Abstract: A display device comprises a flexible body portion induding an upper portion, a lower portion and a base portion. The upper and lower portions adjoin one another by a periphery adapted to permit pivoting of the upper and lower portions so as to be generally folded against one another when in a collapsed condition, and to permit pivoting of the upper and lowers portion away from one another when in an assembled condition. The lower and base portions adjoin one another by a periphery adapted to permit pivoting of the lower portion and the base portion so as to be generally folded against one another when in a collapsed condition, and to permit pivoting of the lower portion and the base portion away from one another when in an assembled condition such that the base portion supports the upper portion and the lower portion in a generally upright orientation.

Abstract: A safety housing for a firearm includes a biometric or other access authentication device, an enclosure, a frame assembly, a slide assembly, and a door. The frame and the slide assemblies nest within the enclosure, the frame assembly affixes to the enclosure, and the slide assembly moves relative to the frame assembly. The door moves between an open position in which the firearm is removable through an access opening in the housing, and a closed position covering the access opening. The housing has cooperating internal components that operate to lock the door closed when the slide assembly is locked in place, to unlock the door when the slide assembly is released, to move the door open when the slide assembly is moved upwards, and to move the door closed when the slide assembly is moved downwards. Also, the frame assembly has adjustably positionable support elements for different firearms.

Abstract: The invention provides rotatable adapters that can be detachably connected to a cleaning rod which allow a firearm cleaning-member to be detachably connected to the rotatable adapter such that the cleaning-member can rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod. The invention also provides rotatable rods which allow a cleaning-member that is detachably connected to the rotatable rod to rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod. The invention also provides rotatable bore-members that can be detachably connected to a cleaning rod which allow a cleaning-member to rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod.

Abstract: The invention provides rotatable adapters that can be detachably connected to a cleaning rod which allow a firearm cleaning-member to be detachably connected to the rotatable adapter such that the cleaning-member can rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod. The invention also provides rotatable rods which allow a cleaning-member that is detachably connected to the rotatable rod to rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod. The invention also provides rotatable bore-members that can be detachably connected to a cleaning rod which allow a cleaning-member to rotate relative to the rod portion of the cleaning rod.

Abstract: Novel decoys are provided that attract waterfowl to a particular location lacking a body of water by creating the illusion of water. The decoys are particularly effective for use in farm fields or similar locations where a dispersed food source exists. The illusion of a body of water created by the decoys can focus the waterfowl's movement to that focal point where one or more hunters can wait for their approach. Additionally, methods are provided for utilizing the novel waterfowl decoys.

Abstract: A wing structure for a waterfowl decoy including a base, a proximal wing member, and a distal wing member. The wing structure features a shoulder connection between the base and the proximal wing member, allowing the proximal wing member to move with respect to the base. The wing structure also features a wrist connection between the proximal wing member and the distal wing member, allowing the distal wing member to move with respect to the proximal wing member.

Abstract: A portable culling cart is disclosed comprised of a housing, a live well therewithin, a self contained means of filling the live well with water from a marine source, a self contained water circulation/aeration means, a self-contained power source for powering both the means of filling the live well with water and the circulation/aeration means, at least two wheels and a transportation handle. The cart is transported upon said two wheels by a user from site to site utilizing the transportation handle and utilizes powered filling of said live well from a marine source and powered circulation/aeration of water therewithin without need for outside power sources, pumps or manual filling of the live well. In a preferred embodiment, the cart includes at least one electric water pump, at least one electric battery having suitable voltage and amperage to power said at least one electric pump, a length of water pick-up hose having sufficient length to extend from the cart to a marine water source.

Abstract: A fly storage device for a hook-less fly and method for storing the same is disclosed. The device includes an attachment loop and a storage means for receiving the eye of the hook-less fly. It can also include a handle. A plurality of storage means can be provided. A storage box having means to receive one or more of the attachment loops can also be provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition and a method of using a composition containing an imidazoline, optionally containing a paraffin inhibitor, for improving the pour point of liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and petroleum fuel, and/or inhibiting or reducing the formation of paraffin deposits in such liquids.

Abstract: A plant protection device characterised in that it has the form of a tube consisting at least of one parchmentized or vulcanized fibrous support in the form of a sheet, the device being biodegradable.

Abstract: A method suited for prolonging freshness of a living, edible plant which is packed in a meal kit with at least one other meal ingredient or component, characterized in that the plant's roots remain in effective contact with a moisture donating source, such that during storage of the meal kit for several days the moisture source can donate to the plant or plant part enough of an aqueous fluid to ensure preservation of its freshness.

Abstract: An elevated structure system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface.

Abstract: A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. A first portion of the living plant may include at least a portion of the root system of the living plant. In some embodiments, at least two sets of branch portions may be configured to removably couple to the base. At least one set of branch portions may have a different theme.

Abstract: A system may include a tree and a covering apparatus. The tree may include a composite tree. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. The covering apparatus may function to cover at least a portion of the tree. The covering apparatus may be coupled to the tree. At least a portion of the covering apparatus may be positioned in or above the tree.

Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure. The access point may be positioned adjacent to the base.

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: The invention provides a process which facilitates high incremental capacity expansion of existing syngas-based plants by providing an adiabatic prereformer and an independent heater which is configured to (1) receive a prereformed and preheated mixed feed stream from the prereformer, (2) heat the prereformed and preheated mixed feed stream to a reheat temperature of as high as around 700° C. without local overheating of heat exchange surfaces and without the risk of carbon formation (on, e.g., fired heater heating coils), and which (3) feeds the prereformed and preheated mixed feed stream at the reheat temperature to the inlet of reformer radiant section catalyst tubes, wherein the prereformer and independent heater are not contained within the reformer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing hydrogen are provided. In one embodiment, a method of producing hydrogen comprises reacting a feed source with steam to produce a gas mixture containing hydrogen and a residue gas; introducing the gas mixture into a purification unit; adsorping the residue gas; and discharging at least a portion of the hydrogen. The method further comprises depressurizing the purification unit; discharging at least a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization; recycling the residue gas to the feed source; and discharging the residue gas remaining in the purification unit. In another embodiment, the method includes discharging a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization such that the residue gas discharged has a higher hydrocarbon content than the secondary product remaining in the purification unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for the gasification of solid fuels such as bituminous coal and coke such as bituminous coal, lignite, and biomass, as well as petroleum coke, that are finely ground and mixed with water or oil to make fuel-liquid suspensions, so-called slurries, and their gasification together with an oxidizing medium containing free oxygen by partial oxidation at pressures between atmospheric pressure and 100 bar, and at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C., in an entrained flow reactor. The method includes the steps of slurry preparation and infeed to the reactor, gasification in an entrained flow reactor with cooled reaction chamber contour, partial quenching, waste heat recovery, and wet or dry dust separation, with the crude gas being pretreated so that it can be fed to other technological steps such as crude gas conversion or desulfurization.

Abstract: A method and device for the gasification of solid fuels such as bituminous coal, lignite coal, and petroleum coke in the flue stream, with an oxidizing medium containing free oxygen by partial oxidation at pressures between atmospheric pressure and 80 bar, and at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C., consisting of the process steps of pneumatic metering for pulverized fuel, gasification in a flue stream reactor with cooled reaction chamber contour, partial quenching, cooling, crude gas scrubbing, and partial condensation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a door drive housing comprising a base support body, preferably of shell shape, and a covering hood which can be connected to the base support body, wherein a base plate made as a sheet metal part can be inserted into the base support body consisting of plastic for the reception of the different drive components.

Abstract: An electric opening/closing device for vehicle, which has good layout characteristic of the vehicle and is provided with a highly-rigid attachment part, is provided. The vehicle electric opening/closing device comprises: a worm wheel meshed with a worm provided on a motor shaft of an electric motor; a planetary gear mechanism disposed coaxially with the worm wheel and decelerating rotation of the worm wheel to transmits it to an output gear; a gear case housing the worm wheel etc. and assembled to the electric motor; and a swing arm rotatably supported by the gear case between an output end linked to a back door and an input end linked to an output gear. An attachment plate for mounting the vehicle electric opening/closing device on the vehicle is sandwiched between the first case body and the second case body which constitute the gear case.

Abstract: A spindle or worm drive for adjusting devices, especially seat adjustment devices, window lifters and sliding roofs, in motor vehicles. The drive includes a fixed spindle or relatively fixed toothed rack which is secured to the second of the two parts. The gear elements are mounted in a housing which includes at least two plates that can be secured to each other by plug-in connectors. The connectors are also configured as supporting joints that absorb the forces of the gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding door (10) comprising a door leaf, a frame (12), a guiding mechanism (16, 18) for the door leaf (14) that can be moved within the guiding mechanism (16, 18) between an open position and a closed position, and means for stiffening at least some areas of the frame (12) in the closed position in which the frame (12) covers at least some areas of the edge region of the first and/or second face (44, 48) of the door leaf (14). The invention is characterized in that the door leaf (14) is provided with engaging means (34) while the frame (12) is provided with receiving means (122), said means engaging into each other essentially only in the closed position and generating a force F2 that acts perpendicular to the sliding direction and stiffens the associated area of the frame (12).

Abstract: A grinding wheel having hollow particles, along with abrasive grains, fixed by a bonding material. The abrasive grains may be diamond grains. The hollow particles may consist essentially of silica. The bonding material may be electrodeposited nickel.

Abstract: A diamond particle is provided, which includes a coating layer including Cr (chromium) of about 1˜6%, Al (aluminum) of about 3˜11%, Si (silicon) of about 4˜14%, and titanium (Ti). Advantageously, surface corrosion of the diamond particle is low due to excellent anti-corrosion and anti-oxidization of the coating layer and a retention force is high when it is used for a sintering tool. Further, the sintering tool having the diamond particle has a long life span and an excellent cutting capability.

Abstract: A gutter system for preventing leaves and other debris from obstructing a gutter is provided, the gutter system including a bracket and a gutter cover. The bracket is removably coupled to a hanger and removably secured to the gutter cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the vertical edges of the cover are provided in a manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. These fasteners may comprise a hooked end, an arc-shaped engagement end and a tightening member between said hooked end and engagement end which work together to secure the vertical edges of the cover.

Abstract: A mounting and attachment system, which can easily mount a continuous snow rail for snow protection above the seams of a metal root and also attach lower members or snow flags which are located between the seams to stop the snow from sliding under the height of the seam. This system eliminates the requirement for holes and threaded holes to be drilled into the mounting block, saving manufacturing time and money. The mounting block is configured so that there is a slot which runs through the mounting block to fit over a raised seam. This slot can have parallel walls or can be shaped to match the form of a particular seam. This block will also have two slots or linear indentations on either side of the block in a direction perpendicular to the slot for the seam. A second piece of the assembly is a snow rail long enough to connect two or more of the seam-mounted blocks together.

Abstract: An agricultural greenhouse with a reversible covering that can be quickly mechanically opened and closed. The top cover is attached to an endless cable system and two side covers are attached to upper and lower cable systems. Upon activation the cables cause the top and side covers to open in one direction and close in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes: a plurality of flat panels; and a plurality of connecting units provided on side edges of the flat panels. Each connecting unit includes first and second engaging parts. The first engaging part is formed with a protrusion, and the second engaging part is formed with a recess such that the protrusion of the first engaging part on one of the flat panels is releasably engageable with the recess of the second engaging part on another of the flat panels. The second engaging part is further formed with resilient claws that project from a periphery of the recess. The claws of the second engaging part on one of the flat panels clamp resiliently the protusion of the first engaging part on another of the flat panels when the protrusion is moved into the recess of the second engaging part.

Abstract: A set of modular panels for providing water containment tanks and adjacent structures. The set comprises at least one panel, which is made at least partly of composite material which is substantially water-repellent and has any shape and size depending on design requirements, the perimetric walls of each panel being provided with watertight anchoring to the contiguous panels.

Abstract: A projector includes: a light source unit; an optical apparatus including, an optical device, a holding frame for holding a periphery of the optical device, a cooling tube that is provided in the holding frame along the periphery of the optical device and in which a cooling fluid flows, wherein a gap between the holding frame and the cooling tube is filled with a thermally conductive material; a cooling unit for circulating the cooling fluid in the optical apparatus; and a projection optical apparatus for enlarging and projecting an optical image formed by means of the optical apparatus.

Abstract: An engineered wall system for use above or below ground constituted of zinc-borate treated timber strand studs with sheets of structural fiberglass reinforced plastic and rigid foam insulation. The invention is particularly suitable as an alternative to other materials and methods commonly used to construct foundations for residential structures. This wall system exhibits great strength, durability, as well as improved resistance to mold, insects, water and fire.

Abstract: Generally, a structural building system has a header, a header distant from the footer, and a plurality of vertical members spanning the footer and the header. The footer includes two support members, each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, positioned in an interior space of the footer for additional strength and stability. The header includes a corrugation, or brace member positioned in an interior space for strength and stability that has an upwardly offset central portion between horizontal portions. The vertical members are preferably I-beams that support a wall height at maximum wind loads. The footer and the header include races for ready wiring without drilling or cutting the vertical members. The system is augmented by mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

Abstract: A composite panel structure includes a flange beam assembly including: a web assembly; and a first flange assembly attached in an essentially perpendicular fashion to the web assembly. The composite panel structure further includes at least two panel assemblies. Each panel assembly includes: a foam layer; a first high-density material layer secured to the foam layer; and at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of the first flange assembly.

Abstract: A wall element (20), particular for manufacturing the outer walls of buildings, which is made from a composite of a base sheet (21), which is made from comminuted plant material and mineral substances, and an insulation sheet of a thermal insulation material (22) that is open for diffusion.

Abstract: An improved economically produced clean room ceiling tile formed as a composite comprising a base board and a finish coated paper facer laminated to the base board. The base board is preferably made with excess thickness and is machined to a desired caliper. The machined board is sealed with a clay coating and thereafter coated with a water-based adhesive. The paper facer is laminated to the board with the water-based adhesive and is finish coated with a water-based wet scrubbable coating. The paper facer is easy to laminate, exhibits excellent coverage of surface defects in the base board surface, is fully compatible with the water-based finish coating, and contributes to the sag resistance of the tile.

Abstract: Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. By arranging portions of the decorative motifs along edges of a flooring plank, a periodic flooring pattern larger than an individual plank can be formed by placing identical planks adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction and adjacent in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A floor covering includes hard panels having a laminated structure. The panels have an upper surface with a printed decorative layer including a wood pattern. A transparent layer of a synthetic material extends over the printed decorative layer and includes a plurality impressions. The impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: An art glass display connecting element having a central portion, with the central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, with the top and the bottom having apertures formed therein. The central portion has a channel formed therethrough, with the channel having a first end directly adjacent the top aperture and with the channel having a second end directly adjacent the bottom aperture. The connecting element also has a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from the central portion sidewall, with the arm members having a top portion and a bottom portion. The connecting element also has at least one spacer element, with the spacer element secured to the central portion. The connecting element is part of a decorative art glass display having a framework in cooperative interconnection with cames.

Abstract: An edge beam construction including two vertical perforated rolled shapes with webs inverted toward the center of the beam, and a bottom track having a flange disposed in a vertical position against bottom lips of the vertical rolled shapes. The three basic components of the edge beam are positioned so as to provide access for press joining tools. A building module manufacturing method utilizes the light gauge steel rolled shapes that permit industrialized, automated manufacture of floor, roof and wall panels for modular housing and commercial structures with integrated mechanical and electrical systems and rigid framing for road transport without trailers. The module manufacturing method includes a novel method of constructing and positioning a gable.

Abstract: A method for converting a clubhouse is disclosed that comprises the steps of obtaining a clubhouse for conversion and converting the clubhouse into a multi-unit dwelling. A method for building a clubhouse is also disclosed that comprises the steps of obtaining an interest to build a clubhouse and building a clubhouse and a multi-unit dwelling.

Abstract: A composite building material includes at least one membrane, a spacer material bonded to one face of the membrane, and a lath bonded to an opposite face of the membrane. The components of the composite building material are installed simultaneously as an integral unit within a wall, roof or like assembly. The lath is preferably made of plastic or metal and is used to support cementitious material such as stucco, mortar, plaster, concrete and the like. The spacer material provides ventilation and drainage passages and is preferably provided as separate or integrally-formed spacer elements, an openwork mat, a corrugated material, or the like. Preferably, the membrane is building paper, tar paper, roofing felt, house-wrap material or like weather-resistive material. A wall/roof assembly and a method of assembling a wall/roof structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use in packaging. The device generally uses a guide plate, dome shaped member through which a stream of air flows, and guide bar to reject improperly packaging elements. This apparatus provides an easy way to ensure properly oriented and aligned packaging elements during the automated packaging processes, thereby reducing wasteful and costly errors due to incorrectly aligned packaging elements.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a protective covering onto at least one substantially entire side portion of a stack of products. The system includes an apparatus for automatically, and preferably continuously, robotically moving, positioning and fastening a protective covering to at least one side portion of a stack of products. The side portions of the stack of products can vary in dimensions. The protective covering can also protect a top portion of the stack of products. The stack of products can include stacks of plywood, particleboard, OSB, lumber or other bundles of predetermined sizes.

Abstract: This present invention is for a new method of packaging for automated and manually pill processing. Pills are packaged inside of embossed pockets on a carrier tape then sealed with a cover tape. Packaged pills with information marked tapes then rolled onto a reel for fast, easy, clean, reliable, accurate, low-cost and automated ways of transporting, handling, counting/accounting, dispensing, storing, identifying, scheduling and protecting purposes.

Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically packaging empty collapsible tubes (1), that are supplied by a conveyor belt, into a plurality of packaging containers that take up collapsible tubes (1). According to the invention, the supplied collapsible tubes (1) are collected in a row without gaps, supplied in this row to an intermediate storage (13) and then jointly transferred into a packaging container; thereafter the packaging container is conveyed further on. The empty collapsible tubes (1) are arranged in conveyor trays (3) of a feeder belt (2) and are collected continuously in a row or partial row by means of separately driven and adjustable suction vees (5).