Abstract: A shoe for sports that includes a shoe upper portion that is adapted to cover a user's foot, a ground friction device that is adapted to increase friction on a ground and an outer sole that is adapted to surround the user's foot together with the shoe upper portion. The outer sole includes one or more through holes, a top surface that supports the user's foot and a bottom surface. The ground friction device is assembled to the outer sole by being inserted into the through holes. The through hole includes a hole threaded portion, a lower end that is adjacent to the bottom surface of the outer sole and an upper end that is adjacent to the top surface of the outer sole.

Abstract: A padding machine for separating padding from residue and depositing the padding in a ditch. The padding machine may include a material collection assembly for collecting excavated material, an escalator assembly for lifting the excavated material, a separator for separating the padding from the residue, a conveyor assembly for conveying the padding to the ditch, a transport assembly for moving the padding machine and a wireless telemetry receiver for controlling functions of the padding machine. The separator may include a screen belt and at least one drive chain attached to the screen belt.

Abstract: A compact earth filtering machine adapted to engage with a base vehicle includes a frame including a guide structure for guiding earth being screened. A set of rollers is supported by the frame, with each roller associated with a corresponding sprocket. A mesh, forming a continuous loop and supported by the rollers, is provided for elevating and screening earth provided by the guide structure. A drive chain, coupled along an edge of the mesh, is adapted to engage the sprockets associated with the rollers. A driver is provided for rotating a selected one of the rollers and the associated sprocket to thereby cause the mesh to elevate and screen the earth provided by the guide structure. A transverse conveyor supported by the frame transports earth screened by the mesh to a discharge point adjacent to the compact filtering machine.

Abstract: A wear assembly for protecting the digging edge of a bucket which includes a wear member having a lock-receiving hole in one leg and an upstanding rib along the other leg. The rib extends axially along the leg to be received into a slot in a base fixed to the lip of the bucket. The rib has a rear end that engages the base to hold the rear end of the rib between the base and the lip. The wear member further includes an interior surface that has a front portion formed with a curve to wrap around the digging edge and a plurality of stabilizing surfaces. The lock has a latch and a threaded wedge received into the passage to move the latch to its holding position to maintain the lock in the assembly during use.

Abstract: A wear assembly for protecting the digging edge of a bucket which includes a wear member having a lock-receiving hole in one leg and an upstanding rib along the other leg. The rib extends axially along the leg to be received into a slot in a base fixed to the lip of the bucket. The rib has a rear end that engages the base to hold the rear end of the rib between the base and the lip. The wear member further includes an interior surface that has a front portion formed with a curve to wrap around the digging edge and a plurality of stabilizing surfaces. The lock has a latch and a threaded wedge received into the passage to move the latch to its holding position to maintain the lock in the assembly during use.

Abstract: A spacing assembly kit, for use with an implement assembly of a machine, includes a spacing element having a bore and a recess coaxial with the bore, the spacing element being positionable on an implement coupling pin to reduce an implement coupling width, and a spring clamp positionable within the recess and configured to inhibit movement of the spacing element along an implement coupling pin. An implement assembly includes an implement having a body and spaced apart pin supports, with a pin positionable within the pin supports and having an implement coupling width defined by an exposed portion of the pin. Spacing elements are positionable on the pin between the pin supports and configured to reduce the coupling width, spring clamps further being provided which are configured to inhibit movement of the spacing elements when the clamps are engaged about the pin.

Abstract: Two paths parallel paths feed a common path. A clamp removes separate articles in each parallel path. Each path positions articles on opposite sides of a surface, such as a conveyor. In a back and forth motion, another clamp sequentially clamps the articles of laundry from the opposite sides and places each article on the surface. Another clamp extends through the surface to sequentially clamp the articles on a trailing edge. The clamp moves the articles linearly off the surface and rotates the articles onto another surface, such as a lower surface. On the other surface, the article is conveyed to a pick-up position. A pair of clamps drag the article by an edge onto a stacked position. The stack is adjusted in height to position the stack for receiving the next article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewing device, having a housing (2; 26) which has a front wall (3; 3?; 21; 29) with at least one viewing opening (8; 8?; 23; 28) for an object on view (10; 16; 24) that can be disposed or displayed inside the housing (2; 26) on the inner face (9; 91; 34; 51) of the back wall (4; 4?; 22; 32, 33), and to a blank (25) for producing such a viewing device. In order for the two-dimensional object on views (10; 16; 24) displayed in such a viewing device (1; 1?; 20; 27) to give a three-dimensional impression, the invention proposes embodying the outer face (100) of the front wall (3; 3?; 21; 29) of the housing (2; 26) of the viewing device (1; 1?; 20; 27) as curved toward the observer (7). The three-dimensional impression of the object on view (10; 16; 24) to be displayed can be still further enhanced if in addition the back wall (4; 4?; 22; 32, 33) of the housing (2; 26) of the viewing device (1; 1?; 20; 27) has an inner face (9; 9?; 34; 51) that is curved away from the observer (7).

Abstract: By providing a unique, pre-formed holding member which is quickly and easily assembled into the three-dimensional diorama display, a unique, visually exciting and interest generating three-dimensional diorama display system is attained. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a substantially flat transparent sheet of material is constructed having a desired size and shape for receiving and holding a particular photograph construction or configuration. In addition, the transparent sheet of material incorporates cooperating preformed score lines formed along the opposed edges of the transparent sheet, effectively establishing flanges at the opposed side edges thereof. Each of the flanges are arcuately pivoted along the associated score lines, thereby enabling the flanges to extend inwardly, towards each other, establishing two cooperating photograph edge holding flanges.

Abstract: A retroreflective film (30) comprising a cover layer (40), a prismatic layer (42), a reflective layer (44), an adhesive layer (46), and a protective liner (48). The prismatic layer (42) has retroreflective prism elements (60) formed on its rear surface and the reflective layer (44) covers the rear surfaces of the prism elements. The film (30) has an elongation of at least 20% and can be constructed for use with a substrate subjected to a cold-work deformation process, such as stamping, embossing, or pressing.

Abstract: A customizable poker button for use as a marker in a poker game and having advertising indicia displayed thereon so that poker players and bystanders are capable of viewing the advertising indicia during a poker game. A pedestal is also provided for mounting the poker button thereon in order to allow the advertising indicia to be displayed substantially perpendicular to a table surface when a bottom surface of the pedestal is resting on a poker table.

Abstract: A breech plug for use with a muzzleloading firearm includes a magnetic holding member for drawing a primer into engagement with the breech plug and allowing simple disengagement of the primer after the firing of the associated firearm. The breech plug includes a cylindrical body having a distal end and a breech end, with the breech end defining a recessed seat that is surrounded by a shoulder to receive the magnetic holding member and primer. The magnetic holding member is secured to the shoulder or the recessed seat to attract the primer into engagement within the shoulder of the breech plug to be struck by a firing pin or hammer. After the firearm is shot, the user is able to easily remove the primer from the magnetic holding member.

Abstract: Mounting devices for firearms and methods of mounting the same are disclosed. An example mounting device for use with a firearm includes a clamping device, with which the mounting device can be optionally clamped to the firearm. The clamping device includes a rigid clamping jaw arrangement, a movable clamping jaw arrangement opposite the rigid clamping jaw arrangement, and a swiveling lever. The swiveling lever is coupled to a spring device that locks the movable clamping jaw arrangement, and the spring device has a first spring arrangement, which loads the swiveling lever in an opening direction over an entire unlocking path, and a second spring arrangement, which applies a much greater spring tension than the first spring arrangement. The second spring arrangement also loads the swiveling lever via a spring travel in the opening direction and minimizes the spring travel to maintain the seat of the mounting device with respect to the firearm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods and apparatus for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm. In one embodiment, a system for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm can be provided. The system can include at least one barrel nut adapted to mount to a portion of a barrel associated with a firearm. In addition, the system can include at least one bolt up plate adapted to mount between the at least one barrel nut and a portion of the firearm. Furthermore, the system can include at least one hand guard adapted to mount to a portion of the bolt up plate, wherein the at least one hand guard is substantially concentric with a portion of the barrel. Moreover, the system can include at least one mounting device adapted to mount to the at least one hand guard, wherein the mounting device is further adapted to receive at least one firearm accessory.

Abstract: Back-up sights for use on a rifle configured with an optical sight aligned along a first sighting axis include a handguard or support carrying first and second attachment points that are substantially parallel with the central axis of the rifle's barrel but offset at a different angle than the first sighting axis. A back-up front sight and rear sight are carried on a back-up sight base, where the front sight and rear sight are aligned along a second sight axis that is offset, preferably, by one-eighth turn from the first sighting axis. When using the back-up sights, the user tilts or cants the rifle to one side, rotating the rifle one-eighth turn about the axis of the barrel's bore, to look down the second sighting axis, while aiming the rifle at the target.

Abstract: An adjustable night sight for a pistol includes a sight base, a vertical tilt member and a horizontal windage slide. The three components form the adjustable night sight which can be mounted on a slide of a pistol. Sources of luminescence are used to define a rear sight notch. The adjustable night sight horizontal windage slide is supported very securely on the vertical tilt member so that it will not fail under high stress loads. The overall sight assembly is very smooth and compact. It provides much greater resistance to snagging than has been exhibited in prior sight assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to optimize windage adjustment allows the user to leave the front sight post centered and adjust windage using a rugged, compact traversing leaf on the rear sight by replacing the traditionally non-moving rear sight notch with a click adjustable notch of a configuration similar to that seen on a target pistol. A rugged, compact click adjustable mechanism adjusts the windage on the rear sight and the sight leaf contains two or three luminescent elements such as tritium vials in one of three configurations, thereby adding a night sight capability to the rifles.

Abstract: Apparatus for attracting wild game, such as deer, to a selected area is provided. A liquid attractant for the game is pumped or otherwise drawn from a reservoir through a nozzle for dispersal as a mist in or near the area. A battery-powered pump or pressurized gas source may be activated remotely.

Abstract: A flying bird decoy for attracting wildlife wherein flying bird decoys may be supported on each end of one or more rotatable rods or arms, with wings that selectively fold and flap up and down in life-like, actual flying, landing and take-off movements. The bird decoys simulate foraging, predatory or waterfowl birds and in one embodiment a pair of the bird decoys are mounted on the ends of a rod or arm(s) rotatably mounted on a pole or stake support, using throat mounts. In another embodiment the bird decoys are secured to the ends of the arm(s) at the head without the use of throat mounts, for flying in a circle on the arm(s) to attract the wildlife. In a further embodiment one or both of the bird decoys are configured to simulate one of the above bird groups and fly to generate rotation of the arm(s), with one wing folded and the other flapping to simulate injury or distress.

Abstract: An owl, simulated animal and bird decoy for attracting wildlife, and particularly predators, crows and other predatory animals and birds, which decoy is characterized in a first embodiment by a simulated owl adapted for mounting on a stake, post or support inserted in the ground or on a tree limb, with a mechanical bird extending downwardly from the owl's talons. The mechanical bird is typically provided with movable, folding wings mounted on hinged wing mounts to facilitate extending one or both of the wings outwardly, and in folded configuration inwardly of the body, wherein the wings flap and/or vibrate by means of a battery-operated electric motor in the extended and/or folded configuration to simulate distress. In another embodiment the mechanical bird may be attached to or suspended from a tree limb with one or both of the wings extended or folded to simulate distress in the decoy.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly utilizing a shaft less electric generator which does not require exterior moving components such as a propeller, shaft and bearing to activate the generator, The lure assembly is made up of two segments with a receiver for a weight, a chromed paper insert and a shaft less generator within the nose segment, and a reservoir for holding scent material in the tail segment.

Abstract: A rat trap which comprises: a plate with a first side and a second side and with a number of through-going openings from the first to the second side. The trap has a number of spikes secured to an anchoring plate which is arranged on the top face of said plate and wherein each spike is adapted to the individual openings in the plate to the effect that a spike is able to slide through the plate from the first side of the plate to the second side of the plate. Moreover, the plate has an infrared sensor which is adapted to detect the presence of a rat within the reach of the spikes. The trap is able to eject one or more of these spikes through the openings when the presence of a rat is detected by the infrared sensor. The rat trap further comprises a withdrawal mechanism which, following a given period of time, withdraws the spikes through the openings in the plate whereby the rat spiked by one or more spikes is released.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: A flying insect trapping device configured to be used with a fuel supply containing a combustible fuel is disclosed. The trapping device includes a combustion device that includes an inlet port for receiving the combustible fuel, a turbulence reducing structure for substantially laminating flow of a mixture of the combustible fuel and air, a catalyst element disposed downstream of the turbulence reducing structure, a heat zone having a hollow interior space in between the turbulence reducing structure and the catalyst element to enable the combustible fuel to flow into the heat zone for continuous combustion therein to create an exhaust gas comprising carbon dioxide, and a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending inwardly into the hollow interior space of the heat zone for conducting heat generated by the continuous combustion.

Abstract: The discovery of an additive that inhibits the separation of liquid enhancing oils from wax objects such as candles is provided. The additive is derived from carboxylic acids having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, preferably a combination of two such acids, and a partially hydrogenated oil or fat with an iodine value from about 0.5 to 20 and a melting point between about 100° and 200° F. The additive improves mottling and helps solve the problem of preserving the mottled appearance of the candle by inhibiting liquid enhancing oils such as fragrances and dyes from separating or bleeding out at room temperature or at significantly higher temperatures such as might be reached, for example, in a hot warehouse or during summertime transit in a truck. The additive also helps solve the problem of candles bleeding in the mold, thus reducing mold clean-up and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of removing chemical species likely to lead to fuel filter plugging from a biodiesel fuel. The invention also provides biodiesel fuels and fuel blends made by these methods. Additionally, the invention provides methods of testing a biodiesel fuel for the presence of these chemical species and evaluating the quality of the fuel and its propensity to plug fuel filters based on the results of this testing.

Abstract: Plant or animal oils are processed to produce a fuel that operates at very cold temperatures and is suitable as an aviation turbine fuel, a diesel fuel, a fuel blendstock, or any fuel having a low cloud point, pour point or freeze point. The process is based on the cracking of plant or animal oils or their associated esters, known as biodiesel, to generate lighter chemical compounds that have substantially lower cloud, pour, and/or freeze points than the original oil or biodiesel. Cracked oil is processed using separation steps together with analysis to collect fractions with desired low temperature properties by removing undesirable compounds that do not possess the desired temperature properties.

Abstract: Combustible packages for containing a fuel source and a fire started are provided. A combustible package may include a cardboard outer wall and top and bottom lids for substantially closing top and bottom openings defined by the outer wall. Each lid may define a central panel for extending across an opening and a plurality of tabs for facilitating a press fit between the lids and the outer wall. Each lid may also define a central opening for receiving an end of a fire starter. The fire starter may be wound paper tube impregnated with an accelerant. The fuel source may be a plurality of charcoal briquettes contained between the outer wall, the top and bottom lids and the fire starter. The outer wall may define one or more ventilation openings between the bottom edge and the bottom lid. Or the bottom edge may be scalloped to provide ventilation openings.

Abstract: A method for forming compressed matter structures suitable as a fuel source comprising producing a glycerine-rich binding agent by a method comprising (i) providing a feedstock, (ii) mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a reaction product, (iii) obtaining a glycerine-rich phase from the reaction product; providing a carbon-containing material; adding an effective amount of the glycerine-rich phase to the carbon-containing material to form a mixture; and forming compressed material from the mixture. Also provided is a compressed structure produced by the method.

Abstract: A tree stake for the staking of a tree having a root ball includes a first anchor member for anchoring the tree stake, a central longitudinal member to support the tree and a first traverse member to connect the first anchor member and the central longitudinal member.

Abstract: A watering and shading device for at least one plant is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated substantially hollow shaft. A top end of the shaft terminates in a preferably flared funnel-shaped opening for receiving water, and a bottom end terminates in a soil-penetrating spike for inserting into soil. The spike includes at least one aperture therein for allowing water to pass from the inside of the hollow shaft therethrough. The device also includes a shading umbrella that comprises at least one non-transparent panel attached at one portion thereof to a shaft attachment means. The umbrella may be selectively placed in a deployed position or a collapsed position at a selected height along the shaft. The shaft includes a valve mechanism therein proximate the bottom end controlled by a moisture detection means for regulating the position of the valve mechanism based upon the soil moisture level.

Abstract: A floral arrangement rendering an image and usable in various applications, including advertisement applications, notification applications and decoration applications. The floral arrangement may comprise a plurality of modules. Each module renders a portion of the image and comprises: a plurality of grown plants forming image elements that collectively make up the portion of the image rendered by that module; a sustaining medium for the grown plants; and a holding component holding the sustaining medium and the grown plants. The modules are arranged such that the portions of the image rendered by the modules are visually combined to compose the image. Also disclosed are a process and a system for creating such a floral arrangement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a garden bed assembly and a method of making it. The garden bed assembly includes at least one planter containing suitable planting soil or other growing media. The assembly includes a fence/planter structure and an upright solid imperforate inner planter structure for defining the planter. The fence/planter structure includes a series of fence sections and a gate for surrounding the planter. Each fence/planter section has a solid imperforate lower portion to help define the planter.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a door includes a first antenna block having a first integrated microcontroller electrically connected to a first transceiver device and a first antenna. A second antenna block having a second integrated microcontroller is electrically connected to a second transceiver device and a second antenna. A processor device is electrically connected between the first and second microcontrollers and a first switch. The first and second antennas receive a first radio frequency signal from a third, mobile transceiver device. The processor device measures a time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the first radio frequency signal. The processor device computes a direction of arrival (DOA). The DOA measurement is compared against a predefined range of DOAs. The processor device sends a control signal to the first switch to actuate the door in the event of a match.

Abstract: A rotating shaft of a shutter louver is provided, which is inserted into a louver mounting hole and frame mounting hole, so as to connect the louver to the frame. The rotating shaft is formed by a shaft bushing and shaft, wherein a shaft hole is formed through the body of the shaft bushing, a flange is disposed on the body and a gripping portion is protruded from the body. The shaft is accommodated within the shaft hole, and a fin is protruded from the shaft tail. When the rotating shaft is inserted into the frame mounting hole, the gripping portion is used to bear against the inner side of the frame mounting hole and thereby applying a force to grip the rotating shaft, and cooperating with the operation of gripping the louver mounting hole by the fin, the louver is positioned on the frame quickly and firmly.

Abstract: A service window assembly includes a window frame and a door slidably mounted within the frame. The door is moveable between an open position and a closed position and is biased toward the closed position. A magnet is connected to one of the frame and the door and is operable in an active state and an inactive state, and a magnetic contact is connected to the other of the frame and the door. The magnetic contact is located proximate the magnet when the door is in the open position, and when the magnet is in the active state, the magnet and the magnetic contact form a magnetic connection, securing the door in the open position. A sensor monitors the presence of a user. The sensor is in communication with the magnet, so that the magnet is in the active state when the sensor detects that the user is present, and the magnet is in the inactive state when the sensor detects that the user is not present.

Abstract: A door operator includes a first component having a right-hand thread, a second component having a left-hand thread, and a plug-in or rotatable coupling having two complementary threads. The first and second compartments are interconnected to each other by the coupling when the right-hand thread of the first compartment and the left-hand thread of the second compartment engage the respective complementary threads of the coupling.

Abstract: A door operator includes a housing; first and second pressure compartments; an unpressurized reservoir chamber; a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft, the drive unit being associated with the first pressure compartment; a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the first and second pressure compartments; a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump; a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing, the spring force accumulator being associated with the second pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit; a hydraulic circuit connecting at least one of the first and second pressure compartments with the hydraulic pump; and a fire-protection/releasing device disposed between the hydraulic circuit and the unpressurized reservoir chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear door for a motor vehicle, the door including pivot means embodying an axis for pivoting the door on the vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The door includes motor means for generating a driving torque about the pivot axis of the door.

Abstract: Protective door systems are presented for equipment enclosures in which an inner door is provided to resist outward opening pressures by facing or abutting one or more interior surfaces of an enclosure opening, with an optional outer panel covering the enclosure opening from the outside, where a closure mechanism is operated by an externally rotatable handle to initially back the inner door away from the enclosure front side and then to move the inner door upward at an angle to effectively clear two edges of the opening to allow pivoting of the inner door to an open position extending partially outside the enclosure opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable door apparatus for trailer trucks including at least two tracks of extruded aluminum each having at least one guide surface with a wear resistant coating; and a door in slideable engagement to the guide surfaces of each track. The wear resistant coating may include a self fluxing alloy, oxide, carbide, Al bronze alloy, or cermet having a hardness greater than aluminum. The present invention also provides a method of forming the tracks for the sliding or rolling door apparatus including the steps of providing an aluminum extrusion having at least one guide surface with a geometry for accepting a roller bearing or rollers; and forming the wear resistant coating on the guide surfaces at a temperature that does not substantially reduce the mechanical properties of the aluminum extrusion.

Abstract: A security device for installation in an upper sash of a double-hung window, in which the window has a window frame having two side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, a lower sash mounted in a lower half of the window frame and an upper sash mounted in an upper half of the window frame. The upper and lower sashes are mounted offset from each other so that they slide up and down the window frame independently of each other. The security device is mounted to the upper sash via a bracket, and comprises a post having a top end that abuts the top surface of the window frame and a bottom end abutting a top surface of the lower sash to prevent the lower sash from sliding within the window frame. There is a cross-bar running through the post perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the post and extending in opposite directions from the post. The cross-bar is located immediately beneath the bracket to act as a stop against downward sliding of the upper sash.

Abstract: The frame and the sash of the sliding door assembly are each made of plastic. The frame extrusion profile utilizes an opposing open-leg or C-channel construction that creates an interior accessory slot that is utilized throughout the overall construction to create a carrier that can accept a wide variety of snap-in accessory extrusions or components. Similarly, the sash extrusion profile allows for the use of snap-in accessories.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door includes an outer module and an inner module. The inner module has a supporting structure that includes a metallic frame which is joined to a plastic base support to form a metal-plastic hybrid component. A fastening web which serves to receive a door seal is molded onto the plastic base support of the hybrid component.

Abstract: A lateral pull wire screen with a net attached, between a first longitudinal frame member in a wire screen frame and a movable frame for an opening/closing operation, to be openable/closable by a lateral pull; a net guide guiding the lower end of the net goes in and out in compliance with the opening/closing of the net. The left/right convenience in the net opening/closing can be altered by the first longitudinal frame member and the movable frame, together with the net attached between them, having substantially upside/downside symmetrical shapes, and reversing them in their upsides/downsides without reversing their fronts and backs. Also, the net guide can be altered in its attachment position by, upon the upside/downside reversions, selectively attaching the net guide to attachment parts provided in both ends of the first longitudinal frame member fixing one end of the net guide.

Abstract: An abrasive article includes a backing having first and second major surfaces, an abrasive layer overlying the first major surface, and a backsize layer overlying the second major surface. The backsize layer is formed from a formulation including a cationically polymerizable component, a radically polymerizable component, and at least 5% by weight of a nano-sized filler based on the weight of the formulation.

Abstract: An energy efficient, thermochromic device that may be used to allow sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when sunlight is absent or at high sun angles and substantially blocks solar radiation when sunlight is directly on the window.

Abstract: At least one color selection article is provided having a plurality of color display sheets comprising at least one repositionable color ply over at least one backing ply and optionally at least one attachment member to attach the color display sheets together. Optionally a plurality of attached color display sheets are arranged for viewing from at least one perspective of individual or combinations of a portion of each color layer of each ply. The repositionable color ply comprises two opposing surfaces one with a color layer and the other comprising temporarily adhering pressure sensitive adhesive material for repositioning the color ply. The backing ply has a release material for releasable association with the adhesive material. A plurality of articles in a kit each have repositionable color plies to give a plurality of neutral colors and a plurality of coordinating colors to give pre-selected color schemes.

Abstract: A clip for use in acoustically isolating a wallboard support channel from a frame member, the support channel having at least one mounting point, includes a first portion positionable between a first surface of the channel and the frame member, a second portion positionable in contact with a second, opposite surface of the channel, and a bracket connecting said first and second portions. The first and second portions and the bracket each have at least one fastener opening in registry with corresponding openings on the other of the first and second portions such that a fastener passing through the openings and the mounting point is acoustically isolated from the bracket and from the channel.

Abstract: A seismic energy damping system with plural redundancy for a building or structure subject to seismic perturbation (i.e., deflection of the building structure) includes a distributed plurality of seismic energy dampers, and a plurality of rigid shear panels cooperating with the building structure via the seismic energy dampers. The plural shear panels and plural seismic energy dampers distribute seismic energy absorption and dissipation throughout the building structure to avoid stress concentrations, and to dissipate significant seismic energy, thus limiting the amplitude of deflections of the building structure during a seismic event.