Abstract: A picture display system that is comprised of picture modules and display sleeves. The picture modules are comprised of individual pictures which are secured to a mounting panel using mounting clips or alternately individual pictures are placed in a mounting picture carrier and then the mounting picture carrier is secured to the mounting panel using mounting clips. The assembled picture modules are placed in display sleeves which hold a plurality of picture modules. The system makes it quick and easy to rearrange the order of pictures and replace pictures. There are a number of base and auxiliary elements that can be easily interchanged in a diversity of combinations and permutations to devise an assortment of goods that have a similar appearance but that also have distinct differences and unique features.

Abstract: A bottom surface of an aperture within a display apparatus is prepared to adhesively bond to an object for viewing by simply removing from the bottom surface a layer of material which is removably adhered to the bottom surface. The object to be viewed is placed into contacting relationship with the bottom surface to adhesively mount the object onto the bottom surface.

Abstract: A vandal-resistant frame has a rear member securable to a relatively vertical supporting surface and a front member hinged to the rear member for movement between open and closed positions. The front member has an aperture through which advertising, photographic or like material within the frame can be seen from an external position. The front member is secured to the rear member in a closed position by at least one projection on one member engaged in a recess in the other member adjacent to the aperture in the front member, whereby the projection or projections can be detached from the recess or recesses to open the frame by an appropriately shaped key member inserted between the front and rear members from a position within the aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting a round of ammunition from a semi-automatic handgun having a slide with an opening are provided. A single piece extractor assembly includes an elongate extractor body configured to be disposed in the opening of the slide such that the slide encloses the extractor body. The elongate extractor body includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the extractor body is resiliently biased in a direction toward a round of ammunition and includes a portion configured to engage a rebate on a round of ammunition.

Abstract: A single loading enhancement device (sled) for a repeating firearm comprises a body where the external features of the body are in the form of an original firearm magazine. The body comprises a bottom end, a front surface, a rear surface, a pair of side surfaces and a top end. The top end of the body further comprises a pair of guide rails and a guide channel. The pair of guide rails is integrally formed into the top of the body and oriented approximately parallel to the body and extending from the front surface of the body toward the rear surface. The guide channel is defined by the guide rails and set into the top end of the body, the width and depth of the channel being slightly larger than the radius of a firearm cartridge and the guide channel is adjusted to prevent mechanical interference with the firearm's action and moving parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for a pistol, for which by means of a cylinder lock (10, 11), which is arranged in the handle of the weapon behind the magazine shaft (21), a locking element (7, 19) can be brought from one position in which it extends into the path of motion of a part (20) of the trigger mechanism (4), into a position in which it does not hinder the motion of the trigger. According to the invention, the moving parts (9, 8, 7) of the locking device execute purely rotational motions and preferably the locking element formed as a locking shaft (7) is provided over a section formed as a cam (19).

Abstract: A firearm lock and a firearm locking method including a key-operated lock, which is lockingly engageable with an interior portion of a firing chamber of a firearm. The lock comprises: a cylinder lock body including a plug rotatable therewithin; an inner multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion fixed to or integrally formed with a first end of said lock body; and an outer circular cylindrical portion correspondingly multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion, fixed to or integrally formed with the plug for rotation therewith between a locked orientation, wherein grooves on the inner cylindrical portion are arranged out of phase with corresponding grooves on said outer cylindrical portion, and an unlocked orientation, wherein the grooves on the inner and outer cylindrical portions are mutually aligned.

Abstract: A firearm safety system includes a magazine block having a pair of opposed parallel shoulders slidably inserting beneath a pair of respective lips at an upper portion of a magazine and positionable in a firing chamber of a firearm. The charging handle is made inoperable by engagement with the upper portion of the block. Once the magazine block is positioned within the firing chamber, the firearm cannot operate since the spring-loaded bolt assembly is in its rearward opened action position. Also, the lower portion of the block includes a tab for engaging the bolt catch, which inhibits the release of such catch while the block is in position. The firearm safety system may operate in a stealthy mode by attaching the magazine block to a cover plate including a pair of resilient elements for locking to a female receptor notch of the magazine block thereby rendering the magazine block, firing chamber, ejection port and a portion of at least one loaded spare magazine hidden.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a base, a first support member position on the base, a second support member positioned on the base and spaced apart from the first support member and a movable locking bar that extends between the first and second support member. The base, locking bar and support member cooperating to releaseably secure one or more devices.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use on the butt of the stock of a rifle, such as a shotgun, that absorbs significant recoil force by means of a foam construction formed to have plural air-trapping chambers in the base, which base is positioned between the butt of the stock of said rifle or shotgun and the shoulder of the user. As the foam base compresses, the air in the plurality of air-trapping chambers (areas compressed); delaying and limiting rearward travel of the force transfer of the stock to the shoulder of the user. Vent nozzle holes in the base allow the air trapped in these chambers to be vented but at the delayed and controlled rate to the outside of the device. Thus, the recoil is brought to a slowed stop as the increase in pressure of the air in the air-trapping chambers slows and eventually matches the rate at which air is vented outside the device through the vent holes.

Abstract: The action and barrel of a firearm are in direct contact with a high modulus of elasticity holder that receives the vibrations of recoil directly and distributes the vibrations over a wide area. The high modulus of elasticity holder, which may be made of a metal such as aluminum, transfers the forces to the wooden portion of a wooden gunstock over a wide area greater than 12 square inches so that there are substantially no concentrated stresses placed upon the wood.

Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of firearm magazines is disclosed. The device includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a securing member. The upper plate is rotationally positioned about the securing member, and the lower plate is rotationally mounted to the securing member below the upper plate. Firearm magazines are placed between the upper plate and the lower plate, which together securely engage the magazines when tightened with the securing member. Multidirectional movements of the upper plate and the lower plate facilitate placement and securing of the magazines.

Abstract: An improved molded shooter's rest having a plurality of supports in both the front and rear portions of the shooter's rest 10. The front supports are wider than the rear supports to provide improved stability.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rib for the barrel of a firearm is provided. The method generally includes aligning composite material and a release layer and directing the combination of materials through a die. The release layer is removed from the intermediate rib leaving a three-dimensional finish formed in the surface of the rib.

Abstract: A firearm bore light includes a miniature light source with a removable head. The removable head is configured with a plastic light tube that is adapted to be inserted into the bore end of a firearm. Another optional head allows the device to be used as a miniature flashlight. High intensity LEDs are used for the light source to provide optimal operation in virtually any lighting conditions.

Abstract: A proven military combat-type weapon with the stock removed therefrom converted to an improved tactical weapon by addition of retrofit assemblies which include a collapsible and bilaterally pivoting stock, a front stabilization system, and a sighting system. This improved tactical weapon has the characteristics of reduced exposure to enemy fire by allowing the operator to fire while under cover, and increased weapon stability by the utilization of the front stabilizer assembly. Utilizing this invention, the operator is able to shoulder support and fire the weapon with minimal exposure to enemy fire. Furthermore, by exerting force to (leaning against) the weapon stock, the weapon is pinned between the operator and the object (i.e., wall, tree, etc.). The amount of gun movement is reduced and the stability of the weapon is increased over a weapon which is only hand held when the gun is fired.

Abstract: A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a method of using a range finder is disclosed. The method comprises coupling the range finder to a weapon having an associated scope. Positioning at least part of a display of the range finder in front of a select portion of the associated scope. Activating the range finder. Determining the distance to a target and displaying the distance to the target through optics of the scope.

Abstract: An accessory mount having a rail for removably mounting an accessory (such as a light beam generator) to a firearm, the accessory mount being removably secured to the firearm through utilization of an improved slide stop and pin combination, and positionally stabilized by utilization of a shock absorbing trigger guard bumper.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for transferal of a longline hook with bait (5) from a baiting machine (6) into a longline container (12), where the hook is connected to the longline (3) via a snood (4), as the longline (3) is set up to be arranged in a longline chamber in the longline container while the hook/bait (5) is transferred to a hook/bait chamber (16) adjacent to the longline chamber. The method according to the invention is characterised in that, as the longline (3) is conducted from the baiting machine to the longline chamber via a conductor device, the hook with bait (5) is simultaneously transferred in an initial manoeuvre to a holder (8), as the holder (8) with the hook/bait (5) is located at an intermediate station directly above the longline container (12), or is transferred to such an intermediate station and then transferred via a conductor device from the holder to the hook/bait chamber (16) in the longline container. The invention also refers to a device for execution of the method.

Abstract: A trap is provided that comprises an enclosure (2) having an opening (3), with a door (4) for trapping an animal within the enclosure and a reflective surface (6) for attracting the animal into the enclosure.

Abstract: Lamp oil compositions including methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, myristyl alcohol, an alcohol with less than six carbons, preferably ethyl alcohol, and fragrance. Also disclosed herein are lighter fluid compositions which include methyl laurate, methyl stearate, ethyl alcohol and fragrance.

Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine, an antioxidant composition is introduced into a combustion chamber of the engine. The antioxidant composition contains (A) a sterically hindered phenol; (B) an alkylene or alkylidene coupled sterically hindered phenol oligomer; (C) a secondary aromatic amine; (D) a reaction product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted hydroxy-containing aromatic compound, an aldehyde, and a carboxyl-substituted phenol; or (E) a mixture thereof. The method improves the performance of a lubricating oil of the engine.

Abstract: A method for guiding a growing plant includes the steps of providing a guiding member having a predetermined length and a plurality of locking teeth spacedly formed along a longitudinal edge of the tail portion of the guiding member; twisting the tail portion of the guiding member to substantially align with a longitudinal length of a locker slot longitudinally formed at the head portion of the guiding member; slidably inserting the tail portion of the guiding member through the locker slot to form a binding loop around the growing plant with a supporter; and twisting the tail portion of the guiding member back to its original orientation such that a holding neck portion of the corresponding locking tooth is locked at the locker slot by a transverse width thereof to retain the loop diameter of the binding loop to bind the growing plant with the supporter.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A compact water level regulator which may be used with a water catcher and/or with a planter. A case includes side and upper surfaces of the case form an airtight chamber having an open bottom, a filling port plug, an air vent hole, and an air inlet in a side bottom. A first float is installed on the upper surface of the case and includes a ventilation plug. The ventilation plug releases and shuts the air vent hole as the first float raises and falls by the buoyancy thereof in response to the level of water outside the case. A second float is installed inside the case and includes a water filling port plug. The water filling port plug shuts the water filling port by buoyancy thereof in response to the water level inside the case. When water level falls enough to open the air inlet to the atmosphere, the second float falls thereby disengaging the water filling port plug and opening the water filling port.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas station is disclosed comprising, a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas through reforming reaction of an organic compound, a gas supply port configured to communicate with a gas supply pipe to supply the reformed gas to a plurality of fuel cells, and a gas recovery port configured to communicate with a gas recovery pipe to receive an off gas containing hydrogen unconsumed from the fuel cells, the hydrogen gas station being configured to consume the off gas.

Abstract: An emergency roof detachment device for a vehicle providing a detachable roof portion that is coupled to a fixed top portion of a vehicle and has a handle capable of allowing the occupants of the vehicle to detach the detachable roof portion of a vehicle in order to facilitate an escape from the vehicle in an emergency situation.

Abstract: Mechanisms for mounting, opening, closing and releasing a door assembly relative to a mounting structure are provided. The mechanisms employ a first structure that defines at least one elongated guide channel and a latching subassembly that is adapted to be mounted with respect to the foregoing guide channel(s) and to rotate with respect thereto. Rotation of the latching assembly with respect to the guide channel(s) allows a latching region, e.g., a V-shaped latching region, to move between a first position (wherein the latching region is adapted to receive a mounting structure) and a second position (wherein the latching region cannot receive a mounting structure). In the second position, the latching region (in combination with the guide channel) is structured to capture a mounting structure (e.g., a projection associated with a cable management system) therewithin. Methods for use of the door assembly and latching subassembly are provided, as well as particular utilities thereof, e.g.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a window glass, a slide connected to the window glass, and at least one guide rail for guiding the slide along a substantially cylindrical trajectory. One end of the guide rail or rails includes a shaping or conformation that changes the cylindrical trajectory of the slide at the end of travel. The friction of the window glass against the seal is kept low while the window glass is moved and lifted. The window glass is in a sealing position as it reaches the end of the upward travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the movement of a vehicle side window. The side window is movable by means of a window lifter operated by outside force, of a side door of a motor vehicle. The side window is automatically moved by the window lifter into a predetermined intermediate position as a function of a movement of the side door, the intermediate position deviating from a completely closed or lowered position of the side window. To prevent rattling noises due to the side window, starting from a completely lowered position of the side window, the side window is raised into the intermediate position at least when closing the side door. In this intermediate position, the side window with its upper window edge is moved in at least some sections into a sealing gap which is situated on a railing of the side door.

Abstract: A door (1, 70) for a motor vehicle has a supporting skeleton (2) provided with an upper frame forming a window, and a lower box-shaped portion (5) forming an inner compartment (9) which houses a window regulator (37, 77) for moving a window pane (3) which closes the window. The window regulator (37, 77) is joined to the panel (14, 74) at least in a temporary way by means of positioning and support devices (25, 27, 78, 26) to form an assembly module (61, 71), which is connected integrally to the box-shaped portion (5) by means of fixing elements (16, 26, 79).

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane grinding tool is provided, the process including a step of mixing one or more types of polyol component selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols and polyester polyols with inorganic abrasive grains, a step of mixing an organic polyisocyanate component with inorganic abrasive grains, a step of uniformly mixing the polyol component mixed with the abrasive grains and the polyisocyanate component mixed with the abrasive grains by means of a rotary-static mixer, and a step of molding the mixture thus obtained by reacting the mixture in a mold.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes a support frame (20) fixed to a utility access hole and a rounded cover (10) fitted into the support frame. The support frame is provided in its upper portion with an S-curved inner peripheral surface (20b) having a convex curved surface portion (21) and a concave curved surface portion (22) that continues to the convex curved surface portion and is formed thereabove. The cover has an S-curved peripheral surface (10b) that is substantially complementary in shape to the S-curved inner peripheral surface of the support frame. When the access hole is closed by the cover, the cover is smoothly fitted into the support frame due to a guide function of the S-curved inner peripheral surface of the support frame.

Abstract: A rain gutter that includes an overlying, leaf- and debris-shedding cover. The gutter is in the form of a channel having an upwardly-facing opening. The cover overlies the channel opening and includes a convex front edge that is spaced from the front edge of the channel to define a gap or opening between the cover and the channel to allow water to flow around the convex front edge and into the channel. A series of support brackets are positioned within the gutter channel and interconnect the gutter and the cover to provide a rigid gutter structure. An end cap is provided at each end of the gutter and overlies both the gutter channel section and the space between the channel section and the cover, to prevent entry of leaves and debris into the channel through the ends of the gutter.

Abstract: An end cap for rain gutters having an overlying cover for deflecting leaves and other debris to prevent gutter and downspout clogging. The end cap includes a gutter trough closure region, for blocking water flow from the end of the gutter, and a second, above-trough closure region for blocking entry of leaves and other debris into the end of the gutter between the gutter trough and the overlying cover.

Abstract: A corner deflector for use with an eaves trough wherein the eaves trough is located proximate a valley in a roof, the deflector comprising first and second segments with a fold line separating the segments, at least one flange extending outwardly from a bottom edge of each of the segments, the flange being such as to permit securement to a gutter guard used with the eaves troughs. The deflector prevents overflow at the corners associated with roof valleys.

Abstract: A rain gutter cleaning system. The rain gutter cleaning system includes a gutter cleaning chute device having a chute framework defining an opening therein, a chute body attached to the chute framework, and an attachment mechanism for suspending the chute framework and its attached chute body. The chute framework is suspendable by a rod to a ladder or by a hook to the rain gutter. The rain gutter cleaning system can further include a gutter scraper, with a gutter scrapper blade, a handle, and a bracket arm detachably connecting the blade to the handle. The rain gutter cleaning system can further include a straining gutter scooper with straining apertures therein to permit wet debris to be scooped from rain gutters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of coupling structures to a roof is made up of a multi-layered roofing assembly having a structure with a first portion disposed between the layers and a second portion disposed outside the layers. The structure may be embodied as a snow guard to help maintain snow on a roof, as a cable holder to help space a cable from a roof surface, or a pocket to hold staging.

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: This invention provides a method for constructing a high rise building having a core and a residence space around the core, the method including the steps of: (a) installing a steel-frame pillar on a shaft portion of the core; (b) connecting a girder to the steel-frame pillar, the girder includes an anchor-connecting member to which a steel-frame beam is connected, a portion of the anchor-connecting member being buried in a core wall; (c) assembling the steel-frame beam on the anchor-connecting member; (d) arranging reinforcing bars in a deck plate or a slab type mold installed on the steel-frame beam, and in the core wall; and (e) applying a slab concrete and a core concrete simultaneously or in this order. According to the present method, the quality of the core and slab structure is improved, while providing the construction safety and saving the construction costs.

Abstract: A multi-level accommodation structure including adjacent vertically positioned accommodation units each having a core wall extending between a floor on the top of a slab of a lower accommodation unit and a ceiling on the bottom of a slab of an upper accommodation unit; a core wall in each upper and lower accommodation unit with the core wall having couplings for plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning components extending to at least one face of the core wall, and a vertical chase within the core wall through which connector members are passed and connection members within the core wall are attached to the couplings such that vertically aligned core walls in vertically aligned accommodation units have aligned chases connected through holes provided through the slabs having a floor of an upper accommodation unit on one face and the ceiling of said lower accommodation unit comprising a bottom of said slab.

Abstract: A multi-level apartment building includes vertically stacked sections each containing at least one pair of apartments, where each apartment of an apartment pair contains a stairway assembly coupled to a vertically extending stair support wall assembly that contains utility distribution conduits. The stairway assembly for each apartment connects four levels of function space. One apartment of the pair in a vertical section is rotated 180 degrees in plan in relation to the other apartment of the pair which on the opposite side of a public corridor that provides access to the apartments of the pair. The apartments are vertically stacked in alignment where an apartment of a pair is mirrored in plan in relation to a vertically underlying or overlying apartment of another pair, and the stair support assemblies of the respectively vertically stacked apartments are vertically aligned.

Abstract: A flange (1) for optical flame observation in a gas turbine includes at least one bore for optical observation, in which bore there is arranged at least one pane (9, 10) for separating the flame-side space, which is in substantially direct communication with a combustion chamber in which the at least one flame that is to be monitored is arranged, from the outside space, from which the observation of the at least one flame can take place. In a flange (1) of this type, fogging of the at least one pane (9, 10) is made possible in a simple manner which can be guaranteed over a prolonged period of time by virtue of the fact that two panes (9, 10), which delimit a sealed intermediate space (22) in the bore for optical observation, are arranged one behind the other with respect to the optical axis (8), and that a device (24) for dehumidifying the sealed intermediate space (22) is includes.

Abstract: A window or door casing includes two side sections, a header or top section and bottom section. The bottom section also has caps attached at either end. The trim casing is mountable on a window or door frame and is securely fastened to the side of the house ensuring a tight fit and finished appearance.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of structural systems such as apartment houses against dynamic loading caused by earthquakes, wind, traffic etc. When a frame structure is excited by a horizontal external force, the girders starts to displace horizontally. If such displacements are large or if they occur periodically they may have serious impact on the conditions of the structure and may cause severe damages or even result in a collapse. The present invention relates to a very simply designed and easily produced damper with two members being interconnected in a rotational joint. By means of the arrangement of the damper in the structural system, displacement occurring in the system is transferred to the members being forced to rotate in relation to each other. Frictional resistance between the two members is dampening the rotational movement and thus the displacement in the system.

Abstract: A roof transition system is provided for supporting and ventilating roof tiles near a roof transition such as a valley or a side wall. The system includes a corrugated flashing and an eave riser extension containing one or more openings for ventilation and drainage. The eave riser extension supports the lowermost row of roof tiles along the eaves at the pitch desired for the roof transition. The eave riser extension completes the closure of the entire eaves and provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion.

Abstract: A light directing duct includes a first end portion (2) and a second end portion (4), the first end portion (2) and second end portion (4) being interconnected by a hinge (30).

Abstract: A roof scuttle safety railing system is provided for an existing or new roof scuttle which railing may be installed on the roof scuttle by unskilled labor without compromising the integrity of the weather seal of the roof scuttle. In one embodiment, pivotal corner brackets are secured to the capflashing of a roof scuttle with the vertical members of the safety railing being inserted in openings in the brackets. In another embodiment, an elongated bracket is used along two opposed sides of the roof scuttle which brackets are firmly held against the outside walls of the roof scuttle by tie rods, a strap or a cable. The elongated bracket has vertical openings at its distal ends for securing the vertical members of the safety railing and horizontal openings or slots for the tie rods, straps or cables. A hinged gate is also provided which preferably has a self-closing hinge.