Abstract: A three-view foldable calendar (10) consisting of a single integrated structure (12) that includes three sections: an upper section (14), a center section (16) and a lower section (18). When the calendar (10) is to be stored or mailed, the upper section (14) and the lower section (18) are folded over the center section (16) to allow a small compact structure to be formed. The upper section (14) has adjacent an upper edge (24) a centered hanging hole (36) into which is inserted a pin that secures the calendar (10) to a wall. When the calendar (10) is placed in a viewing configuration it is hung on the wall which allows three consecutive calendars months to be displayed for comparative viewing.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display having a generated flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off of a flame shaped mirror onto a partially transparent screen so as to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non burning pile of logs.

Abstract: A modular pedestal sign or suspended sign is formed as a hollow border defined by upper, lower and opposite side hollow members collectively setting-off an inboard signage area. The upper and lower hollow members are preferably each formed by identically hollow bodies which are snap-secured together and each also defines a pair of projecting legs which are in internal telescopic relationship to the hollow side members. A polymeric/copolymeric synthetic thermoplastic foam material is in situ molded in intimate relationship to interior surfaces of the border to rigidify the assembled components, though snap fasteners may be utilized. Additional signage areas can be formed utilizing hollow divider members having oppositely directed pairs of legs.

Abstract: A warning sign for mounting on a structural member, such as a cross arm of a utility pole, has an elongated U-shaped support member and a warning message disposed thereon. The warning sign is installed on the structural member by a utility worker at ground level by pushing it upward onto the structural member, about which it locks and cannot be easily removed. The support member and warning message are preferably extruded from high-density polyethylene which includes ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors.

Abstract: A combination sign holder and strip retailer for provided expanded area for graphics and detailed information about products offered for sale on the strip retailer. The sign holder portion of the combination has an opening at or near the bottom thereof to accommodate the passage of a plastic strip retailer (die-cut or injection molded) through the opening. An enlarged portion of the strip retailer is retained on opposite sides of the opening. The sign holder portion of the combination may be made of a heat-folded PVC having an additional third panel that allows the sign holder to be held by a C-shaped price channel on a store shelf. Alternatively, an adhesive strip or hooks extending through holes in the sign holder may be used to fasten the combination to a retail fixture.

Abstract: A document displaying system for facilitating easy access to documents being displayed. The document displaying system includes a support assembly having a backing member selectively couplable to a vertical support surface; a frame assembly operationally couplable to the support assembly; a transparent cover member operationally couplable to the frame assembly, and abutting a perimeter edge of the transparent cover member; and a pair of magnetic coupling members for selectively operationally securing the transparent cover member to the support assembly.

Abstract: A locking system for firearms including a locking ring rotatably mounted to a bolt. As the bolt is moved through a bolt slide, the locking ring engages a cam member, which causes the locking ring to rotate about the bolt, which can remain fixed against rotation.

Abstract: A receiver is configured to receiver a tabbed magazine. The receiver includes a receiver well having a slot configured to accept the tab on the tabbed magazine. In operation, the tabbed magazine can be inserted into the receiver well without having to rotate the tabbed magazine into the receiver well. A magazine catch engages a locking feature in a rib of the tabbed magazine so as to support the tabbed magazine in the receiver well. Once the tabbed magazine is empty, the tabbed magazine can be ejected by pressing a magazine release button without the need to rock the tabbed magazine out of the receiver well. The magazine release button can be configured to allow the user to eject the tabbed magazine by pressing the magazine release button on either side of the receiver. Once a loaded tabbed magazine is placed into the receiver well, the user can press a bolt stop button to release a bolt stop.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to secure a bolt in a jammed position are disclosed. A disclosed firearm includes a housing; a mounting bracket carried by the housing; and a cocking slide slidably engaging the mounting bracket external to the housing. The cocking slide is engageable with the bolt in order to move the bolt against the force of a closing spring and into a cocked position. In the event of a jam, the cocking slide is engageable with the bolt in order to lock the bolt in a jammed position between the fired position and the cocked position.

Abstract: A locking storage system for fishing rods includes a retention base, a sliding lock plate and a plurality of rod collars. A plurality of openings are formed through the retention base. A rod collar is inserted through the openings. The rod collar is sized to receive the end of a fishing rod. The sliding lock plate captures the reel pedestal of a reel of a fishing rod. The sliding lock plate is secured to the retention base with a padlock. A rod retention plate may be used in conjunction with the locking storage system for fishing rods. A second embodiment includes a contoured rod base and a sliding lock plate engaged with the contoured rod base. A third embodiment includes a rod tray, a rod support and a swinging lock plate.

Abstract: A live bait container includes a flexible, cylindrically shaped fabric mesh body having a side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an interior storage space. A bottom hoop is positioned near the bottom wall. A first access port in one of the walls communicates with the interior storage space. The container also includes a fabric mesh pouch positioned on an outer surface of the side wall.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across said pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of said pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities.

Abstract: A plant support system having one or more stakes and a length of cord, string, wire, or twine. The stakes have a lower end (30) connected to a lower length (32) that when placed in soil supports the stake. The lower length is connected to a length consisting of left (22) and right (20) corrugations or is otherwise suitably shaped so that when cord, string, wire or twine is attached at predetermined heights the twine (43) will not slip up or down. There may be a loop at the top (24) to secure the twine. Stakes are placed into the soil at predetermined distances from one another and from plants, and twine is attached to stakes along the length that is corrugated or otherwise suitably shaped. The stakes and twine are easy to install and provide plentiful support for growing plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed.

Abstract: A window or door includes a frame mounted to a building. The frame has first and second side jambs, a frame closure in the form of a window or door has a first side edge pivotally mounted to the first side jamb of the frame for opening and closing the closure member relative to the frame. The closure member has a second side edge which locates adjacent the second side jamb of the frame when the closure member is closed. The second side edge of the closure member includes a first lock part. The second side jamb of the frame includes a channel extending lengthwise of the frame. The channel has a channel mouth along its length, which faces interiorly of the frame. Undercut channel regions are provided to each side of the channel mouth. A slide bar is slideably fitted in the channel and a second lock part is secured to the slide bar.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes an upper track member, a lower track member, and a sliding unit. The track members each define a first channel having a first depth, a second channel having a second depth, and a third channel having a third depth less than the first and second depths. The sliding unit includes upper and lower edges. Each edge has a first tab and a second tab extending from the edge. The sliding unit slides in the track members to move between an open and a closed position. The first tabs slide in the first channels, the second tabs slide in the second channels, and the edges slide in the third channels.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a refrigerator which comprises a bellows-seal gasket and a profile as a single piece or as multiple pieces where the profile has a base having at opposite ends, sealing strips and has a groove for replacement of the bellows-seal gasket. The profile is provided with a side branch that terminates in a grooved seat having a C-shaped cross-section for receiving an edge of an inner door panel and having a sealing strip that is provided at the end of the grooved seat. The inner door panel is bent to ensure optimal contact with the sealing strip of the side branch.

Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.

Abstract: A ridge ventilator for covering an open ridge of a roof while promoting ventilation of a space beneath the roof. The ridge ventilator has a sectional body having a first side and a second side, a number of partitions extending across said body between said sides, as well as a first end and a second end. The vent body has a width between said sides to permit said body to be laid over and cover an open ridge in a roof formed at the peak. The body also includes a recessed middle portion in a top face of the body, the recess being sized and shaped to accommodate roofing cap shingles. The body also includes opposed raised and curved, in side view, air foil side sections; which have a grill to permit air to pass therethrough between a space beneath said roof and the outside, the air foil side sections being sized and shaped to create, in a wind passing over the air foil sections, a low pressure adjacent to the grill to facilitate drawing air out of the space.

Abstract: A load bearing building panel (10) is composed of light weight concrete and reinforcing within the panel body (11) adjacent to the first and second major faces (12, 13). The reinforcing (18, 19) extends in a horizontal direction for most of the width of the panel and in a vertical direction for most of the height. In addition, the reinforcing extends about apertures near the upper and lower faces (16, 17). The apertures a suitable for fasteners to extend there through. A load bearing column is disclosed with top and bottom portions engageable with a structure they are resting upon. A triangular cross-section tubular member extends between and is attached to the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A modular paneling assembly and method of applying same is provided. The modular paneling assembly includes at least one elongated panel member, upper and lower rails defining upper and lower recesses, respectively, the upper and lower recesses spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between upper and lower edge portions of the panel member, such that the panel member is removably retained in the recesses when supported by the bottom rail. The method of applying the paneling assembly includes the steps of mounting the upper and lower rails to a mounting surface, inserting the upper edge portion of the panel member into the upper recess and inserting the lower edge portion of the panel member into the lower recess.

Abstract: The roofing system is a system that allows for numerous shingles to be attached to the roof of a house without using nails, releasably interlocking the shingles to each other and also attaching the shingles to the surface of the roof. The roofing system includes a single foundation layer of hook and loop fastening material affixed to the roof, and a plurality of shingles releasably attached to the foundation layer. The shingles are overlapped onto each other in rows and held both to each other and the foundation layer. The shingles may additionally laterally overlap each other to provide a greater level of resistance to the elements.

Abstract: Siding trim including at least three trim elements each having at least two recesses associated therewith. The at least two recesses share a traversing frame element. The traversing frame element has at least two projecting elements projecting outwardly therefrom. The at least two recesses selectively receive and retain one or more panel elements. The at least two recesses bias against the one or more panel elements to firmly retain the one or more panel elements therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforcement structure which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental support and strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a reinforcement structure which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components having a finite cut length, and fastening the reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components by one or more circumferential retaining elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a concrete floor slab using sub-grade waterproofing in a manner that favors the use of water-based adhesives for affixing floor covering materials. The method comprises casting a hydratable cementitious composition onto a flooring membrane, the composition having a shrinkage reduction admixture and a water:cementitious binder ratio sufficiently low that substantially all of the water moisture is retained in the hydration reaction, and achieving a fully adhered bond with the flooring membrane.

Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting fold lines on a sheet to be inserted into a windowed envelope includes scanning the windowed envelope with a scanner to determine the location of the window on the envelope. The location of a data block on an insert to be inserted into the windowed envelope is also determined. The position of one or more of the fold lines on the sheet to be inserted is determined such that a data block printed in the determined location on the sheet will appear behind the envelope window when the sheet is folded in accordance with the determined fold line pattern and inserted into the windowed envelope. The efficiency and flexibility of the system can be enhanced by providing an operator with possible standard and nonstandard fold patterns that will enable proper insertion of the folded sheet into the envelope.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a heat seal die incorporating heat tube technology for controlling the variation of temperature across a heat seal die. The invention also encompasses a system and method for portion control size packaging of flowable liquid-containing condiments in a portion size in the range from 1 to 5 ounces using such a heat seal die.

Abstract: A process for preparing a laminated, thermoformed film which comprises: a. blowing a film-forming composition to form a bubble; b. collapsing the bubble to form a film stack comprising a plurality of layers; and c. heating said film stack in a mould to thermoform said film stack and to adhere the layers together.

Abstract: In a semiautomatic boxing machine, a first conveyor receives and moves a plurality of erected boxes to a work station, while a second conveyor receives and moves a plurality of products to a station for forming groups of products. A manipulator picks up groups of products in the forming station and release them into corresponding boxes dwelling in the work station.

Abstract: The saddle pads have a lower covering layer of a comfort fabric formed from a passive performance fiber. In use this layer lies against the back and sides of a horse and acts to wick perspiration from the horse. The perspiration is then absorbed by the cushioning layer which consists of a polymeric foam backing. The foam backing is, in turn, covered by another hydrophilic layer, which in one embodiment is synthetic sheepskin and in the other is a cloth cover. The saddle pads are constructed with a withers relief gusset.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a first gathering element adapted to be driven by a first drive mechanism so as to gather crop and feed the crop in a direction substantially opposite to a direction of motion of the harvesting machine. A second gathering element is adapted to receive the crop from the first gathering element and is further adapted to be driven so as to transfer the crop in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of motion. Intake elements are adapted to receive the crop from the second gathering element. The second gathering element and intake elements are adapted to be driven at related rates. The first gathering element is driveable at a rate independent from a driven rate of the second gathering element and the intake elements.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided that attaches a string trimmer to a lawn mower. The mounting apparatus comprises components that provide for mechanical absorption of impacts to a head of the string trimmer. In one embodiment, the mounting apparatus comprises a lower mounting shock assembly comprising two vertically positioned springs or other suspension/shock absorbing devices, an upper impact assembly, comprising an angled spring, or other suspension/shock absorbing device, through which a shaft of the string trimmer passes, and components that provide for rotation of the string trimmer head with a drive motor provided with a protective clutch mechanism. Embodiments include providing the mounting apparatus on a lawn mower with a string trimmer device inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A grass collector for a grass mower adapted to move grass cuttings from a mower unit through a duct into a grass container disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, comprises: a support frame configured to be attached to the rear portion of the vehicle body of the grass mower; a connecting portion supported by the support frame; an engaging member provided to the grass container and engageable with the connecting portion wherein the grass container is detachably attached to the support frame by the engagement of the engaging member with the connecting portion; an engagement lock member provided in the grass container for preventing disengagement of the engaging member from the connecting portion; and an engagement releasing tool for releasing the engagement lock member, the releasing tool being disposed adjacent a handle provided on a top face of the grass container so that the releasing tool may be gripped simultaneously with the handle.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a combustion chamber section, a turbine section, and a compressor section. The turbine section surrounds the combustion chamber and the compressor section surrounds the turbine section.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control apparatus includes a NOX catalyst provided within an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine where fuel combustion is continuously performed at a lean air/fuel ratio, and a reducing agent supply valve within the exhaust passage upstream of the NOX catalyst. If the NOX stored in the NOX catalyst is required to be decreased, a selector valve position is selected between a forward and a reverse flow positions so as to decrease a flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOX catalyst. Then a reducing agent is supplied upon elapse of a predetermined time period from the timing when the signal instructing to select the position of the selector valve. An oxygen sensor detects an oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas discharged from the NOX catalyst upon supply of the reducing agent. The elapsing time is corrected such that a peak value of the detected oxygen concentration accords with the target value.

Abstract: This system for assisting regeneration of a storage/release NOx trap integrated into an exhaust system (5) of a motor vehicle diesel engine (4) is characterized in that it includes means (11) for injecting fuel into the cylinders of the engine (4) in the form of pilot injections and main injections and means (12) for controlling the injection means (11) to switch the engine (4) periodically from a standard mode of operation using a lean mixture and pilot injection and main injection, in which NOx are stored in the trap (6), to a regeneration mode of operation using a rich mixture, with at least two pilot or main injections depending on the engine load, in which NOx, are released from the trap (6) and the trap is regenerated.

Abstract: A regeneration control device which regenerates a filter (13) by increasing an exhaust gas temperature to burn exhaust gas particulates trapped in the filter, is disclosed. The filter (13) traps particulate matter in exhaust gas from an engine (1). The regeneration control device suppresses fuel cost-performance impairment due to filter regeneration. The regeneration control device has a load detection sensor (31) which detects an engine load and a microcomputer-based controller (22).

Abstract: Hydraulic systems generally comprise expansion hose lines and other damping elements which are provided with one or several serially connected hose chambers according to the generated pressure pulsation. The damping measures of the inventive hydraulic system are initiated according to the prevailing pressure during operation thereof. The aim of the invention is to keep the loss of pressure low and save a significant amount of energy during continuous operations. Said aim is achieved by a direct line connection between the source of pressure and the user, which bypasses the dampers. Said bypass line is blocked by a valve when the pressure in the system increases.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder includes a housing having a fluid connection for connecting to a hydraulic system and an after-running connection for connecting to a fluid after-running vessel, and a piston which is axially displaceable in the housing to define a variable pressure space having a gas collecting portion, the piston being fixed against rotation in the housing and having at least one after-running groove which is oriented substantially toward the gas collecting portion. A primary seal arranged in the housing and receiving the piston therethrough is bridged by the after-running groove when the piston is in an extended end position, whereby the gas collecting portion of the pressure space communicates with the after-running connection when the piston is in the extended end position.

Abstract: A pressure-limiting device in the hydraulic path for a clutch including at least one restrictor member having a central restrictor bore for pressure reduction and a cup-shaped retaining ring to which pressure is applied by a spring and the bottom of which has a central bore and, radially spaced therefrom, a plurality of radially spaced openings arranged on a reference circle. At least one of the restrictor member and the central restrictor bore is activatable when a predetermined volumetric flow rate of the fluid is exceeded during clutch engagement and the plurality of radially spaced openings is closable when a predetermined pressure drop is exceeded. The central restrictor bore can be activated independently of temperature because the surface area acting on the retaining ring is smaller in the unshifted state than during shifting, resulting with the temperature-dependent pressure losses caused by leakage between the retaining ring and housing being compensated for.

Abstract: A hybrid car capable of stably ensuring the bad road running property, obtaining large acceleration in a satisfactory road surface state, and simultaneously when no large acceleration is required, running with fuel consumption kept unchanged is provided. The hybrid car is composed of an engine 1 for driving either of front wheels 2 and rear wheels 8, a generator 10 driven by the engine, a wheel driving motor 14 for driving engine non-driven wheels by power of the generator, a supercharger driving motor 1b for driving a supercharger 1a by the generator, a power distributor 12 adjusting power quantity for distributing the power from the generator to the supercharger motor and wheel driving motor, and a controller 7 for inputting information of wheel speed sensors 3a and 3b and controlling power distribution of the distributor.

Abstract: A combined impingement effusion method comprises brazing or welding a waffled impingement plate to the cold back-side surface of component having effusion holes there through. The impingement plate comprises a plurality of small baffle cells to relieve the thermal stresses between the impingement plate and the component. By rigidly attaching the impingement plate, the cooling flow leakage associated with the seals of floating plates is avoided.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine assembly. The method comprises providing at least one propelling gas turbine engine that includes a core engine including at least one turbine. The method also comprises coupling an auxiliary engine to the propelling gas turbine engine such that during operation of the propelling gas turbine engine, at least a portion of the airflow entering the propelling gas turbine engine is extracted from the propelling gas turbine engine upstream from the core engine turbine, and channeled to the auxiliary engine for generating power.

Abstract: A compressor fuel gas conditioner for a natural gas well having a compressor which utilizes natural gas from the well as a fuel. The conditioner includes a vortex tube having an inlet to receive compressed natural gas from the compressor, a warm gas outlet for gas which has been heated by circular motion in the vortex tube, and a cool gas outlet for cool gas exiting the vortex tube after passing through the tube wherein the warm gas is returned to an inlet side of the compressor. A salt dryer includes a dryer inlet to receive the cool gas exiting the cool gas outlet of the vortex tube and a dryer outlet to deliver gas from the salt dryer as fuel gas to the compressor.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryocooler wherein some cryocooler working gas is diverted from the pressure wave pathway before passing to the cold portion of the cryocooler, passed to a getter for adsorptive cleaning of contaminants, and returned to the pressure wave pathway at a warm portion of the pressure wave pathway.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas carrier uses a diesel engine or gas turbine propulsion plant fitted with a shipboard regasification system. The propulsion plant can provide either a direct mechanical drive of the propeller shaft and propeller, or can be fitted with an integrated electric power plant using an electric motor or motors to drive the propeller shaft and propeller. The regasification system includes a heat input source of exhaust gas heat exchangers, electric water heaters and supplemental heaters to provide an additional heat source to a hot water circulating loop. The liquefied natural gas contacts the hot water or heating medium circulating loop and is regasified. An undersea conduit from the ship transmits the regasified natural gas to an on shore plant.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a coalescent oil separator for removing oil from a refrigerant gas and oil mixture discharged from a compressor. Upon a pressure condition being exceeded a directional flow valve opens to allow the refrigerant gas and oil mixture to bypass the coalescent oil separator. There is included a method for servicing the coalescent oil separator without having to resort to shutting down the refrigeration system or removing the refrigerant material.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system, including an air compressor mechanism disposed in a body shell, which has an inlet and enlarged outlet. An air is directed to the air compressor mechanism, and compressed. Upon exhaling the body shell, a compressed air will rapidly expand and a heat generated from electrical appliances installed thereunder will be reduced to a functional level. The system is applicable for the heat dissipating to computer devices, electronic appliances, or heat producing devices.