Abstract: Different colors are prepared for inner shapes that define different design ballistic patterns. Wear resistant coatings of the different colors are applied over outer surfaces of tube bodies having the design ballistic patterns corresponding to the colors of the wear resistant coatings to allow the design ballistic patterns to be identified by the colors of the wear resistant coatings.

Abstract: There is provided a flashlight attachment bracket useful for securing a flashlight or other similar device to a handgun. A resilient, grip-encircling arrangement is slid onto the handgun's grip from the front and secured against vertical movement (i.e., sliding off the bottom of the grip) by an opening adapted to receive a projection from the stock of the handgun. A flashlight-encircling bracket at the bottom of the support bracket slideably secures a flashlight so that the flashlight's front-to-back position may be adjusted for optimal balance and then the flashlight may be locked in place. No bracket components are permanently secured to the handgun; the mounting system allows the weapon to be holstered and quickly withdrawn without the flashlight in place.

Abstract: A shotgun shell dispenser that includes a rectangular-shaped six-sided housing with a lower loading and discharge opening formed on one end. Formed on the lower sidewall of the housing adjacent to the lower discharge opening. Located inside the housing is a downward biased stomper plate designed to press against the upper most shell to constantly force the row of shells downward towards the discharge opening. Located inside the discharge opening is a pivoting bail designed to receive and temporarily hold one shell in a blocking position inside the discharge opening. The pivoting bail is biased inward to maintain the lower shell in a blocking position thereby prevent the other shells from being accidentally discharged. The bail includes two finger tabs and a u-shaped finger opening that allows the user to easily lift and rotate the bail to dispense the shell located thereon.

Abstract: A universal gun cleaning kit includes a universal handle including a female threaded opening of a first select size. A plurality of elongate rods have different outer diameters. Each rod has opposite near and distal ends. The distal ends are adapted for selectively receiving a gun barrel cleaning element. A plurality of shafts are each rotatably connected to an associated one of the rods. The shafts include a male threaded end of the first select size or a second select size. An adaptor has a female threaded end of the second select size and a male threaded end of the first select size. The shafts of the first select size can be directly threaded into the universal handle and the shafts of the second select size can be threaded into the universal handle using the adaptor so that, in use, a select one of the rods is rotatable relative to the universal handle.

Abstract: A single-mirror target viewing apparatus configured for enabling a gun to be fired at a desired target from a cover position in an aimed manner. The target viewing apparatus comprises a mirror assembly and a mounting base. The mirror assembly includes a single utilized mirror that provides a target imaging surface. The mounting base is configured for being attached to a gun and having the mirror assembly moveably attached thereto. The single utilized mirror is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and is rotatable between a plurality of rotational positions when in the deployed position. When in the at least one of the rotational positions, the target imaging surface is in a skewed orientation with respect to at least one of a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the gun and an axis that extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel.

Abstract: A periscope device specifically adapted to fit in the breach of a firearm. Using a housing equipped with at least a pair of mirrors in parallel relation to one another, a user can look down the barrel of his or her firearm. This is especially useful for checking the barrel for obstructions and for initially bore sighting the firearm when conducting gun sight alignment.

Abstract: A single-mirror target viewing apparatus configured for enabling a gun to be fired at a desired target from a cover position in an aimed manner. The target viewing apparatus comprises a mirror assembly, a mounting base and a sighting device. The mirror assembly includes a single utilized mirror that provides a target imaging surface. The mounting base is configured for being attached to a gun and having the mirror assembly moveably attached thereto. The single utilized mirror is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and is rotatable between a plurality of rotational positions when in the deployed position. The sighting device is attached to a non-viewing portion of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a telescopic sight onto a weapon. The device is equipped with two mounting feet, which are positioned at a distance from one another and provided with mounting elements for engaging in corresponding receiving openings on the weapon. The aim of the invention is to enable the sight to be positioned accurately without the need for a complex adjustment and fitting process. To achieve this, the mounting elements are configured by clamping bolts, which comprise laterally protruding lugs, are contained in the corresponding mounting feet and can be rotated through a release and locking position. The lugs can be inserted into recesses between inward-facing projecting shoulders of the receiving openings in the release position of the clamping bolts and engage with the underside of the projecting shoulders in the locked position of the bolts.

Abstract: An adjustable scope mounting device for adjusting a scope mounted on a gun. The scope utilizes opposite threaded screws for elevational adjustment and further includes a windage adjustment.

Abstract: A telescopic sight (10) for automatically compensating for bullet trajectory deviations is disclosed. The sight (10) includes a user input (20) and an electronic port (22) for communicating ballistic, calibration and user preference information to the sight (10). The sight (10) further includes a ranger finder (24) and an array of ambient condition sensors (26,28,30,32,34,36) for automatically generating target distance information and ambient condition information. A processor (38) uses the ballistic, calibration, user preference, distance and ambient condition information to calculate bullet trajectory deviation compensation information. The processor (38) presents the compensation to the user in the form of a compensation reticle (48) or a compensation value (50).

Abstract: A device has structure that can support the device on a weapon, and a range portion that specifies a range to a target. A sensor portion provides sensor information representing an orientation of the device, and an electronic control portion is responsive to sensor information from the sensor portion and a range from the range portion for calculating how to hit the target with a munition. The device includes a sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire the munition, the sight having an analog indicator that is disposed within its field of view and that is responsive to the electronic control portion for indicating how to orient the weapon so that the munition will hit the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sight with rangefinder and assembly method thereof. The optical sight comprises an erector lens unit, a photoelectric rangefinding unit, a barrel, an objective lens unit, a plurality of adjusting elements, a power supply unit and an eyepiece lens unit disposed on the barrel. The photoelectric rangefinding unit includes a laser emitter, a laser receiver and a range indicator. A plurality of openings are formed on sidewall of the barrel corresponding to the positions of the laser emitter, laser receiver and range indicator for conducting the cavity to outside the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises an electronic fishing lure, including a programmable microcontroller, a digital switch to control said microcontroller, a constant current, constant voltage recharge circuit with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and an audio output device. The LEDs and audio device are connected to the microcontroller and the microcontroller activates the lights and audio device according to a software program stored in the microcontroller.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a crankbait body and a cover. The cover has a color or design which differs from that of the crankbait body, so that installation of the cover effectively changes the appearance of the crankbait body. The cover includes a shell that is vacuum formed over the crankbait body, so that the cover is resiliently held over that body. The cover also includes cut-outs defining side flaps which become engaged with a dive bar of the crankbait body, when the cover is attached to that body. The cover is therefore unlikely to become dislodged during the rigors of fishing, yet is can be easily removed by hand, by twisting the cover so that the flaps become disengaged from the dive bar. The invention substantially simplifies the process of changing the effective color or design of a crankbait, and reduces the expense of doing so.

Abstract: A camouflaged termite-monitoring device is provided. Such a device comprises a housing (100) which defines a cavity (300) and an opening (400). A perforated bait cartridge (475) is disposed within the cavity and contains a bait material (450) adapted to be attractive to termites. A mesh-like member (500) is operably engaged with the housing so as to cover the opening and to retain the bait cartridge in the cavity. The mesh-like member is further adapted to allow termites to pass therethrough into the cavity and the bait cartridge and to infiltrate the housing. An inspection hatch (550) is operably engaged with the housing and is configured to allow visual inspection of the bait cartridge within the cavity from outside the housing. Such a visual inspection is performed without removing the housing from engagement with the upper ground surface. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A candle made with a wax base and a synthetic thermoplastic rubber copolymer. The wax base may be prepared from a plurality of two or more different fuel sources including petroleum sources, animal sources, vegetable sources, synthetic sources and blends thereof. The synthetic thermoplastic rubber copolymer may be a diblock, triblock, radial block, multiblock copolymers, and blends thereof. In addition to the wax base and the synthetic thermoplastic rubber copolymer, candles made according to the invention can also include stabilizers, fragrances, dyes as well as other standard candle additives. The addition of the synthetic thermoplastic rubber copolymer allows for the production of high quality candles with improved shipping stability, controllable burn rates, less dripping and higher fragrance loading capabilities. Additionally, disclosed candles decrease processing times and percent defects as part of an improved manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to clean up or keep clean the fuel system of a direct injection spark-ignited engine by operating the engine with a fuel composition that includes a liquid fuel and a fuel additive composition. The fuel additive composition useful in the present invention has at least one nitrogen-containing dispersant and optionally a fluidizer where the dispersant has a specific lipophilic parameter and the dispersant or the dispersant and the fluidizer have a specific hydrophilic-lipophilic parameter, the dispersant provides about 0.15 to about 50 ppm by weight nitrogen in the fuel composition, and the fluidizer and/or the dispersant provide about 10 to about 10,000 ppm by weight active components in the fuel composition. The method of the present invention is effective in controlling deposits in fuel injectors and combustion chambers of a direct injection spark-ignited engine.

Abstract: An apparatus (8) for displaying at least one of culinary, horticultural and floral item(s) allows the item to be easily attached to or removed from a variety of surfaces (10). The display includes a support (14) for supporting the arrangement. The support (14) may be made of reformable sculpting wire, allowing a user to form the wire in any desired shape. An interface (12), having magnetic properties, is constructed and arranged to mount the support (14) to a surface (10) that has either magnetic properties or non-magnetic properties.

Abstract: An emergency door opening apparatus for use on an aerospace vehicle for moving a door of the vehicle from a closed position to an open position. The apparatus includes a fluid cylinder (16) and piston (18) operatively connected to the door and to the vehicle and a supply or gas generating chemicals (24) which, when ignited, are operable to rapidly generate and supply to the fluid cylinder (16) a sufficient amount of gas to move the fluid cylinder (16) and piston (18) to effect opening of the door.

Abstract: A pet door gasket assembly adapted to provide a strong thermal, chemical, and mechanical bond between the gasket and the pet door flap. The gasket assembly incorporates a flexible, resilient, and permanently lubricated polymeric material chemically and thermally bonded to a rigid pet door flap. Further, the gasket is molded around series of pins extending from the faces of the rigid flap to provide a mechanical bond with the pet door flap.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a path-guided window lifter for a motor vehicle, with a guideway in a guide plate, two slide elements interacting with the upper and lower side of the guide plate for guiding the follower perpendicular to the surface of the guide plate and with an additional slide element which interacts through slide faces with opposite flanks of the guideway and guides the follower in the surface of the guide plate. The object of the present invention is to develop a window lifter of this kind so that increased wear on the slide block can be counteracted. The slide faces are attached spring-elastically to the additional slide element.

Abstract: A bearing type of guide roller capable of being reliably prevented from falling off a rail is provided. A guide roller is constituted from a support shaft fixed to a support member by caulking, a ring-shaped outer ring made of bearing steel disposed to surround an outer periphery of the support shaft via a plurality of bearings, a covering member made of synthetic resin covering an outer peripheral surface of the outer ring. The ring-shaped outer ring has a flange part integrally formed on an upper end of the outer peripheral surface thereof, and an upper end of the support shaft projects from an upper end surface of the ring-shaped outer ring. Therefore, even if the covering member is broken, the flange part interferes with the rail, so that falling off of the guide roller from the rail can be more reliably prevented.

Abstract: A pocket door mounting system is provided to allow a pocket door to be easily leveled or adjusted after installation in a door opening. In brief, the present system is installed in a level position in the area of a structural header. At each end of the system is a standard bracket or brackets which attach to vertical framing members on either side of the door opening. At one end of the system is an adjustment assembly having a vertically oriented adjustment screw. Raising or lowering the adjustment screw adjusts the pitch of the system relative to the door opening.

Abstract: A window sash reduces noise through a window pane. The window sash includes a bracket with a tuned mass damper. The window sash can be tuned by adjusting the interval spacing of attachment points or cut-out areas. The spaced intervals may be equal to a multiple of the wavelength of the frequency targeted for noise reduction. The frequency targeted for noise reduction may be the coincidence frequency of the window pane. The stiffness and/or mass of the window sash, the bracket, and/or the stiffeners coupled to the bracket can also be tuned.

Abstract: A window-lifting device, e.g., for a motor-vehicle door, includes at least one carrier for connecting a window pane to a window lifter, the carrier being movably supported on at least one guide rail, and an adjustment device being provided for changing the inclination of the window pane relative to the guide rail, about a swivel axis. The carrier is movably supported directly on the guide rail in the region of the swivel axis, and, in order to change the inclination of the window pane, the adjustment device is arranged to change the inclination of the carrier relative to the guide rail, about the swivel axis.

Abstract: A reversible door with dual pivots includes a frame, a reversible door and two swing arms; the swing arms are attached to the frame and the reversible door at two inner opposite lateral sides of the frame and the reversible door respectively with the two ends of each swing arm having a pivot member pivotally connecting with the pivot members of the frame and the reversible door respectively; the swing arms can be rotated with respect to the frame and the reversible door can be rotated with respect to swing arms; a rotational angle of the reversible door is greater than 180° can be obtained so that the inner lateral sides of the reversible door can be valuably utilized.

Abstract: A composite structure finds particular use as a weatherstrip on a motor vehicle. The weatherstrip includes a first material such as rubber, EPDM or thermoplastic that exhibits flexibility, and a second, hard, low friction material applied over portions of a surface of the rubber. In a preferred arrangement, the low friction material is coextruded with the first material in spaced rows that allow the weatherstrip to flex in regions where no second material is applied. An increased thickness of low friction material is applied thereby improving wear characteristics without impacting flexibility.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for use on a motor vehicle for sealing the space between a pivotable component, such as a door, and an adjoining fixed body structure is made of an elastic material and includes at least one longitudinally running tube profile. The form of the profile can be adjusted when the vehicle is in motion. To reduce the volume of pressurized fluid required for a good sealing function in this type of weatherstrip, the weatherstrip is designed to have only specific segments of the tube profile be inflatable when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Abrasive tools contain abrasive grains oriented in an array according to a non-uniform pattern having an exclusionary zone around each abrasive grain, and the exclusionary zone has a minimum dimension that exceeds the maximum diameter of the desired grit size range for the abrasive grain. Methods for designing such a self-avoiding array of abrasive grain and for transferring such an array to an abrasive tool body are described.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion comprises abrasives in a concentration of not more than 1.5% by mass, wherein the abrasives comprise ceria and have an average dispersed particle diameter of not less than 1.0 ?m. A chemical mechanical polishing method comprises polishing an insulating film by the use of the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion. By the use of the chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion, occurrence of polishing scratches can be suppressed without lowering a removal rate.

Abstract: A shade cloth for use in a Roman shade includes a cloth body and a plurality of coupling units provided at a back side of the cloth body at different elevations adjacent to one lateral side edge of the cloth body for securing the respective lateral side edge of the cloth body to the back side of the cloth body so as to adjust the transverse length of the cloth body. The present invention relates also to a Roman shade having a retractable headrail and the shade cloth connected to and suspended from the headrail.

Abstract: Dewatered sludge or other biomaterials stored in the open in stockpiles may be protected using storage and dispensing apparatus comprising a roller and flexible sheet material providing a cover coiled onto the roller. Inclusion of integral ballast can prevent movement of the cover by wind. The roller comprises an inflatable chamber of flexible relatively inextensible material that when deflated permits said roller and said sheet material to be compacted lengthwise of said roller and when extended and inflated assumes a round profile permitting said coiled material to be dispensed by rolling over the stockpile. The above apparatus reduces or overcomes the problems created by excess rainfall e.g. slumping and run-off.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water field box 1 including a case 2 having a flexible hose 9 for connecting a soft duct 34 and a water field 33 inside, and a plate 12 for opening/closing the case 2; wherein the flexible hose 9 is coupled to the soft duct 34 protected by a flexible bellow pipe 8 through a socket 6 having different diameters at one end and also coupled to the water field 33 at the other end thereof, the opening/closing plate 12 has a frictional protrusion 19 and a repair hole 13, and a flange member 14 around outline of the hole to be opened/closed by an opening plate 21, the socket 22 having different diameters is for inserting and fitting a connection pipe 29 of the water field 33 and coupled to the opening plate 21 through a socket inserting port 23 and a threshold 24, both being formed on a part of the opening plate 21, and, at the same time, coupled and integrated with the flexible hose 9.

Abstract: A snow guard which attaches to the vertical leg of a formed metal roof seam utilizing the formed seam and a movable toggle lock to attach the snow guard without the use of penetrations or seam deformations. Roof accessories other than a snow guard can be connected to a raised roof seam using the disclosed movable toggle lock.

Abstract: The Invention is a device for preventing snow and ice from sliding off an inclined roof Essentially, it is an L-shaped bracket, the long axis of which is installed parallel to the inclined surface of a slanted roof. The shape and surface features of the device are adapted to retain snow, and ice formed when snow melts and refreezes.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching an accessory, such as a light, to a partition frame is disclosed. In one form, the adapter includes two opposed brackets. Each bracket has a base, a side wall extending downwardly from the base, a flange extending inwardly from the side wall, and a wall extending upwardly from the base. The brackets may be installed to the partition frame by inserting the flange of each bracket in a slot in the side of the partition frame. When the brackets are installed to the partition frame, a post structure including the upright walls is formed. The post structure is used for attaching the accessory. In another form, the adapter includes a post and a support member. The support member may mounted to the partition frame or to a mounting bracket attached to the partition frame. The post may be used for attaching the accessory.

Abstract: A flashing system including a pre-molded corner flashing member made from polymer material in a single continuous seamless piece. The flashing member has interior flashing portions that meet at an interior corner to conform with a corner of the rough opening, and a membrane flashing portion intersecting each of the interior flashing portions along separate exterior corners, the interior and exterior corners intersecting at a common point. The interior corner of the opening may be sealed by placing the molded corner flashing member in the corner and then running a strip of preferably pre-creased sealing tape or other sealing member along the periphery of the wall opening and overlapping a portion of the sealing member on both the interior flashing portion and the membrane flashing portion.

Abstract: An assembly and method of forming an arch or other structure having a curved profile including a template having a guide portion formed thereon which is substantially equal in dimension and configuration to the arch being formed. An arch pattern or one more pattern segments are dimensioned and otherwise structured to assume an operative position extending along the length of the guide portion and thereby conform to the configuration thereof as well as the arch or curved profile being formed. While in the operative position, the template and the arch pattern and/or pattern segment(s) are disposed in a location corresponding to the location of the intended curved profile and are secured to a supporting framework while maintaining the intended configuration of the curved profile. Once so positioned, the template may or may not be detached from the arch pattern and/or pattern segments.

Abstract: A pair of brackets are provided for supporting threaded rods alongside a foundation post on a footing block of a static structure, for example a residential deck. The brackets, which permit mounting of the threaded members alongside the post instead of beneath the post, permit the rods to be mounted to an existing structure without replacement of existing posts or footing blocks. Rotation of the threaded members acts to adjust longitudinal position of the members relative to the posts for effectively extending the length of the posts and adjusting the height thereof when levelling the structure.

Abstract: A disinfestation apparatus that treats an existing structure with heat and is designed to be portable is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is storm shutter apparatus for protecting building apertures such as door and window openings from hurricanes, wind-blown debris, gales, rain, and vandals using very low cost, low profile extrusion brackets designed specifically for installation during original building construction in combination with a variety of conventional manufactured windows, hinged doors or sliding glass doors in conventional building structures, and the use of those brackets with very low cost adjustable, lightweight isosceles trapezoidal corrugated panels. The first objective is to render building apertures compliant with the International Building Code (“I.B.C.”) even though they are constructed with conventional fenestration products unmodified for I.B.C. compliance. Another objective is to accomplish the foregoing without the expense of separate labor costs for the installation of hurricane shutters and without the expense of purchasing fenestration products modified for I.B.C. compliance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door having indexing ribs for aligning the door components during assembly. A peripheral door frame is provided having first and second stiles and first and second rails. The stiles and rails have opposing first and second sides. At least one channel is disposed in at least one of the sides. The channel has a base and angled sidewalls extending outwardly from the base to a corresponding side. The interior surfaces of first and second door facings are aligned with and secured to the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. At least one of the door facings has a ridge extending outwardly from its interior surface. The ridge is aligned with and received in the channel.

Abstract: A region in a metallic panel that facilitates the transmission of radio frequency signals. The metallic panel may be included in a window such as the window of a vehicle or building. For example, the metallic panel may be used for heating or to reflect infrared radiation. An aperture is formed in the metallic panel to enable radio frequency signals to be transmitted through the metallic panel. The design of the aperture may be selected to enable the transmission of the desired frequency band. Furthermore, the aperture is designed such that there is a taper in the transmission amplitude and/or the phase to suppress lobing effects on the other side of the aperture. In an embodiment in which the metallic panel is used to conduct electric current, the aperture may be oriented such that the current may flow between the openings of the aperture. Accordingly, there may be uniform heating across the metallic panel without blocking the transmission of radio frequency signals in the desired frequency band.

Abstract: A window material for a vehicle such as a window pane for a vehicle from which an identification marker cannot be easily removed is provided. The window pane for a vehicle is provided with an identification apparatus between a pair of panes. The identification apparatus is provided with an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving information and a storage means connected to the antenna and storing signals transmitted and received via the antenna. By using an IC chip to implement the storage means, storage of a large volume of data is enabled. Information stored in the window pane for a vehicle may include a serial number, time of production time and location of production. Since the window pane for a vehicle is provided with an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving information, the information is stored in the window pane for a vehicle by writing the information in the IC chip.

Abstract: A defrosting and heat-insulating device for a window includes a mounting plate part 12a defining a first opening 12ah peripherally with four sides of an arbitrary width, assuming a rectangular external shape identical in size with the external shape of a window glass G, and mounted in conjunction with the window glass G on the screen frame F of the glass screen S, a frame part 12c defining a second opening 12ch peripherally with four sides of an arbitrary width, disposed in a state laid peripherally on the mounting plate part 12a on the side thereof opposite the window glass G to protrude outward, and provided with a step 12ca disposed peripherally on the inner peripheral edge defining the second opening 12ch, and a plate body 21 mounted on the step 12ca and adapted to form an air layer a of a prescribed thickness between itself and the window glass G.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for increasing the opening size of a window, the apparatus including a window side frame having an aperture therethrough and a shim coupled to the window side frame, wherein a window pane unit may be moved to a fully open position without the locking mechanism impinging on a lower portion of the window upper sill as a result of the window pane unit being forced into a forward position by impingement upon the shim.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional, multi-layered, fire barriers for use in multi-dimensional architectural expansion joints may comprise a plurality of fire resistant material layers and the method for making such barriers is taught. The layers comprising the fire barriers may be connected together by stitching with high temperature thread, by stapling, by pins and bolts, by adhesive, or by any other bonding method. The fire barriers may be designed, for example, for use in a corner junction expansion joint, in a “T”-shaped expansion joint, or in a 4-way expansion joint, for example. A fire barrier may comprise: at least one protective and mechanically supporting layer; at least one insulating layer, and at least one layer of intumescent material, wherein the insulating layer is disposed between the mechanical support layer and the intumescent layer. The fire barriers may be provided completely ready to install or ready to assemble, as desired.

Abstract: A hospital layout comprising a plurality of adjacent OR/intervention rooms (46, 48) uniquely configured and equipped to perform surgical and other interventional procedures, with adjacent intubation rooms (52) configured and equipped to prepare patients for procedures to occur in the OR/intervention rooms and at least one extubation room (54) adjacent the OR/intervention rooms, configured and equipped to post-intervention awaken and extubate patients. A plurality of universal patient rooms (40) are located adjacent the OR/intervention rooms and universal patient rooms, and are configured and equipped to admit patients for surgery/intervention, prepare patients for surgery/intervention, allow patients to recover post-intervention, and discharge patients post-recovery.