Abstract: A sound device includes a sound module including a switch electrically connected to the sound module such that when the switch is “on” the sound module produces a sound and when the switch is “off” the sound module is silent. The sound device also includes apparatus for securing the sound module to a gift container or package, a switch actuator such as an elongated strip adapted to toggle the switch “off” to “on”, the elongated strip including an adhesive applied to a distal end of the elongated strip, and a housing that houses the sound module. The housing includes a slot through which the elongated strip extends such that the distal end of the elongated strip is disposed on the outside of the housing and a proximal end of the elongated strip, which is remote from the distal end, is disposed on the inside of the housing, and the elongated strip toggles the switch “off” to “on” by sliding out of the housing through the slot. Other configurations for toggling the switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motion displaying photo frame includes a frame with rear plate, an insertion groove, a lenticluar raster, a photo paper and a drive means having an eccentric wheel. An opening or notch is provided on the lower portion of the raster. The raster can be mounted in the frame through the inserting grooves and can be moved up and downward or left and rightward. The photo paper can be inserted into the frame through inserting grooves and located between the raster and the rear plate. The eccentric wheel can inserted into the opening or notch of the raster which can be moved up and downward or left and rightward through the actuation of the drive means. Because the photo paper can be kept close to the raster. The fine details of each of the two or more constituent images can be viewed with clarity as compared with conventional photo paper.

Abstract: A description of the method used to create miniature replicas of neon signs and sculptures. Electroluminescent (EL) wire is bent into shapes to replicate letters, numerals, arcs, polygons and other shapes as necessary to replicate actual articles at larger scales. Different colors of EL wire are used as necessary and soldered together at the ends to create multicolor signs and sculptures. A suitable alternating current power source is applied to the wire to cause it to glow or sparkle. When gaps are required in the glowing wire to replicate neon signs or to create artistic effects, dark opaque paint or other suitable material is used to coat the outer surface of the wire, therefore muting the glow in those areas.

Abstract: A real estate sign post is comprised of three principal components, namely a lower PVC tubular member vertically connected to a PVC cross tee and an upper PVC tubular member that is horizontally connected to said cross tee. Also attached to the horizontal PVC tubular member are a set of eyebolts and S-hooks to attach a hanging realtor sign. The third PVC tubular member is to be placed in the ground vertically and affixed to the lower end of the vertical tube member of the sign post to firmly support the sign post at the property.

Abstract: A medical information bracelet includes a one piece continuous member, the continuous member including an elastic, hypoallergenic material, wherein the bracelet further includes an individual's medical information affixed to the bracelet.

Abstract: A modular picture frame apparatus and kit incorporates a plurality of picture frames of differing sizes mounted on linear support members. Each picture frame has channels corresponding to the horizontal cross-section of the linear support members. Magnets or other attachment means are disposed in the channels or on the linear support members to hold the picture frames in a desired position on the linear support members. Linear support members may be mounted on a wall or other mounting surface. Other elements of the apparatus may include corkboard, whiteboard, chalkboard or mirror attached to the mounting surface.

Abstract: The fabric frame system is disclosed to use a minimum number of component parts in order to assemble many types of display systems. The parts are sized with very tight tolerances to form support for specially produced fabric panels.

Abstract: A gunshot detection system includes a firearm and a communication device. The firearm includes a transceiver circuit that detects the discharge of an ammunition round. Upon the discharge occurring, the transceiver circuit emits an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal is received by the communication device, which may be a cellular telephone or two-way radio. The communication device is equipped with a geographic location sensor, like a GPS receiver for example. Software within the communication device then causes an informational message that includes geographic information to be transmitted to a remote device. For instance, when a police officer discharges his firearm, an informational message stating “Officer 1234 has just fired 3 shots at the intersection of Cucumber and Vine—please respond” may be transmitted. The informational message may change as information like the geographic location change.

Abstract: A spear assembly for an underwater spear gun has an elongate shaft adapted to be fired from a spear gun and has a long axis, a forward portion, and a rearward portion. A tip member includes having front and rear portions with the tip member being removably attached to the forward portion of the shaft. An elongated flexible cable has a forward end attached to the tip member and a rearward portion attached to rearward portion of the shaft. A barb including a barb body is attached to the tip member adjacent the rear portion thereof and the barb has a rearwardly directed barb point. A rear cable restraint is used for impeding movement of the cable and the tip member until the spear is fired from a spear gun. Another restraint means is also used for releasably securing the forward end of the cable to the tip member at a medial portion thereof.

Abstract: A spear assembly for an underwater spear gun has an elongate shaft adapted to be fired from a spear gun and has a long axis, a forward portion, and a rearward portion. A tip member includes having front and rear portions with the tip member being removably attached to the forward portion of the shaft. An elongated cable has a forward end attached to the tip and a rearward portion attached to rearward portion of the shaft. Two barbs are included to improve operation of the spear. A rotatable rear cable restraint impedes movement of the cable and the tip member until the spear is fired from a spear gun. Another restraint means is also used for releasably securing the forward end of the cable to the tip member at a medial portion thereof. The assembly can also be used with pole spears and Hawaiian slings.

Abstract: The current invention is an automatic fishing device for setting the hook upon fish strike. It embodies a weight, a weight support, an anchor for weight support, a fish line, two line guides, and a fish line coupler with a clip for connecting the weight to the fish line. The weight has a groove for engage the fish line, an opening for engage and disengage it to and from the weight support, and an anchor for the fish line coupler. The weight can be either supported or fall, determined by the position of the opening relative to the weight support. Movement of fish line caused by fish strike rotates the initially supported weight to the fall. The falling weight will drag the fish line downward, effectively pulling the line and setting the hook.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprised of a bag formed of open mesh material closed at one end and open at the opposite end. Having a drawstring for drawing the open end closed. Thereby enclosing at least a portion of a fishhook placed within the bag, and a leader attached to the fishhook and extending through the open end drawstring portion of the bag. The bait may be placed on a fishhook and the bag then closed by the drawstring. The bait being readily visible, olfactory attractive to fish by reason of the open mesh characteristic of the bag, scent, or color of the bag, with a fishhook being readily able to penetrate the bag by reason of its open mesh characteristics for hooking a fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure for removal in part or in whole while a hook, fishing line, and leader assembly may remain intact. The lure includes a first member that is split into two or more parts with recessed areas that form an opening to receive the fishing line or leader when the first member is assembled. The first member may be assembled laterally around the line or leader, without threading the line or leader through the opening in the first member, eliminating the need to have a free end of line or to tie line to the lure. A second member may include a skirt collar and skirt or another type of lure part, or may be a sleeve. The second member may have a bore that allows axial passage of a hook, a slit that allows lateral passage of the line, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fishing lure system comprising a hard-body lure that exhibits lateral motion when pulled through water, a trailing lure, and a flexible linkage for translating the lateral motion of the hard-body lure to lateral motion of the trailing lure, the flexible linkage having a first end connected to the hard-body lure, and second end connected to the trailing lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure according to the present invention includes a flexible elongate body member, a cupped tail member attached to one end of the body member, and rib members connecting the body member to an inner surface of the cupped tail member. The cupped tail member is biased toward the concave configuration due to the presence of the rib members and the material used to construct the cupped tail member. The cupped tail member creates sound waves by moving between concave and convex configurations, and it also slows the fishing lure's movement through the water. Scent and color schemes are added to the fishing lure to attract fish and for identification purposes.

Abstract: A two dimensional fishing lure has a base material and is used to form two images of the lure which may be mirror images. A hook is placed between the images and the sandwich is then held together by an adhesive, stitching or mechanical means.

Abstract: An attachment device attachable to a string, rope, cord or other flexible line that remains in a fixed position on the line without knotting the line or clamping the device to the line. The attachment device is quickly attached and removed without the need for additional tools to attach or release the device from the line. The device includes a secondary attachment to allow a second device to be permanently attached to the attachment device, allowing the second device to be quickly attached and released from a line.

Abstract: A tool kit for fishing is a multi-compartment case for use by fishermen. The case has a separate compartment for each of a plurality of tools. For example, in one embodiment the tool kit includes one each of long nose pliers, bolt cutters, fish mouth spreaders, and scissors for removing hooks from a captured fish, although the number and type of tools may vary. Each tool is separately tethered to the case by a lanyard to prevent loss of the tool. In some embodiments, the case has floatation material to provide buoyancy in order to prevent loss of the entire case of tools. The case may have a single lid closing over all the separate compartments, or the lid may be divided into individual closures for each compartment, the latter providing separate, relatively watertight compartments to improve buoyancy when only one tool is being used.

Abstract: An animal trap (1) comprising a containment body (2) with at least two entrances, each entrance having a door (3) operable to close and contain an animal within the containment body, the entrances to the containment body being aligned so as to provide an animal to be trapped with a view through the containment body. There is also disclosed an animal trap system incorporating an animal trap having a transmitter unit (10) operable to transmit a first signal indicative of the presence of the trap.

Abstract: A disposable flying insect trap having an entry plate with a plastic bag affixed to the entry plate periphery and including entry plate port openings for receiving the insects. The entry plate is sealed by a lid which is removable for insertion of liquid therewithin. The lid is positionable from its sealed position to a second position spaced from the entry plate surface and defining a gap therebetween to enable the insects to fly into the bag interior, attracted by the bait within the bag. The lid is removable from the entry plate by a hang cord which, when pulled, dislodges the lid from the entry plate surface.

Abstract: Nitrogen dioxide is an effective insect attractant that can be employed in a variety of traps and forms, both alone and in combination with other attractants, and particularly is an effective attractant enhancer when used in combination with other attractants such as carbon dioxide, Octenol, heat, and/or light. In one embodiment, NO2 is produced by a device that generates the gas through electrical means, such as an ozone-generator device that employs an ozone-producing unit, contacting ozone produced in the unit with activated carbon, thereby producing an insect-attracting gas containing at least nitrogen dioxide that can be fed to an insect trap. The ozone generator may be employed alone or in combination with a supplemental source of CO2 or other attractant. In another embodiment, a mix of CO2, or other attractant, and NO2 from bottles is used in a trap designed for use with pressurized gas canisters.

Abstract: An apparatus for surfacing earthworms from an earthworm bearing soil is disclosed including a first member having a plurality of spaced apart notches and a second member, where a bottom end the of the first member is designed to be placed on a surface of site of the earthworm bearing soil and the second member is designed to be rubbed across the notched surface of the first member producing vibrations that surface earthworms. An electronic or electrical version of the apparatus is also disclosed along with methods for using the apparatuses to surface earthworm for harvesting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a candle which may contain fragrances to provide aromatherapy to a user while it bums, and which also liquefies when burning such that other ingredients contained in the candle, such as oils, can be poured or applied on the user's skin, to provide an enhanced appearance to the user's skin. The candle includes a soy wax candle body, and may include a combination of ingredients which provide fragrance, sheen and texture, color, and other properties which enhance the skin. The candle may be provided in a container which collects the liquefied candle.

Abstract: A novel method for producing fuel products from plant or animal lipids is provided. The carbon-carbon bonds in the molecules of plant or animal lipids are cracked into the molecules with smaller molecular weights. The mixed fuel is formed after chemical treatments. Then the mixed fuel (biopetroleum) is processed by a distillation process to produce fuel products according to their boiling points. The method is particularly advantageous to produce the energy source from agricultural products, which provides a solution for energy crisis with a significant potential.

Abstract: An adjustable plant cage comprises an elongate rod having opposite first and second ends. The first end is for insertion into a ground surface with the rod extending upwardly. A plurality of wheels are provided. Each wheel comprises a hub slidably received on the elongate rod, a ring, and spokes connecting the ring to the hub. A plurality of annular flexible support elements are each positioned at a select longitudinal position in the elongate rod to support an associated one of the wheels.

Abstract: A tomato stake is provided. The tomato stake includes an elongated insertion member having an insertion end and an exposed end having an outer diameter and an elongated tubular member having an inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter. The tubular member is disposed over the exposed end. The tubular member may optionally include a plurality of support pins extending therefrom. A method of installing the tomato stake is also provided.

Abstract: A bag for transporting potted plants, including: a base portion sized to accommodate the base of a potted plant; a sidewall portion attached to and extending from the periphery of the base portion a distance sufficient to accommodate the height of a pot of a potted plant; a closure portion extending from the sidewall portion remote from its attachment to the base portion the closure portion to a distal edge, the closure portion having: a draw-string in operative disposition within and extending from a drawstring pocket formed in a hem along the distal edge and being for closing the closure portion about the base or stem of a plant or plants which may be potted in a pot; an opening extending from its junction with the side wall portion; and wherein the closure portion is formed from a material of more flexible nature than the material from which the side wall portion is formed and the base portion is formed from a material of a more rigid nature than the material from which the side wall portion is formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid phase hydrogen-generating system utilizing a solid chemical hydride fuel selected from the group consisting of sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, magnesium hydride and calcium hydride, wherein the fuel is encapsulated in a plurality of removable capsules, the capsules being pumpable and having a major axis of up to 40 mm.

Abstract: A gate assembly for selectively opening and closing a passageway includes opposed sides defined by a pair of newel posts. The gate assembly includes a gate, first and second mounting assemblies and a pair of hinges. Each mounting assembly includes a mount face plate, a backing plate and a plurality of fasteners for mounting the face plate to one of the posts. The hinges define a hinge axis and couple the gate to the first mounting assembly face plate and permit pivotal movement of the gate about the hinge axis between first and second open positions and through a closed position through an arc of about 270°. The gate is substantially parallel to the face plate when in the closed position. A caster wheel is coupled with the bottom of the gate in order to facilitate pivotal movement of the gate and to inhibit undesired forces on the hinges.

Abstract: A shutter includes top and bottom frames as well as interconnecting perpendicular styles between which a plurality of louvers are pivotally mounted. Each louver has a first tap in its opposite ends for receipt of a pivot pin and a second tap in at least one end for receipt of a tilt pin for pivotal interconnection with a tilt bar. The tilt pins are positioned adjacent to one longitudinal edge of a louver whereby the tilt bar can be easily fastened thereto and positioned adjacent a longitudinal end of the louvers.

Abstract: A simplified pneumatic door control system provides door control operations for opening, closing, stopping and reversing a door. The door control system includes as control inputs a gas source, a pneumatic motor, a first pilot valve, and pressurized manual check valves. The pressurized manually opened check valve may be used to remotely activate the control system. The control system further includes a second pilot valve, limit triggers, and a braking system. A reversing function provides the ability to reverse the direction of the door should the door encounter an obstruction upon closing. A leading edge function further recognizes an obstruction and shifts the closing door into an open sequence. A second embodiment provides a hold to open control scheme, wherein the door travels only while a pressurized check valve is vented. Corresponding methods for controlling the door are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated gas strut actuator strut assembly particularly adapted for providing power actuation of a motor vehicle lift gate or other opening closure. The system integrates the function of a counterbalancing gas spring and that of a electrically powered actuator. The system incorporates a strut assembly including a gas charged cylinder, and internal plunger and a threaded rod. Rotation of the threaded rod through a cable drive system causes the internal plunger to be advanced or retracted within the cylinder. Another feature of the invention are various embodiments of couplers between the gas cylinder plunger and rod and connectors for the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a motor vehicle includes a closure member, a guide track and a carrier operably secured to the guide track for movement along the guide track and carrying the closure member therewith. A rack has a plurality of teeth and extends along the guide track. A pinion gear is carried by the carrier and has teeth engaging the rack. A motor is operably connected to the pinion gear to selectively move the closure member from one position to another. The carrier includes at least one engagement member biased into engagement with the guide track to prevent binding of the carrier with the guide track and to maintain contact between the pinion gear and the rack.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening and closing device includes a guide rail fixed to a vehicle body, a supporting member connected to the vehicle door, a first driven pulley, a second driven pulley, an idle pulley, a cable take-up pulley that is arranged between the idle pulley and the second driven pulley, a cable wound around the cable take-up pulley and made contact with the idle pulley, the first driven pulley, and the second driven pulley, and a pulley cover for guiding a first portion of the cable connected to the supporting member to be made contact with the idle pulley in such a manner that a vertical position of the first portion of the cable is different from that of a second portion of the cable in contact with the idle pulley.

Abstract: A modular door structure comprises modular components, made up of an outer frame which is mounted in the hole in the wall, a door frame affixed to the outer frame, so that it may swing open, a support frame for a translucent panel, affixed, so that it may swing open, to the door frame and a removable modular grating affixed to the door frame, all of the elements being replaceable.

Abstract: A door weather strip capable of surely closing a gap between a door of a motor vehicle and a door opening portion of a vehicle body while exhibiting excellent sealing properties with good appearance. The door weather strip includes a base portion for attachment to an outer periphery of the door, and a seal portion which is integrally formed with the base portion for contacting the door opening portion. The seal portion includes a main seal and a sub-seal which is provided on an outer side of the main seal. The sub-seal has a protrusion which protrudes from the base portion towards the door opening portion, and a tubular part having a generally triangular cross-section. One corner of the tubular part is integrally joined to the protrusion such that one wall which faces the one corner is located between the door and the door opening portion.

Abstract: A superabrasive fracture resistant compact is formed by depositing successive layers of ceramic throughout the network of open pores in a thermally stable self-bonded polycrystalline diamond or cubic boron nitride preform. The void volume in the preform is from approximately 2 to 10 percent of the volume of the preform, and the average pore size is below approximately 3000 nanometers. The preform is evacuated and infiltrated under at least about 1500 pounds per square inch pressure with a liquid pre-ceramic polymerizable precursor. The precursor is infiltrated into the preform at or below the boiling point of the precursor. The precursor is polymerized into a solid phase material. The excess is removed from the outside of the preform, and the polymer is pyrolized to form a ceramic. The process is repeated at least once more so as to achieve upwards of 90 percent filling of the original void volume.

Abstract: Polycrystalline grits and methods of making grits which allow for a high degree of shape and size distribution control, as well as improved abrasive performance are described and disclosed. In one aspect, an abrasive slurry can be formed into a plurality of abrasive precursors arranged on a substrate using screen-printing or other techniques. The abrasive slurry can include a binder and a plurality of abrasive particles. The abrasive precursors on the substrate can then be covered with a pressure medium and then subjected to pressure and temperature conditions sufficient to cause sintering of the abrasive particles to form polycrystalline grits. The polycrystalline grits produced by such methods can have a substantially uniform shape and size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for polishing and cleaning a wafer having CoFeNi structures within alumina fill to achieve corrosion-free, smooth, and planar surface. A preferred chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) method includes a CMP polishing compound including alumina abrasive particulates, 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a concentration working range of 4% to 12%. In a preferred embodiment the H2O2 concentration is approximately 6% and the pH is approximately 4.0 at polishing pressure 6 psi. A cleaning solution for CoFeNi structures in alumina fill of the present invention preferably includes 4-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole, 5-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole, hydrogenated 4-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole, hydrogenated 5-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole, sodium octanoate, and water.

Abstract: A modular riser base suitable for use in a lift pump station, a sump pump station, a drainage holding unit and the like. The riser base can include a top side with a substantially flat surface for supporting a pump. The modular riser base includes a bottom side having reinforcing support structure for strengthening the riser base. The modular riser base further includes a raised perimeter edge extending from a top surface of the top side. The edge forms a connecting member for interconnecting with a mating edge of an associated riser component. The height of the riser base is preferably less than the diameter of an inlet pipe delivering effluent to the station.

Abstract: An improved cable carrier chain arrangement (11) in ascending vertical position inserted in telescopic groups (12) with two or more sections that contains and guides flexible pipings or similar, in which it is foreseen that the cable carrier chain (11) has, at opposite ends, a first fixed point (13) , integral with a mobile section (14, 16, 17) of the telescopic group (12), and a second fixed point (18, 20), integral with a fixed section (15) or with at least one mobile section (17) of the telescopic group, characterised where in the arrangement a tensioning retaining element (21) of the cable carrier chain is foreseen acting on the chain itself in whatever position of the mobile section (14) of the telescopic group on which the first fixed point (13) is arranged.

Abstract: A single piece, plastic shim simplifies the process of shimming a fixture (such as a door) within a frame. The operation of the shim requires only that one piece of the shim be pulled so that the shim folds in on itself, filling the space between the frame and the fixture. Only a small portion of the shim extends beyond the frame, and needs to be cut. This arrangement avoids stress to the shim and the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an earthquake detection control system, comprising: a detection device, having a plurality of vibration sensors and a microprocessor, the detection device uses the ON/OFF states of the vibration sensors to detect the occurrence of earthquake and uses the microprocessor to calculate the number of the ON/OFF states so as to obtain vibration data; a central monitor computer 2 for receiving, analyzing and judging the vibration data and outputting an output signal representing earthquake intensity; and a control device 3 for generating a control signal according to the output signal so as to perform a predetermined control action.

Abstract: Garden window sub frame members for inclusion in a garden window frame assembly are disclosed. The garden window sub frame members include a section with sufficient width to at least partially cover an existing window frame in a replacement application, or pocket in masonry or other flush opening. The garden window sub frame members include provision for easily attaching a variety of interior trim sections to accommodate various finish applications. The garden window sub frame members include a channel shaped to accept a flange insert to allow multiple means of attaching the garden window to a structure. The flange insert includes an extension disposed perpendicular to the flange that may also be used to attach the frame member to the structure or provide an exterior finish, or both.

Abstract: A slab formwork system for casting ceilings has panel support beams underlying and supporting formwork panels; and shores supporting the panel support beams. The panel support beams have upwardly facing top surfaces with upwardly open, longitudinally extending recesses and resiliently deformable strips of elastomeric material extending along the recesses. The formwork panels having marginal edge undersurface portions mounted on the panel support surfaces and downwardly protruding panel retainer projections embedded in the resiliently deformable strips. The formwork panels each have a pair of parallel, elongate intermediate members extending between and interconnecting parallel elongate side members and a sheet of material supported on the side and intermediate members, and the side members have undersides formed with a longitudinally extending, downwardly open recesses.

Abstract: A construction unit suitable for making regular and irregular polyhedral structures is disclosed. Each unit comprises at least one sub-member, preferably three sub-members, attached to one another to form a polygonally-shaped construction unit. The construction unit comprises a plurality of means to attach to other connectively compatible units to form regular and irregular polyhedral structures.

Abstract: A brace assembly for truss legs of offshore structures is provided with a reinforcing sleeve mounted on the brace member in the portion of the brace member most prone to buckling under the force of horizontal moment acting on the brace member. The reinforcing sleeve surrounds the critical area of the brace member and provides additional load bearing capacity to the brace member. The reinforcing sleeve is made from a non-corrosive material having physical characteristics suitable to withstand the environmental forces in the location. The reinforcing sleeve may be installed at the shipyard when the offshore structure is manufactured or mounted on the existing rig by an easy retrofit not requiring towing of the offshore structure to the shipyard.

Abstract: A method of fixing support means disposed within an evacuated glass pane, said evacuated glass panel includes at least two planar glass sheets having any shape, and support means disposed therein, said fixing method including following steps: at first apply a solution layer on surface of planar glass sheet, on which the support means is disposed; secondly, place the support means on said solution layer; at last cover the upper surface of support means with a planar glass sheet, and heat said solution layer to dry, so as to fix said support means between planar glass sheets. The present invention by way of fixing the support means on surface of planar glass sheet through adhesion to reduce or entirely overcame the movement of support means between planar glass sheets, thereby increase the mechanical strength and improve the quality of evacuated glass panel.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sidings and methods for securing those sidings to structures are disclosed. Additionally, this disclosure teaches embodiments of sidings that can be secured to structures. For some embodiments, the siding comprises an insulation and a panel. The insulation and the panel are coupled to each other prior to installation of the siding. This coupling is achieved by non-adhesive coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: Machine for inflating and sealing a preconfigured cushioning material which is wound in a roll on a hollow cylindrical core and has superposed layers of plastic film sealed together to form rows of interconnected, inflatable cells, a longitudinally extending inflation channel near one edge of the material and inlet passageways interconnecting the inflation channel and the rows of cells.