Abstract: A rectangular shape greeting card assembled from a flat sheet of paper, card-stock, cardboard or plastic with a hole, slit or both at the top for hanging and a gift/care package container at the bottom for a gift of any sort that can be hung from any bar, pole, rod, hook, knob or protrusion of any kind or it can be made through the process of injection molding with plastic.

Abstract: The invention refers to a system for producing three-dimensional figures with different shapes, including irregular and/or asymmetric figures, as from flexible sheet materials, consisting in supplying a sheet piece having a major segment or body, as well as at least one tab created unitary to the body, at least one slot disposed in the body and at least one point of inflection, so that it bends or folds the sheet piece at the point of inflection and passes the tab through the slot, causing the desired effect of bulkiness, depression or different plane and providing volume to the sheet piece and therefore the creation of a three-dimensional figure. The system of the invention has several applications, such as in toys, promotional goods, decorative figures, educational material, etc.

Abstract: A driver courtesy device that enables the driver to display his message to other drivers utilizing a trailer hitch located at the rear of the vehicle. This device is designed to allow complete freedom of expression utilizing hand gestures to communicate a message or greeting to other drivers in the rear vicinity of the automobile. The present art is created by combining a silicone rubber-based compound (V 1065) cast-molded over one-quarter inch aluminum armature wire in the form of a human hand manufactured in a myriad of colors and textures. The combination of the silicone-based rubber and armature wire provide excellent flexibility along with position memory characteristics that are unique to any existing novelty receiver hitch on the market today. The digits are pliable, yet stiff enough to mimic most common hand gestures. Once moved into place, the digits hold their position even in rain or adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A warning plate assembly for indicating the excess width of a tractor, in particular an agricultural tractor. The assembly comprises a holder having a fixing part (1) attached to the vehicle and a deployable arm (3) carrying the warning plate (9). The deployable arm (3) is swivellable about a vertical swivel axis (2a) of the fixing part between a lockable deployed position, in which the deployable arm and the warning plate are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a lockable retracted position in which the deployable arm is disposed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The length of the deployable arm (3) is adjustable (6,7) to cater for different widths of vehicle. The warning plate may be in two halves (10,11) hinged about a vertical axis so that the halves can be folded one over the over for storage.

Abstract: An orientation device for a holder of a sheet material or for a holder of a panel of material, for a lifting and handling apparatus, of the type comprising an upper end of an upright of the apparatus receiving a horizontal fixed support profiled section for the framework of the sheet holder or panel holder, the framework being mounted so as to be articulated relative to said support profiled section, is noteworthy in that the horizontal fixed support profiled section is offset relative to the upright and receives, at its end, an articulation rod of a sheet- or panel-support device. The latter device comprises a support base with a planar upper wall serving as support and fastening to the framework, and extending via two plates that are parallel and perpendicular to the planar upper wall. The plates are arranged with two curved, oblong apertures, allowing the passage of an indexing and locking means.

Abstract: The planner comprises a pair of cover members foldable relative to one another which include confronting inner surfaces for writing reminder notes and the like thereon. One or both of the inner surfaces comprises a rewritable surface for use with water soluble or dry eraser ink. Magnetic materials on one or both of the cover members permit attachment to a ferromagnetic surface, for example a fridge, in either open or closed positions of the cover member. One of the cover members includes a recess for mounting a photo therein or some other card like item to be displayed so that the notations on the inner surfaces are hidden from view and disguised in an attractive manner by the photo.

Abstract: A teething device that allows a picture to be inserted into the device.

Abstract: Magazine tube containing cartridges that is detachable from the firearm. The set consists of a receiver base for the magazine tube. The rear end is screw shaped for attaching to the receiver frame of the firearm, the other end has a mechanism to lock the magazine tube in place by means of spring loaded catch. The magazine tube contains cartridge feeding spring with stop collar. The magazine tube mouth has tapered collar that blocks the cartridge from ejecting unless the collar is pressed into the receiver base.

Abstract: A barrel accessory rail system includes a pair of cooperating clamping sections, each including at least one pair of flanges spaced by a transverse rail, and a fastener for securing the pair of opposed clamping sections in clamping engagement with a barrel and magazine extension of a firearm. The flanges are adapted to couple a barrel and a magazine extension to a firearm and permit attachment of accessories to the firearm.

Abstract: An image forming device for implementing satisfactory color calibration includes a color calibration pattern generating unit that generates a color calibration pattern in a form according to an area where it is to be formed, and a visualizing unit that visualizes the color calibration pattern generated by the color calibration pattern generating unit.

Abstract: System for sectional contraction of at least parts of a flexible material (1), such as a fishing net, a net seine or the like, using cables (5, 6) fastened to the material, the cables (5, 6) being movable in relation to the fastening points of the material (1). At least two cables (5, 6) are fastened in the material (1) in a zigzag pattern side by side, where the length of each pattern corresponds to the length of the part of the material to be contracted transverse to the contraction direction. One end (52, 62) of each cable (5, 6) is fastened such that movement transverse to the contraction direction is avoided.

Abstract: A fishing reel spool including a spool section for receiving a length of fishing line, the spool section including a tensioning mechanism with a pair of bias mechanisms for applying a biasing force to the spool section which results in the application of tension to the fishing line as the fishing line is wound on said spool section, and an attachment section for releaseably attaching the fishing line spool to a fishing pole, the attachment section including an upper portion and a lower portion rotateably moveable relative to the upper portion to thereby form a releasable connection, the releasable connection resulting in the formation of a channel sized to receive the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing jig system with an interchangeable jig head is disclosed for permitting a variety of jig heads with different configurations and functions to be used with a single jig hook and avoid having to remove the jig hook from a fishing line to reconfigure the fishing jig. The jig system includes a hook having a shank portion and an eye portion, with the shank portion and the eye portion meeting at a juncture. A modular mounting member is mounted on the hook at the juncture for removably receiving a fishing accessory. A fishing accessory, such as a jig head, is removably mounted on the modular mounting member, and the fishing accessory has a recess formed therein for slidably receiving at least a portion of the modular mounting member such that the accessory may be removed and replaced without removing the jig hook from the fishing line.

Abstract: A bendable resilient fishing lure, that simulates the movement of live bait when a fisherman tugs on the fishing line, includes a resilient body molded to appear like a small animal such as an earthworm or small fish, the body having a fishing line securing device, at least one aperture in the body spaced apart from the securing device through which the fishing line is threaded, a resistance device slidably mounted on the fishing line between the fisherman and the body. When the fisherman tugs the fishing line, the resistance device applies a force to the body, causing it to bend. When the tugging stops, the resilient body returns to its original shape. The resistance device may be either a weight or a disk. The disk may include a tubular spacer so that the disk is spaced away from the body.

Abstract: A snag releasing fishing hook and lure is made by constructing the hook and lure with an alternate/secondary line attachment point that is located behind the point/barb of the hook, such that if the main/primary line breaks from a debris/snag catch, the hook will twist/rotate and release from the catch by the function of the alternate/secondary line. If no secondary line is attached and the primary/main line is sufficiently strong the hook can be made fail and release from the snag without the loss of the lure.

Abstract: A light-weight plant sheet including plant pieces between a base sheet and a top sheet is able to make growth by tearing the base sheet and top sheet, each having a mesh structure. The top sheet contains a paste to adhere the top sheet and the base sheet and to hold the plant pieces, and such a paste comes out of the fibers of the sheet when wet during the manufacturing process. When the plant sheet is placed at the construction site, the plant pieces can grow using water and nutrition provided from the surface of the construction site and absorbed in the top sheet and the base sheet.

Abstract: The mobile comprises a hub (1) rotating on its axis and a transmission or rolling rim (3) designed to come into contact with a mobile or fixed component, the hub (1) and the transmission or rolling rim (3) being linked by leaves (2) arranged to allow for the relative movement of the transmission or rolling rim (3) in relation to the hub (1) under the spring action of the leaves (2).

Abstract: A tree stand for holding a tree with a root ball in a container includes three elongated, tubular feet interconnected at one end and flaring outwardly at 120° to each other. The feet have open top ends and contain slides retained in the feet by stops at such top ends. Post assemblies including plates connected to the slides by bolts are mounted on the feet. The bolts can be loosened to permit longitudinal movement of the post assemblies on the feet and tightened to lock the post assemblies in any of a plurality of positions against the root ball container.

Abstract: The device to water Christmas tree according to the present invention includes an elongated transparent water bottle connected by a flexible transparent hose to an elongated tubular water feed conduit. The bottle has a hanger element on a bottom end and a closure cap having a tubular nipple on the top end. One end of the hose is connected to the cap nipple and the other end connected to a tubular nipple on the closed upper end of the tubular water feed conduit. The lower end of the tubular water feed conduit is cut at an angle forming a lower opening providing fluid communication between water in the water feed conduit and water in the reservoir of a Christmas tree stand. Securing elements are provided for securing the device to the branches and trunk of a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A watering device for watering plant containers that includes a distribution head which can be connected to a water pipe and a plurality of delivery pipes beginning at the distribution head and ending unattached. At least one delivery pipe and/or the distribution head has a mounting device associated with it, in which the device can be laid on or hung from an edge of one or more plant containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a degradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a degradable composition comprising a polyolefin, a metal carboxylate, and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acid. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the degradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making degradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the degradable composition.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for (1) extracting metals from soil by the use of plants that extract and accumulate the metal and adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of the plants to extract the metal, and (2) preparing soil for extraction of a metal by plants by adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of plants to extract the metal. It is preferred that the plants be planted in the soil as seeds and that the bacteria added to the soil is also added to the seeds prior to planting.

Abstract: A portable, modular water garden structure, suitable for the containment of water and adapted to be readily assembled and disassembled, is provided. The structure first comprises a base unit, formed of a lightweight sturdy material, having an exposed outer surface, a top side, perimeter walls and an underside. The base unit is further characterized as having on its top side a generally centrally located depressed area suitable for use as a tub capable of accommodating an appropriate quantity of water. A moisture-proof flexible membrane is situated directly over the exposed outer surface area of the base unit, and extending over the tub and at least a portion of the upper edge of the perimeter walls. A layer of moisture- and flex-resistant material is formed over the moisture-proof membrane, covering the membrane and at least covering the exposed outside surfaces of the perimeter walls and any exposed outer surfaces of the base, so as to give a generally natural-looking appearance to said modular structure.

Abstract: A system comprising cultivating tables as well as an irrigation device for supplying a liquid medium to cultivation products being cultivated on the cultivating tables, a special feature being the fact that each cultivating table comprises an inlet and an outlet for the medium, with said inlet and/or said outlet comprising coupling means for detachably coupling adjacent cultivating tables.

Abstract: A plant watering system adapted to be communicated with a controlled pressurized water source for watering plants growing in a planting area. The system includes a water flow conduit having a first annular portion disposed in a horizontal disposition circumscribing the planting area and a cover ring disposed about and maintaining the first portion of the conduit in place about the planting area. The cover ring defines a plurality of inwardly facing cutout areas at circumferentially spaced locations thereon. A plurality of water outlet nozzles communicate with and project from the first portion of the conduit through the cutout areas in the cover ring for directing water from the conduit onto the planting area. A second portion of the conduit communicates with the first portion through one of the cutout areas in the cover ring and communicates the first portion with the pressurized water source.

Abstract: A fuel reforming device generates reformate gas containing a large amount of hydrogen by reforming a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and air, and supplies the reformate gas to a fuel cell stack (14). The fuel reforming device comprises a fuel injector (1) injecting the hydrocarbon fuel into a fuel mixing chamber (24), first and second air distribution valves (10, 11) supplying air to the fuel mixing chamber (24), and a reformer (5) which generates reformate gas by making the air-fuel mixture supplied from the fuel mixing chamber (24) react in the presence of a reforming catalyst. The reformer (5) is also provided with an oxidation catalyst. When the fuel reforming device starts operating, a large amount of air is supplied from the first and second air distribution valves (10, 11) to the fuel mixing chamber (24), and the oxidation catalyst in the reformer (5) promotes oxidation of the air-fuel mixture to warm up the reformer (5).

Abstract: An integrated steam reformer/combustor assembly (42) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) that supplies a steam/fuel feed mix (34) to be reformed in the assembly and a combustor feed (40) to be combusted in the assembly (42). The assembly (42) includes a housing (44,58) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (46) located in the first passage to direct the feed mix therethrough, the first convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the feed mix; and a second convoluted fin (50) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough, the second convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the combustor feed.

Abstract: A recuperative heat exchanger (36) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20), the heat exchanger (36) transferring heat from a fluid flow (34) at one stage of a fuel processing operation to the fluid flow (32) at another stage of the fuel processing operation. The heat exchanger (36) includes a housing (56) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (70) located in the first passage to direct the fluid flow therethrough; and a second convoluted fin (72) located in the second passage to direct the fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A method for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell comprising (a) a medium-reducing step, which comprises reforming a liquid fuel to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and supplying the reformed gas to a hydrogen-purifying unit containing a carbon monoxide-oxidizing catalyst and a hydrogen-generating medium to reduce the hydrogen-generating medium and oxidize the carbon monoxide; and (b) a medium-oxidizing step, which comprises supplying steam to a hydrogen-purifying unit containing a carbon monoxide-oxidizing catalyst and a hydrogen-generating medium, to generate hydrogen while oxidizing the hydrogen-generating medium, the medium-reducing step and the medium-oxidizing step being conducted alternately.

Abstract: A method and device for buttressing a sliding door. The sliding door includes a door frame having a locking edge and a free edge. A supporting member is coupled to the free edge of the door frame. The supporting member includes a body portion and an end portion. The body portion of the supporting member is disposed in alignment with the free edge of the door frame and has at least one hole disposed therethrough for coupling the supporting member to the doorframe. The end portion of the supporting member is positioned to extend beyond the free edge of the door frame when in a deployed position.

Abstract: A composite window frame assembly for supporting a sash or similar pivoting window unit includes a unitary, rectangular metal or strong plastic frame having top, bottom, and side frame members. This frame has an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. Four exterior window frame sections extend along and cover the exterior surface while four interior wooden frame sections extend along and cover the interior surface and are rigidly connected thereto. One of the two pairs of parallel frame members have attaching means for connecting hinge devices for pivotably connecting the sash or other window unit to this pair of frame members.

Abstract: A method of making a metal snow guard is disclosed. The snow guard has a solid layer of soldering material on its base to be heated and melted with application of heat to the upper side of the snow guard to solder the base to an underlying metal roof. The soldering material may be applied as spaced spots or projections providing a rough surface on the underside of the snow guard. The amount of solder and/or flux in the solid layer is limited so that the solder and/or flux does not flow outwardly from the snow guard and run down the metal roof thereby damaging or marring the metal roof surface. The snow guards may be formed of a few pieces of sheet metal. The projections of soldering material may be formed by forcing a paste of solder and flux through spaced holes in a plate or screen onto the base.

Abstract: A building framework and components used in the framework are disclosed. The framework comprises a plurality of components which are cut in a sawing machine and marked following cutting in the sawing machine by use of the data which is supplied to the sawing machine to control the sawing machine to cut the components to the required size and shape. Each of the components is marked with a partial outline of a connector plate which is to be used to connect the components together with the framework so that when the components are assembled. The components may also be marked with partial position reference markings so that component parts can be assembled together by reference to those markings by registering a partial marking on one of the components with a like partial marking on another of the components.

Abstract: A Strap Attachment Device of the present invention includes a base bracket which attaches to the Hilte fastening system having an extension handle. The base bracket includes a slide portion which receives a sliding U-clip. This U-Clip is sized to receive the width of a typical duct strap and may include a magnetic portion in order to securely receive the duct strap within the U-Clip. Once a duct strap is in position within the U-Clip, the Hilte fastening system is positioned against the ceiling such that the duct strap is properly placed, and the Hilte gun is fired thereby fastening the duct strap to the ceiling. Once the duct strap is fastened to the ceiling, the Hilte fastening system with the Strap Attachment Device is moved away such that the magnetic portions of the U-Clip detach from the duct strap, leaving the duct strap hanging where attached to the ceiling.

Abstract: An anti-bird assembly for the prevention of landing of birds on the ledge of a building comprising a plurality of spaced apart brackets. Each bracket comprises a base flange for attachment of the assembly to a building. A frame portion is connected to the base flange, and an arrangement of arms are connected to the frame portion, each of the arms having a distal end with a wire attachment node thereon. A wire is arranged between corresponding wire attachment nodes of corresponding arms on adjacent spaced apart brackets to effect prevention of birds landing between spaced apart brackets on the building.

Abstract: Ground anchors, in particular tent stakes (100), comprise one or more inherently flexible tines (110), a ground compression plate (160), and various tie points (420, etc.) for attaching a guy rope or the like to the top of anchor. The compression plate extends perpendicularly or at a large angle to the tine so that when the guy rope pulls on the anchor, the tine will tend to rotate about an underground fulcrum so that the compression plate will press against the ground and help the anchor resist pullout. The anchors are preferably driven into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The tie points include hooks (420), closed holes (520), and swivel types comprising vertical members (810) with restraining, bulbous tops (820). An additional spring tie point (1600) can be inserted into optional lugs (1094, 1096) in the compression plate. The stakes can be driven into the ground vertically, or at an angle for additional holding force in some situations. They can also incorporate angled compression plates (160H, 160I).

Abstract: A segmented sill pan has end members and a center section. The end members each have at least one sloped surface, termed a channel, for collecting seepage from a door or window sill. A frontal flange on each end member defines an upright channel for discharge of the seepage away from structural components of a building.

Abstract: A plural-story building structure including spaced lower and higher stories, with the lower story possessing a normal, unimpeded, full plate-height internal volume which is free of any exposed, ceiling-penetrating utilities-conduit structure designed for the supply of utilities services to upper stories. This lower story is thus available, early in the time of overall building construction, and specifically with upper stories still under construction, for income-generating occupancy. The special, unoccluded, full plate-height, internal-volume condition is accommodated by the interposition, between the mentioned lower and higher stories, of a special, low-height, sub-story in the form of a utilities-conduit containment space which is adapted to contain utilities-conduit structure relevant to the supply of utilities services upwardly from the sub-story toward higher stories. Utilities supply to the sub-story bypasses the mentioned lower building story.

Abstract: An insert for I-joist web holes provides support and separation for piping, tubing and/or cabling guided through the installed I-joist's web. At the same time, the insert protects the web hole against destructive forces commonly related to the installation process and/or gravitational loads of piping, tubing and/or cabling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sheets of mosaic tile, and an apparatus and method of using that apparatus, for their production. In particular, the present invention provides mosaic tile sheets in which the individual mosaic tile subunits are attached to a rigid support such that the finished faces of the mosaic tile subunits are aligned in the same plane (or in the same curved surface).

Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system having a trim strip which conceals a construction clearance between a perimeter grid element and a soffit-type wall. The trim strip can be mounted onto the perimeter grid element, attached to the underside of the soffit-type wall or both.

Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.

Abstract: A bracket apparatus including a body, a rafter arm substantially adjacently connected to the body and two board arms substantially adjacently connected to the body. The two board arms are in parallel relation to each other. The present invention also includes an apparatus for installing foam board between two building structures. The apparatus includes a bracket of a predetermined size wherein the bracket fits about an edge of a foam board. The bracket attaches the foam board to building structures. A system for sealing and insulating ventilation space is also disclosed. The system includes at least two brackets that are a predetermined size and a foam board having predetermined dimensions such that the brackets secure and suspend the foam board to a building structure whereby a ventilation space is created. Also disclosed is a method for sealing and insulating a ventilation space.

Abstract: A frangible clip and method for embedding a concrete insert into a concrete structure. The clip may include at least one frangible member which shears from a base member when a sufficient shearing force is applied. The clip may be formed of plastic as an integrally formed, single unit.

Abstract: A fastener for joining two pieces of rebar together in a rebar grid used to reinforce subsequently poured concrete is described. The fasteners include two clamp pieces that in certain embodiments completely wrap around a piece of rebar and are tightly secured thereto. Further, each clamp piece can swivel or rotate up to 360 degrees relative to the other clamp piece such that two rebar pieces intersecting at any angle can be coupled together.

Abstract: Methods of making roofing products. One such method includes (a) creating a mixture having a filler and a polymer; (b) forming a sheet from the mixture; (c) cooling the sheet; (d) embossing the sheet; (e) forming multiple roofing products from the sheet; and (f) bundling at least some of the roofing products. Steps (a)-(f) are performed using an automated procedure. Another of the methods involves (a) creating composite roofing products using mold cavities; (b) using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system; and (c) stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors or different surface configurations.

Abstract: A forming system for cast-in-place concrete decks supported by structural beams capable of being used on decks with varying dimensions between the structural beams. The forming modules (28, 30) interlock with the supporting ledger assemblies (10) to prevent lateral movement of the form system. The deck material between outside form assemblies (26) is fabricated to the size required to fill the gap between the outside form assemblies (28), and is supported by the interior support beams (16b) or the interior support beams (16b) and the inside form assembly (30).

Abstract: A panel having an ornamental façade adapted for securing to a foundation. The panel may be assembled to produce a skirting system for building structures or in hedging/retaining-walls/walkways and other such landscape features. The panel has a member, which may be plastic, comprising an outwardly-directed surface to which the ornamental façade is affixed, and an inwardly-directed surface to which a plastic support framework is integrally coupled. Framework comprises a first section (of suitably shaped cross-section, tubular or solid) located generally along the periphery of the inwardly-directed surface and further can include an interconnect section extending between the first section. Right and left vertical supports may be coupled to the inwardly-directed surface. Each vertical support comprises an angle iron shaped extension, a top-end and lower-end of which has a respective ledge permanently affixed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cover for securing the roof a residential home or other building structure from the weather conditions that are associated with severe storms such as hurricanes. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one protective membrane disposed adjacent the roof's upper surface. In a particular embodiment, the membrane is configured to cover substantially the entire roof surface. The membrane, which may comprise stretch wrap or shrink wrap, may be adhered in place, for example, using water resistant tape, an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or a girdle sheet that is wrapped around the vertical walls of the building structure so as to capture the protective membrane between the girdle sheet and the vertical walls. Alternatively, the roof cover may be maintained adjacent the roof substantially entirely through its own physical properties, especially if the roof cover is comprised of stretch or shrink wrap.