Abstract: A visor sign is disclosed having a sign with a hole and an elastic band secured to the sign through the hole. The elastic band is selected to have a length and elasticity sized for retaining the sign in a secured position on visors of vehicles, unless the driver or an occupant moves the sign to a raised storage position or a lowered display position. The sign may provide a space for writing user information or may be a permit, such as a permit for parking.

Abstract: A improved display board including folding portions with multiple regions for attaching and storing stationary and other items, the folding portions being multi-sided overlapping display areas for retaining various articles.

Abstract: A Luggage Tampering Detection System to detect unauthorized opening of airline passenger's checked luggage. This system's Tamper Detection Kit consists of specially made Security Labels and paper wrapped metal twist ties which would enable a passenger to seal both hard-sided and soft-sided luggage. Soft-sided luggage zippers would be tied together using the twist ties and the Security Labels would be signed by the passenger and then affixed to the twisted twist ties. On hard-sided luggage the signed Security Labels would be affixed over the bags openings and its latches or locks.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pistol-shaped Taser™-type weapon wherein the cartridge containing a pair of the wire-tethered darts is loaded into the cartridge receiving chamber from beneath the weapon, that is, in an upward movement of the cartridge with the weapon pointed toward the target. This type of loading is referred to herein as a “bottom loading” mechanism or system. The bottom loading mechanism of the present invention has significant advantages over conventional cartridge loading designs. One advantage is reduced reload time.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for an electrical discharge weapon having at least one dart positioned within a dart chamber in the housing. The cartridge has at least one adjustable barrel for selection between close and extended ranges and a joint and port for adjusting pressure in the barrel. In another form the cartridge has two fixed barrels and a retractable deflection ramp for selection between close and extended ranges.

Abstract: A weapon sight can be mounted on a weapon. According to still another aspect of the invention, the sight takes a selected action if it detects the presence of a selected color within radiation originating externally of the sight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for catching shrimp that minimizes bycatch. The system implements a guiding light feature that directs fish to an escape opening strategically placed in the net.

Abstract: A leader for use in fly fishing is disclosed. The leader is connected between a fly line and a tippet section. In one embodiment, the leader includes a first section of wire connected to the fly line and a second section of polymeric monofilament. The section of wire can be a shape memory alloy or a superelastic alloy. Nitinol is a preferred alloy for use in the wire section of the leader. The section of wire is attached to the second section of polymeric monofilament. One of more sections of wire can be used in the leader. Each of the sections of wire can be tapered. Additionally, one or more sections of polymeric monofilament can be used in the leader. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single section or multiple sections of wire, preferably shape memory alloy wire or superelastic alloy wire, can be used. The wire leader is able to store mechanical energy generated by the cast allowing the leader to function as intended with greater frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved insect trap which attracts insects via light. The insect trap consists of a web having opposite first and second sides with an adhesive portion formed on the first side. The adhesive portion has a luminescent portion for attracting insects towards the adhesive portion. An adhesive pad is formed on the second side of the web for attaching the trap to walls, windows and the like. The trap further includes a cover releasably attached to the first side of the web, the cover being dimensioned and configured to cover over the adhesive portion. The adhesive portion may take the form of a pair of elongated adhesive strips arranged on the first side of the web and the luminescent portion may take the form of an elongated luminescent strip interposed between the adhesive strips. The cover may take the form of a dome which is dimensioned and configured to cover over the adhesive strips without touching the adhesive strips.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing low sulfur and high Cetane Number petroleum fuel, the process comprises providing fuel, adding acid source, aluminum, base source, heating the mixture, separating fuel from water, and adding at least one additive in order to raise the Cetane Number.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the freezing point of unleaded aminated aviation gasoline to ?58° C. or lower by the addition of tert-amylphenylamine.

Abstract: A process for the production of biodiesel is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the process is based on the production of biodiesel using refinery soapstock where the process is performed in an alcoholic medium resulting in the insolubility of certain byproducts. Other valuable products can also be obtained from the process.

Abstract: A hand-operable device of mounting an anchoring pin and inserting the pin into the ground includes a hand-graspable elongate handle having an upper under and a lower end and a magnetic puck assembly fixed to the handle lower end for picking up an anchoring pin and maintaining in an insertion position until the pin is inserted into the ground.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing a vase to hold a flower arrangement which is comprised of a waterproof net covering the top opening of the vessel; an elastomic sleeve which is a means to temporarily shape and hold the netting in place; and a strip of floral adhesive which is a means to secure the netting to the outside rim of the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing plants and/or plant parts with an identification label, comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a product, comprising one or more types of tracer molecules, preferably fluorescent tracer molecules, and allowing the plant or plant part to take up the tracer molecules either inside the plant or plant parts or on the surface thereof. The invention further relates to products for use in the method and plant and plant parts treated with the method and to methods for identifying plants or plant parts carrying an identification label.

Abstract: A tree root ball wrapping apparatus (100) includes a circular platform (109, 113) for supporting a separable, open-frame, root-containment structure (103, 105, 107) having an inverted conical shape. A group of pivot joints (201, 203, 205, 207) are located at an upper section of the root-containment structure for separating the root-containment structure into half sections. In practice, the group of pivot joints can be opened during tree transplantation for providing removal of a root ball from the wrapping apparatus by opening the sections at the group of pivot joints for easily facilitating removal of the wrapping apparatus (100) from within a transplantation hole.

Abstract: In a fuel reforming system (32) of a fuel cell system (1), which includes a reformer (7) generating hydrogen-containing gas to be an electromotive fuel and a combustor (6) generating combustion gas, the combustor (6) has two combustion parts including a main combustion part (20) and a sub-combustion part (18), a fuel pre-vaporization part (19) between the two combustion parts and a main fuel injection valve (16) and a sub-fuel injection valve (15) which supply the fuel to the respective combustion parts.

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell system including a plate-type reactor body which has a cavity for a catalyst layer. The reactor body includes a plurality of plates which are separately formed, a bonding portion which is formed between the plates and fixes the plates to one another, an aperture for catalyst insertion, and a finishing unit which seals the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in producing high-pressure hydrogen from natural gas, methanol, ethanol, or other fossil fuel-derived and renewable hydrocarbon resources. The process can produce hydrogen at pressure ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) high pressure water (12, 18), and an appropriate catalyst. Following making and heating in preheater (14), the catalyst reacts with the hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) and high pressure water (12, 18) in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions. Reformate products exit reformer (200) and flow into condenser (22), in which water and a portion of the carbon dioxide product are condensed.

Abstract: Relates to a process and apparatus that improves the hydrogen production efficiency for small scale hydrogen production. According to one aspect, the process provides heat exchangers that are thermally integrated with the reaction steps such that heat generated by exothermic reactions, combustion and water gas shift, are arranged closely to the endothermic reaction, steam reformation, and heat sinks, cool natural gas, water and air, to minimize heat loss and maximize heat recovery. Effectively, this thermally integrated process eliminates excess piping throughout, reducing initial capital cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring at least two system parameters (such as system temperature or pressure, or system pressure at two different locations) of a hydrogen generation system and controlling hydrogen generation from a fuel solution. The system comprises a hydrogen generator having a fuel chamber for a liquid fuel, a reactor chamber where the fuel undergoes a reaction to produce hydrogen, and at least two sensors in communication with the reactor chamber, the sensors measuring at least two system parameters of the hydrogen generator. The methods include control sequences for controlling the fuel flow rate to the reactor based on the sensed parameters.

Abstract: A rotating barrier for a gateway (6) having a shaft (4) mounted on a carrier (1, 8), said shaft having fastened thereto at least one blocking arm (5, 5a) which extends across the gateway in the blocking position, has a sensor (12) which detects a force (F) exerted on the blocking arm (5) in the blocking position and actuates a safety device when a given force is exceeded.

Abstract: A pass-through system (110) which is arranged between at least one freely accessible area (100) and at least one area which is only accessible to authorized people comprises: a pass-through (5) area which is marked on the floor and/or defined by mobile blocking devices (13); at least one image capturing device (7); at least one image processing device (8) and at least one alarm triggering device (9). At least one specific signal can be transmitted to the alarm triggering device (9) by the image processing device (8) when at least one person respects or violates the rules which govern access, passage or exit from the pass-through system (110) or if objects have been left behind in the pass-through system (110).

Abstract: A rotatable window pane assembly and method of repositioning the same is disclosed in which the window pane assembly comprising a frame and at least one window pane is rotatably supported in a fixed frame from a first position, such that the at least one window pane is parallel to an aperture defined by the fixed frame, to a second position, such that the at least one window pane is parallel to the aperture defined by the frame and a second surface of the at least one window pane faces the outside, or from a second to first position. A seal assembly comprising a seal frame and at least one pliable seal carried is located on the inside with respect to the fixed frame and is pivotally displaceable independently of the position of the window pane assembly, from a closed position in which the seal frame is parallel and adjacent to the aperture defined by the interior surface of the fixed frame to an open position in which the seal frame is spaced from and at an angle to the aperture.

Abstract: A dual function lock, a tilt latch assembly, and tilt latch for use on a hung or double hung window are provided. The lock includes a base, a handle, and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. The tilt latch assembly includes a lock, left and right latches, and an extensible member. The tilt latch actuating mechanism is adapted to receive the extensible member and has a null zone between locked and unlocked positions of the handle. In the null zone, no substantial movement of the extensible member as the handle is rotated from the locked to unlocked positions. The tilt latch actuating mechanism causes the extensible member to move in a direction toward the lock as the handle is rotated from the unlocked position to a tilt position.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor control system includes a pilot valve in communication between a pneumatic gas source and a pneumatic motor and a pressurized check valve in communication with the pilot valve. The pilot valve normally rests in a neutral position that does not allow the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source to the pneumatic motor. However, venting of the pressurized check valve shifts the pilot valve to a first position. In the first position, the pilot valve allows the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source through the first pilot valve and to the pneumatic motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pivoting sliding door for vehicles, comprising a door wing (3), drive devices (2), transversal guiding devices (4, 5), and longitudinal guiding devices (7), which enable the at least one door wing (3) to move transversal to the vehicle wall and along the vehicle wall. The longitudinal guiding devices move in a transverse direction by means of the transversal guiding devices. When closed, the door is locked by a pivot part (10), which engages inside a guide (12) whereby preventing the door from being unintentionally opened. The invention is characterized in that the pivot part (10) has a guide part (11) that interacts with a guide (12) and that the guide, in the area in which the pivot part (10) interacts with the guide when the door is closed, has a circular arc section (12b) around the actual position of the rotation axis (9) of the pivot part (10).

Abstract: Sliding doors, e.g., for pieces of furniture, particularly of the kind with two shutters and reduced height, having coplanar closing and opening by overlapping of the shutters. Support and translation of each shutter is provided by a respective clamp placed on the edge of the outer side, the clamp being linked to a pair of little carriages that can slide transversally with respect to the same shutter, because they are supported and guided by a respective carriage, which in turn can slide longitudinally along the edge of an opening, the respective carriage being led by a rail and control tracks, and engaged by a loose roller that constrains the respective carriage into a couple of longitudinal cams or grooves.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle door, comprising: a motor having a driving member; a housing having a shaft rotatably received therein; an input member being rotatably received upon the shaft, the input member being operatively associated with the driving member, wherein rotation of the driving member causes rotation of the input member; an armature mounted on the input member; a rotor fixedly secured to the shaft, the rotor being cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of teeth positioned along the periphery of the rotor, the teeth being positioned in an equidistant manner; a coil mounted to the housing, the coil providing magnetic flux lines through the rotor to attract the armature when the coil is energized; and an inductance sensor assembly mounted to the housing in a facing spaced relationship with respect to the plurality of teeth of the rotor, wherein rotational speed and direction of the rotor is detected by the inductance sensor assembly.

Abstract: A rail car door opening sealing mechanism for use on rail cars having a main door and an auxiliary door which come together in an aligned abutting relationship to close the door opening. The door opening sealing mechanism has compressible elongated tubular gaskets of resilient composition installed on the remote vertical edges of the main and auxiliary doors and a tubular gasket of similar material installed on the converging edge of one of the doors which gaskets are compressed when the doors are closed. Brush seals are positioned above and below the door opening to provide weather resistant seals when the main and auxiliary doors are closed.

Abstract: A retainer for aircraft hangar doors in which vertical movement of doors is adjustably limited to allow sufficient movement to permit door removal from their supporting tracks or to prevent such undesirable displacement during high wind conditions as experienced during hurricanes and tornadoes or violent earth motions during earthquakes. The retainer in its retaining position does not obstruct normal opening and closing of the doors and is economical to manufacture and install.

Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted to be pivotably connected to a support structure. The window assembly includes a windowpane having an inner surface and a hinge adjacent the inner surface. The hinge includes a spherical-shaped ball member having a stud extending therefrom and polymeric member secured to the inner surface of the windowpane and at least partially forming a generally spherical shaped cavity receiving the ball member. The polymeric member at least partially encapsulates or surrounds the ball member such that the windowpane is pivotable about the ball member as the polymeric member moves about the ball member.

Abstract: A tilt-latch structure or assembly (10) is used in a window assembly (11). The window assembly (11) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14) between a pair of guide rails (16), each guide rail (16) forming a shoe channel (17). A block and tackle balance assembly (70) is mounted in the shoe channel (17). The block and tackle balance assembly (70) includes a retainer (41) affixed thereto. The retainer (41) includes a projection (102). A tilt-latch (40) having a housing (42) is supported by the sash window (12) and includes an outward end opening (53). The tilt-latch (40) also includes a latch bolt (46) slidably retained within the housing (42) and having a distal end (60). The latch bolt (46) is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. The distal end (60) has an aperture (62). When the sash window (12) is in a closed position, the aperture (62) of the latch bolt (46) receives the projection (102) of the retainer (41).

Abstract: A window balance system includes a tilt lock carrier connected to a balance for a tilt sash so that the carrier and other components of the balance can be inserted laterally through a slot in a front wall of a balance channel, rather than requiring assembly length wise from an open end of the channel. The preferred way of accomplishing this is by configuring the carrier in a channel shape with spaced apart side walls bearing locking elements and a pivot allowing the carrier to be folded up to straddle a connector or balance in a compact configuration that is laterally insertable.

Abstract: A door system for resisting severe inclement weather conditions designed to open into a building, includes a rectangular door frame having an aperture with a door hingedly mounted on said frame to swing to open such aperture in said frame and swing to close such aperture in said frame and a sill member at the bottom of said frame completing the frame, the sill member including an elongated rib extending vertically from said sill along its entire length with the height of said rib being sufficient to overlap a vertical face associated with the bottom of the door and a seal between a vertical face of the rib and the vertical surface associated with the bottom of the door whereby wind and wind driven rain-passage beneath the door will be restricted when said door is closed against the seal. A further improvement includes the inclusion of a channel running lengthwise of the sill member to drain rain water away from the bottom of the door mounted in the fame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two part hook and loop weatherstripping system in which one portion, such as the hook portion that is attached to a window frame and another portion such as the loop portion that is attached to the hook portion and includes a flexible material that may be compressible to provide a seal between a window sash and the window frame. The removable portion can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced with a new portion. Different thicknesses of the removable portion of the hook and loop weatherstripping allows various size gaps between a window frame and a sash to be easily filled. The use of two part hook and loop components incorporating a weatherstripping system provides for the components to be utilized in such a way so as to provide an overlap joint at all corners that restricts linear shrinkage and eliminates the holes that commonly materialize at the corners from shrinkage of single part weatherstripping systems.

Abstract: A bracket and strap assembly that permits a gutter to be attached to a standing seam on a metal roof without the use of roof-piercing screws and/or nails. A unitary bracket is mounted on the standing seam. A gutter-supporting strap is attached to the bracket. All attachments are made with setscrews.

Abstract: A rain gutter guard has mounting tabs that are integrally cut into or otherwise formed with a body of the rain gutter guard. The body includes a hood and a flange extending therefrom. The flange is attachable to a roof, and the hood has a forward surface from which the mounting tabs extend. A system for directing the flow of water into a rain gutter includes the rain gutter positioned adjacent to an edge of a roof and a guard attached to the roof and to the rain gutter. A method of directing water from a roof to a rain gutter includes attaching a guard to the roof and to the rain gutter. Integral mounting tabs extending from the guard position the guard such that it stands off from the rain gutter and defines a gap through which water can flow into the rain gutter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the repair of leaking rainwater gutter and eave troughs. The Rainwater Gutter and Eave Trough Repair System consist of a plurality contoured piece types that fit the rainwater gutter and eave troughs to form a strong leak resistant patch. The said unique Rainwater Gutter and Eave Trough Repair System is designed for use on a plurality of leaking rainwater gutters and eaves troughs conforming to the shape of the rainwater gutter and eave trough.

Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building (6) on its side to a building location, locating the at least partially erected building on a support at the building location, and orientating the at least partially erected building so that it is correctly orientated relative to its support. Further disclosed is a transportable building, including a first structural component (51; 58), a second structural component (40;56) and a hinge (68) coupling the first and second structural components whereby the second structural component is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded erected position of the building. The hinge is reconfigurable to allow the second structural component to be relatively displaced away from the first structural component in the unfolded erected position of the second structural component.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The invention provides prefabricated folding residential dwellings comprised of prefabricated floor, wall and roof members that fold inwardly upon itself to produce a compact partially collapsed folded structure, which is easily transportable, and then unfold outwardly for quick and easy on-site installation.

Abstract: A portable set of stairs for use by a domesticated animal, a small child, or a disabled or aged individual. The stairs have an L-shaped inner core with a lower platform portion and an upper platform portion. A form-fitting, removable cover surrounds the L-shaped inner core for protecting it from soiling and condensation and for providing means for transporting and storing the portable set of stairs. The lower platform portion and the upper platform portion are horizontal with respect to the ground or floor. Both of the platform portions having respective upper surface areas, the upper platform portion upper surface area being greater than the lower platform portion upper surface area. Also provided is a rope or string for dragging or carrying the set of stairs. The rope or string is connected to the form-fitting cover. The inner core consists of deformable material, such as foam.

Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. The clip can include notches on an edge of one of the members to more securely hold the clip on the masonry block.

Abstract: A structural steel decking panel for supporting wet concrete and subsequently reinforcing the concrete after it has hardened is disclosed. The decking panel includes an elongate profiled steel sheet having a top side and an underside and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members connected to the sheet. The decking panel is characterized in that the strength of the longitudinal shear connection between the sheet and the reinforcing members is sufficiently high to resist longitudinal shear failure between the reinforcing members and the sheet when the decking panel is subjected to top loading with construction loads and wet concrete.

Abstract: A spray foam rasp tool for the forming of base-line grooves for the subsequent flattening of a rough spray of foam on a building. The tool comprises an elongated, extruded handle having an elongated, work-facing, planar surface. The elongated handle has a longitudinal axis. A plurality of blade receiving grooves are arranged in a spaced-apart pattern in the work-facing planar surface. A scraping blade is arranged in each of said receiving grooves to permit a rough coat of spray foam on a building to be readily grooved both plum vertically and horizontally for subsequent planning into a flat, smooth plum surface configuration. Adjacent blades are non-parallel with respect to one another.

Abstract: An assembly of interlaced rods, suitable for use as embedded reinforcement in matrix materials, comprising first, second and third layers of rods, the rods of each layer being orientated generally parallel to one another, the second layer being located between the first and third layers, the rods of the first and third layers being longitudinally orientated in the same direction, with those of the second layer being longitudinally orientated generally at right angles thereto, the rods of the first and third layers being paired such that each nth rod of the first layer, herein designated rod n1, is paired with the nth rod of the third layer, herein designated rod n3, paired rods of the first and third layers being drawn together under tension by a flexible filament wound between them in a series of runs each comprising a forward and reverse sinusoidal winding which interlaces rods of the first and third layers, whereby each pair of rods n1 and n3 in the first and third layers is enclosed by and drawn together

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The present invention discloses container that is structured with framing bars linked with mesh between the framing bars. The container further includes framing bar connectors and each of the framing bar connectors connecting and holding each of the framing bars at a fixed orientation relative to another interconnected framing bar connected through each of the framing bar connectors. In a specific containing apparatus, each of the framing bar connectors includes a first U-shaped trench for adapting and holding a first framing bar and at least a second U-shaped trench for adapting and holding a second framing bar at a fixed orientation relative to the first framing bar.

Abstract: The modular kit for a tower has a height ranging between a minimum height and a maximum height, in particular for a wind energy turbine, comprises a first conical tower segment (10) comprising a steel tube having a predetermined length (11), a second conical tower segment (12) comprising a steel tube having a predetermined length (12), and a first cylindrical tower segment (14) comprising a steel tube having a length between a predetermined minimum length and a predetermined maximum length. The length of the first cylindrical tower segment (14) can be adapted to the necessary height of the tower between its minimum height and its maximum height. The minimum height is the sum of the predetermined lengths (11,12) of the first and second conical tower segments (10,12) and the minimum length of the first cylindrical tower segment (14).