Abstract: A deep sea fishing lure has a generally cylindrical housing that is covered by a jacket that resembles a favored prey of sport fish such as a squid. The housing is light-transmissive and contains sets of flashing lights. One set of lights is linear and parallel to the direction of travel of the lure through the water. Another set is arranged is a circular array facing aft of the lure. A fiber optic bundle is installed in the housing. An interior end of the fiber optic bundle is next to the circular light set to accept light from the light set and transmit it to the outer end of the fiber optic bundle in order to attract a game fish. A flasher module operates to sequentially flash or blink the lights. A rechargeable power supply supplies power to the lights.

Abstract: A two-piece bonded fishing rod blank or fishing rod is formed from two filament-wound tubes, or from one filament-wound tube and another tube fabricated by a different process. In the latter case, the tube may be fabricated from sheet-wrap material. In that case, blanks are constructed from two tapered composite tubes and the components are joined together, preferably bonded by applying a thin layer of epoxy to the larger end of the tip section and inserting the tip section, tip first, into the larger end of the butt section. The outer taper of the larger end of the tip section can then be pulled tight against the inside taper of the smaller end of the butt section and allowed to cure. This results in a singular unitized fishing rod blank that exhibits improved hoop strength, increased flexural design parameters, increased sensitivity, and cosmetically appealing surface striations, which are unique and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A universal guide is a base of a fishing line guide assembly designed to conform to the outside radius of a round rod or to the flat surface of a rod having a polygonal cross section.

Abstract: A vibrating fishing lure. The vibrating fishing lure includes a pre-programmed microprocessor that is pre-programmed to effect an intermittent operation of the vibrator to effect an intermittent movement of the a lure body component to simulate a healthy, dying or distressed organism used to attract and catch fish.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line with a breakaway feature includes connecting a first end of a rope to underwater gear and attaching its second end to a breakaway connector without using or having to form a noose or a closed loop in the second end of the rope. The second end is inserted through a passage of the breakaway connector on one side of a breakaway element disposed in the passage, and passed back on the opposite side. When either end of the rope is pulled, a bent section of the rope comes to rest on the breakaway element. Further pulling the rope applies a load on the breakaway element which will break when the load reaches a predetermined level, allowing the rope to slip through the passage. Thus, the rope is completely released, without carrying at the second end thereof a noose or a closed loop which might be caught, e.g., in the mouth of a marine mammal.

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

Abstract: A method of controlling pests, such as insects, by trapping and/or killing them wherein at least part of a pest to be trapped or killed is exposed to a composition comprising particles containing or consisting of at least one magnetic material.

Abstract: An insect trap which includes a base having a rear surface and a front surface, a housing mounted to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the base, an insect attractant such as a light located at least partially within the housing, an insect neutralizer such as an adhesive surface located at least partially within the housing, and an electrical plug protruding from the rear surface of the base whereby the insect trap may be mounted to an electrical socket by inserting the electrical plug into the electrical socket. The insect trap can be easily mounted and removed, making it suitable for intermittent, seasonal, or temporary use.

Abstract: A simple device for use with nectar type bird feeders that effectively prevents ant and other insect contamination. The device uses a disposable media that is coated with a non-drying adhesive. The nondrying adhesive acts as a barrier to the passage of crawling insects. The device is placed interposed between the nectar feeder and the feeder support so as to restrict insects from crawling to the feeder by any route that does not pass through the adhesive coated media Insects are prevented from contaminating the feeder as they will not cross the non-drying adhesive barrier. The device can be made completely disposable or it may be constructed to accept replaceable adhesive media inserts and/or peel away layers that are conveniently replaced as they become contaminated or dust covered.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of toxicant to vermin includes an expandable conduit having an entry and exit for vermin, and which is expandable upon installation into an area determined to be suitable for vermin control. A toxicant is placeable in the expanded conduit such that vermin will contact the toxicant when passing through the conduit. In another apparatus, a toxicant is disposed within a conduit having an entry and exit for vermin. The toxicant is secured within the conduit to prevent spillage of the toxicant upon installation of the apparatus. The toxicant may be preloaded in a container. Methods for using the apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method for delivering a pesticide adjacent a foundation of a structure is provided. The method includes injecting the pesticide into a tubular conduit positioned proximate to the foundation of the structure. The pesticide is injected into the tubular conduit at a rate such that the internal pressure of the tubular conduit remains below a threshold pressure of the tubular conduit until the tubular conduit is substantially filled with the pesticide thereby preventing the pesticide from being discharged through pores of the tubular conduit as the tubular conduit is being filled with the pesticide.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pest trap that has an outer housing that simulates a rock typically found in a garden or landscape area around a residence or building. The outer housing includes a substantially flat bottom member and a pivotally attached upper dome-shaped lid member. When the lid member is closed over the bottom member, a large cavity is formed inside the trap. Formed on the bottom member are two, inward extending tunnel cavities that form two partially concealed tunnels that extend under the trap when the trap is placed on the ground. Formed on the perimeter edge of the outer housing is an outer pest opening. From on the bottom member directly over the tunnel cavity is an inner pest opening that allows a rodent to enter the large cavity after traveling through the tunnel. Formed inside the outer housing is a holding tray designed to hold a rodenocide or a mechanical trap capable of killing the rodent. An optional bait paper tray is also formed in the bottom member to hold bait paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. A station at least partially receivable within a cavity has at least one opening therein to provide access by the termites to an interior volume of the station. The apparatus also includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites received within the interior volume of the station. The aggregation base includes at least one void for forming an aggregation site for the termites. The apparatus further includes a replaceable container received within the interior volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation base. The container has at least one opening in a surface thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container.

Abstract: A device for attracting and capturing or otherwise disabling insects includes a fan mechanism structured and arranged to provide an outflow of air out of the device to atmosphere, and to draw an inflow directed counter the outflow from atmosphere into the device, the outflow being substantially within the inflow outside of the device. The flow mechanism is also structured and arranged to provide an insect attractant in the outflow. The device can include mounting structure being adapted to position the device with the outflow directed in a substantially downward direction. The outflow attracts insects to the vicinity of the device, and the inflow urges the insects to enter the device. An insect disabling structure is arranged with the flow mechanism to capture or otherwise disable insects being urged into the device by the inflow.

Abstract: The present invention is a candle composition containing a vegetable lipid base component and a candle formed from the composition. The candle composition may contain up to 100 percent by weight of a vegetable lipid base component. The candle composition may further contain a plant derived crystal modifier.

Abstract: There is described a fuel additive composition comprising an oleic alkanolamide and an alkoxylated oleic acid. There is also described a fuel composition comprising a hydrocarbon fuel and a fuel additive comprising an oleic alkanolamide and an alkoxylated oleic acid and also a method of running a combustion engine using the fuel if the invention.

Abstract: This present invention is for an improved method of recycling waste materials consisting substantially of cellulosic fiber and thermoplastic resin to make combustible products useful as industrial fuel with high heat output. The preferred method utilizes a low-speed and high-torque grinder to facilitate the continuous processing of feedstock. One advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the ability to continuously process feedstock while reducing the risk of fire.

Abstract: A method and compositions for increasing ectomycorrhizal colonization of the roots of trees using an alkali metal formononetinate, formononetin or mixtures thereof is described. The method enhances the growth of healthy and impaired trees.

Abstract: A flexible, porous and durable tree well skirt and a sidewalk structure are made of a cushion base of butadiene rubber and a wear layer of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The butadiene rubber is mixed with an isocyanate polyurethane binder and spread on the ground around the tree to form the cushion base of the tree well skirt. The EPDM is mixed with an isocyanate polyurethane binder and spread over the cushion base to form the wear layer. The cushion base and wear layer structure used for a sidewalk is spread over a stabilized porous base.

Abstract: A plant container and sidewall comprising a nonporous root-tip-trapping region and a porous air-root-pruning region combined to form the sidewall. The regions may be configured in various patterns including rows, columns, dots, and checkerboard. However, the most preferred configuration has the root-tip-trapping region forming a continuous upper portion of the sidewall and the air-root-pruning region forming the lower portion of the sidewall. Preferably, the root-tip-trapping region will form between ½ and {fraction (9/10)} of the sidewall, most preferably between ⅔ and ¾ of the sidewall. The advantages of the unique sidewall construction include preventing root circling, promoting water conservation, eliminating perched water tables, and providing proper aeration. These advantages promote plants that are healthier overall and grow faster.

Abstract: A flower ornamental assembly for accommodating a flowerpot including a support post having the lower part buried in the ground and erected upward from the ground level, a flower ornament pot having a through-hole for penetrating the support post, and a filler filling up the surrounding of the support post inserted into the flower ornament pot. A flowerpot is accommodated in an opening at the upper end of the flower ornament pot. The flower ornament pot is erected and supported by the support post and the filler, so that it can be prevented from sway or tilt. Since the entire structure of the flower ornament pot is exposed above the ground, the appearance of the flower ornamental assembly is enhanced.

Abstract: A plant collar support and containment system for the growing and supporting plants and preventing the onset of diseases and rotting by supporting a plant\.

Abstract: A plant growth regulator and a method for preparation thereof are provided; the plant growth regulaor comprises cinnamic acid as an active component, wherein cinnamic acid is dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium in high concentrations. The regulator prevents useless growth of young plants such as seedlings or nursery plants, and useless growth of potted plants (Bonsai); namely it is effective for dwarfing a plant; it can improve the quality of gardening plants and horticultural or agricultural yields. Since cinnamic acid is a naturally occurring substance, the plant growth regulator comprising the acid has high concern for environment and no problems in safety and health of human bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and having associated with it a device for receiving an enquiry signal and automatically responding by transmitting an unique identifier signal the apparatus comprising

Abstract: A seedling culture mat includes a fibrous face layer, an intermediate layer, and a barrier substrate. The intermediate layer underlies the face layer, and includes a fibrous body, a plurality of seeds provided on the fibrous body, and a nutritional component applied to the fibrous body. The barrier substrate underlies the intermediate layer to guide primary roots which protrude out of the seeds to extend substantially along the barrier substrate before the primary roots project out of the barrier substrate. Thus, the primary roots and secondary roots which develop from the primary roots can be kept within the seedling culture mat for a prolonged period of time to take up the nutritional component.

Abstract: A device and method for use in growing, transporting and transplanting aquatic plants. The device includes an open web fibrous strip of water resistant material. When utilized in conjunction with a juvenile water lily or marginal plant, the material is configured as a coil around the roots of a single plant. When utilized in conjunction with “oxygenator” stems or bare root cuttings, the material is configured as a strip folded to enclose multiple cuttings/plants spaced at periodic intervals. Using the present invention, aquatic plant(s) are grown in a soil-less environment, making them lightweight for economically shipping via parcel post and exportable to all states and many foreign countries because they do not contain potentially contaminated soil. A plant grown in the present invention is fully developed and will quickly resume growing once planted in an end user's pond.

Abstract: The invention concerns a door space monitoring device for monitoring a door swing area of a vehicle door.

Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided by the invention. The lock includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for a motor vehicle includes a generally U or J-shaped body of thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polypropylene (PP) having integrally formed lips or sealing flanges of more flexible thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and a show surface of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). The body includes longitudinally spaced apart latch members which secure the weatherstrip to a vehicle body. The sealing flanges preferably include flocking on the surfaces which contact and ride against the window glass. The thermoplastic polyolefin show surface bonds directly to the TPV or polypropylene substrate and provides a color and gloss match to the paint on the vehicle body. Improved weatherstrip performance and improved vehicle appearance are both achieved by the present invention.

Abstract: An adjustable sill assembly includes an elongated substrate base composed of a molded composite material and defining a T-shaped slot extending along the length of the substrate base and open to a top surface of the substrate base; a sill plate connected with the substrate base; a riser having a top and two downwardly-extending legs defining an interior of the riser, the interior of the riser having a pair of flanges angling downward and toward one another; and means for connecting the substrate base with the riser including a T-nut having a flange and a corresponding screw, the T-nut being slidebly and non-rotatably supported within the T-shaped slot and the screw being rotatably and slideably supported by the pair of flanges and wherein the riser is secured to the substrate base by inserting the screw into the T-nut.

Abstract: An adjustable sill assembly includes a substrate base; a sill plate connected with the substrate base; a riser having a top and two downwardly-extending legs defining an interior of the riser, said interior of the riser having a first flange and a second flange angling downward and toward one another; and means for supporting the riser on the substrate base including an adjusting screw and a corresponding T-nut, said adjusting screw having a head adjacent the substrate base and said T-nut slideably supported by the first and second flanges and wherein the riser is supported by the substrate base by threading the adjusting screw into the T-nut. In another embodiment, the adjusting screw is provided with a head that extends beyond at least one of the downwardly-extending legs of the riser to allow engagement and turning of the adjusting screw from the side of the riser.

Abstract: A crush resistant seamless roofing system is formed by a layer of adjacent panels having loose joints filled by expanding rising foam adhesive, which is trimmed to remove excess foam adhesive above a top plane of the roofing system. The roofing system thus formed is covered by a fabric layer and a coating. Further, the seamless roofing system is combined with a base layer, located beneath the panels, the base layer comprising bonded panels of a lightweight fireproofing material, resistant to moisture and foot traffic.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for anchoring a structure to the ground includes an anchor shank (15) having a connection point (18) at which a connecting member, such as a chain (19) is coupled to the anchor shank (15). An anchor body (12) is pivotally connected to the anchor shank (10) at a point (14) remote from the connection point (18).

Abstract: An anti-seismic device comprising a base member comprising a socket on a top end, a top member comprising a ball that mates with the socket, a shock-absorbing, centering rod coupled to the ball and extending vertically upward through the top member and a plurality of shock absorbing devices located circumferentially around the top member.

Abstract: Reinforcement of a metal container against seismic or paraseismic stresses, in which the metal container is surrounded over at least part of its height with carbon fibre fabric bonded to the external surface of the metal container, and in which the carbon fibre fabric is placed in bands extending substantially over the entire circumference of the metal container, predominantly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the metal container.

Abstract: A moisture barring device (10), forming a general T-shaped profile, designed for diverting air and ground born water away from, and protection of, a wood member (20), which is a beam or joist of an exterior wood structure. Additionally, there is a top (12), forming a longitudinal relatively horizontal strip with two parallel longitudinal edges. The top including a central strip section, extending along the central region of the top and positioned between the two longitudinal top edges. The top also having a pair of wing strips (32), extending along and coupled to either side of the central strip section respectively along a first wing edge, and each wing strip having a second wing edge that is coextensive with the two respective top edges. The top additionally having a drip edge (18), coupled along the respective second wing edge, forming an angle that is sloped downward with respect to the respective wing strip. The moisture barring device further including a pair of side panel strips (14).

Abstract: The present invention is a free standing portable deck for use with recreational vehicles. The deck further comprises a polygonal shape lower support frame. The support frame further comprises a plurality of removably interconnected rails. A flat planar platform portion is being removably mounted upon the lower support frame. A plurality of leg members are being disposed underneath the lower support frame at each corner such that the platform portion is held in a substantially level position at a predetermined height in relation to the recreational vehicle door. Each leg member is removably connected to each corner of the lower support frame. The upper support frame is removably connected to the lower support frame and extends linearly upward. At least one step means provides for ingressing and regressing onto the platform portion. The at least one step means is located at a predetermined distance from the lower support frame and at a predetermined height in relation to the ground level.

Abstract: An improved plastic, e.g., vinyl, window construction includes an exterior casing rigidly mounted to a window frame and which may advantageously be preattached to the window frame, allowing the window construction to be installed as a single unit. The exterior casing may include an exterior sill and may be constructed to provide the appearance of a traditional wooden window. In another aspect, a window construction with an integrated interior casing is also provided. In yet a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a plastic window construction with integrated exterior casing is provided.

Abstract: The prefab external-wall structure is provided to increase the resisting strength of the external-wall against the external destruction force under the condition that the original wall strength is not damaged. The external-wall structure mainly comprises a main frame, a honeycomb structural board and an outer decorative wall-portion, wherein the main frame has on the two ends thereof a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess for embedding respectively therein the honeycomb structural board and the outer decorative wall-portion, and they are firmly stuck with silicone adhesive material. The main frame between the first and the second receiving recesses is formed therearound cut grooves for the purpose of fixing the external-wall structure of the present invention onto the wall of a building using fixing members.

Abstract: A floor drain having a drain body that receives a rotatable frame with a grate. The orientation of the grate and frame about an axis of the drain body may be adjusted by rotating the frame relative to the drain body and clamping the frame in the desired orientation. Adjustments to the orientation of the grate and frame can be made to align the grate and frame with floor tiles or other flooring materials and with walls surrounding the floor drain.

Abstract: The present application discloses curb components that represent various shapes of glass blocks to be used in the construction of a curb for a glass block wall, along with a system and method for laying out the curb components. The curb components can be fitted together to lay out the positioning of glass blocks, such that a user can lay out potential designs for glass block walls prior to constructing the glass block wall. Connection mechanisms are used, which enable a variety of joint sizes, as well as angled joints to be formed.

Abstract: To obtain a covering on a supporting structure that has a visual appearance that varies with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering, there are provided parquet blocks having reference edges and top surfaces with geometric forms in parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the block's adjacent surface portions and extending at angles relative to the reference edges that varies from that of other blocks. The parquet blocks in plan view may be of varying shapes such as rectangular, triangular, etc. while the geometric forms may be, for example, any one of parallel ridges, lands between parallel slots, rows of selected shapes in linearly spaced, linear alignment, etc. Indicia may be provided on the blocks together with a chart having markings facilitate selecting and adhering the blocks to the supporting structure to obtain the desired pattern.

Abstract: Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. Adjacent planks substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual planks within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture (i.e., pattern) that is complementary with a pattern of a neighboring partial sub-panel or plank. Each plank may include edge patterns adjacent a portion of an edge of the plank and at least one bulk pattern adjacent the edge patterns. Edge patterns within a plank and of planks within a flooring system are substantially identical to each other. Bulk patterns form a substantially continuous pattern within an individual plank when adjacent a plank.

Abstract: A system for making a structural connection includes a structural member, a plurality for strips, for engaging the structural member, and securing devices for securing the strips to a building structure that supports the structural member. The method of making the structural connection includes the steps of providing the structural member, inserting a segment of the structural member into the hollow of a building structure, and securing the structural member to the building structure with two or more strips.

Abstract: An extruded connecting profile for two panels having peripheral edges includes a first frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side, the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a first panel of the two panels. A second frame element is also provided having a front side and an opposite rear side the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a second panel of the two panels. An elastic structure extending between the first and second frame elements is co-extruded with the first and second frame elements and is comprised of a material having a higher elasticity than the material of the first and second frame elements.

Abstract: The form panel for placing concrete of the present invention is a form panel (30) comprising a hollow sheathing section (32) made of plastic, one side of which forms a concrete placing surface (31), and hollow side panel sections (33) bent out at right angles from both side edges of the sheathing section (32) on an opposite side of the sheathing section (32) to the concrete placing surface (31), wherein projecting sections (40) which extend in a vertical direction are provided on an outside surface (38) of the side panel section (33), and one of the sides of one of the projecting sections (40) is coplanar with the concrete placing surface (31) of the sheathing section (32), and on the projecting sections (40), notches (41) are formed at respectively the same position and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the projecting sections (40).

Abstract: A door structure for preventing water leakage is disclosed.

Abstract: A board fastener/ventilator device has a top bracket and a bottom bracket that are secured to a sheathing surface and that mount a board, such as a shingle or siding board, at a distance above the sheathing. A board fastener/ventilator device secures one end of the board and another board fastener/ventilator device supports the opposite end of the board so as to maintain an air space between the board and the sheathing layer. The separation between the sheathing layer and the board is maintained by an angled riser that has vents to allow air to pass through the angled riser between the different layers of boards that are mounted on a roof or wall, so as to minimize the accumulation of moisture on the sheathing or board in order to minimize deterioration of those surfaces.

Abstract: A novel building construction is described for exterior building walls. The construction comprises an interior frame formed of a plurality of laterally spaced studs or beams, a layer of rigid insulation adjacent to the exterior side of this steel frame, exterior building cladding adjacent the exterior side of the rigid insulation and a plurality of low conductivity connectors, e.g. insulating plastic connectors or thin metal strips having an insulating plastic foam coating, extending through the layer of rigid insulation and connecting together the exterior cladding and the interior steel studs or beams. Vertical channels are formed adjacent both the inside and outside faces of the insulation layer to remove moisture. This provides the required structural strength with a minimum of thermal conductivity from the warm side to the cold side of the building envelope, while providing exterior drain channels and interior moisture removing channels.