Abstract: The present invention is directed to a picture frame holder which can accommodate a picture frame in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The picture frame holder of the present invention includes a base with a slot and a vertical support having outwardly extending appendages, each of which has both vertical and horizontal slots aligned with the slot in the base. The appendages are spaced at a distance apart from one another which is substantially equal to the smaller dimension of the frame which it is to accommodate. Thus, it is possible to slide a picture frame into the picture frame holder using the horizontal or vertical slots which will allow the picture frame to be oriented in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly incorporates at least one angled slotted shim tab and preferably a plurality of angled slotted shim tabs each movably mounted on a backing member of the picture frame assembly and with each shim tab cooperating with a shim tab receiving groove circumscribed, formed, or cast in a back picture opening rabbet return of an outer frame of the frame assembly to secure an artwork within the outer frame. In use, the angled slotted shim tab is pressured into close engagement with the shim tab receiving groove by an angled slot in the shim tab acting against outer portions of a threaded insert mounted transversely in the backing member near its outer edge and a capscrew that is threaded through the angled slot and tightened to secure the shim tab to the backing member.

Abstract: A firearm holding device for holding a firearm having a forend, a grip and a buttstock. The holding device comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, a forend support mounted on the base for supporting the forend of the firearm, a grip support mounted on the base for supporting the grip of the firearm, and a buttstock support mounted on the base for supporting the buttstock of the firearm. At least one of the forend support, grip support and buttstock support are moveable on the base along the longitudinal axis of the base to accommodate various sizes and types of firearms.

Abstract: A lens cover includes a cap adapted to be pivotably supported on an optical device. A stop may be positioned to interfere with spring-driven movement of the cap and to brake the cap at an intermediate position between closed and open positions thereof, and to allow the cap to be manually moved to the fully open position. An optional detent structure is disclosed for releasably retaining the cap in its open position. A mounting ring assembly of the lens cover may include a first threaded ring member for attachment to the optical device and a second ring member rotatably coupled to the first ring member for positioning a hinge that pivotably attaches the cap to the second ring member. Magnets may be included to retain the cap in the closed position. The mounting ring assembly, the cap, or both may be formed of a metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: A Waterfowl Decoy Artificial Waves and Ripples Skirt for simulating the movement of the water surface surrounding waterfowl and thus enhancing the realism of the existing waterfowl decoys. The preferred embodiment of the invention takes advantage of the existing waterfowl decoy through sizing and expected surface motion patterns. The skirt has an opening, which is fitted to various decoys, either attached or unattached. The static surface patterns attempt to match those waves and ripples, which would be produced naturally by the waterfowl being decoyed. This would include stationary waterfowl either alert, landing, sleeping, feeding, primping (cleaning themselves) or any other activity that would disturb the surface of the water in such a way as to create waves/ripples naturally.

Abstract: The present invention is a sensing alarm adapted to provide both (or either) visual and audible alarms to the operator upon the occurrence of an event. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a housing adapted to retain and store control electronics, an indicator on housing which is in electronic communication with the control electronics through a switch, a receiving bracket and a reciprocal contact bracket, at least both members being securely attached to a top portion of the housing and both members being in electrical communication with the control electronics so that when compression occurs between the brackets, an alarm event occurs. In another embodiment, the control electronics may further include a microprocessor in electrical communication with the switch, the microprocessor being adapted to transmit information with a remotely located computer.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder for use with a lawn chair or similar tubular structure that consists of two clamps attached to a horizontal bar that attaches to an arm or leg of the chair. This horizontal bar bends down at a 90-degree angle and is designed with a swivel joint and thumbscrew for adjusting and tightening this section at an angle. There is a 90 degree angle perpendicular to this and is angled back 25 degrees. The next section is angled forward horizontally and twisted with two ½? radii to support the handle of a fishing pole.

Abstract: A hook-less fly crafted on a core other than a hook is described for attachment to a line at a material distance from a distal circle hook. One or more fly(s) may be attached to a single line at a point above a single circle hook. The separation on the line of hook from fly requires only the fly to enter the fish's mouth. The hook, when a fish takes the fly, is externally located. Striking the rod in response to the fish taking the fly draws the line through the fish's mouth and engages the distally located circle hook into the outer jaw. Hook set offered by the method is diametrically opposed in direction compared to conventional fishing. The method prevents the hook from piercing internal organs and facilitates hook extraction. The method further overcomes the physical limitations imposed on circle hook use by conventional fishing methods. The method promotes the survival of fish following release. The design, construction and means of attachment for the hook-less fly is further described.

Abstract: The present invention is an attachable diving bill with a hook for use with an artificial lure. The diving bill includes an integrated hook, which is used to pierce the artificial lure and extend through lure, thereby providing an exposed curved end and barbed tip. The diving bill may include an eye and a weed guard. The diving bill may modify any lure to move through the water in a similar fashion as a crank bait.

Abstract: Another embodiment of the present invention describes a fishing hook having an eye for attaching a fishing line to, wherein the hook eye is configured with a cover, covering at least a portion of the eye, which cover is operable to protect a fishing line that is knotted thereupon from making direct contact with the surface of the hook eye. The cover can be a sleeve or a coating, and made of a compliant material such as plastic or rubber.

Abstract: A technique for releasing and/or absorbing-releasing scent, for an in-line, rotating fishing chum or fishing scent dispenser, the dispenser typically having front and rear fins is described. The technique enables the scent to be rapidly distributed to more readily attract fish, to the close proximity of the fisherman, and specifically to the baited hooks or the lure being used by the fisherman.

Abstract: A cage-type animal trap having a hand grip mounted on the roof that moves bi-directionally between a first position near the front end of the trap and a second position near the rear end of the trap. An actuating cable is secured to the door and to the hand grip so that when the hand grip is moved by the user from a first position with the door closed to a second position with the door opened the trap can be set by a latch mechanism which releasably holds the hand grip in its second position. A pedal mounted inside the trap is moved by the weight of an animal to activate a trigger rod which moves a latch to release the hand grip from the second position and close the door, thus trapping the animal inside the trap. A paddle mechanism maintains the hand grip in its first position, and a door lock at the bottom of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal.

Abstract: The objective is to capture raccoons and similar or smaller sized animals without harming them. It improves on current available live traps by having the trap door rest on a single piece of thread, and using this thread as a tripping mechanism, rather than a trap pan and it's related components. When the animal breaks the thread, the door is released. No other live trap uses this method.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for trapping mosquitoes. The device includes a housing, a bag and a fan located in the housing. The fan creates capture zone with an air flow towards the bag. A plurality of light sources attract mosquitoes to the capture zone. The light sources include an ultraviolet light, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and an incandescent light. A heat source also attracts the mosquitoes to the capture zone.

Abstract: Controlling the formation of crystalline hydrates in various fluid systems, most notably, gas and oil transmission pipeline systems by contacting the systems with certain polymers or polymers associated with solid particles. The polymers useful are chelating polymers capable of interacting with charged gaseous molecules such as carbon dioxide, by removing the carbon dioxide, or more practically by scavenging for the carbon dioxide, to prevent the methane or ethane hydrate structures from forming since they require carbon dioxide to stabilize their structures.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, an amine-based stabilizer, borax, and sodium hydroxide is disclosed. The composition is added to such fuel as coal, oil, and gas to facilitate combustion and remove impurities in a combustion apparatus, thereby improving thermal efficiency, and it reduces discharge of noxious gases such as SOx, NOx, and CO.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition includes a reaction product of a succinic acylating agent and a polyamine having at least one condensable primary amine group where the reaction product has a ratio of the imide to amide infrared carbonyl absorption peak areas of about 1:0.0-0.6 and a water content of about 0.3% or less by weight. The succinic acylating agent is prepared by thermal condensation of a highly reactive polyolefin with maleic anhydride or a reactive equivalent thereof. This fuel additive composition has a low chlorine content and is very effective in fuel compositions that include a normally liquid fuel in reducing deposits in the fuel intake system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the oxidation stability of biodiesel, which comprises adding a primary antioxidant having a melting point of less than or equal to 40° C. to the biodiesel to be stabilized in an amount of from 10 to 20 000 ppm (w/w), where the primary antioxidant comprises at least one compound having the structure where: R1, R2=hydrogen, a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms or where * is a carbon atom of the aromatic ring system, R3, R5=hydrogen, a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R4=hydrogen, a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, where both the substituents of the type R1 and R2 and those of the type R3 and R5 are in each case identical or different.

Abstract: A process for removing color bodies from hydrocarbon-based fuels, particularly gasoline, using an activated carbon is disclosed. Color bodies are removed from the fuel by contacting the fuel with such activated carbon having within this pore structure a fuel decolorizing amount of polymerized phosphoric acid or reduced transition metals. Phosphoric acid may be added to a non-phosphoric acid-activated carbon (such as steam activated coal-based) prior to the subsequent heat treatment or one can take advantage of residual phosphoric acid present in, for example, a phosphoric acid-activated wood-based carbon. Similarly, transition metals such as copper may be added to an activated carbon in a salt form in addition to whatever is already present therein as impurities.

Abstract: A planter's caddy that can be rotated and moved to different locations by way of five casters having dual wheels. The casters are mounted on an underside of the caddy which consists and is constructed as one unit. The unit has a circular top surface that is slanting downwardly toward its periphery. The top surface also has a multiple of upstanding ribs thereon. Each of the ribs has a top edge. All of the top edges form a planar surface that is oriented in a horizontal plane relative to the slanting top surface. The upstanding ribs are radiating outwardly from a center of the top surface toward a periphery of the top surface. At the periphery there is downwardly depending skirt.

Abstract: A storage platform for storing, watering and transporting plants, which is rectangular and has two mounting means on each of two parallel narrow sides for hanging them in frame struts, where each mounting means has an insertion end portion running along the respective narrow side and ending freely in the direction of a first long side; and a watering device with at least two storage platforms arranged one on top of the other, with four vertical frame struts disposed on narrow sides of the storage platforms and provided with support recesses.

Abstract: The objective is to produce height adjustable plant & floral supports that require no fasteners, do not harm the plant, appear to be a natural part of the plant, enhance the look of the plant and/or floral arrangement and are made of a plastic material which is resistant to weather, moisture, infestation and disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hydroponics plant growth in cylindrical pipe bodies or conduit units. This invention solves three current operating problems in these hydroponics units: (1) Easy observation of the nutrient level and root systems in the main reservoir, (2) Direct access to and cleaning of the unit interior without disturbing the ongoing operation of the system, and (3) A method to adjust the interior liquid nutrient level and/or drain the system contents. In the present embodiment, the main body of the hydroponics unit consists of a 6-inch diameter PVC pipe body (reservoir) with four growth sites. The pipe body is capped at one end with a 6 inch-diameter threaded female adapter with cleanout plug, and at the other end with a transparent Plexiglas window to permit observation of root growth and nutrient solution levels in the reservoir.

Abstract: A cachepot made of fabric that can be applied also to pots with associated pot saucers, comprising a tubular element made of elastic fabric in order to adapt to a shape of a pot or of a pot with pot saucer to which it can be applied, the tubular element having two end borders that are also elastic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: A security gate for controlling passage of personnel through an accessway to or from a controlled-access region, the security gate including: (a) a first support structure deployed on a first side of the accessway; (b) a second support structure deployed on a second side of the accessway opposite the first support structure; (c) for each of the first and second support structures, a first set of vertically-spaced elongated barrier elements extending from the support structure in a first barrier formation and a second set of vertically-spaced elongated barrier elements extending from the support structure in a second barrier formation; and (d) a mechanical actuator system deployed so as to synchronously move at least the first and second barrier formations of the first and second support structures such that: (i) the first and second barrier formations assume a first state in which the first barrier formations are spaced apart to allow entrance of a person into the gate from an entrance side while the elongate

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window, comprising a case (2) and a frame (4), swingably fastened in the case by a swinging arm assembly (3). The assembly has a base plate (5), fastened to a case side piece, one end of an upper swinging arm (6) being flexibly fastened at the top of the base plate and one end of a lower swinging arm (7) being fastened at the bottom of the base in a similar way. The other ends of the arms are flexibly fastened to the top of a frame plate (8), the lower end of which supports a swinging axle (9), to be inserted into the respective side piece of the frame. Releasable locking elements are mounted between the frame and the case as well as the assembly parts, which belong thereto, respectively for a swinging limitation of the frame in relation to the case, which limitation can be cancelled. According to the invention the blocking elements are mounted adjacent the swinging center of the frame, partly at the frame plate (8) and partly at the base plate (5).

Abstract: A glass run for use in a motor vehicle includes an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a bottom wall and has a generally U-shaped cross-section. An outer seal lip and an inner seal lip project from open ends of the outer side wall and the inner side wall into an interior of the glass run. The bottom wall has a shock absorbing lip which obliquely projects from one side end thereof into the interior of the glass run. And a depressed part is formed in an exterior surface of the bottom wall for defining a space with the door frame, and a cushioning member is secured in the depressed part of the bottom wall.

Abstract: An illuminating weatherseal can seal a gap between confronting surfaces and illuminate the adjacent environment. The illuminating weatherseal includes a light emitting line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light is emitted from the light emitting line along a path non coincident with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into the illuminating weatherseal for selectively actuating the light emitting line.

Abstract: A polishing composition contains sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silica and water. The effective chlorine concentration in the polishing composition is 0.5 to 2.5%, and the content of colloidal silica in the polishing composition is 1 to 13% by weight. The polishing composition can be preferably used in polishing germanium or silicon-germanium single crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a molding piece such as a piece of chair molding or crown molding against a wall surface at a prescribed distance from a floor surface. The apparatus includes an elongate body having opposing first and second ends and a head assembly coupled to the first end of the elongate body. The head assembly is configured to encapsulate and support a portion of the molding piece that is disposed adjacent the wall surface at a prescribed distance from said floor surface while the second end of the elongate body is disposed adjacent to the floor surface and the first end of the elongate body is disposed adjacent the wall surface. The apparatus thereby supports the encapsulated portion of the molding piece that is disposed adjacent the wall surface at said prescribed distance from said floor surface without further intervention.

Abstract: An insulation system of a building having a plurality of spaced-apart support members has a insulator with a plurality of ribs are formed thereon. A concave portion of each rib receives one of the support members. A panel covers and is secured to the support members. An exterior covering element is secured to an exterior side of the panel. A radiant heat barrier is bonded between the insulator and the panel. The insulator defines air ventilation channels between the foam insulator and the panel for venting air from building. An insulator assembly for a building has a sheet of foam insulation with a plurality of channels intermittently formed in the sheet of insulation. Each channel has a concave side and a convex side. The concave side is adapted to receive a support member of the building. A radiant heat barrier is bonded to a surface of the foam insulation.

Abstract: A low density concrete building panel and method of manufacturing is provided with one or more carbon fiber or steel reinforcements which may include window and door openings which can be easily transported and erected at a building site.

Abstract: An adaptor clip, for converting a standard tee grid ceiling to a snap-up panel system, comprising an injection-molded plastic body that includes gripping elements for engaging the tops of the flanges of the tee grid and support elements for mating with the upstanding peripheral flanges of the snap-up panels. The clip is arranged to be quickly and easily installed without tools by simply positioning it against the lower faces of intersecting tee grid members so that its center underlies the center of the intersection and rotating it about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A floor grate having two or more sets of rails with at least one set of rails including a textured portion on a top side of the rails. Additionally, at least one set of rails includes cutouts that are spaced apart and dimensioned to receive at least a part of each of the rails of the other set of rails. The twp or more sets of rails are coupled together by the cutouts.

Abstract: An architectural column includes a tubular column body having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end, at least one inner layer, at least one support layer and at least one outer layer, wherein the support layer includes a composite fabric having fibers and a bonding resin.

Abstract: Building means, having a main plate 1, a flexible sheet 2 attached thereto, a first bolt portion 4 extending outwards of the plate 1 and an opposite second bolt portion 5 extending outwards of the plate. The building means formed such that when it is in use a structural member can be fastened to the first bolt 4 portion while at the same time the plate 1 is arranged behind exterior cladding 8 of a building. A ledge 2a, after it has been bent into shape, extends to beyond the cladding so that rainwater contacting the first face of the plate portion can run down the first face and be guided by the ledge to a drain away position in front of the cladding.

Abstract: Various desiccant, vapor barrier and/or sealant components are provided for a multipane window unit sash assembly having an integral glazing pane mounting structure. The components have varying shapes and features, which may include glazing pane mounting surfaces, spacer functions, dual seal capabilities and muntin bar retaining functions. Various materials can be used to fabricate the components, including adhesive, sealant, sealant strip, tape, foam, resin, metallic or plastic materials, or combinations of such materials. The components may be preformed, extruded onto the sash, or otherwise applied. Automated assembly of the components to the sash is also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a mail-processing system is specified, which apparatus has an enclosure-collating path, which is intermittently driven at least in one end section, an adjoining inserting station for sets of enclosures and an envelope-filling table, which extends parallel to the enclosure-collating path and in front of the inserting station and over which envelopes pulled from a stack of envelopes are pulled by means of an envelope-gripper chain in front of the inserting station and held open there and, once filled with the sets of enclosures, are conveyed away by the gripper chain.

Abstract: A loading device for the wrapping material roll of a wrapping mechanism is provided. The wrapping material roll can be placed on a carrier of the loading device and moved into an operating condition, where it is held in position by means of a roller. The roller is brought into operating position by an activating device, as soon as the carrier is moved out of its loading position.

Abstract: An inflation apparatus automatically inflates and seals a plurality of pockets preformed in a film web to form packaging cushions. As the film web is advanced, a stream of inflation gas is directed from an inflation port into each of the pockets. The steam of inflation gas is directed in a flow direction having a component in the direction of travel. A sealing mechanism is positioned as close as possible to the inflation port so that the opening of each pocket is almost entirely closed and sealed while the stream of inflation gas is directed into the pocket. As a result, it is possible to achieve more fully inflated packaging cushions on a consistent basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object an also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by capturing the product in flexible packaging material. The packing apparatus includes a product detector for detecting the presence or absence of a product to be packaged. The detection of the product may cause the advancement of packaging material and the product through a nipping station to form a package. The failure to detect a product may cause the advancement of the packaging material to stop and conserve packaging material until a product is detected. The product detector may be a color sensor trained to detect a color of the first web, a luminescence sensor trained to detect a luminance of the first web, or a light-sensitive sensor trained to detect a difference in light passing through the first web. Also, a luminescence additive may be joined with the lower web to provide a distinct luminance.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an object, the apparatus having an adjustable infeed bed to center the object before a nipping operation. The packaging apparatus includes a pair of opposing rollers and an adjustable infeed bed. The pair of opposing rollers pushes together sheets of packaging material against each other and the object or product to be package. In order to accommodate objects of various heights, the infeed bed is adjustable so as to line up the center of the object to the center of the rollers. To determine the proper adjustment to the infeed bed, the packaging apparatus may also include a height detector for measuring a height dimension for an object.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving an end of a storage bag. The receptacle including a vacuum chamber for accepting an open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and rotatable relative thereto between a first operating position and a second storage position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A sanitary refuse collecting and packaging device having a housing unit that can be positioned on or over a waste basket. The housing unit can be configured to have a door and opening for permitting entry of refuse and can include a movement mechanism, material shaft rollers for dispensing replaceable collection pouch material, formation rollers, and a cutting unit. The movement mechanism drives the formation rollers causing the refuse to be enveloped and sealed in the collection pouch material. The cutting unit thereafter severs the sealed pouch, which passes through the housing unit into the waste basket.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine wherein the apparatuses and methods include a handle and a control device and can utilize first and second linking members. The control device is pivotably coupled to the handle, and includes a slidable control portion that is linearly translatable relative to the handle. The first linking member includes a first proximal section that is coupled to the control device, and a first distal section that is engagable with the machine. The first linking member is actuatable in response to pivoting of the control device. The second linking member includes a second proximal section coupled to the control device and a first distal section engagable with a transmission. The second linking member is actuatable in response to sliding of the slidable control portion. The control device can be pivoted between an ON state and an OFF state to implement operator presence control.