Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing a weapon to an elevated platform such as a hunting stand comprising a tether and a harness. An apparatus that prevents the weapon from striking the ground when the weapon is dropped from the elevated platform. An apparatus that reduces the forces acting on the weapon when the weapon is dropped from the elevated platform. An apparatus that will help prevent the weapon from accidentally discharging if the weapon is dropped from the elevated platform. An apparatus that will also help prevent damage to the weapon if the weapon is dropped from the elevated platform.

Abstract: A selectively collapsible shooting support is mounted on a sling for supporting a weapon to which the sling is attached. A cover is selectively moveable with respect to the sling for concealing and housing the collapsed shooting support in stored condition on the sling, and for releasing the support for deployment. The shooting support preferably comprises two segmented or collapsible sticks connected to the sling and extendable to support a firearm during firing. Movement of the firearm to follow a target is possible without loss of support or repositioning of the sticks on a support surface or a body portion of a shooter.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a firearm support assembly comprises a mounting ring that is constructed and arranged to extend around a gun barrel and to be rotatably engaged with a portion of the firearm. The mounting ring defines a central axis. A plurality of legs are attached to the mounting ring at a location above the central axis, and each leg extends downwardly below the central axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a locking device for use in releasably securing sliding elements to a line or filament and for cushioning the shock of impact of the sliding element against a line stop. The sliding element has a stop element located in a passage which runs the length thereof. The stop element is then twisted to engage the filament and is prevented from untwising (counter-rotating) by locking means. Cushioning of impact with a line stop (knot, for example) is accomplished by the elastomeric bumpers which extend from the stop element out of the sliding element.

Abstract: A unitary, rotational, and collapsible luring dredge capable is rapid and convenient assembly for use and collapse for storage is provided, as are methods and kits for use.

Abstract: The present invention is a three dimensional insect trap, for capturing, numerating, determining population levels and controlling insects by physical trapping, mass trapping and mating disruption. The trap is comprised of a bottom piece, a top piece, a device for hanging pheromones, kairomones or other attractants and an area for either a replaceable component used for mating disruption via auto-dissemination, an adhesive-coated grid-marked floor or a capture reservoir for holding soapy water or oil. The trap can be hung within the insect environment by a device on the top piece or by attachment to a vertical stake or pole by use of support brackets.

Abstract: A candle including a mixture of fuels including at least 10 wt % tallow and 1 wt % to 30 wt % of a high oil content paraffin is disclosed. The candle optionally and preferably includes a microcrystalline wax and an oil-binding additive such as stearic acid. The candle has good thermal stability and good burn characteristics.

Abstract: A mottled candle and its method of manufacture are disclosed herein. The candle includes a body of wax disposed in a rigid, non-flammable container, the container having at least one wall that is at least translucent. The body of wax conforms to the wall of the container and includes a partially-hydrogenated tallow, a fatty component, and preferably paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. A wick is disposed in the body of wax.

Abstract: A composition comprising about 5 to about 95 weight percent of one or more dispersants selected from the group consisting of polyalkenyl substituted succinic acid esters and ?-olefin maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof and about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent of one or more metal deactivators, method of using the composition to stabilize jet fuels and jet fuels comprising the composition.

Abstract: A fuel composition containing a gas oil base fuel, an alkyl levulinate and a co-solvent, preferably an alcohol, which co-solvent has a polar interaction parameter (?p) in the range of from 1 to 7 MPa1/2 and a hydrogen bonding parameter (?h) in the range of from 2 to 18 MPa1/2 is provided.

Abstract: The use is described of polymers which contain, in copolymerized form, an ?-olefin, a vinyl ester and an ester of an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid as an additive for fuel oils and lubricants and in particular as a cold flow improver in fuel oils. In addition, the fuel oils and lubricants additized with these polymers; and also additive packages comprising such polymers are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an amide friction modifier which exhibits improved low temperature compatibility with fuel. The amide friction modifier is formed from a hyper-branched fatty acid and an amine. Methods to reduce the frictional property of a fuel and a fuel composition including the amide friction modifier are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyalkene amine formulations comprising at least one polyalkene amine in a solvent, having improved performance properties, especially improved low temperature properties; a process for preparing such formulations and the use of these formulations in fuel and lubricant compositions, in particular fuels, for improving the intake system-cleaning action of such fuels.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine utilizing a fuel mixture containing a suspension in air at a concentration of about 200 mg of fuel per liter of air, of a solid fuel including at least one of a cereal flour, a cotton flour, a soybean flour, a potato flour, a cassava flour, a dehydrated chocolate powder and a dehydrated milk powder, the solid fuel being in the form of a powder having an average particle diameter and median particle diameter at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: One embodiment is a container for receiving and transporting flowers. The container includes a receptacle having a stem end and a blossom end, wherein the stem end comprises a water-resistant bottom surface and wherein the blossom end defines a blossom end opening configured to receive a plurality of flowers. The container also includes a lattice comprising a plurality of strips, the lattice positioned substantially at the stem end of the receptacle, the lattice having a plurality of lattice openings, each of the lattice openings being configured to receive the stem end of at least one of the flowers and wherein the lattice is configured to substantially limit movement of the stem end of the flower within the container.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for improving the yield of potato crops. The arrangement includes a bed, a plurality of pairs of parallel rows of potato plants, and a drip irrigation tape. The bed is provided for multiple rows of potato plants. The plurality of pairs of parallel rows of potato plants in the bed have an inter-row gap between the rows in each pair of rows spaced from one another sufficiently to provide a moisture permeable agronomic soil corridor between the rows in each pair of rows to provide a supply of water to a root zone of each row within each pair of rows of potato plants while maintaining aerated soil within and above the agronomic soil corridor to reduce excessively wet conditions adjacent the crop canopy and a solar light corridor provided between adjacent pairs of rows to provide increased solar energy to the potato plants.

Abstract: A bioreactor assembly of the present invention for holding a media and supporting growth of a plurality of plants. The assembly includes a light source and a container having a light transmissive wall structure and defining a reservoir. A major axis of the reservoir is substantially horizontal allowing the reservoir to be filled with media to a partial level and to define a relatively large surface area for support of the plants. The assembly may also include clamps to secure and seal separate wall structure portions of the container together, and end caps to the wall portions, to define an aseptic environment. As another option, the clamps may define openings therethrough that allow passage of various devices for measuring and controlling bioreactor function such as a gas supply nozzle, a gas exit nozzle, an air temperature probe, a pH probe, a sampling drain, a gas composition probe and a media temperature probe.

Abstract: A vegetation pod for creating a green roof is disclosed. The vegetation pod includes vegetation that absorbs and stores water. The roots of the vegetation grow in a growing media that rests atop a layer of filter fabric. The filter fabric is disposed within a tray that is easily handled by an installer. The tray includes a fastening mechanism that couples multiple trays together. An additional layer of absorbent material may be provided between the filter fabric and the tray. A second, preferably larger tray may be provided for accommodating a series of smaller trays. An additional layer of filter fabric may be provided between the trays.

Abstract: A pot (40) shown having a well formed by a side wall connecting a base wall aperture (43) and internal aperture (44). A mesh (42) is provided to retain liquid transferring material. The invention provides a liquid transfer means for transferring liquid between growth medium and a local environment external to the pot and adjacent the base wall, the liquid transfer means transferring liquid to in or from an internal zone in the chamber wherein the internal zone is spaced from the bottom wall. Alternative embodiments provide a solid liquid permeable plug (20) which may be inserted in a tight nesting fitting through a bottom wall aperture (21) or through a well (36). Alternatively, a wick arrangement (56) may be provided to insert through a well or a side wall aperture (65) and extending into the internal zones. The conduit may be formed as a slot (52). A cap (54) may be optionally be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasification technique for converting biomass, which is difficult to treat, into clean gas fuel able to be burned in a cogeneration system. The gasification technique includes first stage fluidized-bed catalytic gasification, and second stage gasification of tar and catalytic reforming to convert nitrogen in tar, and HCN in a flammable gas into NH3, unlike conventional gasification techniques. In addition, since the temperature of a total gasification process is lower than a melting point of ash, powdery ash is generated and thus easily treated. Also, little heat is released due to the low process temperature, and therefore, a compact reactor may be designed to produce gas having a high caloric value. Further, the generated tar is recovered and reused in other processes, and the gas fuel contains a small amount of ammonia.

Abstract: Embodiments include a gasification process where the carbon content of the residue from gasification of agricultural waste products and the fly ash content of the gaseous exhaust is controlled by regulated inflow of gasification-supporting air in a plurality of flow stream at different velocities to enhance fluidization of particulate feed in a bed being raked by a rotating sweep arm inducing radially outward movement of gasification residue into a collecting zone from which the residue enters a discharge duct. The particulate feed is dropped at a location in the gasification chamber above the bed in alignment with the inflow stream of maximum velocity.

Abstract: A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6).

Abstract: At both sides of a pair of doors 10L, 10R, a pair of television cameras (two-dimensional image sensors) 18A, 18B for detecting a moving object, and a pair of spare infrared ray sensors 20A, 20B are provided. A central control unit 16 calculates the position and moving direction of moving object by image processing of outputs of television cameras 18A, 18B, and predicts the passing position of moving object on the vertical plane P when the moving object approaches, thereby calculating the target opening degree of a pair of doors 10L, 10R individually, and determines the target opening degree of doors in full closing when the moving object leaves away, and thus outputs move command signals to motor controllers 14L, 14R so that the pair of doors 10L, 10R may be set at the target opening degree.

Abstract: A U-shaped sealing strip arranged for mounting on a frame structure of a vehicle surrounds a space which is intended to receive a pane and which has a lengthwise changing depth dimension. The U-shaped structure comprises two L-shaped shaped parts of which at least one has a generally L-shaped configuration and comprises a base part intended for fixing on the frame structure and a side part extending perpendicular thereto. At least one of the two shaped parts is adjustably fixed on the frame structure for adjustment in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pane in such a way that the contact pressure of the sealing lip is adjustable. The contact pressure of the sealing lips on the pane can be adjusted in a simple manner in accordance with specific requirements in order to secure a reliable sealing effect as well as to reduce wear.

Abstract: Pile weatherstrip-ping, which is clad with a wrapping of a film (14, 25, 104, 216) of flexible material, has one or more rows (19, 27, 100, 102, 212, 214) of pile (10, 24, 105, 233) on a backing (12, 28, 106, 218) in side-by-side relationship. The wrapping film material conforms to the outside surface of the row (19, 27, 100, 212 21 102, 214) of pile so as to define a bulb or bulbs which are completely filled with pile. Single row (19, 27) pile weatherstripping is made by wrapping the pile (10, 24) with the film material (14, 25) after first ultrasonically welding the film material along one edge thereof to the backing (12, 28) under the pile. Then, the film material (14, 25) may be bent around the pile as it moves through a guide (88). The film material (14, 25) is then attached along the opposite edge to the backing thereof so as to completely enclose and clad the row (19, 27) of weatherstripping.

Abstract: A steel-reinforced door including a sheet metal framework, strengthened with a plurality of metal structural sections, to which a lock and bolts are fitted, the metal sheet also acting as support for a plurality of mechanisms designed for the operation of the bolts, the steel-reinforced door being mounted on a frame via hinges, and closing due to the effect of the bolts which engage with holes made in the frame. The door includes a first element designed to allow the door to be opened either inwards or outwards, maintaining its function as a steel-reinforced door, the first element including a second metal sheet (10), connected to the sheet metal framework (4) so as to form, with the framework (4), a closed structure suitable to house the lock (8) and the bolts (9, 9a), and the mechanisms designed to operate the bolts (9, 9a).

Abstract: To provide an abrasive slurry having high dispersion stability, including: abrasive fine particles made of one or more kinds of oxides; colloidal fine particles made of colloidal oxide with an average particle size smaller than an average particle size of the abrasive fine particles; and a dispersion medium in which the abrasive fine particles and the colloidal fine particles are dispersed, and a manufacturing method for a substrate as an inorganic substrate, including polishing the substrate using the abrasive slurry. An abrasive slurry according to the present invention keeps high dispersion stability for a long time and shows a satisfactory redispersion property, which can eliminate a problem about precipitation/aggregation as much as possible and can be used as a dispersant-free abrasive containing absolutely no organic dispersant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic plate element (1) consisting of a hollow body (3) that can be impinged upon with a pressure medium having overpressure p. Said hollow body is located between two pressure/tension elements (2) that are connected to one another by their ends and is made of a flexible membrane (9). When transversal load is exerted on the plate element (1) placed on two supports (17) with load force F, the top pressure/tension element (2, 7) is subjected to pressure and the bottom pressure/tension element (2, 8) is subjected to tension. Prestressed tension elements (4) placed at a distance a traverse in channels the hollow body (3) between the pressure/tension elements (2, 8). The tension elements (4) are prestressed by the hollow body (3) separating the tension elements (2). The connections (6) operate as fictitious fixed intermediate supports and stabilize the pressure/tension element (2, 7) submitted to pressure in order to prevent buckling.

Abstract: A method of forming a building structure in a desired contoured configuration. An inner supporting fabric is inflated into at least one form. An outer finishing fabric is draped over the inflated form. A coating is applied to the outer finishing fabric and a hardened shell is formed. The inner supporting fabric may be removed.

Abstract: A gutter cover which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams without the use of heating cables and other active components. The gutter cover comprises a first section, a second section, and a passive heating element. The first section is adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof. The second section is attached to the first section and adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The passive heating element is provided for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section without the use of heating cables or other active heating components.

Abstract: A covered, multi-compartment rain gutter that bi-directionally mounts to facia to collect water upon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surface dynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passage of undesirable debris, wherein a straining member further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collection compartment, and wherein the overall structural design facilitates access to the gutter collection compartment for cleaning or other maintenance.

Abstract: A portable enclosure, easily erectable and collapsible, to provide environment control and prevent contaminants from being released from the enclosure. The enclosure provides a flexible envelope attached to the interior of the space defined by vertical and horizontal supports which can be erected and collapsed. When erected the enclosure functions as an anteroom and has removable panels in the sides and top. In use, the enclosure is sealed against a vertical or horizontal surface to be worked on and a panel from the side of the enclosure is opened and closed to provide access to the surface by the user. When collapsed the enclosure is a package approximately the size of an average golf club bag which is easily portable to another location. Ducting is provided to which negative pressure pumps are connected to maintain negative pressure within the enclosure and draw contaminants into the pump and then into a closed container.

Abstract: A safety barrier system for use in constructing multi-storey buildings has elongated safety barrier panels extending upwards from a first floor level a sufficient height to serve as effective safety barriers during the work for the subsequent floor. The panels are supporterd at their side edges in tracks along which the panels can slide. The tracks are duplexed (siamesed) so as to link the respective safety modules into a continuous peripheral barrier. The respective panels and tracks are braced and independently supported, permitting the system elements to be ‘walked’ piecemeal up the face of a structure as required during its erection. Auxiliary barriers supplement the displaced panels, on lower levels, while toe-boards protect the floor-to-panel gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular shelter system, in particular for transporting persons and/or objects comprising at least one container/capsular enclosure and a reception system arranged in the case for persons and/or objects. The inventive reception system is mounted in such a way that it is isolated in the direction of the enclosure bottom and/or a receptacle is formed in such a way that it ensures a blast wave deflection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blast mitigation structure (1) comprising one or more rigid free-standing frames (2) of one or more channel section, the or each frame being adapted to receive in the or each channel, in use, one or more rupturable containers (3) adapted to contain liquid to thereby form a protective tunnel around e.g. a vehicle for mitigating against the effects of an explosion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structure having a fire resistance rated, area separation wall including: a first building unit; a second building unit; and a two- hour fire resistance rated, area separation wall having only outer membranes. In the preferred embodiment, the two-hour fire resistance rated, area separation wall includes: (a) an interior support structure; (b) only an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure; and (c) a substantially organic thermal insulation barrier between the outer membranes. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the structure having a fire resistance rated, area separation wall includes a tying structure connecting the fire resistance rated, area separation wall to the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A modular industrial equipment facility is provided. This facility includes a plurality of pre-assembled, portable modules that may further include a plurality of internal modules, and a plurality of terminal modules for connecting to the plurality of internal modules, wherein each module may be configured to operate either in combination with or independent of the other modules. These modules are typically intended for use with heavy, industrial grade equipment. The internal modules and terminal modules may be arranged to form a single, integrated structure that has the appearance of a permanent, non-modular building. This invention may also include a computerized monitoring and control system that may further include a local component that monitors and controls the operation of equipment that may be housed in the various modules; and a remote monitoring and control component that is capable of monitoring and controlling the operation of the equipment in the various modules.

Abstract: A portable garage is disclosed that has a tubular frame having a horizontal central roof ridge and two spaced parallel side edge members supported by a plurality of generally vertical legs. The frame is constructed of tubular sections and joint members that telescopically and removably connect together. A removable flexible sheet of preferably waterproof fabric material spans the roof ridge and extends over the side edge members of the frame and is fastened to the side edge members with a plurality of spaced buckle and strap fasteners that are secured to the roof material at a location spaced from the side edges of the sheet. The garage has removable fabric material side walls fastened to the frame, a rear end wall, and a front end wall fastened to the frame. The front end wall has a pair of spaced parallel vertical zippers defining a flap forming a roll up door. A pair of pulleys are spaced apart above the flap and fastened to the front end wall.

Abstract: Several modifications and variations of roof ridge anchors are disclosed. One group has simple but extremely effective anchors which are inexpensive to make and will fully satisfy all requirements of building codes as well as roofers. Some roof ridge anchor crowns or head sections have all planar surfaces with no recesses; others have recesses on the side parts thereof; and have specific recess shapes that are advantageous when attaching roof ridge tile members to the anchors; other anchor head sections are provided with curvilinear portions; some have separate water leakage shields that direct any water leakage away from the interior of the anchors; some have recesses that extend the entire length of the anchors or alternately have recess sections that are longitudinally spaced along the length of the anchors.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for securing a cover in a window opening, the securing apparatus engages fastening locations on opposite sides of a window opening. The securing apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A connector is disposed on the tube at the first end. A precut tube is attached to the connector to engage one of the fastening locations. An end cap is rigidly fixed to the tube at the second end. A threaded shaft is disposed in the tube and projects from the second end through the end cap. A mounting tube is rigidly attached to the threaded shaft, the mounting tube engages another of the fastening locations. An adjusting nut is disposed on the threaded shaft between the end cap and the mounting tube, the adjusting nut adjusts a position of the mounting tube with respect to the tube.

Abstract: An improved acoustical damping wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminar structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more constraining layers, such as metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminar structure; and one or more constraining layers are fabricated between the gypsum exterior. The resulting structure improves the attenuation of sound transmitted through the structure.

Abstract: An earth anchor has the general shape of a taco shell. First and second sidewalls are disposed in transversely spaced apart relation to one another and are interconnected to one another by a bottom wall. An opening is formed in each sidewall, near a top edge of each sidewall and the distal end of an elongate cable, strap, or rope engages each opening. The proximal end of the cable, strap, or rope is secured to an item to be secured against high winds. The earth anchor is driven into the earth and soil between the sidewalls and the bottom wall becomes a structural component of the earth anchor, reinforcing the breaking strength of the anchor and preventing retraction of the earth anchor from the soil.

Abstract: A basement wall protection system has a plurality of plate members (24) with a short leg section (26) abutting a basement wall (12) and a shelf section (28) extending outward at about a 5° cant away from the wall and extending at least the length of basement wall below the plate member 24 times the tangent of 15°. The plate member (24) are connected together via watertight joints (39).

Abstract: Roof vents are configured to cover a ventilation opening formed in a roof deck. Roof vents can permit venting of an area underlying the roof deck while shielding the ventilation opening from condensation such as rain. Roof vents can also include a guard for shielding a ventilation area from outside debris.

Abstract: A window shutter has corrosion resistant stiles with a non-metallic core and louvers, and non-metallic top and bottom rails. The shutter is resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight, humidity, rain and wind, and will retard flying objects, and will pass commonly used missile tests for building materials. The resulting shutter will also withstand substantial stresses from wind loads, so as to perform satisfactorily in wind load tests. The window covering of the invention is substantially maintenance free.

Abstract: The disclosed system, method and device for construction generally includes a mullion having a guide track disposed therein and a custom fitting suitably adapted to support a construction section via substantially adjustable attachment to the guide track. Disclosed features and specifications may be optionally controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to improve the retention and/or support of construction sections in a variety of operating environments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved aesthetic presentation and mechanical retention of construction panels in point-supported glass wall systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carved solid face door and methods of fabrication are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a carved solid face door includes a solid base having a substantially flat face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a design carved into at least one section of the face that emulates the appearance of a multiple-piece construction including at least one of a frame, a rail, a stile, a molding, a trim, a plurality of planks, or a panel. Optionally, a backing may be coupled to the solid base. Optionally, the solid base may comprise a plurality of horizontal sections.

Abstract: A drainage system for a fenestration assembly is located in a rough opening of a structure. The drainage system includes a moisture barrier located between at least a bottom of the fenestration assembly and a bottom inner surface of the rough opening. The moisture barrier includes a vertical portion extending generally vertically downward below the rough opening on an external side of the structure. A channel assembly is located generally below the rough opening. The channel assembly includes at least one channel having a channel entrance proximate the bottom inner surface of the rough opening and a discharge opening direct toward a drainage area. The channel includes an effective cross-sectional area adapted to siphon water located on the moisture barrier to the drainage area.

Abstract: A trim system for exterior siding includes interlocking trim units that may be installed without nails, screws, or other fasteners being visible. The preferred trim system includes an offset between its two back panels, which offset receives, shields, and conceals a sheet(s) of insulation, and a relief portion which gives the trim system a three-dimensional appearance. Other features of the trim system, such as preferred overlapping or bending tabs and corners, help to keep water out of the trim units and away from the insulation and rear surfaces of the siding.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of designing a set of two tiled masks, as well as, a mask including: a first tile, the first tile being transparent to a light, the first tile having a first characteristic linear dimension that is 15% or less of a wavelength of the light; a second tile, the second tile being transparent to the light, the second tile having a second characteristic linear dimension that is 15% or less of the wavelength of the light; and a third tile, the third tile being opaque to the light, the third tile having a third characteristic linear dimension that is 15% or less of the wavelength of the light.