Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow guard device for use on a sloped roof having a roof decking supported by a roof substructure. The roof decking may have a plurality of elongate corrugations transversely spaced therealong. The snow guard device includes a pair of posts anchored to longitudinal members mounted to the roof substructure and extending proud of the roof decking. The posts support a rail member, which extends transversely of the elongate corrugations. The snow guard device further includes a pair of mounting brackets, which are fastened to the rail member. The mounting brackets are oriented to extend upslope and substantially downwardly toward the roof decking. The brackets carry a plurality of snow barrier members therebetween for discouraging snow from downwardly sliding along the roof decking. The snow barrier members are positioned at a location upslope of the support means and are sized to correspond generally to the spacing between a pair of adjacent corrugations.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a work machine arm having a series of hydraulic cylinders operatively engaged with the work machine arm is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal from an input device to change the position of the work machine arm and determining an extension amount of one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders. The extension amount of one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders is changed to effect the change in the position of the work machine arm. The changes in the extension amount of the one or more of the series of hydraulic cylinders are ordered based on a pre-selected priority of movement. A system for controlling the movement of a work machine arm having a series of hydraulic cylinders operatively engaged with the work machine arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A releasable auger tooth for an auger includes a slot shaped to fit a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped recess of a tooth holder element, and a tooth channel shaped to receive at least part of a shock-absorbing element and/or a wedging element. A holder element and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing, using and manufacturing a promotional item, such as a phone card device, which is capable of emitting a pre-programmed series of Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tones at a specific time, as invoked by the user. These tones can dial a pre-programmed telephone number, invoke a specific long-distance carrier, call help or customer service numbers or activate a calling card service for a call.

Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.

Abstract: A more readily identifiable license plate includes a face, a symbol occupying a large portion of the face so it can be recognized by a child, and a combination of a letter or letters and/or a number or numbers, wherein the symbol together with the combination of letters and/or numbers constitute a unique license plate number or code. A method for facilitating the apprehension of child abductors includes producing and registering vehicles with the more readily identifiable license plates each including a colored symbol as a part of the license plate number or code and teaching children to identify the symbol of the license plate first.

Abstract: An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.

Abstract: A method of displaying graphics on a conformation portion of a container, said conformation portion having a non-uniform cross-section therethrough, said method comprising the steps of a) arranging graphics with respect to a planar covering for said conformation portion, said graphics comprising graphics in distorted proportion to compensate for non-uniformity of said conformation portion, and b) performing a process of application in which said planar covering is applied to said conformation portion such that said graphics in distorted proportion appear in normal proportion.

Abstract: A flag that tells what a queue line is for, and signals the end of the line, by being passed from person to person down to the last person in line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illustrative drug card to help patients understand when and how to administer medications. The illustrative drug card uses illustrations and symbols allowing patients to easily differentiate between medications, recognize which pills to administer at different times of a day, and recognize which medications to administer with food. Additionally, the illustrative drug card may take the form of a refrigerator magnet, or a foldable, wallet-sized booklet. Furthermore, the illustrative drug card may be printed in several languages, including brail, allowing blind patients to read the brail.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting at least two recognition elements to represent a progressive or cumulative achievements. The recognition elements may be awarded to an individual, group, or team. The recognition elements may be in numerous shapes, sizes, and materials. The recognition elements may have textual recognition (such as markings, engravings, and embossing) on one or more surfaces of the recognition element. The recognition elements may be marked, engraved, and embossed with a combination of text, symbols, figures, and/or images. The recognition elements may be placed together to form predetermined forms or may be arranged by a recipient of the recognition elements into various forms. In addition, the recognition elements may be placed in a retention structure. The retention structure may be expandable.

Abstract: A sign unit to display an item comprises two parts, a display head and a stake. The display head has a front frame, a rear frame, and a base integral with and extending downwardly from the front frame. The rearward side of the front frame periphery extends forwardly and outwardly to define a cavity. The rear frame has a forward and outwardly extending lip that is detachably secured within the cavity to close the display head and securely retain an item placed between the frames. The display head can comprise various shapes, which can be interchangeable with one housing. The stake has a first acute end, and a second opposed end. The second end has integral therewith a housing and a striking ledge wherein the base is releasably mounted within the housing, and the striking ledge is used to pound or drive the sign unit into the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for mounting on shelves in shops and department stones and intended for inter alia advertising messages in sheet form, product samples and the like. The shelves are divided into compartments by means of dividers (2) which extend between the front and rear edges of the shelf and, at their front ends, are made with a gripping part (3) comprising two gripping claws which are separated by an intermediate slot (4) and are intended to engage with a mounting strip (7) running along the front edge of the shelf. The holder (11) has a slotted portion which makes it possible for it to be slipped onto the front end edge of the divider (2), and, extending downward from this portion, two legs with opposite locking projections (19) which are adapted to enter into locking engagement in the slot (4) between the gripping claws when the holder is slipped onto the divider.

Abstract: A method for framing photographs and similar pictures wherein an individual message or greeting is prepared for display in peripheral areas surrounding the photograph. The greeting may include designs which are individually computer generated to be displayed on a template surrounding the photograph using simple software programs.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly has a base mountable on a wall or other surface having a recess for receiving a cover sub assembly containing a picture therein. The base has integral means for leveling the base using a plumb line during fixing of the base to a wall or other surface to assure precise positioning before the cover sub assembly is mated to the base, to provide a front loading frame.

Abstract: A safety lock system for a firearm comprising: a firearm having a hammer configured for firing said fire arm; a safety lock housing having a first end and a second end opposite said first end and an electronics package coupled to said housing, said first end configured to form a safety grip, said second end having a hammer end and a channel end; a safety rod coupled to said hammer end and configured for blocking said hammer; a first switch, having a first position and a second position, coupled to said channel end of said safety lock housing, and configured in said first position; and said electronics package, being configured for regulating said safety rod through said first switch.

Abstract: An adjustable mount used for mounting equipment of the type used aboard marine or other water-borne craft. The mount itself is mounted to the ship, and has as its main components a hollow, cylindrical C-extrusion, adjustable slide brackets, and mounting brackets. The C-shaped bases of the slide brackets are housed within the hollow center of the C extrusion. Equipment is mounted to the slide brackets, which can be adjusted either up or down on their own axis or laterally across the length of the C extrusion. The mounting brackets secure the entire assembly to the boat structure and serve as an adjustment mechanism for the C-extrusion.

Abstract: A fishing lure with a lure shaft interconnected to a primary shaft. The lure shaft impales or skewers a lure or bait. A double barreled ferrule is affixed by a first barrel to the primary shaft. A second barrel receives the first end of the lure shaft thereby locking it in position to lessen the likelihood of loss of the lure or bait.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved diving fishing lure having a more durable and stable design that is capable of assisting today's fishermen as they target fish at increasingly greater depths and at faster trolling or retrieval speeds. The fishing lure includes a lure body having first and second ends, at least one fish hook extending from the lure body, and a diving lip extending from the first end of the lure body. According to one embodiment, the fishing lure includes a connector mounted to the diving lip, wherein the diving lip defines a recessed surface at least partially around the connector having a sidewall with a radius of approximately 0.30 inches to approximately 0.40 inches.

Abstract: Fishing tackle (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for coupling to a fishing line (L) to secure a lure (B) thereto for catching fish is disclosed. The illustrated fishing tackle (10) broadly includes a fish hook (12) operable to be coupled to the fishing line (L), a bait-attachment clip (14) coupled to the hook (12), and a flexible sleeve (36) slidably received on the hook (12) and configured to removably couple the bait-attachment clip (14) thereto in an operative position. The bait-attachment clip (14) is configured for quickly and securely clamping the bait (B) to the hook (12). A preferred alternative embodiment (100) is also disclosed wherein the clip (104) is integrally formed with the hook (102) and thus does not utilize the sleeve (36).

Abstract: A Chum Tube Lure designed for catching fish by spreading a chum slick or fish oil attractant out the back of a chum tube and over the lure. Chum or fish oil attractant is inserted into the head of the chum tube and fills the inside of the tube. Inside the tube is a piece of manila rope used to absorb the fish oil and slow the process of spreading the chum slick or fish oil out and over the lure. As the Chum Tube Lure is trolled through the water, water flows through the head at the front of the chum tube forcing the fish oil out the back of the chum tube and over the lure. The Chum Tube Lure such as a chum tube eel is a tube eel attached to the back section of the chum tube. The chum tube eel or lure is spinning around creating noise and vibrations in the water. This accompanied by the fish oil attractant flowing over the lure helps to attract fish to the lure.

Abstract: A kit for selecting and using artificial fishing flies includes a container with compartments for holding a preselected assortment of fishing flies and instruction sets related to the compartment instructing an angler which flies to select and when, where and/or how to fish those flies depending upon the physical characteristics and conditions of a fishing location. A method of fly fishing includes the steps of directing an angler's observation of the then existing physical characteristics and conditions of the fishing location; matching those characteristics and conditions with instructions from a kit to select a particular fly from the kit; and directing the angler when, where and how to fish the selected fly.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across said pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of said pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities.

Abstract: A clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container and to control the crawling insect population at or near the container. The clamp contains an insect bait station on one surface thereof. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container.

Abstract: An attractant based insect trap has a fan placed close to an insect attractant. The insect attractant creates an attractive smell, taste or other olfactory sensation that elicits an attractive response in the insect. The flying insect moves toward the fan mechanism against the flow of attractant-laden air, in order to reach the source of the attractant. The flying insect enters the trap, toward the source of the smell, which is the fan. The entrance to the trap leads into a bag, into which the insect moves to find the source of the attractant, and is trapped within the bag. The user may easily remove the bag from the interior of the trap, and dispose of the bag in a refuse receptacle. A new bag is then placed in the interior of the insect trap, and the trap is ready to trap more insects.

Abstract: Metallic vapor phase fuel compositions relating to a broad spectrum of pollution reducing, improved combustion performance, and enhanced stability fuel compositions for use in jet, aviation, turbine, diesel, gasoline, and other combustion applications include co-combustion agents preferably including trimethoxymethylsilane.

Abstract: A fuel composition containing, as major component, a gasoline having an aromatics content of not more than 42 vol % and a sulfur content of not more than 150 ppm by weight, and, as minor component, at least one gasoline additive having a detergent action or an anti-valve-seat-wear action, in which this gasoline additive contains at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon group having a number-average molecular weight of from 85 to 20,000 and at least one polar group.

Abstract: Oleophilic polyoxyalkylene monoethers having reduced water affinity are disclosed. The monoethers have a hydrocarbyl residue, a polyoxyalkylene moiety, and a hydroxyl end group. The monoethers contain less than about 6 mole percent of alkoxylated unsaturates, and preferably less than about 5 mole percent of polyoxyalkylene diols. The monoethers offer substantial advantages for fuel compositions, particularly reduced water affinity. By using deposit-control additives based on the monoethers, formulators can offer better fuels for cleaner engines.

Abstract: An ecological brick for slope lands is made from virgin materials or wasted materials and formed in a porous structure to equip water permeable and retaining properties. The brick has one side forming a space for growing plants. The space has a portion forming a cavity located deeply in the interior of the brick for holding the plants. The brick has means to couple with one another such as through holes to receive elongated reinforced bars or insert pins. The coupling means may also be formed on the peripheral sides of the brick to allow the brick to wedge and couple with one another.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a pumice-based culture medium which shows outstanding characteristics as a culture medium to be used in protected horticulture. To this end, the invention provides a culture medium comprising particulate pumice having a saturated water permeability of 0.3-0.8 cm/sec and an air permeability of 15-40 cm/sec in both a dry sample and a wet sample. In another embodiment, the invention provides a culture medium having charcoal added to a culture medium comprising the particulate pumice having the above-described physical properties.

Abstract: A protective barrier arrangement to be placed between the pot for a plant and the supporting surface which is made of a number of slat-like support members readily assemblable and disassemblable; each slat-like member thereby includes a number of pegs along one side and located in one-half of the slat-like member with respect to the transverse center plane, a similar number of holes extending inwardly from the other side of the slat-like member in alignment with said pegs and a further similar number of holes on the one side of the slat-like member arranged in the opposite half of the slat-like member symmetrically with respect to the center transverse plane of a slat-like member. The top surface of each slat-like member may also be provided with a moisture-retaining channel.

Abstract: The Christmas tree stand of this invention includes an annular ring base supporting a central upright post having a tree trunk set pin at its bottom end and a transverse opening adjacent its top end for receiving the screw thread end of a screw crank for threading into the side of a tree trunk. The screw crank extends from the screw thread end to an intermediate angular bend which includes an arcuate portion providing an impact anvil aligned with the screw thread for striking by a hammer to set the screw thread into the side of a tree trunk. The screw crank is secured releasably to the ring base for storage, by a socket member secured to the ring base for receiving the screw thread end and by an angular clip member secured to the ring base to capture an intermediate portion of the screw crank.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing vine crops in a greenhouse comprises a first media carrier, a first nutrient supply means, a first support means, a regulating mechanism, a main cable, a plurality of load differential mechanisms, a second media carrier, a second nutrient supply means, and a second support means. The second media carrier is above and in substantial parallel with the first media carrier. The distance between the first media carrier and second media carrier is adjusted by the regulating mechanism. A method for growing vine crops in a greenhouse comprises two growing modes: a single crop growing mode, and a vertical dual crop growing mode. The sequence of this process begins with a first single crop growing mode, followed by a vertical dual crop growing mode, and then followed by a second single crop growing mode. A single crop growing mode: first crops grow in the first media carrier fed by the first nutrient supply means, trained by the first support means.

Abstract: A plant support device for supporting the weight of a limb, branch or other plant segment by interacting with both the plant and a supporting string or wire. The plant support device is preferably made of a semi-rigid plastic and generally includes first and second curved portions, a hinge and a locking mechanism. During installation, the plant support device is placed around both the plant and the supporting string, and is then squeezed together such that the first and second curved portions pivot about the hinge and connect via the locking mechanism such that the closed device is ring-shaped. The hinge is designed to securely attach to the string such that in use the plant support device is suspended from the string and can carry the weight of the plant without sliding down the string. Furthermore, the first and second curved portions preferably include protruding, notched ridges for improved gripping and manipulation.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of the rhizome of a banana or plantain plant, for use of the rhizome as a conduit for systemic inducers, comprises allowing growth of suckers on both sides of the mother plant. One of the suckers is selected as a daughter plant which is allowed to mature into a successive mother plant while the other sucker plant is pruned periodically to prevent this other sucker plant from maturing into a producing plant. By maintaining suckers (selected daughter and alternate sucker) on opposite sides of the mother plant in a viable state, the rhizome of the mother plant remains alive. When systemic inducers including nutrients and disease resisting microorganismic substances are introduced into the rhizome of the mother plant, these materials are efficiently distributed into the mother plant, daughter plant and sucker plant.

Abstract: The cultivation of terrestrial plants in brackish water or seawater is carried out with this invention. A light-weight, floating growth medium package (FGMP) or, alternatively, a sheet of suitable material is used to support the growth of terrestrial plants floating on water bodies of various salinity, including 100% seawater in marine environments. The FGMP units can be linked together and confined in a floating, rigid or flexible framework to form a floating seawater cultivation platform (FSCP). Using the method, plants were able to grow and thrive on the FSCP floating on 100% seawater in a sustainable manner. Halophytic akulikuli (Sesuvium portulacastrum L.) can regenerate its shoot and root in seawater. Thus, the discovery will enable us to practice marine agriculture, or agriculture on the sea. The FSCP can be used for wide range of purposes, from environmental protection to landscaping to crop production.

Abstract: A transport container for cut flowers and a component to be used therewith, Namely a transport container for cut flowers comprising at least one substantially watertight first container part (10) for receiving stems of cut flowers as well as a second container part (30), which at least during transport at least largely surrounds the cut flowers. The second container part comprises a hollow base portion (20) into which from an upper surface thereof, the at least one first container portion (10) is substantially received. At its upper surface, the manually removable base portion (20) is connected with a hollow container element (30) extending from the upper surface of the base portion and able to surround the cut flowers at least over a part of their length. Optionally a collar element can be placed on the sleeve element.

Abstract: A planter of which the base and plant receptacle are made from one single stone and when assembled maintain the outward appearance and integrity of the original natural stone, said plant receptacle portion being slightly elevated above the base, thereby allowing air flow between the base and plant receptacle

Abstract: A plant carrier (9) for coated flat roofs lies on a buoyancy body (7) which extends over the whole plant carrier (9) and carries this independently of a water level on the flat roof always at a spacing from the water surface (h1). The buoyancy body can be slab-shaped and perforated by vertical bores, or consist of a granular material. The dammed-up water can be used as use water.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: The invention concerns a door with a door panel that with the help of a slide rail mechanism can be moved between an open and a closed position. According to the invention, this door has at least one actuator with an engagement device that can be moved between an end position and a locking position, and which is positioned on an area of the door panel facing the slide rail mechanism of the door. In addition, there is a counter-device that is positioned permanently and with which the engagement device can be brought into contact in at least one intermediate position of the door panel between its open and its closed position in such manner that the door panel is fixed.

Abstract: Guide assembly for sliding doors or pivotable sliding doors for vehicles having at least one door displaceably supported at the vehicle by means of connecting members disposed vertically above each other. The guide assembly includes: upper guide means and lower guide means, each cooperating with a respective connecting member at least during displacement of the door; at least one flexible traction means; and at least an upper and a lower deflecting means to be mounted on the door, each engaging with the at least one traction means for deflecting said traction means. The traction means can be mounted on vehicle wall by upper and lower traction means holding portions, wherein each traction means holding portion can be mounted on said vehicle wall. The invention further relates to sliding door or pivotable sliding door comprising the guide assembly and an electric motor for driving the door.

Abstract: A vehicle slide-door supporting structure is provided which includes: a slide door which is a side door that opens and closes an opening through which a person gets into and out of a vehicle, the opening being formed in a side part of a vehicle body, the side door being slid in the front and rear directions so that the opening is opened and closed, and the opening being opened when the side door is slid rearward; and a driving mechanism which is connected to the slide door and drives the slide door, in which one part of the driving mechanism is attached to a tail lamp which is disposed at the rear part of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A door glass guide for vehicles includes a glass guide mounted and vertically fixed to a door panel. A garnish is joined to an upper end of the glass guide and vertically arranged and an elastic run channel is internally secured starting from an upper end of the garnish and extending to a lower end of the glass guide. A stabilizing assembly is mounted to the upper end of the glass guide and encompasses a lower outer surface of the garnish.

Abstract: A window structure is provided which may be used as a rear window in a pick-up truck or the like. In certain example embodiments, the window structure includes a slidable window panel or sheet located between a pair of fixed window panels or sheets. The slidable window panel may be approximately flush with the fixed panels when in the closed position, but not in the opened position. In certain example embodiments, the movable window sheet or panel may be opened by a user actuating a latch assembly which allows one or more spring loaded pins to be moved from a locked to an unlocked position(s). When the spring loaded pins move into an unlocked position as the latch assembly is actuated, the movable window panel can be moved slightly toward the vehicle interior and then slid laterally in respective tracks in order to open the same.

Abstract: A window structure is provided which may be used as a rear window in a pick-up truck or the like. In certain example embodiments, the window structure includes a slidable window panel or sheet located between a pair of fixed window panels or sheets. The slidable window panel may be approximately flush with the fixed panels when in the closed position, but not in the opened position.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a track member defining a channel. The track member further defines a gap that extends laterally into the channel having a gap length along the track member. The sliding window assembly further includes a sliding panel having an edge. The sliding window assembly includes a shoe extending from the sliding panel and engages the track member to support the sliding panel on the track member. The shoe has a shoe length that is parallel with the track member. The shoe length is less than the gap length to allow for removal of the sliding panel by aligning and passing the shoe through the gap.

Abstract: An assembly for High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) processing comprising a can, a cap, a meltable sealant and sealant barrier, and a superhard mixture comprising superhard particles. The superhard particles may be positioned adjacent a substrate of cemented metal carbide. The can and cap contain the superhard mixture with the sealant barrier positioned within the assembly so as to be intermediate the sealant and at least a portion of the mixture, thereby preventing the sealant from coming in contact with the mixture during processing. The assembly is placed within a vacuum chamber and heated to a temperature sufficient to cleanse the assembly and then melt the sealant providing a hermetic seal for the assembly in preparation for further HPHT processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel, structurally improved, abrasive agent, with improved surface properties resulting, inter alia, in enhanced wettability, dispersability and bonding. More specifically, the present invention provides according to an aspect thereof, an abrasive agent comprising abrasive particles, said particles being in the form of a composite material comprising more than one metal oxide material. In another aspect, the present invention provides an abrasive agent comprising metal oxide abrasive particles, said particles being coated at least partially with an extraneous metal or metal bearing layer.