Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying works of art is disclosed. In one embodiment, a display unit is used to display artwork. The display unit is comprised of at least one overlay section set having at least two overlay sections. It also has at least one clip for securing said overlay sections together. The display unit has at least one securing platform to support said overlay section set.

Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections includes a knife holder (32) with a cutting knife (33), a sample holder (34) for samples (42) embedded in a cartridge (40), a feed device (31) for changing the distance between the cutting knife (33) and the cartridge (40), and a drive device for producing a cutting movement between the cutting knife (33) and the cartridge (40). The microtome also includes a reading device (54) for coded information (45) applied to a cartridge (40), and a control device (10) with a computer for coordination of functional sequences. A magazine (60) with code (62) and partitions (61) holds prepared cartridges (40), and a handling device (50) provides for the controllable removal of a cartridge (40) and positioning on the sample holder (34) as well as returning cartridges into the magazine (60). The reading device (54, 53) is assigned to the magazine housing and/or the handling device (50).

Abstract: Cartridge ejection mechanisms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An illustrated example cartridge ejection mechanism includes a bolt head which has a front face to close a cartridge chamber, a first longitudinal cross-piece on a first side and a second longitudinal cross-piece on a second side. The first and second cross-pieces extend from the front face of the bolt head toward the rear of the bolt head. The cartridge ejection mechanism also includes at least two cartridge extractor hooks spring-mounted to the bolt head in opposed, facing relation to jointly extract a cartridge or cartridge case from the cartridge chamber when the bolt head moves rearward.

Abstract: An attachable combination trigger safety device having combination locks, a lock lever and a pressure point release. The device is inserted in a gun trigger housing to prevent accidental gun firing. A press pin engages a cam that rotates with the lock lever so that the lock lever cannot release the gun trigger. The combination locks prevent the press pin from disengaging the cam. The combination locks must be opened so that the press pin can be held disengaged from the cam, and so that the user can rotate the lock lever to an open position.

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 firearm, in particular a self-loading small-caliber rifle, having a barrel, a breech housing having a breech held in it, with the breech and/or the breech housing being designed such that the firearm can be changed from a first assembled arrangement, which is suitable for right-handed gunners, to a second assembled arrangement which is suitable for left-handed gunners, with the firearm preferably being in the form of a rifle of the Bullpup type.

Abstract: A chamber and blank cartridge of specific dimensions for safer use in simulated firearms. The dimensions of the chamber make it incompatible for use with known lethal cartridges. The dimensions of the blank cartridge make it incompatible with the chambers of actual firearms. This prevents the inadvertent loading of lethal or blank cartridges. Upon discharge the blank cartridge and chamber release exhaust gases in a forward direction. This effect is similar to an actual firearm and so generates realistic visual and auditory effects. The blank cartridge has a nose which may increase propellant capacity. The use of additional propellant will generate greater energy for visual and auditory effects. This will also improves the cycling of actions of larger simulated automatic firearms. The shape of the nose also improves magazine feeding in automatic simulated firearms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boat accessory for maximizing usable deck space. In particular, the boat accessory attaches to a boat railing and includes a fishing rod holder, a table, and a coupler. The fishing rod holder is attached to the table and the table is attached to the coupler, which mounts the table to the boat railing.

Abstract: In a fishing lure an improved system for holding a bait comprising a wire connected to a central shaft and extending through the central opening of a bead also mounted on the shaft. A piece of elastic tubing extends over the central shaft to form a surface on which a bait is held. The wire is wrapped around the bait to hold it in place. The wire is selected to be of a material and thickness such that it may be easily bent and unbent without kinking or breaking and once wrapped around a bait maintains its shape to hold the bait in place on a lure during fishing.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure The present invention provides a fishing lure comprising an elastomeric portion having at least first and second regions. Each region has a durometer hardness on the Shore A scale. At least a portion of the first region is characterized by comparatively high operational stress relative to the second region. The hardness of the first region exceeds the hardness of the second region to thereby selectively improve the strength, toughness and fatigue resistance of the first region.

Abstract: A fish hook formed of plastic having metal or other material embedded into, or applied to, or formed on the point thereof to increase the ability of the hook to penetrate the mouth of a fish. The metal or other material either forms the point of the hook or is a friction-modifying agent which decreases the resistance to penetration of the hook.

Abstract: A display and storage rack for fishing equipment is provided. Apart from displaying and storing fishing equipment, the rack may also be used for transporting fishing equipment. The rack includes an elongated frame that carries a plate. The plate is configured for retaining fishing equipment thereon. The plate may be adjustable so that the plate may be located at a desired position along the length of the frame.

Abstract: A rodent elimination system that continuously attracts, euthanizes, and stores numerous rodents for extended periods of time. The system typically includes a housing having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section typically includes a heated baiting device that interacts with the temperature sensitive bait to emit varying degrees of scent to attract a rodent. The upper section includes a euthanizing chamber having a rodent detector array. The lower section typically includes a freezer unit having a disposable bag for long term storage of euthanized rodents. A freezer door typically separates the upper and lower sections to allow both physical and thermal isolation.

Abstract: The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle or the like. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices is avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.

Abstract: An adhesive device is provided for removing small insects from a surface. The adhesive device contains an active ingredient for debilitating or killing insects. The adhesive device may be in the form of an adhesive tape, wherein a desired length of tape is applied to a surface so that the insect is covered and immobilized with the adhesive tape. After a predetermined amount of time, the insect is debilitated or killed and the tape is removed. Since the tape is easily removed and folded over the insect, it is possible to avoid direct contact with the insect.

Abstract: Biodegradable fibrous support for soil mulching, characterized in that it further contains biodegradable thermobonding fibres distributed into the mass.

Abstract: A device for covering the space between a top container rim of an inner plant growing container and the inside wall of an outer decorative container in which the inner plant growing container is placed, includes a plurality of arcuate pieces pivotally joined end to end, the device having opposite unconnected ends. The arcuate pieces are joined in a manner so that the device can be adjustably moved into ring configurations of different diameters to approximately fit within the inner wall of the decorative outer container and rest on the top rim of the inner growing container. Clips or tabs extend downwardly from the device to cooperate with the top rim of the inner container to hold the pieces from moving inwardly, thereby maintaining the adjusted diameter of the device and holding the device in position on top of the inner container. The device can be produced in a plurality of sizes, each size adjustable over a range of diameters.

Abstract: An Invention which utilizes one layer or two layers of biodegradable mean which support and hold seed, bonded by organic adhesive. The invention contemplates the forms of flakes, strips, straws and grains. The biodegradable mean is made of new or recycled soft paper, a composite of agricultural byproducts or combinations of them. The seed are mainly grass, but the invention contemplates the use of native seed or a cocktail of seed. The organic adhesive is made of natural glue or syrup (corn, rice, potato) mixed with organic elements (N, P, K) to provide nutrients to the seed and soil system. The invention may be use to establish grass for erosion control, to generate turf on geotextiles in situ or transplanted, turf for golf courses, subdivisions, and, on all natural or synthetic surfaces where a vegetative layer is required.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth suitable for use in the formation of decorative flower pot covers are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated reactor is introduced for the thermic coupling of at least in each case one exothermic and one endothermic reaction having at least in each case two structures spatially separated from each other for guiding at least in each case two fluid streams, the structures having a catalytic coating. The catalytic coating is structured as a function of location.

Abstract: A door wedge is provided for maintaining a door at a user desired position. The door wedge includes a flexible bridge member extending along a bridge axis. The bridge has an upper surface for engaging a bottom surface of the door, as well as, first and second opposite ends. The bridge is movable between a first flexed configuration wherein the bridge has a generally crescent shaped cross-section and a second non-flexed position wherein the bridge is generally flat. A first support has a first end operatively connected to a first end of the bridge and a second free end disposed beneath the first end of the first support. A second support has a first end operatively connected to the second end of the bridge and a second free end disposed beneath the first end of the second support. The first and second supports maintain the upper surface of the bridge against the bottom of the door in order to maintain the door at the user desired position.

Abstract: A plastic ventilation window structure includes a left/right side bracket, an upper/lower side bracket, support members, closure members, and a plurality of slats wherein the left and right side brackets have a recessed engagement groove indented at the corresponding inner side thereof respectively, and a pair of retaining ribs each having a slant tapered guide facet defining one end thereon properly protruding at the inner wall of the recessed engagement groove thereon. The closure member has a pair of arc and tapered guide ribs and stop ribs symmetrically extending at both lateral sides thereon to define a pair of retaining cavities there-between.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: An angular lever for guiding and moving the door leaf is rotatably mounted in a horizontal plane in the transverse direction in the direct vicinity of the door frame. One of the limbs of the angular lever is permanently connected to the guide rail of the door leaf, and the other, inwardly pointing limb of the angular lever temporarily engages with, and is operatively connected to, a control element on the guide unit in order to displace the door leaf transversely, and is disengaged after a defined transverse displacement of the door leaf. In order to control the further movement sequence in order to open completely and subsequently close the door leaf, the guide arm is operatively connected to the control element.

Abstract: A device for actuating the doors of vehicles, in particular of an aircraft. The device comprises a drive element, which co-operates with a door lock. A lifting motion of a shaft element and a subsequent rotational motion of a follower element are carried out in an actuation device by a drive element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously controlled window regulator which comprises a coupling disc arranged on a guide plate in a motor vehicle and can he displaced along a displacement trajectory formed by a window guide rail. Said coupling disc comprises guiding elements which arc arranged on the window guide rail, on the front and rear edges of the guide plate. At least the first guiding element arranged on the front edge of the guide plate and at least the second guiding element arranged on the rear edge thereof are disposed in such a way that they arc movable with respect to each other for mounting. The first guiding element can be placed into a mounting position in order to be mounted on the guide rail of the guide plate.

Abstract: A linear drive arrangement for a sliding door includes a guide track, a stator arrangement which is fixed with respect to the guide track, a guide carriage to which a door leaf can be fixed for movement parallel to the guide track, and a plurality of permanent magnets fixed to the carriage so that the carriage can be suspended by magnetic forces between the stator and the magnets. A pair of supporting rollers support the carriage on the guide track when the carriage is not fully suspended by the magnetic forces, particularly at the beginning and end of movement of the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a pocket door assembly having an anti-rattle device. More particularly, the present invention provides anti-rattle devices for minimizing noise created by movement of a pocket door in the pocket door assembly. The present invention also relates to a method for installing the anti-rattle device in the pocket door assembly. An exemplary pocket door assembly can include a door jamb configured to stop a pocket door at a closed position and at least one anti-rattle device coupled to the door jamb, in which the anti-rattle device is configured to fittingly receive the pocket door at the closed position.

Abstract: A weatherseal having an improved show surface is provided with an exterior cap that is either hinged to the body or separately formed and subsequently assembled thereto. The components of the weatherseal may be either extruded or molded, and the hinge provides the ability to form the assembly as one piece and then snap-fit the other end of the exterior cap into place over the body of the weatherseal.

Abstract: Automatic sliding door with at least one displaceable leaf which is operatively coupled to a driving motor so that the door leaf/leaves can be opened and closed. Each leaf has a frame comprising profiles in which a pane of glass is held, and a light source provided in at least one of the profiles, the light source being supplied with electrical energy by a power supply.

Abstract: A panel or door suspension system used to hang sliding panels or doors. The panel members are hung by an upper bearing assembly with bearings on each side of the longitudinal axis of the panel thereby allowing the weight of the door to bear wholly on the upper bearings and to act centrally and downwardly between the bearings thereby preventing a moment on the bearings. A wedge member attached to the upper portion of the panel allows for vertical adjustment of the panel relative to the bearings and the door frame. A sill assembly beneath the panel allows for stable sliding operation of the panel member, provides for debris drainage and facilitates servicing of the members comprising the sill assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a weather strip embedding an insert 1 which comprises a plural number of arch-like plates 11 formed in a roughly reversed-U shape in section and positioned in parallel forming a certain space between each plate, and band-like connecting portions 12 for connecting each end edge of the arch-like plates 11, wherein the arch-like plates 11 are disconnected by cutting and removing the band-like connecting portions 12.

Abstract: A one-piece retainer is preferably an injection molded that receives and retains a weatherseal therein. The retainer assembly includes first and second portions that are bonded together to form the one-piece retainer. Fasteners further aid in securing the portions together and also securing the assembly to the associated vehicle. An outer show surface portion overlies a door body side of the vehicle. The show surface covers a cavity that serves as a water management channel around the perimeter of the window opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting module with waterproof seal for vehicle doors mainly comprised of a flexible laminar element (2) that can establish a waterproof seal between the wet and dry sides of the door (1), also meant to facilitate the mounting tasks of each component. The flexible laminar element has a sufficient supporting capacity to allow a preliminary mounting on it of the various door components for a subsequent installation of the entire assembly on the door in a single operation; however, the strength and structural capacities of the door continue to rely on its reinforcements and ribs, and not on the flexible laminar element, thereby allowing a cheaper and simpler laminar element and assembly as a whole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure and manufacturing method of an abrasive article. In this method, a base layer is first formed to affix abrasive particles on a substrate. Gaps between the abrasive particles are then filled with corrosion-resistant particles and a fixation layer is formed to affix the corrosion particles on the base layer. Further, a binding layer is formed on the base layer. Finally, the substrate, the base layer and the fixation layer are removed to expose the abrasive particles, and the binding layer is the bottom of the abrasive article formed thereby. An abrasive surface formed by the abrasive particles is at about the same level. The binding layer surrounding the abrasive particles form a concave surface and increase adhesion.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Abstract: The gutter guard, having regions of expanded and solid metal, is substantially planar without bends or angular inclinations between regions. When installed, the inner edge can lie underneath the last row of shingles on a roof. The outer portion will engage the uppermost outer flange of the gutter. Furthermore, the guard can include a downwardly depending dam. Additionally, a coarse coating can be applied to the gutter guard. This new gutter guard minimizes the debris that enters a gutter while maximizing the water inflow into the gutter.

Abstract: A coping system includes a cleat mountable on a wall, a splice plate mountable over the cleat and a coping cap mountable to the cleat that is held in place by a spring between the cleat and the coping cap. In general, both the cleat and the coping cap have approximately U-shape cross-sections. The ends of the coping cap turn inwardly to form hooks that catch the ends of the cleat. The spring urges the coping cap to retain the legs of the cleat in the hooks and thus hold the coping cap to the cleat and to the wall. The splice plate is held in place on the cleat by clips that extend from the cleat and through corresponding openings in the splice plate to engage portions of the splice plate adjacent the openings, thereby preventing the splice plate from moving away from the cleat.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a surface includes a first section configured to be movably coupled to the surface and covering at least a first portion of the surface. The first section is movable relative to the surface between an open orientation in which said first portion of the surface is uncovered and a closed orientation in which the first portion of the surface is covered. The retractable cover further includes a second section configured to be movably coupled to the surface. The second section is movable between a lowered orientation relatively closer to a second portion of the surface and a raised orientation relatively more remote from the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: Novel artificial tiki shelters and tiki shelter roofs are disclosed and claimed herein. The design of the inventive roofs and shelters allow for ease of assembly and disassembly by the purchaser and once assembled, are durable to withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour.

Abstract: The system for manufacturing standard size dwellings comprises a network of facilities, sited to maximize the efficiency of the product and materials flows. In particular, one or more manufacturing facilities are used to manufacture subassemblies and supply materials for use in assembling a standard size dwelling in a factory environment. These manufactured subassemblies and materials are transported to one or more satellite manufacturing facilities, each of which are located proximate to a location where a large number of dwellings are to be built. The satellite manufacturing facilities function to integrate the received subassemblies and materials together to create a standard size dwelling, which is then transported to the foundation where the dwelling is to be sited. The satellite manufacturing facilities can optionally manufacture subassemblies, such as a roof subassembly, where appropriate as part of the dwelling assembly process.

Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has one or more cuts extending for the length of the blanket which separate the blanket into two or more longitudinally extending sections. Adjacent sections of the blanket are joined together along the cut(s) by separable adhesive connectors which hold together the sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand along the cut(s) so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at a cut for insulating a cavity having a lesser width. The pre-cut insulation blanket may have a facing sheet, overlaying and bonded to a major surface of the blanket, that is separable by hand along the cut(s).

Abstract: Safety installation for the edge of a roof consisting of a number of vertical uprights, with horizontal fencing/railing, to be fitted close to the edge of the roof, for example in a gutter, each upright being provided with an arm that extends downwards therefrom in the use position and is provided with a support point. There is an auxiliary arm that is provided with an engagement surface that engages underneath the edge of the roof. This auxiliary arm can be fixed to the arm such that it can hinge and locking means can be present for securing the non-locking position to facilitate dismantling.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided with enhanced fatigue resistance. The pressure relief device may include, inter alia, rupture disks assemblies and explosion panel assemblies. The explosion panel assemblies include a first explosion panel, a second explosion panel, and a non-rigid buffering layer that may be selected for its thermal insulation properties. The buffering layer is interposed between the first and second explosion panels and may be configured to oppose inward flexing of these panels. The buffering layer may force surfaces of the first and second explosion panels to extend outwardly.

Abstract: A framing system for mounting flexible sheets of material, such as screening in an opening in a wall or porch includes U-shaped channels, or lineals, having at least one external built-in groove for receiving a spline strip for holding an edge of the sheet in place in the groove. Four lineals define a rectangular opening over which the sheet is stretched and then secured in place by jamming its edges into the external spline grooves of the surrounding four lineals with the spline strips to hold the sheet in place. Universal fasteners hold the lineals to the porch walls. The universal fasteners also have alignment grooves on their upper surface, lower surface or both of these surfaces that are useful for receiving an alignment string or wire to align a series of the fasteners across a surface so that they are in line to receive and accurately align a single lineal or multiple lineals arranged end to end.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for mounting simulated muntin bars, preassembled muntin grids and the like between parallel glazing sheets in an integrated multipane window sash. Among the mounting techniques disclosed are clips for holding simulated muntin components to a spacing and mounting structure of an integrated multipane window sash. Clip-less embodiments are also presented, as well as a one-piece sash that includes integral muntins and an integral spacing and mounting structure for the glazing sheets.

Abstract: A plurality of parking levels spaced inwardly of a surrounding structure and locating a plurality of travel ramps between the parking levels and the surrounding building. These ramps facilitate the entry into the various levels of parking as well as facilitate exiting from the parking levels. One set of ramps may be used solely for reaching elevated levels of the parking structure whereas a second set of ramps spaced below and parallel to the first set of ramps may be used solely for exiting the parking structure.

Abstract: Landscaping/building tile systems comprising a plurality of individual tiles secured by a plurality of interlocking fastening strips. In one aspect, the tile systems comprise a plurality of tile sections, each of which includes a plurality of individual tiles, that can be secured together to form a single, unitary mat.

Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.

Abstract: A composite floor system comprises a system of joists, where each of the joists has a top chord, a bottom chord and a web, including tension and compression members in the space between the top chord and the bottom chord and secured to the top and bottom chords, and the top chord of the joist having a substantially cruciate or cross-shaped cross section about a longitudinal axis of the upper chord.