Abstract: A quick disconnect clamping assembly for releaseably attaching an accessory such as a bipod to an elongate support such as a picatinny-style mounting rail comprises a clamp body with a mounting yoke that is adapted to slide over and receive the picatinny rail. The yoke includes a substantially rectangular base plate defining the central upper surface of a clamp body and includes a pair of parallel sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. The base plate has, in one embodiment, first and second transverse bores for first and second substantially rectangular upwardly movable bolts actuable to project upwardly from the yoke base plate. The clamp body's first and second transverse bolts, when raised and aligned with the transverse grooves of the picatinny rail, are received in the spaced transverse grooves of the rail to attach the yoke to the rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for chemo-mechanical cleaning of the barrel of a gun, in which method the barrel is closed tightly from both ends and at least one cleaning chemical is introduced into the closed barrel, the chemical is allowed to react with the impurities on the interior surface of the barrel, the chemically treated residue is loosened mechanically, the residue is removed from the barrel and, if necessary, the barrel is rinsed and dried. According to the invention, at least one of the cleaning chemicals used is a gaseous cleaning chemical. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the barrel of a gun, comprising end blocks (1, 8) sealably fittable to each end of the barrel and a reciprocable mechanical cleaning element to be placed in the barrel.

Abstract: A catcher in combination with a firearm having an ejection port for receiving and retaining expended magnetically attracted shell casings through the ejection port as the firearm is discharged. The catcher includes a hollow housing having a plurality of rigid walls. One of the walls has an opening in communication with the ejection port when the catcher is mounted to the firearm for receiving the shell casings, and at least one of the other walls includes a plurality of deflectors. Each of the deflectors has a front face that is slanted away from the opening such that the deflectors are capable of deflecting the shell casings away from the opening and a rear face that is perpendicular to the planar surface of the housing or slanted away from the opening. Retainers at the rear face of the deflectors are capable of retaining the shell casings when the catcher is in any position. The retainers include a permanent magnetic material.

Abstract: A telescopic optical sight for aiming a weapon at a target is described. The telescopic optical sight comprises an eyepiece, a first reticule, a second reticule spaced laterally from said first reticule, and at least one object lens. The first and second reticules are between the eyepiece and the object lens, and the second reticule aligns with the first to aim the weapon. The first reticule is the principle focus for the telescopic optical sight.

Abstract: The present invention is a reticule featuring both rapid close quarters target acquisition and precise distance shooting functionality. The reticule features a broad central aiming ring and four sets of aiming point indicating dots. The lowest set comprises dots of differing dimensions and distances apart. Ranging rings are also provided. An alternate embodiment is also comprises a highlighting ring around the aiming ring. The reticule can be illuminated through known or future discovered means for low-light or night shooting.

Abstract: A low profile, self-aligning, flip-up mechanism for aiming devices used with firearms. The mechanism folds the aiming device into the contour of the firearm during non-use. The mechanism is spring-loaded and flips into a vertical operational position with a simple movement of a finger or thumb. The mechanism includes at least two separate aiming elements that are mounted in a fashion that allows them to rotate relative to one another thereby facilitating a smaller storage profile. The mechanism also causes the aiming device to self-align itself as it moves into an operational position assuring vertical position repeatability.

Abstract: A snag-free and stress-free fish catcher includes a supporting frame, a fish pocket, having a fish cavity, supported by the supporting frame, and a tension resting bed, having a tension surface, supported within the fish cavity, wherein the tension surface of the tension resting bed has a predetermined tension larger than a weight of the fish. Therefore, when the fish is captured within the fish cavity of the fish pocket, the fish lies on the tension surface of the tension resting bed in a flatten manner.

Abstract: A shock suppression system for a fishing rod is mounted to a fishing rod and connected to the secure end of the fishing line for dampening the movement of the secure end of the toward the tip of the rod when a force is applied to the free end of the line by a fish hooked on the line. The invention may include a piston attached to a cartridge that is mounted to the handle portion of the fishing rod. The piston is attached in sliding engagement to the cartridge, which has a mechanism for dampening the movement of the piston toward the rod tip. Such a mechanism may be found in pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders or compression spring systems as found on a screen door for a home.

Abstract: Diesel fuels containing low concentrations of specific bimetallic or trimetallic fuel-borne catalysts reduce particulates and other emissions without the use of after treatment devices, such as filters or catalysts, e.g., diesel particulate filters (DPF's) or diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC's) in the case of diesel engines. By utilizing a fuel containing a fuel-soluble catalyst comprised of platinum and at least one additional metal comprising cerium and/or iron, production of pollutants of the type generated by incomplete combustion is reduced. Preferred fuel borne catalyst levels will be low, e.g., from 0.05 to 0.5 ppm for platinum and 3 to 8 ppm for cerium and/or iron, thereby providing effective engine out emissions reductions without any aftertreatment device. Performance of lightly catalyzed aftertreatment devices will be improved with the subject invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel oil, especially middle distillate fuel oil, compositions comprising middle distillate fuel oil and incorporated therein an incorporated therein an additive composition comprising (a) at least one fuel-soluble or fuel-dispersible neutral alkaline earth metal compound and/or at least one fuel-soluble or fuel-dispersible neutral alkali metal compound, and (b) at least one fuel-soluble or fuel-dispersible transition metal compound, characterised in that the fuel oil composition contains at most 0.05 mass % of sulfur, the total metal content derived from (a) and (b) in the fuel oil composition is at most 50 ppm by mass, and the mass proportion of (a) to (b), based on metal content, is in the range of from 1:99 to 99:1.

Abstract: A method of removing methanol and other substances from crude biodiesel, includes mixing a silicone based adsorbent with the crude biodiesel. The silicone based absorbent may be a magnesium silicate adsorbent with a formula of 2 MgO:65:02 nH2O. A plant for making biodiesel fuel has a first section for making crude biodiesel fuel methanol therein, and a second section for removing the methanol from the crude biodiesel, the second section has a tank for mixing the crude biodiesel and the silicone based adsorbent for the methanol, and a filter for filtering the adsorbent mixed with methanol from the crude biodiesel thereby producing biodiesel.

Abstract: A multistage process for drying coal in which coal is passed into a first fluidized bed reactor at a temperarture of 300 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, air is fed into the first reactor in order to maintain the density of the fluidized bed at from 20 to 50 pounds per cubic foot, and from about 40 to about 60 percent of the water from the coal is removed from the coal and the first reactor. The partially dried coal is then fed to a second fluidized bed reactor which is maintained at a temperature at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit higher than that present in the first reactor, and substantially all of the water remaining in the coal is removed from the coal.

Abstract: A method of using a diesel reforming strategy is disclosed. The method comprises supplying diesel fuel to a fractional distillation device. The diesel fuel is fractionally distilled to produce a light fuel stream and a heavy fuel stream. The light fuel stream is reformed in a reformer to produce a reformate. A method of making an apparatus for a diesel fuel reforming strategy and a method for using a fuel cell system is also disclosed. A fuel cell system for diesel fuel reforming is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to a feature of the invention, a flexible material, such as string, is secured at the base of the plant and also secured to a height taller than the plant. As the plant grows, its heads or vines are twisted in pairs around the respectively secured strings. As a result, the plant produces less foliage, bears more fruit per area of land, and grows to maturity in less time than with many conventional twisting techniques.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: The current invention is a biodegradable plant pot with natural porated into its walls. This plant-pot invention is given a thin, ting on the inside and the bottom-outside to deter biodegradation contains a growing plant and rests in a drainage tray. When the pot it contains are transplanted into biologically active soil, the pot from the outside to the protective coating inside. The plant roots h the coating and into the composted nutrients of the biodegraded this way, the current invention biodegrades and fertilizes.

Abstract: A flower pot cover constructed of a material for providing a decorative cover for an item, such as a floral grouping. The flower pot cover comprises a base portion and a skirt portion. The base portion has an upper end, a lower end, a bottom having a first thickness and a continuous sidewall extending generally between the upper and lower ends of the base portion. The skirt portion is positioned circumferentially about the upper end of the base portion and extends a distance therefrom. The skirt portion is substantially flexible and has a third thickness which is less than the first thickness of the bottom of the base portion. The base portion and the skirt portion cooperate to provide the flower pot cover with a shape sustaining configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in generating hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor capable of producing a reformate from a fuel; a hydrogen purifier capable of generating a purified hydrogen gas stream from the reformate; a compressor capable of providing the reformate from the fuel processor to the pressure swing adsorption unit at a desired pressure; and a control system capable of integrating and controlling the operation of the fuel processor, the pressure swing adsorption unit, and the compressor. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for controlling the operation of a purified hydrogen generator, the method comprising: controlling the operation of a hydrogen generator; controlling the operation of a hydrogen purifier; and synchronizing the controlled operation of the hydrogen generator with the controlled operation of the hydrogen purifier.

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated fuel processor subsystem incorporating a thermal combustor, a catalytic combustor, a quasi-autothermal reactor (QATR) and a air-fuel-steam (AFS) mixer to provide a range of operating modes exhibiting performance between that of a pure steam reformer and a pure autothermal reformer to increase the flexibility of the fuel processor to handle transient system demands such as cold starts, suppress emissions and carbon formation and improve efficiency.

Abstract: Fuel processing systems, which contain a fuel processor, and feedstock treatment systems for use in the same. The fuel processor is configured to produce a hydrogen, or hydrogen-rich, stream from a feed stream, which may include, for example, at least one carbon-containing feedstock and/or water. At least a portion of the feed stream is a vaporized feed stream. The fuel processing system further includes a treatment region configured to remove solids from at least the vaporized component of the feed stream prior to production of hydrogen gas from the feed stream. In some embodiments, a common housing at least substantially encloses one or more regions of the fuel processing system, and in some embodiments one or more of those regions are accessible from external the common housing without disassembling that housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compact reactor capable of reducing pressure loss and supporting a lot of catalysts, and a power generator having the reactor. The reactor comprises a reactor main body having inner space formed therein, and a base plate which is so intervened as to separate the inner space of the reactor main body into two areas and through which a plurality of through holes are bored in the thicknesswise direction.

Abstract: A reformer (10) for reacting fuel (12, 14) and oxidizer (16, 18) into reformate (20), with a plurality of reaction zones (22, 24) to which the fuel (12) and oxidizer (16) are supplied and in each which the fuel and oxidizer are reacted into reformate. The process for reacting fuel and oxidizer into reformate separately adjusting the fuel and/or oxidizer supplied to the reaction zones for varying the reformate output produced.

Abstract: Process for cooling an exothermic reaction zone by introducing a stream of water and a hydrocarbon-containing stream into a plurality of humidifying tubes extending through a catalytic exothermic reaction zone of a catalytic fixed bed with solid catalyst, introducing a process stream into the reaction zone for one or more catalytic exothermic reactions, passing the stream of water in a falling film along the inner circumference of the humidifying tubes, humidifying the hydrocarbon-containing stream with water in the humidifying tubes in indirect heat exchange with the exothermic reaction zone, withdrawing cooled reaction product of the exothermic reaction from the reaction zone, withdrawing the heated humidified, hydrocarbon-containing stream from the humidifying tubes, and transferring the heated humidified, hydrocarbon-containing process stream for further processing.

Abstract: A balance shoe mounts on a pair of cross bars in a rigid U-shaped channel by an upward facing slot on the shoe receiving one bar, and a downward facing channel on the shoe containing a resilient hook that hooks over the other bar as the shoe is rotated on the first bar to the bottom of the channel, a spring and pulley system in the channel supported by a cord attached to the window frame supports the sash along the vertical travel length of the sash. The sash is supported by a cam in the shoe that is turned by a pivot arm on the sash that is rotated by the sash as the sash rotates in and out of a window frame. The cam forces brake surfaces against the track to prevent vertical movement of the sash along the window frame when the sash is rotated out of the frame.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a cable-operated window regulator for a vehicle to an inner panel of the vehicle, the cable-operated window regulator includes a guide rail for guiding a window glass; a reversible winding unit for raising and lowering the window glass by winding and rewinding at least one cable which is wound on upper and lower guide members provided at upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; upper and lower fixing member which are integrally formed with upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; and a service hole formed on the inner panel. The lower fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the inner panel near a lower edge of the service hole. The upper fixing member is fixed to an inner surface of the inner panel near an upper edge of the service hole.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly includes a frame member, which is adapted for mounting in a vehicle, a fixed windowpane, and a seal member. The frame member includes an elongate channel formed therein for receiving a moving windowpane therein and a mounting surface. The fixed windowpane has a perimeter edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface, with the perimeter edge spaced from the frame member to thereby define a space. The seal member is mounted to at least the perimeter edge of the fixed windowpane and substantially closes the space between the frame member and the fixed windowpane. The inner surface of the fixed windowpane is secured to the mounting surface of the frame member by a bead of adhesive wherein the frame member and the fixed windowpane comprise a window assembly module.

Abstract: A Barzebo according to the present disclosure is a portable shelter, gazebo or pavilion having an integrated service bar joining two or more adjacent support panels. A Barzebo according to the present disclosure is configured with the server area of the service bar and the patron area of the service bar within the envelope of the shelter and the patron area is congruent with the optimal benefit area of the shelter. The service bar integrated with the shelter structure improves the structural stability of the shelter in two axes. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured building structure including at least one building module for providing a temporary or permanent dwelling space. The module includes wall, floor and ceiling members formed from precast concrete and configured for detachable engagement to one another to form an enclosed space. Adjacent wall, floor and ceiling members are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. A compliant pad spans this distance to couple adjacent members and accommodate relative movement between the members during transport and after installation of the structure.

Abstract: A method and structure for building archways and doors that have irregular upper edges is described. A curved lintel with a generally matching fascia that enclose a curved upper edge door are joined to door casings. A molding strip is attached to each of the casings on one side of the door. The door, casings and lintel are inserted in an opening in the building wall, the molding strips and the curved fascia being flush with the wall. Another curved lintel and set of molding strips are attached to the other side of the door to complete door installation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for reducing the transmission of acoustical energy between a first and second wall surface of a wall comprising a first and a second beam for supporting a sound panel. Each of the first and second beams comprises first and second flanges interconnected by an inner connector with a fold defined in the inner connector for reducing the transmission of acoustical energy between the first and second flange. The fold cooperates with one of the flanges for defining a pocket for receiving an edge of a sound panel. The first and second flange support the first and second wall surface of the wall with the sound panel.

Abstract: A ground anchor includes an anchoring post for securement in a ground; and an angle secured to an upper end of the anchoring post. The angle has two legs which extend perpendicular to one another. At least one of the legs is constructed for securement of two horizontal lumber products disposed in end-to-end relationship in an area of the legs with at least two screw holes provided for each of the lumber products.

Abstract: A profiled rail system (1) is used for bridging floorcovering transitions, ends or staircase edges. The profiled rail system (1) has a base profile (2) and a covering profile (3). The base profile (2) has at least one vertical leg (6), on which an inner shell (9) of a rotary joint (10) is provided. This rotary joint (10) supports the covering profile (3) such that it can be pivoted. For this purpose, two webs (11) oriented downward are provided on the covering profile (3) and, in order to form an outer shell of the rotary joint (10), have at least two partly cylindrical inner contours (12) which lie one above another. These inner contours (12) are formed so as to match the inner shell (9) of the rotary joint (10). In this way, step by step adjustability of the covering profile (3) is implemented. The rotary joint (10) can be clicked as desired into respectively one of the partly cylindrical inner contours (12).

Abstract: In a tubular skylight, a corrugated Aluminum sheet is formed with a hole that is pressed into a curb which is fastened over the turret of a roof-mounted skylight flashing. Roof tiles above the dome of the skylight are placed onto the sheet, while below the dome the sheet is placed over roof tiles and manually conformed thereto, owing to the corrugations. Any water that leaks past tiles above the dome will be directed by the sheet around the curb and down onto the tops of tiles that are below the dome, thereby providing a water seal for the skylight.

Abstract: Disclosed are simulated divided light products and processes and systems for making the such products. One product discloses simulated divided light bars that are designed such that the end of the bar may be fitted into a notched sash to provide for the automated method for manufacture of a simulated divided light window or door.

Abstract: A window framing system has multiple pieces that are components of a primary frame. The pieces are pre-formed, and may be assembled so as to build the frame at a job site. The pieces include a sub-frame and a base. The sub-frame has a corner to receive a glazing unit. The base is to be assembled with the sub-frame so as to secure the glazing unit in the corner. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular building system having a core wall, one or more utility runs that are disposed within the core wall and that have a first connector at one end, one or more panelized partitions attachable to the core wall via a plug-in fastener device, and one or more utility run extensions that are housed within the partition and that have at one end a second connector mateable to the first connector.

Abstract: A flexible sheet material of thickness less than half a millimeter for making tensioned structures such as false ceilings, in particular, the material including microprojections formed by displacing the material from which it is made, said material presenting an acoustic absorption coefficient which is higher than that of the same material without said projections.

Abstract: A glazing unit comprising at least one monolithic glazing element bonded to at least one layer of a polymer having embedded therein at least one element of a fastening means adapted for mounting to a support structure. This construction provides and integrated connecting arrangement for the mechanical fastening of monolithic glazing units to a support structure to obtain a glazing assembly. A plurality of monolithic glazing units form glazing assemblies which when fixed in a planar array define a continuous smooth surface useful as exterior glazing facades. A clear gain is made, according to the invention is the simplicity of the installation of glass glazing facades to provide increased use in architectural designs. The invention is applicable to any glazing unit whether single, laminated, and/or multiple glazing elements are used.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall system includes vinyl siding, steel attachment strips, a foam insulation sheet, a trim adaptor for a top panel and a starter strip foundation cap for a bottom panel. The prefabricated vinyl siding wall system is attached to a pre-existing wall or wall frame with screws.

Abstract: A coupling nut for anchoring buildings to the ground, particularly in geographic regions subject to high wind conditions. The coupling nut is designed for use with threaded anchoring rods currently used in the construction industry. The coupling nut includes a head and body with at least the body portion being hollow. The internal surface of the body portion is threaded so as to mate with the threaded anchoring rod. The threaded anchoring rod extends into a hole in the foundation of the building. The coupling nut attaches to the rod from the opposite side of the foundation and, when used with an appropriate washer, securely anchors the foundation to the ground.

Abstract: A slider includes a foam board, a top layer and a bottom layer. The foam board is a polystyrene foam board that is easily formed and molded. Furthermore, a bottom of the foam board has a rail portion protruded with a plurality of foam rails therefrom and the foam rails are parallel with each other. In addition, the top layer and the bottom layer are made of polyethylene materials and comprise interface coatings respectively, so that the top layer and the bottom layer made of polyethylene could heat bonded to the polystyrene foam board without adhesives by the first and second interface coatings.

Abstract: The composite floor system of the present invention comprises a plurality of joists at least partially embedded in the concrete slab of the floor system. In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, each of the joists is formed from a single piece of cold rolled sheet metal and, in at least one orientation, exhibits a substantially “Z-shaped” or “C-shaped” cross section along a longitudinal axis. In addition, for certain applications, a novel mounting bracket may be affixed to each end of the joists to provide for an underslung installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor covering as is frequently used in houses and apartments. The floor covering has on its underside a layer of thermoplastic material. This layer is connected in a fixed manner to the floor covering. The floor covering consists of wood, wood derivatives and/or synthetic materials. In order to produced said floor covering, the thermoplastic material is heated and applied, or rolled onto the underside of the floor covering. The latter exhibits excellent sound-proofing properties.

Abstract: A structural wall system including a plurality of structural members, a plurality of preformed connecting elements and a skin positioned thereover. The plurality of structural members include a first structural member having a first receiving channel and a second structural member having a second receiving channel. The plurality of preformed connecting elements include a connecting element positioned in the first receiving channel and in the second receiving channel. The skin is positioned over a side of the plurality of structural members and the connecting element.

Abstract: Partition walls for absorbing or reflecting sound waves are already available in various types and qualities. Such partition walls are generally permanently fixed to a structural member of a building, for example, or are otherwise permanently stationed, in order to absorb a substantial part of the incidental sound waves, and thus actually remove them. The invention relates to an improved sound-insulating partition wall. The invention also relates to an assembly method for such a wall.

Abstract: Described herein is a decorative faade module for mounting on a wall. The module comprises a wall engaging face and an opposite decorative face. The wall engaging face includes wall-mounting elements. The decorative brick face includes decorative bricks separated by delimiting elements such as grooves. A decorative brick wall covering can be made of such faade modules by adjoining a number of modules in a jigsaw-type arrangement on a wall structure. The grooves can be filled or coated with material.

Abstract: The invention provides a building panel having a simulated natural rock face, for use as a rock facade in wall construction applications, and methods of manufacturing same. The wall panel is manufactured in a mold containing a masonry-permeable mesh, preferably flexible. In one embodiment the bottom of the mold is provided with the profile of the rock facade and the masonry permeable mesh is positioned on the mold, and a settable material is poured into the mold, creating the rock facade and simultaneously embedding the mesh in each simulated rock face to integrate the panel. In a further embodiment the mesh is placed on a mold, the settable material is poured over the mesh, and the rock facade pattern is pressed or stamped into the top surface of the settable material to create the desired pattern. Optionally the panel has a backing board having holes, the settable material intruding through the holes to anchor the rock façade (and embedded mesh) to the backing board.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a prefabricated wooden panel comprised of: (a) a series of first elongated wooden means, each with mating faces, (b) a series of elongated reinforcement means, each located between a pair of the first elongated wooden means, (c) a series of perforations or through-holes that extend through the first elongated wooden means and elongated reinforcement means, (d) a series of tensioning means that each extend through one of the perforations, and (e) a series of pairs of first stress transmitting means with each member of a pair engaging an end of one of the tensioning means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members having curved or flat walls. Steps are provided in the cast member by placing hollow plastic step inserts into holders provided along the inner core of a mold assembly or mounting inserts on reciprocating pins or mounting inserts to a marginal portion of the inner core. The cast material is then poured into the mold. The cast member, when set, is withdrawn from the mold assembly. In one embodiment, a holder portion of the step insert is broken away, leaving the step inserts embedded in the cast member to receive legs of manhole steps. The inserts are provided with flanges, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Similar seals are provided by other types of cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods. Mounting assemblies are also provided for holding inserts for embedment in planar walls.

Abstract: A spacer for facilitating hanging and fastening siding strips to a structure. The spacer is placed on a previously-fastened siding strip. An unfastened siding strip is then placed on the spacer, allowing the unfastened siding strip to be fastened. Once fastened, a portion of the spacer may be separated allowing the siding strips to come into unobstructed contact with one another.