Abstract: An electronic assembly is assembled by stacking two or more integrated circuit dies on top of one another. Prior to singulation, an opening is laser-drilled into an upper die, and subsequently filled with a conductive member. The conductive member is located on a lower die and interconnects integrated circuits of the upper and lower dies. Laser-drilling allows for faster throughput when compared to, for example, etching, especially if a small number of openings has to be formed. The opening is laser-drilled from an upper surface of the upper die all the way through the die, which allows for the use of alignment marks on an upper surface of the upper die.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board, in which a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers, each of which includes a conductive pattern, have been laminated, includes an insulating layer, a conductive compound, and a conductive pattern. The insulating layer has a trench. The conductive compound is located in the trench. The conductive pattern adjoins the trench and is electrically connected to the conductive compound. The conductive pattern and the conductive compound make up a conductive wire that has a higher current-carrying capacity than the conductive pattern.

Abstract: A terminal mounting apparatus inserts press-fit terminals into a terminal housing for constituting a joint connector. The terminal mounting apparatus has a terminal positioning unit, a transfer unit, a carrier cutting unit, a tab bending unit, a separator, and an insertion unit. The terminal positioning unit adjusts spaces between adjacent ones of the terminals such that each of the terminals can enter one of the terminal insertion channels. The transfer unit transfers the terminals. The carrier cutting unit removes a desired joint portion jointing the terminals. The tab bending unit brings a desired contact tab, which can connect an upper one to a lower one of the terminals, into a connection state. The separator adjusts spaces between the terminals to correspond to spaces between terminal insertion channels. The insertion unit presses the terminals all at once into the terminal insertion channels.

Abstract: A joining method providing improved joining accuracy for wheel and turbine shaft. A part of the inner peripheral wall of a fitting hole of a wheel is tapered inwardly from the opening of the fitting hole. At one end of the turbine shaft to be joined to the wheel, a tapered axial abutment portion is provided. In the turbine shaft, an axial abutment portion is provided in a part other than the portion to be fused by welding to suppress deformation at the time of fusion. The axial abutment portion is tapered, and the inner peripheral wall of the fitting hole is tapered, whereby the wheel and the turbine shaft are brought into close contact with each other while positioned coaxially. As such, close contact is effected in a stable manner in the axial abutment portion where tapered surfaces come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of construction of an inkjet printhead having a large array of ink-jet nozzle arrangements by defining a single inkjet nozzle arrangement for the ejection of ink from a single nozzle and utilizing a series of translations and rotations of the single inkjet nozzle arrangement to form all the inkjet nozzles of the inkjet print head. The utilizing step can comprise: initially forming those nozzles in a pod; forming a group of pods corresponding to each color utilized in the print head; forming a firing group of pods; forming a segment of the printhead; forming each segment of the print head. The inkjet nozzle arrangements can include a series of layers deposited and etch utilizing a mask.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is coupled to a distal end of the butterfly knife for securing the butterfly knife in an open position and in a closed position. The locking mechanism has a movable magnetic component coupled to a distal end of the first handle component. The magnetic component is magnetically coupled to a metallic surface of the second handle component to lock the butterfly knife. At least one spring device is movably coupled to the magnetic component. The spring device is used for moving the magnetic component in a downward manner to free the magnetic component from the metallic surface of the second handle component to unlock the butterfly knife.

Abstract: A single blade foldable knife. The knife includes a planar-shaped handle section, a blade pivotably conjoined to an appropriate position at one extremity of the handle section, and a protective component disposed on the handle section at a position facing the tip of the blade cutting edge, such that when the blade is folded, the top of the blade cutting edge is nested in the protective component. In the stored position, the cutting edge totally incapable of external contact and, therefore, the protective component safeguards the user from injury due to touching the blade when the foldable knife is grasped, picked up, or carried, and prevents the scoring of other objects by the cutting edge, and protects the cutting edge from wear.

Abstract: A utility knife including: a body defining an interior cavity, and a blade carriage slidably disposed within the cavity. The blade carriage is configured for removably receiving at least one blade, and is at least partially slidably removable from the cavity, thereby allowing facile replacement of the blade. In one embodiment, the carriage may receive first and second blades, each of which is extensible from an associated end of the body. A utility knife blade including dual cutting edges and cutting points is also provided.

Abstract: A blade clamping device includes a driving shaft and a base member fixedly mounted to the driving shaft. An opening is defined in the base member and a blade is inserted in the base member and connected to the driving shaft. A cam member is pivotably engaged with the opening of the base member and a cam head contacts a side of the blade. The base member is received in a casing which is connected to the electric saw and an opening is defined in the casing. A lever is pivotably engaged with the opening of the casing and includes a pushing end which is located beneath a bar of the cam member so that when pivoting the lever, the pushing end pivots the cam member to remove the cam head from the blade.

Abstract: A rotation angle detector that is able to detect an absolute rotation angle of a detection body accurately and is able to reduce the installation space required. The rotation angle detector includes a first rotation angle detector connected to the detection body for generating a first detection signal having a cycle corresponding to the rotation of the detection body. The first rotation angle detector includes a first rotating body which is connected to the detection body and rotates together with the detection body. The detector includes a second rotation angle detector connected to the first rotation angle detector. The second rotation angle detector includes a second rotating body that rotates together with the first rotating body at a rate greater than that of the first rotating body, and generates a second detection signal having a cycle corresponding to the rotation of the second rotation body.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: A distance measurement device and method for measuring a distance between two reference points comprising a housing, a base, and a flexible member curving therebetween. The flexible member housing end is allowed to slide in a slide track in the housing. The housing also comprises sensors that detect the position of the flexible member housing end relative to the housing. The distance measurement device measures the distance between the two reference points by engaging the first reference point with the housing and engaging the second reference point with the flexible member apex. As the distance from the housing to the flexible member apex changes, the flexible member housing end slides in the housing slide track. There is a unique correlation between the location of the flexible member housing end and the distance to flexible member apex, and thus the second reference point.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device. A guiding mechanism includes a limiting device, with mutually abutting surfaces and coupled to the support device, that guides the displacement of the reference device along a trajectory substantially parallel to the profile of the grinding wheel, allows the engagement of the reference device on a crankpin to be checked while the latter is orbitally moving, and does not interfere with the displacements of the support device caused by the orbital motion of the crankpin in the checking condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a combined substrate structure, comprising first and second substrates combined, includes: level-adjustable supporting mechanisms for supporting plural supporting points of a bottom surface of the combined substrate structure; a level-detecting system for detecting respective levels of corresponding points of a top surface of the combined substrate structure to the plural supporting points of the bottom surface; and a control system for receiving the detected levels from the level-detecting system and for controlling the plurality of level-adjustable supporting mechanism in respective level-adjustment operations in accordance with the detected levels.

Abstract: A siding tool is provided that enables a single person to install plank siding on a building. The main body of the tool is provided in the form of a flat elongated bar. The top end of a flat elongated bar is bent 180 degree to form a hook. The tip portion of the hook is tapered to facilitate insertion behind a previously installed plank of siding. The main body includes neck portion attached to the hook. The neck portion has a threaded aperture there through that is positioned a predetermined distance from the top end of the bar. The bar further includes two 30-degree bends resulting in the formation of an angled extension portion connected to the neck portion and a handle portion connected to the extension portion. A movable member is provided in the form of a short generally flat bar having two 90-degree bends therein defining a foot portion with a bolt-receiving aperture there through and a seat portion.

Abstract: A method of measuring a clearance distance between a first member and a stationary member is provided. The method includes measuring the clearance distance using a first probe that is removably coupled at least partially within a mounting adapter, determining a first probe calibration based on the measured clearance distance, measuring a gauge clearance distance using a second probe, and modifying the first probe calibration based on the gauge clearance distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for spin drying a semiconductor wafer includes a hollow core spindle and a chuck assembly having grippers for supporting a wafer at an edge thereof. A sleeve is disposed in the central opening of the spindle and a manifold is disposed in the upper end of the sleeve. A capacitance sensor is affixed to the manifold. In another apparatus, an arm having a capacitance sensor mounted thereon is positioned such that the capacitance sensor is disposed above a space to be occupied by a wafer that is supported by the grippers. An additional apparatus includes an arm having a light source and a detector mounted thereon. The light source directs light toward a surface of a wafer such that light that reflects off of the surface is substantially perpendicular to that surface. The detector is positioned to measure the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: A blow box (18) for supporting the web run in a paper machine or the like, which blow box comprises members for maintaining a negative pressure at least in one negative pressure region (24) between the wire (20) and the blow box. The members comprise a blocking member (30, 32), which is arranged, regarding the wire's running direction, at the beginning and/or at the end of said negative pressure region, which extends across the wire and projects towards the wire, and which is movable in relation to the blow box, and blowing members (34, 36), with which air is ejected with blows between said blocking member and the wire from said negative pressure region and/or with which air is prevented from entering this negative pressure region.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a freeze-drying process in an apparatus (1) holding one or more samples (9) of a material to be freeze dried, comprises the steps of directing input radiation onto the sample (9), the input radiation forming output radiation by interaction with the sample (9); collecting at least part of the output radiation and leading the thus collected radiation to a radiation analyzer (11); and analyzing the collected radiation spectroscopically in the radiation analyzer (11) to obtain a measurement value of one or more freeze-drying parameters of the sample (9), such as the temperature of the sample (9) and/or the content of a solvent in the sample (9) and/or the structure of the sample (9).

Abstract: Spray dried particles having specified aerodynamic characteristics are produced by atomizing a liquid feed and contacting the liquid feed with a drying gas, such as, for example, air or nitrogen. The humidity of the drying gas is controlled to a value, expressed, for instance, as dew point, which is known to produce particles having a specified tap density or aerodynamic diameter. Particles having a volume median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns and a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm3 are preferred.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for preventing quality defects of an object to be heat-treated even when sublimating components produced in heat treatment become solids and drop down in the heat treatment apparatus, wherein a gas generated when heating an object to be heat-treated, coated with a coating solution and placed on a stage is passed through a trap made of a permeable porous film and is exhausted from an exhaust port of a cover and wherein solids produced and dropping down when gas passed through the trap of the permeable porous film solidifies at a top plate of the cover are trapped by the trap.

Abstract: A footwear, such as a sandal, a clog, a slipper, or the like, comprising a sole assembly (1) and upper strap (2) of flexable material extending from one side to other of the sole and connected to the sole by means of quick-release reversible connection (3, 4).

Abstract: A custom conformable device that supports and cushions a user's anatomical part, such the foot. The device is self-inflating, conforms to the shape of the user's foot, utilizes an inflatable bladder with a valve, and contains an expandable material such as an open cell foam. When the valve is open the expandable material expands, causing the bladder to inflate and to conform to the shape of the user's anatomical part. Once the desired shape is achieved, the valve is closed, sealing the bladder. Once the bladder is sealed, the expandable material retains the shape of the user's anatomical part. The user may open the valve to adjust the level of support provided by the device by allowing more fluid to enter the bladder, or by forcing fluid to exit the bladder.

Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sole of a footwear is provided that includes an inner and outer absorption chamber and a central absorption member. The outer absorption chamber defines a passageway operative to retain a fluid. The outer absorption chamber has an upper side, a lower side and is disposed in a heel portion of the sole of the footwear. The inner absorption chamber defines a passageway operative to retain a fluid. The inner absorption chamber has an upper side, a lower side and is disposed adjacent the outer absorption chamber. The central absorption member is disposed adjacent the inner and outer absorption chambers and extends from an upper side to a lower side of the sole of a footwear through an opening adjacent the inner absorption member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upper part for a shoe, in which the dimensional design of its inside and outside provides considerable adjustability through assembly with fastening devices positioned and construction in such a way that it gives a highly stable upper part, the characteristics of which in terms of material and properties permit is adaptation to different sizes of feet. The upper part of the shoe is in the form of woven fabric or some other flexible material, the fastening devices are in the form of hook and loop-type fastening devices such as VELCRO, at least some of which exhibit circular form, and the under side of the outside of the upper part of the shoe exhibits connecting devices essentially for its detachable attachment to a sole or other under part of the shoe capable of being placed in contact with a floor.

Abstract: A base edge protection system is provided for use with a base edge having at least one securing structure attached therewith. The base edge protection system comprises a base edge protector having a shroud portion and a tail portion, attached to said shroud portion, which is structured and arranged to extend through a securing structure opening attached to the base edge. A retaining device is adapted for attachment to the tail portion and retains the base edge protector on the base edge by contact with the securing structure.

Abstract: An advertising device capable of publicizing a business, especially a business related to a vehicle, by mounting the advertising device on a vehicle, preferably in the license plate area, is secured to a vehicle with or without framing a license plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one imaging layer wherein said imaging layer comprises photosensitive silver halide layer comprising dye forming couplers, a transparent polymer pragmatic sheet below said at least one imaging layer, an adhesive layer below said pragmatic sheet, and a black carrier sheet below said adhesive layer

Abstract: There is provided an ornament having liquid therein. The liquid in the device is effectively insulated from the electronic and mechanical structures, and the outside air can not enter into the liquid to cause the liquid to deteriorate or become cloudy, and the liquid in the container can not penetrate into the electronic and mechanical structures in the base to result in electrical and mechanical failures. Furthermore, the provision of the buffer members ensures that no crack will occur in the joint between the enclosure and the base body in cold or hot environment. The enclosure may be optionally transparent or opaque and thus the light source for decoration purposes may be provided in the liquid or in the base as needed.

Abstract: An identification badge assembly for identifying products and employees. The identification badge assembly includes a holder assembly including a support member having a main wall, and also including a pouch being attached to a front side of the main wall, and further including writing utensil holders being attached to the front side of the main wall, and also including an eyeglass support member being attached to the main wall; and also includes a neck strap being attached to the support member and being adapted to be worn about a user's neck; and further includes an identification card having a front side and also having indicia displayed upon the front side thereof; and also includes product samples including pills and capsules being attached to the front side of the identification card.

Abstract: A blank firing barrel for use with handguns is disclosed. The blank firing barrel is sized to be substituted for an existing live-ammunition firing barrel in a handgun. The blank firing barrel can be machined from a solid block of metal such as stainless steel so that the barrel end is a contiguous portion of the original solid metal block. A downwardly angled small pressure release hole can be drilled into the closed end so that gasses from firing the blank can be safely discharged. The open end of the blank firing barrel can be sized to only accept ammunition being smaller in diameter than regular ammunition that is used for the handgun. The under rear edges of the blank firing barrel can be angled so that said barrel safely recoils within the handgun when it is fired.

Abstract: A reel foot placing seat formed on a top portion of a circumferential surface of a body and a trigger protruding in a direction which is inclined in a backward-downward direction at approximately 30°, are provided on the circumferential surface of the body. A length of the portion crossing over a connection portion that connects a lower portion of the body to a front surface of this trigger is such that a user can place two fingers can be placed thereon. The user's two fingers placed thereon are aligned in a direction in which the angle is opened with respect to a direction perpendicular to a center axis X—X of a fishing body. Therefore, without a user significantly bending a wrist, a fishing rod can be firmly gripped. Furthermore, palming becomes possible in a position in which the body and the trigger are held by a user placing four fingers in front of the trigger in addition to placing the thumb on a reel.

Abstract: A disposable, biodegradable container for holding and distributing chum. The subject container is biodegradable to avoid environmental and aesthetic pollution. Further, the subject container makes fishing a more efficient and enjoyable experience. The subject invention also provides a biodegradable device for attracting fish that is simple and easy to use as well as being economical in both cost and manufacture. The subject container is to be used in all forms of fishing, including recreational and commercial fishing.

Abstract: The present invention provides agarwood from cultivated trees, and methods of generating agarwood in cultivated trees.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.

Abstract: A concealed louver drive mechanism for a shutter assembly having multiple louvers. A gear rack is disposed in a channel in one of the stiles. One-piece pinions each having a gear engaging the rack and a pin end received in the end of the associated louver. The rack and pinion have relieved areas to reduce frictional resistance to movement. When one of the louvers is manually adjusted, simultaneous coordinated movement is imparted to the rack and to the other louvers.

Abstract: Movable wall that comprises a plurality of panels, each panel of which is mounted by means of at least one suspension device having a guide roller from a runner rail so that it can move in the runner rail, which runner rail comprises at least one running surface on which the runner rollers lie. The at least one suspension device comprises lateral guidance means for the suspension device or parts thereof, by which the runner rollers are held in the running surface in the direction of movement. The runner rail has at least one junction at which the suspension device of the panel is steered in a predetermined manner into a direction of movement on the running surface, whereby the truck has only one carrier roller and one guidance roller, and that the guide roller actuates a junction in the form of a switchable switch which has a pivoting running surface for the carrier roller.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first, second and third components having respective first, second and third holes. The assembly further includes a locating feature assembled into the holes having a small portion and a large portion that provide a shoulder therebetween. The locating feature further includes a fixing portion near the small portion to secure the second component relative to the assembly and a fixing portion near the large portion to secure the third component relative to the assembly. The small portion is located in the second hole to align the locating feature relative to the second component, and the large portion is located in the third hole to align the locating feature relative to the third component. The second component is aligned relative to the third component, and the first component is situated between the second and third components and between the shoulder and the second component.

Abstract: A common drive system drives multiple systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the drive motor to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between multiple gear trains to drive the particular drive assembly.

Abstract: A weather strip for sealing a gap between an opening and a partition panel in a vehicle, including a grip part attached on the vehicle body, a lip part that contacts the partition panel, and a connection part connecting the grip part with the lip part. The grip part, the lip part, and the connection part being integral with each other, and upper surfaces of the grip part and the lip part are formed approximately as a flat plane so as to improve a waterproof property of the weather strip.

Abstract: A profiled seal for sealing a side window that can be raised and lowered relatively to a roof frame of an automobile is disclosed. The seal includes a support rail co-extruded with an elongated elastomeric strip. Retaining elements are attached to the support rail and are positioned in spaced relation to one another. The retaining elements have slotted bases and are attached to the support rail using rivets received within the slots. The slots are oriented lengthwise parallel to the support rail and allow the retaining elements to be positionally adjusted. The retaining elements project outwardly from the support rail and are adapted to engage the roof frame for attachment of the profiled seal thereto.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides an enhanced event-based theater going experience. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention enables pre-recorded videos of live performances, such as concerts, to be reproduced with great realism and encourages theater attendees to act or feel more as participants and less as passive viewers. The theater optionally comprises a projection screen, a projection room, seating, a dance area, an MC (master of ceremonies) station, changeable scenic designs, special effects equipment, food services and/or a bar.

Abstract: A flashing for weather proof sealing of the transition between a roof covering and a constructional element rising from a roof surface, such as a curb of a skylight, comprises an elongated flashing profile strip with a first profile portion for abutment against the constructional element and a second profile portion for extending along the roof surface. The first profile portion has a defined width transverse to a longitudinal direction of the profile strip, and the first profile portion comprises a separation line running in the longitudinal direction of the profile strip. The separation line facilitates separation of an outer part of the first profile portion.

Abstract: An overhang falsework for supporting a debris shield on an outward side of an I-beam used in an overhead frame structure comprises an elongated base member extending in a longitudinal direction transverse to the I-beam between an inner end and an outer end wherein said outer end is on the outward side of the I-beam. The falsework further includes a clamp connected to the member between the inner and outer ends for selectively securing the falsework to the I-beam in an installed condition on the I-beam. The base member has a multi-component construction including a metal component extending between the inner and outer ends and a non-metal or wooden component extending at least partially between the inner and outer ends which is secured to the metal component. The non-metal or wooden layer provides a medium for nailing or screwing a horizontal panel portion or base sheet of the debris shield to the falsework, and the metal layer provides support.

Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The valance can be retrofitted onto existing awning structures by connecting the attachment member to the lateral support member using suitable fasteners such as screws or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a spent nuclear fuel containment cask so as to prevent tipping under design basis earthquake conditions. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a lamina and a slid plate in surface contact with the lamina, forming a slidable interface; wherein the slidable interface has a coefficient of friction within a range resulting in an acceptable level of net horizontal displacement of a cask resting on the apparatus under design basis earthquake conditions.

Abstract: An adjustable masonry arch form is disclosed. The adjustable masonry arch form has a planar base section to support the masonry elements which will form the masonry arch, and a plurality of attachment elements secured to the planar base for securing the form to a structure. The adjustable masonry arch form is constructed from material rigid enough to support the masonry elements, but flexible enough to be bent to conform to any given arched construction without unwanted buckling of the form. The masonry elements which form the masonry arch are placed directly on the planar base of the form in the desired configuration and secured in the masonry arch by mortar. The form is left in position permanently, obviating the need to build a temporary arch support saving time and expense and obviating waste of materials.

Abstract: A condensation evacuating sill for evacuating condensate having formed on an inner surface of a window pane includes a molding strip and an attachment extrusion for attaching the molding strip to the window frame. The attachment extrusion includes an extrusion-to-molding attachment section for attaching the molding attachment surface to the attachment extrusion and an extrusion-to-frame attachment section for attaching the attachment extrusion to the window frame. The attachment extrusion is configured and sized for attaching the molding strip to the window frame so that the molding inner edge is spaced relative to the inner surface by a pane-to-molding spacing allowing the condensate to flow therethrough without contacting the molding strip. The attachment extrusion further includes flow guiding components for guiding the flow of condensate from the pane-to-molding spacing to a discharge location located away from the attachment extrusion.

Abstract: An access panel for providing access to cables, services or the like through an opening in a floor having a floor covering, is disclosed. The access panel includes a floor frame (10) located in the opening and a lid (100) supported on the frame (10). The frame (10) has a support flange (26) extending around its periphery which extends between the floor covering and the floor deck. The flange (26) provides a ramped edge tapered substantially uniformly over a distance of between 10 and 20 times the maximum thickness of the flange (26). The outermost part of the flange (26) is typically formed from a flexible polymeric material. A rib (20) extends around an aperture in the frame (10) and the height of the rib (20) is lower than the load bearing surface of the floor. The hinge (24, 120) is generally square and defines a pivot surface which extends parallel to and is spaced inwardly from an inner edge of the frame (10).

Abstract: A frame for bordering conduit access through a building floor has a rigid body portion and a lining of intumescent material on an interior surface of the rigid body portion. The intumescent material has sufficient expansion capacity to close off the opening through the frame under conditions which produce an intumescing of the lining. The rigid body portion itself is preferably made of a metallic material to enhance transfer of heat energy from the rigid body portion to the lining of the frame.