Abstract: Personally adjustable footwear with at least one sole layer including: a toe portion, a heel portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has openings passing vertically through the layer so that the intermediate portion is elastically flexible to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the toe portion and the heel portion to vary a length of the layer without significant variation in a thickness of the layer. A retention mechanism selectively fixes the toe and heel portions in any of a number of relative positions. Also disclosed are implementations with insertable and removable segments, and with elongated elements sliding in channels.

Abstract: A snowshoe (1) whose webbing includes a flexible wall (4) maintained in tension inside a framework (2) by portions of the flexible mounting wall which define flexible mounting projections. Supplemental protection parts (8) are disposed surrounding the mounting projections to protect them from wear and impact.

Abstract: A spike-adjustable spiked shoe includes a plurality of anchored walls on an outsole, each having an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface. A positioning unit has an abutment head and a guided end respectively facing toward a bearing wall in the outsole and the inner concave surface, and a tapped bore segment. The abutment head is depressed when it abuts against the bearing wall, thereby generating a sufficient friction force therebetween for holding the positioning unit against the anchored wall. An adjustable spike unit includes a spike body having a tightening surface, and a tightening member secured to the spike body and having a threaded shank that is threadedly engageable with the tapped bore segment such that the spike body can be retained in a normal or adjusted position relative to the outsole.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system of a loader arm carrying a working implement, the system having a ride improvement system and a selection valve connected to first and second chambers of a ram which operates the loader arm. A check valve assembly is provided, with the check valve assembly being responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber. The check valve assembly, when closed, prevents fluid from passing between the first chamber to the selection valve. Means are provided communicating the fluid pressure in the second chamber to the check valve, with the means responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber to open the check valve. The selection valve is operable to raise the loader arm with the system arranged to permit passage of fluid between the first chamber and the accumulator while permitting fluid to pass from the second chamber to a low pressure region.

Abstract: The present invention is for a calendar and calendaring system that comprises a calendar with stacked pages which are removably attached to a base portion. The pages are indexed with at least a portion of each stacked page being visible without manipulation. A memorandum/note section is provided for each page that corresponds to a future period of time and is revealed when the previous page is removed allowing the user to record future events to be transferred to a new calendar according to the present invention.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to discharge a volatile material includes a display frame with a front face and a rear face. An opening is disposed in the front face. A dispenser is disposed within the display frame. The dispenser comprises a blister holding a volatile material and a permeable membrane extends across an open end of the blister. The rear face includes an integral foot member actuable between first and second states. The permeable membrane is disposed adjacent the front face and prevents the release of the volatile material in a first condition and permits the release of the volatile material through the opening in a second condition.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile sign with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems. The mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a multiplicity of LED's in a matrixical arrangement for generating electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns of individual LED's or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs.

Abstract: A method of firing of arms which utilizes both action and reaction forces in the process of firing. The action force propels the projectile (14) while the opposite in direction reaction force is used with an independent freely moving inert mass (20) in which a cartridge case (18) resides. Since the movement of the inert mass (20) does not affect the position of the barrel (12) prior to the projectile (14) leaving the muzzle, the barrel (12) remains steady during firing, thus achieving very high accuracy of shooting.

Abstract: The hunting decoy includes first and second panels, each panel having an image formed on front and rear surfaces thereof to simulate an animal. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of head portions, a main body portion, and a pair of legs. The first panel has a first slot formed therein, which extends from a top edge of the main body portion downward to a central region of the first main body portion. The second panel has a second slot formed therein, which extends from a bottom edge of the main body portion upward to a central region of the second main body portion. The first panel is releasably joined to the second panel at their respective slots and, preferably, the first panel is positioned substantially orthogonal to the second panel to form a freestanding cruciform decoy.

Abstract: A duck stand for attachment to a duck decoy includes an attachment member to attach the duck stand to the duck decoy. A bias member to variably bias the attachment member and a stand mounting member to allow the duck stand to be mounted in the ground. The duck stand includes a collar member to change the bias of the bias member, a spring, a mounting member to connect to the attachment member, a top sleeve member to connect to the mounting member, a bottom sleeve member to attach to the collar member and a stake member to cooperate with the bottom sleeve member, the collar member and the top sleeve member.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasable attachment to a fishing rod, said apparatus including: a barrel having a first end and a releasably sealed first region; wherein the first region of the barrel includes a space within the barrel substantially bounded by a second end of the barrel and a protrusion disposed inside the barrel; and a means of selectably adjusting the volume of the first region including adjusting the position of the protrusion along a length of the barrel; and wherein when the protrusion is disposed inside the barrel, it extends radially-inwardly of the barrel in a substantially transverse orientation to an elongate axis of the barrel; and a means of controllably feeding a propellant into the releasably sealed first region; and a means of expanding the propellant whereby the said expansion of the propellant causes a projectile disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel via the first end.

Abstract: A submergible container that includes a plurality of fluid passages formed through a container body to allow a chamber of the container to fill when submerged in water to form a live well is described. In embodiments described, the container is formed of an oval or egg shaped body to provide a streamline contour for towing through the water. In an illustrated embodiment, the container includes a wheel assembly and pull handle to transport the container over the ground. The illustrated container includes a closure that is operable between an open position and a closed position to insert items into the container.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a box-like fish-trap (1) comprising a frame, which is foldable, involved by a net, characterised in that it consists of: A metallic upper body (2), which floats; A metallic lower body (3); Flexible cables (4) to fix the upper body (2) to the lower body (3); Flexible side nets which connect the lower body (3) to the upper body (2); Frames (6, 7) that hold the nets of the fish entrance openings (5) and which are arranged so as to let the fish come in but make it difficult for it to get out; and One bottom (16) formed by a frame and net fixed in an articulated manner to one of the tops of the lower body and closed at the opposite top, which will make it possible to collect the captured fish.

Abstract: A pest control device includes an exposure chamber that is easily accessible to target pests, but which resists entry of larger, non-targeted organisms, for example, household pets or children. The exposure chamber includes an interior surface that is covered by a perforated membrane. A poison may be disposed between the interior surface and the perforated membrane. The poison includes a microencapsulated interior active ingredient mixed within a carrier substance structured to retain the poison between the interior surface and the membrane, and to adhere to the exterior surface of a pest until the pest ingests the poison during grooming. Upon ingestion of the microencapsulated poison during grooming, the microcapsules decompose thereby releasing the active ingredient within the pest.

Abstract: The candle wax includes an additive for increasing the thermal diffusivity of the wax, which allows the candle wax to transfer and retain more thermal energy. The thermal diffusive additive increase the thermal conductivity and/or specific heat of the candle waxes and can be used with any conventional candle wax to improve the formation and size of the melt pool in a jar candle.

Abstract: A method for treating a fatty acid methyl ester. The method can include mixing the fatty acid methyl ester with an amount of urea and an amount of alcohol to make (i) a urea/fatty acid methyl ester ratio of from about 0.1:1 to 1:1 wt/wt and (ii) an alcohol/fatty acid methyl ester ratio of from about 3:1 to 10:1 wt/wt; heating the fatty acid methyl ester/urea/alcohol mixture to a temperature at which a homogenous mixture is obtained, cooling the fatty acid methyl ester/urea/alcohol mixture to a temperature where a solid phase comprising a clathrate of urea and saturated fatty acid ester and a liquid phase comprising unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester are formed, and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase. The unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester is useful as a fuel resistant to gel formation at low temperature.

Abstract: An additive for hydrocarbon fuels such as LPG, gasoline, and diesel fuel. The additive includes a hydrocarbon mixture, an alkyl amine, and at least one vapor phase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a synthetic fuel pellet, the pellet comprising a compressed agglomeration of: (a) coal fines; (b) a fibrous cellulosic material wherein the fibers of the fibrous cellulosic material have been substantially disintegrated; and (c) at least one binder, the binder adapted to form a pellet of the coal fines and the fibrous cellulosic material.

Abstract: A container for growing plants has a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base, for containing a growing medium. An opening is defined in an inclined portion of the side wall, and a rib positioned on the side wall and facing into the container defines a root-guiding angle between the rib and the side wall, the root-guiding angle leading to the opening. Plant roots growing adjacent to the side wall are therefore guided by the root-guiding angle to the opening to be air pruned.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein rotating arrays of seeds or seedlings carried by arcuate ribs arranged around a common horizontal axis face a growth promoting light source; plant growth is promoted and weight distribution within each array is maintained when watering the rotating arrays. Several intermeshing arrays can make up a carousel wherein the arrays rotate together during plant growth, cropping and replanting.

Abstract: A process for stimulating microbial methane production in a petroleum-bearing subterranean formation, comprising: (a) analyzing one or more components of the formation to determine characteristics of the formation environment; (b) detecting the presence of a microbial consortium, comprising at least one methanogenic microorganism, within the formation; (c) assessing whether the formation microorganisms are currently active; (d) determining whether the microbial consortium comprises one or more methanotrophic microorganism; (e) characterization of one or more microorganisms of the consortium, at least one of the members of the consortium being a methanogenic microorganism, and comparing the members of the consortium with at least one known microorganism having one or more known physiological and ecological characteristics; (f) characterization of one or more methanotrophic microorganisms of the consortium (if present), and comparing the members of the consortium with at least one known microorganism having one

Abstract: A door sealing system includes a frame and a pneumatic liner positioned along an inner perimeter of the frame. The liner includes a hollow interior for adjusting it between extended and retracted configurations. A pump is included for selectively inflating the liner and a valve which can be deactivated to deflate the liner. When inflated, the liner fills the gap between the door and the frame and when deflated, allows the door to be opened easily. A sensor is positioned with a cavity in the frame for detecting placement of a latch indicative of the door being opened or closed. A processor then appropriately actuates the pump or deactivates the valve. Accordingly, the seal is inflated when the door is closed and is deflated when the door is being opened.

Abstract: A window regulator wherein the drive means can be pivoted, during assembly, to move the centers of the driven drum and a guide closer together to provide for easy routing of the flexible drive member and can then be moved apart to tension the flexible drive member to complete the assembly. The regulator can be a single rail regulator or a dual rail regulator and the flexible drive member can be a belt, wire cable or other suitable device.

Abstract: A cable window regulator assembly is mounted to a carrier panel. At least four pulleys are spaced around the carrier panel, each rotating around an axis substantially perpendicular to the carrier panel. A lift plate assembly is displaced away from the carrier panel and is constrained to travel in a closure plane solely by the closure panel. An upper and a lower cable is trained around a first pair of the pulleys. One end of each of the upper and lower cables is affixed to a drive assembly; the other end of the upper and lower cables is affixed to the lift plate assembly on opposite sides near opposing edges of the lift plate assembly. Engaging the drive assembly causes the lift plate assembly to move towards either an open or a closed position. A follower cable, affixed to the lift plate assembly at opposite sides thereof and trained about a second pair of the pulleys, maintains coordinated travel of the lift plate assembly.

Abstract: A door driving apparatus includes a rotary actuator, a rotary transmission member integrally fixed to an output shaft extending from the rotary actuator, and a pair of linear transmission members opposed to each other via the rotary transmission member. The linear transmission members are configured to be in mesh with the rotary transmission member and to move approximately parallel to each other in opposite directions.

Abstract: A splash guard device (1) having a framework (9) with a top edge (17), a bottom edge (18) and two side edges (19) that protects a portion of a screened-in area (2) from water, dirt and debris. The splash guard device (1) is preferably affixed along the top edge (17) to a screened-in area (2) such that the splash guard device (1) may be opened and closed in an upward and downward motion. The framework (9) preferably surrounds at least one see-through section (7) so as to give a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A sub-lip is provided on an interior side wall portion of a main body having U-shaped cross section in a vertical section of the glass run (an extruded portion). The sub-lip extends substantially linearly on a side of an inner space of the main body while inclined towards an inner side of a glass opening. The sub-lip is formed integrally with the interior side wall portion simultaneously to extrusion of the interior side wall portion. A projecting length of the sub-seal is set such that a distal end portion of the sub-lip is brought into contact with a back surface of the interior seal lip when the door glass is inserted into the inner space of the main body.

Abstract: A weather strip includes an attaching base portion, and a hollow seal portion. The attaching base portion has a generally L-shaped cross-section, and includes a bottom wall and an exterior side wall. An elongation/shrinkage prevention portion is formed such that when the attaching base portion is curved in a direction of a width of the exterior side wall, a neutral axis of curvature is disposed at a position slightly offset toward a widthwise distal end of the exterior side wall from that portion of the exterior side wall continuous with the bottom wall. A double adhesive tape is bonded at least to that portion of an interior surface of the exterior side wall extending toward the distal end of the exterior side wall from a region at which a first hollow connecting portion of the hollow seal portion and the exterior side wall are interconnected.

Abstract: Lapping compositions are disclosed which comprise a fluid useful during a process to shape the surface of a substrate, where that process includes contacting a target surface of the substrate with one or more abrasives while also contacting that target surface with the lapping composition.

Abstract: The inventive chemical-mechanical polishing system comprises a polishing component, a liquid carrier, and a polyether amine. The inventive method comprises chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the aforementioned polishing system.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical planarization composition containing surface-modified abrasive particles such as silica where at least a portion of the surface of the particles has bound thereto a surface-modifying aluminum-containing stabilizer and fluoride that is used to polish semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture and use of novel pre-coated abrasive particles and particle slurries for the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of semiconductor wafers, thin films, inter-layer dielectric, metals, and other components during integrated circuit, flat panel display, or MEMS manufacturing. For example, polishing slurry abrasive particles can be pre-coated with additives, such as, inhibitors and/or surfactants during manufacture of the abrasive particles or slurry. The additive's opportunity to react directly with the abrasive particles early in the particle manufacturing process provides a slurry having a more stable, selectable, and predictable ratio of abrasive particles pre-coated with a more stable, selectable, and predictable amount and type of additives.

Abstract: A mould unit is formed from injection molded plastics for economy and light weight. The mould unit is formed so that walls can quickly and accurately be assembled by stacking the units in courses. As the units are stacked, utilities are installed into ducts laid as required into the units. Doors, windows and other similar structures are formed into the walls as the units are stacked. When assembled, door and window frames may be fastened directly into the units and finishing board can be fastened to the inner or outer walls. When ducts, pipes and cables for utilities have been installed, the assembled walls are filled with a setting composition, such as foamed concrete.

Abstract: A portable survival shelter that includes a body having a generally elongated shape and a protective outer shell structure, a sealable entrance on the top of the body, and a base upon which the body is formed. The body defines a sealable survival chamber that is large enough to hold one or more persons and strong enough to withstand the impact of falling tree limbs, flying debris, or the like. The shelter is preferably configured with ballast to float in water in an upright orientation and constructed with an exterior surface substantially free from protruding snags. The shelter is preferably of a size that fits within a conventional automobile garage, and preferably incorporates forklift pockets for moving the shelter from place to place with a forklift or recessed pad eyes for lifting the shelter with a crane or helicopter.

Abstract: A door assembly having a structural inner frame that is secured between an interior sheath and an exterior sheath. The inner frame provides rigidity and strength to the door assembly and will not warp or otherwise lose its dimensional integrity regardless of the environment or usage. Both the interior and exterior sheaths add strength and durability once attached to and combined with the inner frame. The internal frame is formed from metal, wood, plastic, composite panels, polystyrene panels or other structural materials. In the preferred embodiment, the inner frame by itself is not structural, it relies on the interior sheath and exterior sheath for its combined strength. The components of the internal frame are secured together by fastening onto the interior sheath and exterior sheath. This allows the components, while structurally supporting one another, to utilize the interior and exterior sheaths to fasten the components to one another.

Abstract: Triangulated shells can be free-formed but are uneconomical compared to translational shells that can only be flat. Scale-trans shells are limited in terms of number and arrangement of the openings. The present invention provides a free-formed, custom-tailored shell surface and a regularly shaped, mass-produced shell surface that can be assembled fairly evenly from advantageously quadrangular mesh elements having coplanar node points. The flexibility of a triangle net of shell pieces in a large scale is combined with the evenness of a quad net for meshes in a small scale, whereby triangular meshes at the shared side of adjoining square nets are combined in pairs to give irregular quadrangular meshes having coplanar vertices. The inventive shell is especially suitable for use as an energy-saving building such as a weekend home, emergency shelter, cupola of an observatory, roof of a building or an inner courtyard, as the shell of a large multi-story building or as a sports hall or factory building.

Abstract: A rollable roof ridge ventilation element for slanted roofs comprises a ribbon-type, air-permeable carrier material. Edge strips of an elastically deformable film are connected to edge regions of the carrier material. Each edge strip includes an upward-pointing fold in a longitudinal direction of the ventilation element presenting a wind-repelling lip. Each edge strip has transverse undulations, and the wind-repelling lip of an edge strip includes undulations that extend transverse to a longitudinal direction of the wind-repelling lip and correspond to the transverse undulations of the edge strip.

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: The Liquid Window Shade is a sealed double glazed window comprises of two spaced panes of glass sealed in a frame with spacer with sealed holes for connecting hoses for dyed water or other colored liquid to be pumped in or re-circulated, to block light coming in or decrease it to increase privacy, UV filtering or decrease heat loss. Air pump is to create a stream of air curtain inside the enclosure using several holes in the air strip located on the bottom. Draining solenoid, liquid and air pump connected to a timer creates an automated “shade up, shade down” cycle. Different colors, waterproof confetti, UV filtering chemicals can be added, for seasonal changes, for parties, or creating a falling snow flake affect.

Abstract: A foldout bed module for use in a healthcare facility includes a plurality of service connectors and a foldout bed. The foldout bed has a deck movable between a raised storage position and a lowered use position. The service connectors are normally concealed behind the deck when the deck is in the storage position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall panels comprising micro-scale surface features and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, a multiwall panel is disclosed. The multiwall panel comprises, a top sheet, a bottom sheet, a rib disposed between and connected to the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and a micro-scale surface feature disposed on a surface of the multiwall panel, wherein the micro-scale surface feature comprises a width measured at a base of the surface feature, wherein the width is about 30 micrometers to about 3 millimeters. In another embodiment, a process of forming multiwall panels is disclosed. In yet another embodiment, a naturally lit structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A cable molding primarily intended to be installed on a wall structure of a common hallway of a multiple dwelling unit below pre-existing molding, and an overlay molding attachable to the cable molding to conceal both the cable molding and the pre-existing molding. The overlay molding includes a panel molding having upper and lower edges and a flange extending rearwardly from the panel member intermediate the upper and lower edges. The flange defines with a lower portion of the panel member a lower channel shaped to provide a snap fit onto the cable member, and defines with an upper portion of the panel member an upper channel that receives the pre-existing molding.

Abstract: A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A provided body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole can be achieved by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A provided stop portion at the worked end then stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a provided retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once it is thus inserted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grouted rebar dowel splice by which first and second rebars to be embedded within adjacent concrete sections are coupled to one another to hold the concrete sections together and resist tension and compression forces that are typically encountered during an earthquake. The rebar splice includes a hollow cylindrical splice body. One end of the hollow splice body is flattened, and a reinforcing sleeve is pressed into surrounding engagement with the flattened first end. The first rebar is received through axially aligned holes formed in the flattened first end and the reinforcing sleeve. A coiled compression spring is engulfed by a solidifier (e.g., an epoxy or a grout) at the hollow interior of the splice body. The second rebar is received through an opening at the opposite end of the splice body to be surrounded by and coaxially aligned with the coiled compression spring.

Abstract: A structural member (100), particularly for lightweight construction, is described, comprising a two-dimensional extent, and a plurality of adjacent arranged hollow shaped elements (11, 11A) extending across the two-dimensional extent of the structural member, wherein the hollow shaped elements (11, 11A) each have a continuous peripheral side wall (12) and the adjacent hollow shaped elements are connected to each other at their side walls, and wherein two structural spacing parts (15,16), which extend in parallel to the two-dimensional extent of the structural member and form arrangements of the hollow shaped elements (11, 11A), wherein each of the structural spacing parts (15, 16) has a base layer (13, 14) on which the hollow shaped elements (11, 11A) belonging to this structural spacing part (15, 16) are arranged at mutual intervals, and the structural spacing parts (15, 16) are arranged in opposite orientation so that the hollow shaped elements (11, 11A) of the first structural spacing part (15) protrude i

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to systems, devices, and methods for collecting falling mortar. Generally, these systems and methods comprise a masonry wall and one or more mortar stoppers. A mortar stopper may comprise a longitudinally extending surface comprising an indicator that defines an inserting portion and a mortar collecting portion, both of which being integral to the mortar stopper. The inserting portion may be inserted into mortar spaces along a backside of the wall such that the mortar collecting portion extends from the backside of the wall. Thereby, the mortar collecting portion collects mortar falling from the mortar spaces of the backside of the wall. The indicator may be positioned along the longitudinally extending surface such that the indicator indicates an appropriate length of insertion of the inserting portion into the wall sufficient for the mortar stopper to support the mortar collecting portion and the falling mortar collected by the mortar collecting portion.

Abstract: A tile has a back-stamp design including a recessed network of channels including intersecting interior channels that traverse in a plurality of directions across the back-stamp design. The perimeter of the back-stamp design is traversed by a raised border, and a plurality of plateaus define the interior channels therebetween. The raised border and the plateaus both extend from the depth of the recessed network of channels to a common outer plane. A plurality of the tiles can be bonded to a substrate to produce a multi-tile panel that can then be installed, e.g., as flooring.

Abstract: This invention directs the joining together three or more building board of even widths to create a solid panel, such as a floor, side panel, decorative room divider or ceiling panel. The individual pieces of wood which are mechanically joined together without the need for glue, nails, screws or other means of permanent attachment by a flat strip with at least one central guide and two terminal fasteners which fit into complementary grooves cut into the bottom of each building board to serve as an anchor point for the strip. The strip is slightly bent between the central guide and the terminal fasteners, such that when the user presses the building boards into the central guide and terminal fasteners, the entire building unit snaps into place. By cross linking and bridging various sections of building boards, the user of the invention can build and entire “floating” floor or panel.

Abstract: A wood door includes a frame embracing a panel unit and including two transversely interconnected frame members. Each frame member includes two longitudinal components, two transverse components connected between the longitudinal components, two face plates, a first joint surface provided on one of the longitudinal components of one of the frame members, and a second joint surface provided on the longitudinal and transverse components of the other one of the frame members, and joined to the first joint surface. The transverse component of the other one of the frame members has a grain extending in a direction transverse to that of the longitudinal components of the other one of the frame members. The first and second joint surfaces extend along the direction. The one of the longitudinal components of the one of the frame members extends in the direction, and has a grain extending in the direction.

Abstract: A fire resistant louver system and method of making the same includes a plurality of overlapping louvers mounted in a frame for insertion in a door or wall with the louvers arranged to define a circuitous passage there between that allows air flow from one side to the other of the system. The strips of intumescent material mounted on at least selected ones of the louvers so that when the system is subjected to heat above a predetermined temperature the intumescent material expands to close the circuitous passages.