Abstract: A method and components for cultivation of plant materials. The components include enhanced berms, a confined irrigation/fertigation system, field and plant sensors, a plant support system, overcovering structure and a protective collar. Each of these components used singularly or in combination with each other enhances the growth and yield of plant material decreases the associated costs of cultivation, and decreases adverse environmental impacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating seeds, comprising the following steps: (a) a sterilization step wherein, for 0.1 to 60 seconds and at a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar absolute, the seeds are contacted with a condensing medium having a condensation temperature of 80-200 DEG C., wherein the medium condenses on the seeds and the temperature of the surface of the seeds is raised to 200 DEG C. at most; and (b) a cooling step wherein the sterilized seeds obtained in step (a) are cooled, wherein the temperature of the surface of the seeds is lowered, within 30 seconds at most, to 50 DEG C. at most, and wherein the conditions of steps (a) and (b) are set such that the germination capacity of the seeds is relatively preserved or increases. The invention further relates to seeds obtainable with the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant growing media, plant growing containers, such as blocks, bags and the like, systems comprising such media and/or containers and methods of cultivating plants using such media, containers and systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soilless media for growth of plants. The media comprises anaerobically digested fiber, which has had its pH adjusted by the addition of elemental sulfur. The pH-adjusted fiber has suitable physical properties, a suitable pH, and available manganese and iron for growth and maintenance of plants.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing plants (2) in a growth substrate comprising supplying water to the growth substrate into a first conduit (4) directly connected at one end (3) to the growth substrate and through the first conduit into a second conduit (5) connected to the other end of the first conduit characterised in that the second conduit is at least partially filled with air and the water is released from the first conduit into air space in the second conduit and in that the growth substrate is formed of organic polymeric foam. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and components for the hydroponic cultivation of plant materials. The components include confined containers, a confined irrigation/fertigation system, field and plant sensors, a plant support system, and an overcovering structure. Each of these components used singularly or in combination with each other enhances the growth and yield of plant material decreases the associated costs of cultivation, and decreases adverse environmental impacts.

Abstract: An airtight container for culturing flowers is provided with an easy-open lifting cover on the top. The airtight container is provided with a receiving body in the hollow interior. The receiving body is filled with dilatable articles (or water-absorbing articles), vermiculites (fertilizers), and a flower seed. An opening is formed at the bottom of the receiving body, and a bearing is provided beneath the receiving body. The bearing includes a support rod and a support tray, which is provided with holes. The vermiculites or ornamental articles are placed around the bearing.

Abstract: Raising pots for root crop seedlings which are produced by molding a mixture comprising unboiled bamboo fiber, a boiled fiber material of a grass plant, lespedeza, etc., a carbonized vegetable material having been carbonized by heating and urea optionally together with a silicon dioxde powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mat (10) that is used for a vegetation body, consisting of nonwoven materials, felt or of hygroscopic rock wool and configured to absorb and store water. Said mat (10) contains nutrients (12) for plants.

Abstract: A method of using a floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, or a floral grouping, the sleeve generally having a conical shape and having a bonding material disposed thereon for connecting the sleeve to a pot disposed within the sleeve or connected via a banding element to a pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A system for packing and planting young plants is provided. The system comprises young plants, such as tree seedlings, placed in a container wherein the container is later planted with the young plant. The containers protect the young plants from wildlife browsing. The containers are packed in packaging which may be adaptable for use in a planter bag.

Abstract: A method for packing and planting young plants is provided. The method comprises placing young plants, such as tree seedlings, in a container wherein the container is later planted with the young plant. The containers protect the young plants from wildlife browsing. The containers are packed in packaging which may be adaptable for use in a planter bag.

Abstract: A bottom watering-type cultivation device which supplies water from a refillable water vessel (20) provided at a lower portion of a flowerpot (1) to a plant in the flowerpot (1). The bottom watering-type plant cultivation device includes a flowerpot (1) having a bottom part projected upward at a predetermined section thereof to a predetermined height to define a nutrient solution feed space (3) under the bottom part of the flowerpot (1), a refillable water vessel (20) to contain a predetermined amount of water therein to supply the water into the flowerpot, a nutrient solution guide (30) removably installed in the nutrient solution feed space (3) of the flowerpot (1), a water absorbing unit (24) engaging with the nutrient solution guide (30), and a root intercept unit (12) to prevent roots of the plant from infiltrating into the nutrient solution feed space (3).

Abstract: A long-term water self-refilling plant pot is comprised of a hollow pot body, which includes a water-supplying section recessed from a top side of the pot body for accommodating a plant, a reservoir formed at the hollow space of the pot body for accommodating water, an infusion opening located on the pot body and running through the pot body for communication between the reservoir and outside, an infusion plug provided for sealing the infusion opening, at least one outfall running through an internal sidewall of the pot body for communication between the water-supplying section and the reservoir and having a diameter sufficiently large for preventing the liquid surface tension of water from sealing the outfall, and a regulating unit provided for controlling of sealing/unsealing the outfall. Thus, the plant pot can keep supplying the plant with adequate water without manual watering for a period of time.

Abstract: A planter for planting geophytes including a plurality of spaced apart holders, each of the holders being configured to receive a geophyte, whereby in use the geophytes may be placed in the holders and planted by burying the planter under soil.

Abstract: A plant container system that has sufficient stability to remain upright under strong winds. The system comprises a rigid spacer that defines a perimeter, a plurality of plant containers disposed about the perimeter of the rigid spacer, and a plurality of fasteners for firmly securing the rigid spacer to the rim region of each container, wherein each container has a rim region and is stabilized by the other containers; Accordingly, the spacer secures, couples or links a plurality of containers together in a configuration that stabilized all of the containers. The system is well adapted for use in pot-in-pot production of plants.

Abstract: A body (50) of a hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (10) configured to generate a reformed gas mainly containing hydrogen, a reforming material passage (1) configured to supply a reforming material, which is a material for a reforming reaction, to the reformer, a CO shifter (15) configured to convert CO contained in a reformed gas obtained from the reformer (10) into CO2, a reformed gas passage (2) configured to supply the reformed gas obtained from the reformer (10) to the CO shifter (15), and a passage (3) for the shifted gas obtained from the CO shifter (15). The shifted gas passage (3) and the reforming material passage (1) are adjacent to each other with a shared horizontal wall (31) interposed therebetween, and thereby, heat from the shifted gas and radiant heat from the downstream end face (15b) of the CO shifter are transferred to the reforming material that travels in the reforming material passage (1).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gasifying carbonaceous material, in which (a) product gas and ash, residual carbon a gasified tar compounds entrained therewith are discharged from a gasifying reactor to a product gas channel and cooled in a gas cooler, whereby tar compounds condense in a liquid state and tend to stick on heat surfaces; (b) solids containing ash particles and residual carbon separated from the gasification system, preferably from its product gas, are supplied to an ash reactor, in which the residual carbon reacts with oxygen and ash particles and exhaust gas is generated; and (c) ash particles are supplied to the gas cooler or upstream from the gas cooler, whereby the ash content entrained with the product gas increases and the sticking of condensing tar compounds on the heat surfaces decreases.

Abstract: A pause profile is stored in a memory. An ambient condition is determined. The pause profile is accessed in the memory and a pause time is determined based upon the measured ambient condition. A moveable barrier is caused to remain in an open position for the pause time that is obtained from the memory.

Abstract: An emergency release assembly for a door includes a latch mechanism to retain the door in a normally closed position yet releases to let the door move to an emergency open position. A release mechanism triggers the latch mechanism. The release mechanism has a reciprocating member that operates the latch mechanism. A push bar moves from an extended position through an intermediate position to a depressed position. A link member interconnects the push bar and the reciprocating member. When the push bar moves from the intermediate to the depressed position, it operates the reciprocating member to trigger the latch mechanism. A catch member operates to limit movement of the push bar between the intermediate and depressed positions but can be released to allow the push bar to move to the extended position. When the push bar is in the intermediate position, it is flush with the door muntin.

Abstract: A catch brake for a trunk lid of a motor vehicle is proposed, as well as a trunk lid opening system for slowing the opening movement of the trunk lid upon reaching its open position, a tubular hinge bail (3) of the trunk lid being braked in a substantially U-shaped receiver (4) by a clamping action and prevented from rebounding, the receiver (4) being provided with tapering lateral brake cheeks (5) with a continuous taper in the direction of the opening movement, so that a narrowing clamping receiver is formed.

Abstract: A window or door assembly having a secondary sash hinged to a prime sash and movable between a closed position and an open position toward an interior region. The prime sash is coupled to a frame. A compressible member biases the secondary sash toward the open position. A latch assembly is provided including a plurality of retractable latching elements each biased to an extended position to retain the secondary sash in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a sliding operator accessible from the interior region and slidable along an edge of the secondary sash to sequentially displace the retractable latching elements to a retracted position sufficient for the compressible member to move the secondary sash toward the open position. The present invention is also directed to a method of operating the latch assembly.

Abstract: When a slide door stops at an intermediate position over a protection action time start time (T?), an electric motor is operated in closing direction in low driving force mode. When the move speed (Vc) of the slide door is a movable speed (V?) or higher, the slide door is moved to its fully closed position by automatic closing action, and an electromagnetic clutch is disconnected. On the other hand, when the move speed (Vc) of the slide door is not made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher over a speed judgment time (Tj), the electric motor is operated in closing direction in the low driving force mode, and when the move speed (Vo) of the slide door is made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher, the slide door is automatically opened. Further, when the move speed (Vo) of the slide door is made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher for the speed judgment time (Tj), the electric motor is stopped, and the electromagnetic clutch is made into its disconnected status.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for an active/inactive door system wherein an inactive door lock prevents the locking of an active door lock unless the inactive door lock is first engaged in a locking position. The active door lock includes a dead bolt and a lever for extensible locking engagement with a strike plate on the inactive door. The inactive door lock includes an upper and lower shoot bolt lock, each shoot bolt include a spring lever. Each spring lever is selectably biased against a back side of the strike plate in a first or second detent. The first detent is positioned on the strike plate such that when the corresponding spring lever is biased against in the first detent against a back side of the strike plate the corresponding dead bolt or latch bolt cannot be extended into engagement with the strike plate in a locking position.

Abstract: An astragal boot is mounted onto a lower end of an astragal disposed on a free end of a semi-active door in a double-door set disposed over a threshold. The astragal boot includes a platform and a pair of lateral fins spaced from one another and being flexible and projecting downwardly from the platform to seal against the threshold. Primary fins are flexible and project downwardly from the platform a greater distance than the lateral fins and are joined to and extend between the lateral fins. The lateral fins are joined to the primary fins and hold the primary fins into sealing engagement with the threshold to prevent the penetration of water between the astragal boot and the threshold. The lateral fins hold the primary fins against the threshold because the primary fins are thinner thereby minimizing the effort required to close the semi-active door over the threshold.

Abstract: A sliding panel for use in an architectural opening is connected either at its top edge or bottom edge to a carrier that supports the panel with a magnetic system that includes a magnet and a ferrous member. The magnet is positioned on either the carrier or the panel and the ferrous member is on the other of the carrier or the panel with the magnet attracting the ferrous member to connect the panel to the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a double hung window assembly and methods of manufacturing the double hung window assembly. The window assembly includes upper and lower sash assemblies, opposing side jambs, and a pair of opposing jamb liners that each have a length generally equal to a length of the opposing side jambs. At least one jamb recess is located between sash tracks on each of the jamb liners. Each jamb recess retains a jamb filler having a length generally equal to the jamb liner length. Each jamb filler has outer and inner weather stripping recesses, and outer and inner weather stripping. The jamb filler may include a primary exposed surface that is substantially unobstructed by the inner and outer weather stripping. A portion of the outer and inner weather stripping may be compressively secured between the jamb filler and a portion of the jamb liner.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing system for opening and closing a window by automatically locking and unlocking a lock section of the window and by using a sensor, with a lock locking and unlocking mechanism for locking and unlocking a window of a building Apprising a stand fitted into a hole opened in one window frame, a lock section constituted by a lock body provided at this stand, a lock piece engaging with the lock section provided at the remaining frame, and a first controller for moving the lock piece, with the lock locking and unlocking mechanism actuated by operation of the first controller so as to lock and unlock the window, and the window opening and closing mechanism for opening and/or closing the window comprising a fitting lug body fitted to the frame, a stopping lug provided at the fitting lug body, a drive section such as a motor etc.

Abstract: A door threshold water return system, comprising: a lower sill; an upper sill; a rear wall; and a front wall forming a chamber, wherein at least one baffle is provided projecting into the chamber from the rear wall, a first gap is provided in proximity to the rear wall and between the upper sill and the rear wall, and a second gap is provided in proximity to the lower sill and between the lower sill and the front wall, whereby water introduced into the system through the first gap exits the system through the second gap.

Abstract: A window frame arrangement, such as for a window opening carried by a vehicle door, is described for use where a stiff window frame is provided with a smoothly radiussed region across a change in direction, such as a corner (14), of the opening. Two separate sealing and guiding strips made of flexible material, each defining a window-glass receiving channel, have respective mitre-cut ends joined together to form a sharp angle at the corner (14) which is outside the smoothly radiussed region of the frame there. One of the sealing and guiding strips comprises extruded material defining a channel (64) which embracingly grips a flange (58) forming part of the window frame. The flexible material defines a small lip (72) positioned for contacting the outside of the window glass (12), and is extended to provide a limb (74) carrying a larger lip (78) for contacting the inside surface of the window glass (12).

Abstract: A sealing strip which is arranged for mounting on a vehicle frame structure and which is intended to cooperate with a window pane which can be pivoted between an open and a closed position is characterized by a U-shaped basic body which consists of two L-shaped molded parts (1, 2) which are produced separately from each other, can be connected together and in the connected state form the basic body of the sealing strip, wherein at least one of the molded parts (1, 2) comprises a functional surface which is to be coated or is to be processed in another manner. The basic body has an elongated structure which surrounds a hollow space (26) and whose free ends are provided in each case with a sealing lip (11, 21) which is intended to lie against the pane during the pivoting movement of said pane which is introduced on the edge-side into the hollow space (26).

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for an easy installation storm door for installation in a home. The door system may include a door panel that is mounted onto two vertical z-bar frames such that the door system can be installed in a left hinge or right hinge format. The z-bar frames are precut at the factory to be shorter than a standard doorframe so that they do not have to be cut during installation. Also included in the system are top and bottom expanders that fit onto a top and bottom side of the door panel so as to selectively adjust the vertical height of the door panel. The top and bottom expanders further insure a reasonable air and moisture barrier between the interior and exterior of the home. The door system further includes a lock assembly that is pre-installed such that it can be utilized whether the door system is installed in a left hinge or right hinge format.

Abstract: A method of producing abrasive tools with abrasive particles consisting of Al2O3 has the steps of producing a mixture of initial components with particles of Al(OH)3, forming blanks of an abrasive tool from the mixture of the initial components with the particles of AL(OH)3, subsequently producing the abrasive tools with the abrasive particles of Al2O3 by subjecting the blanks to a heat treatment such that the particles of Al(OH)3 are converted into the abrasive particles of Al2O3 in the tools, wherein the forming includes rolling a sheet from the mixture of the initial components with the particles of Al(OH)3 before the heat treatment and conversion of the particles of Al(OH)3 the abrasive particles of Al2O3 which particles of Al(OH)3 are softer than the abrasive particles of Al2O3 and therefore do not damage a rolling equipment, and thereafter separating the blanks of the abrasive tools from the sheet for the subjecting to the heat treatment.

Abstract: The production method for cerium oxide particles of the present invention is a method of producing a cerium oxide particle by heating a cerium compound from a normal temperature to a temperature range of 400° C. to 1200° C., and comprises at least a temperature raising stage of a temperature rise speed of 2° C./hour to 60° C./hour, or proceeds via a stage of heating while supplying a humidified gas in a temperature raising process. By the method of the present invention, a cerium oxide powder whose particle diameter distribution of primary particles is narrow can be obtained. An aqueous cerium oxide slurry produced from the powder enables an improvement in the productivity and a reduction in the cost of a polishing step, because if it is used as an abrasive a high-quality polished face is obtained without deteriorating the polishing speed. The aqueous cerium oxide slurry of the present invention is particularly useful as an abrasive for final finish of a substrate whose main component is silica.

Abstract: This invention provides flame-generated fine silica particles having an average particle size of 0.05 to 1 ?m, wherein a fractal structure parameter ?1 at length scales ranging from 50 nm to 150 nm and a fractal structure parameter ?2 at length scales ranging from 150 nm to 353 nm satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2): ?0.0068S+2.548??1??0.0068S+3.748??(1) ?0.0011S+1.158??2??0.0011S+2.058??(2) wherein S is a BET specific surface area (m2/g) of the fine silica particles, in the measurement of small-angle X-ray scattering. When used as a filler for a semiconductor-encapsulation resin or when used as a filler for a polishing agent or for a coating layer for ink jet papers, the fine silica particles are available at high content without substantial enhancement of the viscosity. Besides, when used as a filler for the resin, the fine silica particles improve the strength of the molding compound.

Abstract: A system is provided herein for supporting a lid for a pool cover box that includes (a) an elongated mounting element extending along substantially at least one wall of the pool cover box, and (b) a plurality of bracket assemblies, each adapted for connecting to the mounting element at multiple positions along the mounting element to support the lid.

Abstract: A protective cover 98 is stored adjacent a right side wall 48 of a structure 42 for use in protecting the structure during adverse weather conditions. A cable 74 is attached to a bar 102 at a leading portion of the cover 98. The cable 74 extends over a roof 52 of the structure 42, and is attached to a reel 64 adjacent a left side wall 50. Lift arms 208 and 208a are located adjacent a front and rear wall, respectively, for pivoting movement about intermediate sections of the front and rear walls. The lift arms 208 and 208a are coupled to the bar 102. As the reel 64 is operated, the cover 98 is pulled toward the structure 42, and the lift arms 208 and 208a raise the cover above the structure.

Abstract: A versatile modular theatre system for providing large-scale entertainment or for use in the home. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides families and consumers with an alternative to conventional home theatre entertainment systems and commercial and educational presentation systems. The present invention provides a multipurpose, multi-venue, modular set and stage that seeks a full-sensory approach to entertaining, educating, informing, and uplifting audiences. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one of a modular set, a stage, a control room, a green room, a storage space, an audience area, and one or more accessories. Preferably, one or more of the rooms are configured to be customizable and/or removably attachable to the set and/or stage. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a commercial presentation theatre system comprising modular components.

Abstract: A wall panel 100 has an elongate hollow body portion 102 having a storage cavity 103 provided therein for retaining water. The body portion 102 has a rectangular cross-section defined by an inner wall 104 and an outer wall 106 held in spaced apart relation by two side walls 108a and 108b. Each side wall 108 is adapted to be joined to the side wall 108 of an adjacent wall panel 100? so as to form a wall tank 110 for a building. Each wall panel 100 thus forms a structural component of the wall 110, which is sufficiently strong to support a roof structure 112 thereon. The side walls 108 are provided with an opening 120 therein, adapted to align with a matching opening 120? in the side wall 108? of an adjacent wall panel 100?, to permit the communication of water from the cavity 103 in one wall panel to the cavity 103? in the adjacent wall panel. The storage cavity 103 is bounded at the top by a lid 132 and at the bottom by a base tray 130.

Abstract: A gutter assembly and method for making same are provided. The gutter assembly includes an inner channel for directing flow of water and debris; and an outer channel for supporting the inner channel, wherein the inner channel is disposed within the outer channel at a predetermined angle. The gutter assembly of the present disclosure facilitates the removal of water and debris from the roof of a building structure while protecting the structure and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A double-layer fireproof curtain apparatus includes a storing mechanism consisted of a frame and a first and a second activating units installed on both sides of the frame; two fireproof curtains installed separately on the first and second activating units, so that an air gap is formed when the two fireproof curtains are descended; at least one sensing unit electrically connected with the first and second activating units; and at least one control unit electrically connected with the first and second activating units. With the foregoing structure, the air gap can be used to achieve the effect of insulating heat, blocking fire, and resisting smoke in a fire accident, and comply with the regulation of fire control equipments.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanism for securing together room sized modular building units in the construction of a building. The mechanism comprises mutually aligned detent means on the facing outside walls of each pair of adjacent modular building units, link means to be lowered between two adjacent but mutually spaced modular building units in the final building for engaging with the mutually aligned detent means to lock them together in the vertical direction, and resilient means permitting the link means to engage the detent means but preventing movement in the return direction. By lowering the link means into the gap between adjacent modules and linking together the modules at a number of spaced points around their entire peripheries, the modules can be connected together along all edges in the vertical and horizontal planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special urban transformation center comprising a concrete support body (1) on which a cabinet made of sheet metal and vinyl ester (2) is placed and eyebolts (4) for placement thereof, which are located in the upper part. The plates (15) have locating elements for the low voltage and remote control panels. A base is also provided for leveling the steel outer structure. It also comprises an internal/external skeleton reinforced with crossbeams and four columns (20). The invention also has a polyester closing cover (6).

Abstract: A tile roof batten system that offers complete channeling and draining of water from around the batten itself and provides additional ventilation passages to ensure complete drying of the roof surface is disclosed.

Abstract: A hold down device used to hold down a tarp placed over an object or placed over a sloped surface. The device comprises a flexible elongated body capable of being rolled into a compact roll during storage and then unrolled for use. The body includes a bladder designed to be filled with fluid material, such as water or sand. Formed on the bladder is at least one port opening and a removable cap that allows the user to selectively fill the bladder with fluid material to provide weight used to hold-down the edge of the tarp. Located along the top edge of the body is a plurality of grommets. Extending through the grommets are adjustable clips that enable the body to be selectively attached to the lower edge of a tarp or stakes that allow the device to hold down a tarp placed over a sloped surface.

Abstract: A load-limiting device for using in a braced frame structure is provided. The load-limiting device may be placed in a braced frame and connected to the braces of the braced frame. The load-limiting device is able to limit the lateral loads induced in the structure during a dynamic event by plastic and ductile deformation. The load-limiting device, by limiting the dynamic loads in the braced frame, may protect other less ductile areas of the structure from the loads that might lead to extensive damage, member failure and/or structural collapse. The load-limiting device is positioned within a braced frame structure and may be easily removed after it has undergone plastic deformation and replaced with an undeformed load-limiting device. The load-limiting device exhibits elastic strength to survive, without deformation, minor load scenarios. The device is suitable for retrofitting in existing structures that are susceptible to dynamic activity and that have inadequate dynamic loading capacity.

Abstract: Stair nosing profile. Stair nosing profile, of the type intended for forming an edge at a covering for a stair (8), more particular a covering formed of panels (2-2A-2B), in particular floor panels, which, at least at one side, are provided with coupling means (3), characterized in that the stair nosing profile (1) is composed of at least two components, a first component (4) forming at least a portion of the nosing (6) of the stair nosing profile (1) and extending, away from the nosing (6) of the stair nosing profile (1), towards the rear with a portion (7) intended for being applied on top of the stair (8), and a second portion (5) forming a substructure for the first component (4), respectively, whereby the stair nosing profile (1), in the proximity of its rearmost extremity (9), is provided with coupling means (10) intended to cooperate with the coupling means (3) of the panels (2), and whereby these coupling means (10) are realized at least partially in the second component (5).

Abstract: A riser is formed by a structural sandwich plate member in the run or tread portion but a simple steel plate in the rise portion. This riser is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than risers in which both the run and tread are formed by structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stairway system comprising: a plurality of spaced apart treads; a handrail above said treads comprising: a) at least two segments; b) a hidden fastener joining said segments, said hidden fastener having an axis; and at least one baluster between said treads and said handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the handrail further comprises a structure for preventing rotation about said axis of said hidden fastener of one of said segments with respect to another of said segments. Also in the preferred embodiment, the stairway system comprises a lateral support for supporting the handrail. A system for and method of joining a handrail having at least two segments is also disclosed.