, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, which extend from said first insole and form a shoe upper which can at least partially wrap the foot upper portion; the second subset comprises a supporting framework, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, having an upper face which can be coupled to said first subset and a lower face with one or more inserts which are intended to be in contact with the ground.

Abstract: An airbag buffer for footwear includes a sole and an airbag. The sole has a plurality of air passageways. The airbag is arranged in the sole and has an air flowing section between the airbag and the sole and communicating to the air passageways. The air within the sole is forced to flow into the air flowing section through the air passageways when the sole is pressed. The air flowed into the air flowing section can flow back to the sole through the air passageways when the pressure exerted to the sole is relieved. Therefore, the air within the footwear can uniformly flow along front-and-back and left-and-right directions as the user walks. The uniform and omni-directional flow of air makes a comfortable feeling to user.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a boot with features that increase a securing of a user's heel. Embodiments include a heel hastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs are provided that maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device. Also provided is a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. Also provided is a heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

Abstract: The shoe night light apparatus includes a shoe or slipper body having an exterior surface defining an open area for receiving a foot of a wearer. The shoe night light is a device to provide illumination when the shoe is placed on the foot. The shoe night light has a sensor/switch in the sole of the shoe designed to turn on and off the light when the shoe is placed on and taken off the foot. The shoe night light has batteries or replaceable batteries inside the material of the shoe to provide power to the light. The shoe night light has a light source such as light emitting diodes or light bulb to provide illumination. The shoe night light can also have a photo sensor to detect darkness and turn on the light when in a darkened area.

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator or skid steer loader which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engaged with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: A base edge protector for use with a base edge having at least one securing structure attached therewith is provided. The base edge protector includes a shroud portion having a top surface and having a recess for receiving the securing structure, a tail portion is attached to the shroud portion and it is structured and arranged to be captured by the securing structure, and a retaining member passage provided on the top surface and extending therethrough to the recess.

Abstract: Work tools, such as buckets of earthmoving machines, have a high wear rate from moving material or other activities. It is advantageous to provide replaceable wear protectors that are sacrificed to reduce or eliminate the need to repair or rebuild the work tools themselves. It is also important to provide a wear protector that is readily installed at the job site and can be securely, but simply retained in place. And the wear protector should not overly affect the operation of the work tool, such as through excess weight, resistance to material penetration or the like. Provided is a wear protector utilizing a connector element fastened to the work tool and a protector slidably engageable with the connector element. A simplified retainer assembly holds the protector in place on the connector element. The wear protector accommodates a compact design to address the problems described.

Abstract: An appliance or equipment utilizing water includes an operation section provided on top or side of a main body of the appliance and an outer member. The outer member includes a transparent member, a transparent film formed thereon, and a colored decoration provided on a surface of the transparent member opposite to the transparent film. The operation section is comprised of only the transparent film. In accordance with the appliance of the present invention, a transparent texture quality in outer appearance as well as a depth and classic texture quality in design can be obtained and at the same time a stereovision of characters or figures on an outer surface of the appliance can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for marking stretches of archery rigging cables to facilitate selection of a desired cable stretch from among other stored cables. The invention may be embodied as a device constructed for addition to a stretch of any archery cable. The device provide an add-on surface carrying indicia, typically pre-printed, corresponding to the cable stretch to be marked. In a preferred first embodiment, the add-on surface is provided by a length of heat-shrink tube. In a second desirable embodiment, the tube, or a portion of a tube, may be formed from a length of adhesive tape wrapped circumferentially about the cable. A third desirable embodiment includes holding structure inserted between separated strands of a portion of a cable stretch.

Abstract: Marking sleeve for marking wires or pipes, in particular electric wires, in the form of an annular or sleeve-shaped body manufactured in one piece and made of an elastic material, preferably plastic. The marking sleeve is intended to bear one or more marking symbols and comprises a yoke-shaped outer part with two outer legs (1, 2) which serve as side walls. At their lower ends, these legs merge with an inner yoke-shaped part, which extends up between the legs, with two inner legs (4, 5) and a web portion (6) joining the upper ends of these. This web portion, together with the surrounding yoke-shaped outer part, delimits a tunnel-shaped passage for a wire which is to be marked. The outer surface of each of the outer legs (1, 2) is made with at least one longitudinal groove (9, 10, 11), and the mutually facing surfaces of each of the inner legs (4, 5) are made with at least one longitudinal groove (15).

Abstract: A microparticle taggant having two or more distinguishable marker layers corresponding to a predetermined numeric code. The plurality of particles comprises a plurality of microparticle sets of at least one microparticle, each microparticle set is characterized by a specific marker layer combination different from each other microparticle set, and the combination of microparticle sets employed in said taggant collectively forms the numeric code. Each specific marker layer combination may employ two or more layers. The microparticle sets employed in the taggant may include at least one datum marker layer coded to include place information and at least two value marker layers coded to specify a value within the place, the datum marker layer(s) being readily distinguishable from the value marker layers and functioning to identify an orientation of the value marker layers.

Abstract: A visual display apparatus (1) is disclosed which finds particular use as a sign in retail advertising or as a toy whereby a child can arrange display elements (5) in an appealing pattern. The sign (1) includes a ferromagnetic support (2) upon which magnetic display elements (5) can be positioned. Each element (5) comprises a magnetic base (10), an axle (11) projecting up from the magnetic base (10) through the bore (30) of a peripherally-toothed disc-like gear (13) and through the bore (31) of a spacer (19), the spacer (19) being affixed to the toothed gear (13), and a disc-shaped display sheet (15) mounted on the spacer (19) and fast therewith. The toothed gears (13) of adjacent elements (5) engage so that rotational movement of one element (5) causes movement of the adjacent element (5). Adjacent elements (5) are placed on the support surface to spell out a word or other required advertising.

Abstract: A novelty device for mounting on an elongated support member such as a vehicle antenna which comprises a shaft having a hollow portion at a first end to receive the support member, the inner diameter of the hollow portion of said shaft being greater than the greater diameter of the top portion of the support member and smaller than the diameter of the top end of the support member, said shaft having two or more resilient members disposed at a second end thereof. The novelty device includes one or more display members having indicia or an image disposed thereon, which are received with the two or more resilient members and projecting therefrom. The novelty device further includes a bearing insert, which is received with the hollow portion of the shaft, and has a longitudinal channel defined therein for receiving a portion of the elongated support member. The novelty further includes a cap adapted for pressing onto the second end of the shaft to detachably secure the display members to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable signaling devices used for attracting attention and/or signaling messages. The devices are made of fluorescent material which illuminates brightly with a battery operated light, to display a variety of signals, logos, legends, messages and the like, to attract attention to the user. The present invention is to aide pedestrians in need of transportation, especially in urban city settings, to display a variety of signals to attract attention to themselves to hail a vehicle, while maintaining their safety.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a panel for displaying indicia having opposed ends operatively connected to first and second channels. The panel has score lines adjacent each opposed end to define opposed flaps. The first and second channels each have a flange extending from one wall to adjacent opposed wall to define the elongated opening into the channel. A device supports the assembly from a support and a safety device loosely extends from a first channel to the second channel. Each flap is moved about the score line for insertion through the elongated opening such that when the flap is inserted beyond the free end of the flange, the flap is biased way from the panel to connect the panel to the channel.

Abstract: A human baby identification system including identification bracelets for attachment to the wrist or ankle of a baby, each of the identification bracelets including a pocket portion for receipt of an identification card, an identification number imprinted on the bracelets, a flexible fastening strap connected to the pocket portion having a plurality of ratchet teeth thereon, a sleeve for enclosing a portion of the strap, and a hollow latch assembly for receiving and securing the flexible fastening strap around the wrist or ankle of the baby, the latch assembly having a locking cam which engages the ratchet teeth to enable the fastening strap to be moved in one direction only to tighten the fastening to prevent the fastening strap from being loosened on the baby.

Abstract: A tag holder assembly is provided for mounting on the edges of a display shelf for retail merchandise. When the assembly is pressed against the shelf, the assembly flexes to permit members of the assembly to rotate into a locked position. This flexion gives rise to forces which reliably secure the assembly to the shelf. In one embodiment, the assembly can be removed by rotating the members to an unlocked position. The assembly can be made as a unitary device including, for example, a living hinge. Alternatively, the assembly can made as two or more separate members. The assembly can also include a projecting member that extends higher than the front surface of the shelf to prevent objects on the shelf from falling off. Significantly, any forces which the objects transmit to the assembly through the projecting member tend to lock the assembly even more securely on the shelf.

Abstract: There is provided a system for deterring small animals away from a selected area. The system comprises a central support member having an axis of rotation. Moreover, at least one elongated member is attached to the central support member and extends radially with respect to the axis of rotation. Further, a motor is in mechanical communication with the central support member. The motor is operative to rotate the central support member about the axis of rotation for moving the elongated member(s) about the axis of rotation. Lastly, a controller is in electrical communication with the motor. The controller is configured to activate the motor to rotate the central support member intermittently about the axis of rotation. This moves the elongated member(s) to deter the small animals away from the selected area.

Abstract: A fishing rod for nighttime fishing usage, includes a female ferrule configured on a frontal extremity of a hand grip, and thereby enabled to connect with a male ferrule configured on a tail extremity of a line-support rod. Moreover a plurality of guide rings are fixedly configured on the hand grip and the line-support rod thereof, and a light-emitting area is defined on each location on the fishing rod corresponding to each of the guide rings, thereby achieving effectiveness of being able to identify the fishing rod when using the fishing rod at nighttime from illumination emitting from the light-emitting areas. Moreover, the light-emitting areas are defined with fluorescent paint adhered to external edges of the fishing rod, thereby giving strong brightness to the light-emitting areas. The present invention thus accomplishes practicability, is of economical advantage and provides advancement in fishing rod design.

Abstract: A protective container for a fishing rod with a reel mounted on a handle portion of the rod. The container includes a rigid elongate tube having an inner surface defining a cavity adapted to receive the fishing rod; and a flexible housing attached to the tube adjacent one end that is adapted to enclose the reel and the handle portion of the rod on which the reel is mounted. That housing includes opposite wall portions having side wall parts each adapted to lie along and across a different side of the reel and handle portion of the rod, which wall portions include peripheral parts extending toward each other from the peripheries of the side wall parts that can be releasably attached together so that opposed inner surfaces of the wall portions define a cavity that can receive the reel and the handle portion of the rod on which it is mounted. The wall portions can be separated to allow the rod and reel to be placed in or removed from the container.

Abstract: A first horizontal hollow cylinder open at both ends has a first narrow elongated slot. A second horizontal hollow cylinder open at both is disposed concentrically within the first cylinder and has a second narrow elongated slot that extends between its ends. A vertical elongated element is secured at its upper end to said cylinder and has an opening intermediate its ends. A flexible elongated connector secured at one end to the lower end of said element with its other end being detachably securable with said element opening. A rotatable member is secured to one end of the second cylinder and is spaced from the first cylinder so that the member can rotate the second cylinder about its axis without rotating the first cylinder that remains in fixed non-rotatable position. The member has a first position of rotation at which the two slots are aligned and a second position of rotation at which said slots are out of alignment.

Abstract: Weighted fish hooks having a hook shank having a bend at one end and a hook eye at an opposite end. A double-tapered weight is provided on the hook shank between the bend and the hook eye. The double-tapered weight has a top weight taper and a lower weight taper. The weighted fish hooks are at least partially embedded in a lure.

Abstract: A transportable, positionable, directionable insect control system comprising a frame supported on one or more wheels for movement over the underlying surface and a handle for use in positioning the insect control system. A tank is mounted on the frame and a pump is employed to discharge an insect controlling chemical agent from the tank under the operation of a control system. The pump directs the insect controlling chemical agent from the tank through conduits to one or more discharge nozzles for discharge therefrom. The discharge nozzles are positionable to control the direction of discharge of the insect controlling chemical agent.

Abstract: Alkyl esters of Fatty Acids such as methyl stearate are valuable renewable energy resources that can be used to replace in part petroleum products such as diesel oil and fuel oil for furnaces. Microemulsion fuels made by blending diesel oil at low shear with an Additive containing the ester result in stable compositions at sub-freezing temperatures and also, have advantages of good engine performance and abatement of pollution. Compositions of diesel oil/Additive plus Fatty Acids Esters at 95/05, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30 and 60/40 weight/weight were investigated. The utilization of the alkyl esters of the fatty acids depends on the particular unsaturated fatty acid used in the Additive, the fuel composition and the particular ester. Summaries in graph form show how several esters of fatty acids are used in the microemulsion fuels both for diesel oil used in the internal combustion engine and heating oil for furnaces.

Abstract: A low-emissions diesel fuel comprises fungible aviation kerosene emulsified with from 1 to 30% water, and preferably contains 50-300 ppm detergent and 25-500 ppm lubricity additive. Improved results can be achieved by also employing a fuel-soluble platinum group metal compound, such as 0.1-2.0 ppm platinum COD and a fuel-soluble cerium compound, such as 5-20 ppm cerium oleate. A method of reducing the emissions of pollutants from a diesel engine, comprising running the engine on a fuel as defined. The method is improved by also employing another pollution-reducing technique selected from timing changes, exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalysts, lean NOx catalysts and particulate filters for enhanced emissions control.

Abstract: A firefighting training fluid (FFTF) comprising an isoparaffin blend. The blends of isoparaffins typically have no less than about two carbon atoms and no more than about twelve carbon atoms. The blends of isoparaffins may possess Reid vapor pressures in the range from about 2 to about 6.5 pounds per square inch. The blends also typically possess an initial boiling point of not less than about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and an end boiling point of not more than about 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The blends burn relatively cleanly and keep emissions of volatile organic compounds, compounds containing sulfur, smoke, particulates, olefins, and aromatics to a minimum. The blend components mixed to create the blends of isoparaffins are controlled in order to maintain Reid vapor pressure and initial and end boiling points. Oxygenates may be added to an FFTF in order to further reduce smoke emissions.

Abstract: A grafting method comprises the steps of, first preparing a stool by right transverse cuts through a limb or trunk, meaning that the limb or trunk of a tree or shrub is cut at essentially right angles. Root and scion stocks are grafted to the stool using the well known bark grafting technique. The stool is then placed into a rooting medium with the grafted root stock immersed in the medium. Appropriate heat and water is made available to ensure that the root stock is established and that sufficient nutrients and moisture is conducted to the scion stock through the stool.

Abstract: An elevated cultivation method and elevated cultivation bed (20), using a medium for plant cultivation (15) involving water purification cake (11) and EM ceramic powder (13), and irrigation with activated water obtained after water purification treatment and treatment to reduce the fineness of clusters of water molecules. The cultivation bed (20) does not have any drainage ports. In the elevated cultivation bed (20), a nonwoven fabric sheet 27 which is a protective sheet and a plastic sheet (26) which is nonpermeable sheet are laid on the inside surface of a box-shaped frame (24) comprised of a wire mesh. A plant cultivation medium (15) is filled inside of the box-shaped frame (24). An elevated table (22) of the cultivation bed (20) is an assembled structure comprised of L-angle members (21) fastened by nuts and bolts.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping an item, such as a floral grouping is provided. The wrapping material has a bonding material on a surface so that, when the wrapping material is formed into a wrapper, the wrapper may be releasably attached to a mounting surface, such as a board or wall, by way of the bonding material.

Abstract: A fertilizer spike is insertable into soil utilizing a tool having prongs. The fertilizer spike comprises a fertilizer body comprised of fertilizer material having a base end with an outer surface that converges toward a tip end, in which at least two channels are formed into the fertilizer body, for receiving the prongs of the tool. The fertilizer spike is also provided with a soil abutment surface that is adapted to hold the fertilizer spike in the soil when the tool is pulled away from the fertilizer spike. The prongs release the fertilizer spike as the tool is withdrawn.

Abstract: A plant monitoring apparatus and a storage medium which allow engineering efficiency and data reliability to be improved are provided. There are disposed TAG databases 11a and 11b which store, according to an identifier, fixed parameters which are shared by a monitoring device 2 and a controlling device 3 composing the plant monitoring apparatus 1 and which are correlated with each input point. A distributing means 8 distributes fixed parameters edited by a database editing means 7 to both the monitoring device 2 and the controlling device 3 at a time.

Abstract: A portable planter for high-density growth of plants is described. The planter contains a bottom and at least one wall disposed on the bottom for forming a cavity. The at least one wall contains a plurality of holes configured for allowing plant stems to extend therethrough in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one drain hole is formed in the bottom or the at least one wall for draining water from the cavity. Plant growth medium is placed in the cavity, and plants are planted in the plant growth medium such that the stems extend through the holes in the wall.

Abstract: A substantially liquid impermeable package for wrapping about a floral grouping or potted plant is disclosed, as well as methods for producing and using same. The substantially liquid impermeable package is formed of a flexible sleeve constructed from a material which is substantially liquid impermeable and which includes at least one layer of polymeric film. The flexible sleeve is provided with seals in a sidewall and closed lower end thereof which are substantially liquid impermeable.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing protons or hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at dissociation temperatures the hydrogen from the dissociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the dissociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is thereafter reacted with methane to produce syngas which optimally may be reacted in a water gas shift reaction to produce CO2 and H2.

Abstract: A fully automatic hinged residential door system is described suitable for quadriplegics, or other persons confined to wheelchairs. A wireless command operated through a hand held or mounted transmitter instigates a series of operations which unlocks the entry way, turns on appropriate lights, opens the door through at least ninety degrees, allows entry or egress, and responds to close commands in manual or automatic mode. The door is fail safe and can be operated automatically during power outages. A means of manual key or code operation is maintained. The system comprises a low voltage power supply, an opening device comprising electric motors, light controlling apparatus, a locking and unlocking device, force limiting hardware, and a movable door sill. The unit is compatible with all existing hinged door openings and can be retrofitted, or used as part of new construction.

Abstract: Safety device for preventing injury by shielding body parts from a gap between a door and a door frame including a one-piece protective sheet having a plurality of flaps each extending over only a portion of the height of the sheet and which are foldable about one another. The sheet is partitioned by transverse fold lines or bends extending between the lateral edges of the sheet on one side of the sheet. The flaps are connected to one another on an opposite side of the sheet and thus pivotable with respect to one another to enable the sheet to fold into a compact form for shipping and storage regardless of the vertical height of the device. Attachment mechanisms attach lateral edge portions of the sheet to the door and door frame.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A sliding panel assembly is provided, including a stationary panel, a movable panel, a guide rail slidably receiving the movable panel, and an integrated end cap. The integrated end cap includes an end body, which includes an end stop, a drain, and a locator. The end stop defines an end point of the path of the movable panel. The drain diverts moisture away from the sliding panel assembly. The locator properly positions the sliding panel assembly with respect to a mounting surface during the mounting process. The mounting surface may include a notch, allowing the locator and the mounting surface to mate.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a safety guard designed and adapted for use on the corners of vehicle doors to protect passengers from accidental contact with the sharp corner of a vehicle door. The door guard is particularly well suited to cars with a “bubble-wrap” design, which results in the tops of the vehicle doors having sharp corners that may be less than ninety degrees. At least two plates, preferably triangular in shape and made of plastic or some other suitable material, are joined together on at least one side thereof and installed on a vehicle door to cover potentially hazardous sharp metallic corners of the vehicle door. The door guard may be affixed to the door using glue, or the plates of the door guard may have pre-drilled openings for screws to attach the door guard to the door. Variations in the thickness and shape of the plates may be necessary to conform to different vehicle types without interfering with the operation of the door.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle includes an outer panel and an inner panel provided with an opening in a vehicle longitudinal-direction central portion thereof. A base plate to which at least a window regulator module is assembled is attached to the inner panel so as to wholly cover the central opening of the inner panel.

Abstract: Nonwoven abrasive articles comprise a porous reinforcing material, a fiber web affixed to the porous reinforcing material, abrasive particles, and a non-elastomeric binder. Methods of making and using nonwoven abrasive articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polishing composition for reducing the haze level of the surface of silicon wafers contains hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, an alkaline compound, water, and silicon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a luminescent parking cover fitted with a reflective unit composed of a recurrent reflective light and a luminite stored light on a simple parking cover that is used to protect vehicles or motorcycles from sunlight, snow or rain. This luminescent parking cover makes it possible to easily discern the parking cover even in the nighttime or bad weather and safely protect the vehicles or motorcycles parked inside. The surface of the sheet 112 of this luminescent parking cover 100 is fitted with a reflective unit 120 composed of a recurrent reflective light 122 that reflects the inflowing light again and a luminite stored light 124 that stores light and reflects the stored light again when the surroundings get dark.

Abstract: A standoff sleeve/fastener assembly and a powered driver are provided for anchoring a subfloor component of a hard wood floor system to a concrete slab. The sleeve has a peripheral flange and a countersink at a first end. The fastener is disposed in the sleeve and has an enlarged head that is adjacent to but spaced from the first end of the sleeve. The driver has a nozzle with a striker bore sized to receive the head of the fastener and a recess sized to accommodate the peripheral flange of the sleeve. The subfloor component is anchored by (1) positioning the sleeve/fastener assembly in a hole in that component with the bottom end of the sleeve contacting the concrete slab, (2) positioning the driver nozzle so that the fastener head and the flange of the sleeve reside in its striker bore and recess respectively, and (3) operating the driver whereby its striker impels the fastener to (a) pierce and penetrate the concrete slab and (b) lock the sleeve between the concrete slab and the head of the fastener.

Abstract: Fastening system for anchoring wood floors to a base includes a fastener having a pointed distal end and a proximal head end, a sleeve for retaining structural members, the sleeve having a central bore therethrough, a countersink extending from a proximal end of the sleeve coaxially with the central bore, and an annular flange extending outwardly from the sleeve proximal end. The system further includes a driver for driving the fastener through the sleeve bore and into the base, the driver including a nozzle having a bore for receiving the fastener, the nozzle being adapted to enter the sleeve countersink. The driver further includes a hammer disposed in the nozzle and movable to engage the head of the fastener and to drive the fastener into locking engagement with the base, to fix the sleeve to the base, and thereby fix the structural members to the base.

Abstract: A concrete block produced from a workpiece that includes at least a portion of a top surface that is roughened by a roughening assembly. The roughening assembly may include a shaft having a plurality of roughening members, the shaft being rotated in a direction opposed to the movement of the workpiece. A splitting mechanism is provided downstream of the roughening assembly to split the workpiece into one or more blocks. The blocks may be placed in a wall having a setback, with the roughened top surface of each block enhancing a natural appearance of the ledge created as a result of the setback.

Abstract: A window well structure for protecting crawl space access or basement windows. A molded plastic window well structure is provided in a variety of colors. The structure is easily cut at grooves between adjacent corrugations, to provide a desired height, either singularly by affixing two such structures together with fasteners between the top rim of a first structure and the bottom rim of a second structure. Inward facing flanges are provided to assist in ease of installation and to enable visual inspection of the attachment as the installation ages.