Abstract: A hunting aid assists hunters in judging the size of animals they intend to harvest. The device is mounted to a support structure such as the leg of an animal feeder, a fence post, or a tree trunk. The invention is oriented such that it faces the anticipated location for viewing and hunting animals, such as a deer blind or stand. The antler width of animals that come to the feeder and device may be readily gauged by using brightly colored zones on the device.

Abstract: A waterfowl feeding decoy having a body mounted to a motor, and a box member that includes a pivotally attached top member such that opening the top member allows access to a chamber disposed within the box member, and closing the top member forms a watertight seal between the top member and the box member. A power source is disposed in the chamber, and electrical wires extend from the power source up through an aperture and are electrically connected to the motor. The box member serves as a watertight storage means for the power source and further serves as an anchor for anchoring the decoy at a selected location.

Abstract: A fish net and a method of netting a fish are provided. The fish net includes a pair of elongate members. A first of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. A second of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. The first and second elongate members are pivotally coupled together such that the net assemblies are moveable from a closed position wherein a first of the net assemblies is positioned in contact against the second of the net assemblies, to an open position wherein the two net assemblies are positioned a distance apart.

Abstract: A fishing rod carrier and holder device holds a plurality of fishing rods during fishing activity and houses the fishing rods when the device is being carried. The fishing rod carrier and holder device includes a support member having a spiked portion appointed for insertion into a ground surface. The support member includes a first horizontal plate having at least two rod holder apertures that define an aperture housing interrupted by an entry port. Additionally, the support member is provided with a second horizontal plate having at least two rod receiving cavities arranged in parallel longitudinal relation to the rod holder apertures of the first horizontal plate. The fishing rod carrier and holder device has at least one handle portion arranged to allow the fishing rod carrier and holder device to be carried with the fishing rods therein housed.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things fishing apparatus including a front portion, a rear portion pivotably coupled to front portion, and a trailing cup-shaped member pivotably coupled to the rear portion and rotationally restricted relative to the rear portion, wherein movement of water over the cup-shaped member causes the cup-shaped member to rock side-to-side and causes the rear portion to pivot relative to the front portion of the fishing apparatus to simulate the swimming action of a fish or other animal.

Abstract: An elastomeric fishing lure comprising a body having a Shore OO hardness of 10-20. The body is comprised of an oil, where the oil is 79-84% by weight of the body and a styrenic block copolymer which is 14 to 21% by weight of the body. This styrenic block copolymer is selected from the group of: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene) and combinations thereof. The body may also have an additive selected from the group of: anti-oxidants, heat stabilizers, oxidation inhibitors; in an amount from 0 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: A fishing fly for catching a fish, comprising a folded rubber string core, one or more materials surrounding the folded rubber string core form a pattern representative of food available to the fish, and an eye formed by a continuous section of the folded rubber string core extending from the one or more materials is provided. The one or more materials may include thread, feathers, or beads. The core may alternatively be metal, plastic, or unfolded rubber. A method of fishing using the fishing fly is also provided. The method includes attaching a fly to a line containing a hook at one end, the fly being attached at some distance from the hook, placing the hook end of the line into a body of water to be fished, and retrieving one or more fish caught on the hook.

Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has an over-center set mechanism for holding open a door for closing the trap access opening. The set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the door of the trap by an actuating cable. A bait pedal is movably mounted inside the trap with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the pedal and to the set mechanism so that when an animal enters the trap, the weight of the animal moves the pedal, causing the trip rod and link assembly to actuate the set mechanism. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots past its over-center position to allow movement of the cable which enables the door to move from an opened position to a closed position to trap the animal inside the trap.

Abstract: An insect control tape that includes a substrate having a longitudinal direction with a first face and a second face opposite the first face. An insecticide or other pest control agent is applied to the first face in a longitudinal strip with adjacent side regions that are free of the agent. An adhesive covers at least part of the second face to anchor the tape on a floor. A web covers the first face and the agent. A consumer can press the tape down on a floor by contacting the web to install the tape, with reduced risk of contacting active, while still permitting crawling insects such as roaches to normally contact the active as they crawl over the tape.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for producing biodiesel, wherein an organic fluid, a catalyst, and at least one of an alcohol, a recovered alcohol fluid, and a purified alcohol fluid undergo a reaction process, a separation process, a distillation process, and a filtration process to produce a final alkyl ester product, and wherein a cost thereof is minimized and an effectiveness thereof is maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing woodfuel briquettes, pellets, compounds, composites, agglomerates, or granulates as source material for subsequent processing in injection molding or extrusion processes, includes a pressing screw with screw spirals, which rotate around a longitudinal axis and which are arranged inside a screw shell. The feed material is conveyed to the pressing screw via a feed chute located at an input side. At the end of the pressing screw, processing tools are arranged, to which the feed material is conveyed by the rotating screw spirals. In the area of the processing tools, the residual moisture in the feed material evaporates due to the heat generated during the processing procedure, and is vented as a steam flow from the apparatus through the screw shell.

Abstract: An alternative fuel composition and methods of preparing and using the composition is provided. The alternative fuel can comprise coal, or another combustible solid, and one or more components selected from a group consisting of sugar solutions, tall oil, black liquor, vegetable oils, animal fats, triglycerides, methyl esters, ethyl esters, glycerin and fatty acids.

Abstract: A method and a system for soil disinfection and aeration by generating shock waves and a flow of detonation products on soil particles. The system includes a combustion chamber having an input port for supplying a predetermined air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber. An igniter for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Means for shifting soil particles into an internal space where shock waves propagate. Rotovator which has rotary blades crumbles soil and shifts soil particles into the internal space of the rotovator. A flame arrester is attached between an air-fuel supply line and the input port. An outlet nozzle increases pressure of the detonation wave and thereby increases the pressure of shock waves and the velocity of detonation products A reflecting plate operates to reflect shock waves after the shock waves pass the soil particles Soil particles receive an additional impact during collision with the reflector plate.

Abstract: A weed control system has an opaque portion and a growth promoting portion. The opaque portion blocks passage of light therethrough and blocks passage of seedlings growing from weed seeds in a ground region. The growth promoting portion is adapted to be disposed between the opaque portion of the system and the ground region. The growth promoting portion promotes germination of the weed seeds and the resulting weed seedlings die as the opaque portion prevents any light from reaching the seedlings.

Abstract: A malleable vase constructed from silicone rubber or other malleable material and a method for producing said vase.

Abstract: A first horticulture tray including cells and posts axially extending in the same direction from an upper surface. The cells are arranged in rows and columns that are aligned approximately perpendicular to the rows. The cells and the posts nest within similar cells and similar posts of a similar horticulture tray in a first orientation. The posts contact a similar upper surface of the similar horticulture tray to space the upper surface from the similar horticulture tray in a second orientation.

Abstract: A planter system includes an adjustable height and angular orientation planter and an optionally adjustable irrigation system for controllably supplying water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain. The planter is configured to controllably travel up and down a vertical support, such as a section of a planter pole or other suitable vertical support structure, from a highest to a lowest position using a pulley and winch, block and tackle, rotating shaft, continuous pulley driven belt, continuous sprocket driven chain, lead screw, ball screw, a ballast, hydraulics, pneumatics, spring or other lifting subsystem. The irrigation system may be configured to supply water to the planter and or to the surrounding terrain. The planter is carried along the pole, allowing it to be controllably rotated at any height along the travel.

Abstract: Production of synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fuel from carbon containing moieties such as biomass, coal, methane, naphtha as a carbon source and hydrogen from a carbon-free energy source is disclosed. The biomass can be fed to a gasifier along with hydrogen, oxygen, steam and recycled carbon dioxide. The synthesis gas from the gasifier exhaust is sent to a liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor to form liquid hydrocarbon molecules. Unreacted CO & H2 can be recycled to the gasifier along with CO2 from the liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor system. Hydrogen can be obtained from electrolysis of water, thermo-chemical cycles or directly by using energy from carbon-free energy sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an access door within a sectional garage door. The access door allows access to the interior of a building through the sectional garage door without having to open the sectional garage door. The access door is capable of opening by pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis when the sectional garage door is closed. Further, the access door is adapted to pivot with the sectional garage door as the sectional garage door moves to and from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Drive (1) for a movable furniture part (7), comprising a motor (2) and an output (4) drivable by the motor (2) for the movable furniture part (7), a control or regulation unit (5) and a measuring device (6) for capturing the position and/or quantities of motion of the movable furniture part (7), wherein the measurement signals from the measuring device (6) can be transmitted to the control or regulation unit (5) and wherein a clutch (3) co-operating with the motor (2) and the output (4) is provided, the clutch (3) being designed such that it can be engaged and disengaged by the control and regulation unit (5), characterized in that the clutch (3) can be engaged and disengaged by the control and regulation unit (5) in dependence on the measurement signals from the measuring device (6).

Abstract: An access panel assembly for providing access to a duct through an opening in the duct. The access panel assembly comprises a sealing member, a cover member and fasteners. The sealing member fits around the opening in the duct and the cover member fits over the sealing member and coupled to the duct by the fasteners. The cover member may comprise a fire resistant panel and is formable to the shape of the duct thereby allowing the access panel assembly to be fitted to irregular shaped ducts or openings in the ducts.

Abstract: A frameless door assembly includes an adjustable slam bumper that provides support for a window panel when in an open position. The adjustable slam bumper is mounted to a carrier plate and is selectively adjustable to maintain a desired relationship between the adjustable slam bumper and the window panel.

Abstract: An up-stop mechanism for a vehicular window provides, in some embodiments of the present invention, a means of adjustment of a window position from inside the vehicle, rather than, for example, through its beltline. Embodiments of the present invention may also permit adjustment of the window without loss of the position of the up stop and, with it, the vertical limit of the controlled window pane. Fine adjustment of the window position is also enabled through the use of indirect control of the position of the up stop and gradations on an adjacent base plate, on which the up stop is adjustably mounted. Embodiments of the present invention may provide an adjustment interface on a portion of an up stop, while a complementary interface, designed to engage the adjustment interface of the up stop, may be provided on an adjusting component, most preferably one that is borne or mounted separately from the up stop.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabricating a superabrasive article is disclosed. A mass of unsintered diamond particles may be infiltrated with metal-solvent catalyst from a metal-solvent-catalyst-containing material to promote formation of a sintered body of diamond grains including interstitial regions. At least a portion of the interstitial regions may also be infiltrated with silicon from a silicon-containing material. The silicon reacts with the sintered body to form silicon carbide within a portion of the interstitial regions.

Abstract: A polishing composition includes a copolymer and an abrasive. The copolymer has a constitutional unit expressed as the following formula (I) and at least one of constitutional units expressed as the following formulas (II) to (IV). Methoxypolyethylene glycol methacrylate etc. are used as monomers for forming the constitutional unit of the formula (I), stearyl methacrylate etc. are used as monomers for forming the constitutional unit of the formula (II), polypropylene glycol methacrylate etc. are used as monomers for forming the constitutional unit of the formula (III), and styrene etc. are used as monomers for forming the constitutional unit of the formula (IV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing composition for silicon wafer comprising silica; a basic compound; at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amino acid derivatives represented by formula (1) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are identical or different one another, C1-12alkylene group that may be substituted by hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, phenyl group or amino group, and formula (2) wherein R4 and R5 are identical or different each other, hydrogen atom, or C1-12alkyl group that may be substituted by hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, phenyl group or amino group, with a proviso that both R4 and R5 are not hydrogen at the same time, and R6 is C1-12alkylene group that may be substituted by hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, phenyl group or amino group, and the salts of the amino acid derivatives; and water. The polishing composition can prevent metal contamination, particularly copper contamination in polishing of silicon wafer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polycrystalline abrasive elements consisting of micron, sub-micron or nano-sized ultrahard abrasives dispersed in micron, sub-micron or nano-sized matrix materials. A plurality of ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces are coated with a matrix precursor material and then treated to render them suitable for sintering. The matrix precursor material can be converted to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride, or an elemental form thereof. The coated ultrahard abrasive particles are consolidated and sintcred at a pressure and temperature at which they are crystallographically or thermodynamically stable.

Abstract: A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a roof or along an exterior wall of a building. The assembly also includes a shade box, such as one including an assembly of upright support posts and attached cables to which dark or reflective water-absorbent shade panels are attached. The shade box covers a rooftop fixture. The shade box can also include a water distribution system which dispenses water substantially onto the dark shade panels when they are included in the shade box. The shade assembly may also be used in a method for cooling the exterior surface of a building. The shade assembly may be used in a method of obtaining government economic incentives for energy efficiency such as emission reduction credits. A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a structure on or near the ground, such as a parking lot.

Abstract: A system provides a continuous load path from a top wall plate of a building to a foundation of the building. A wire rope is disposed between the top plate of the building and the foundation of the building. A first attachment is coupled to the foundation to connect a lower end of the wire rope to the foundation. A second attachment is coupled to the top plate to connect an upper end of the wire rope to the top plate of the building.

Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.

Abstract: A skylight for installation on a roof of a building is provided. The skylight includes a frame that has a plurality of elements and defines an interior opening. A mounting bracket with a first and second leg is included. The first leg of the mounting bracket is connected to one of the elements of the frame, and the second leg may have a guide structure with at least one opening that extends at an angle with respect to the second leg. The guide structure may be used for securing the mounting bracket and skylight to the roofing structure. The skylight may be provided with a flashing profile that has a rigid section attached to one of the elements of the frame and a flexible section attached to the rigid section. The rigid and flexible sections may extend along the longitudinal lengths of two different elements of the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an opening in a concrete wall is provided. More specifically, interlocking concrete forms comprising parallel spaced insulation panels are provided for receipt of concrete. Any openings, i.e. such as for windows and doors, are accommodated within the insulated concrete forms by way of a customizable buck. The buck members utilize less material than those of the prior art, and are easily customized to yield a required opening size. The placement of concrete into the form yields a concrete wall with the desired window or door opening.

Abstract: This invention is a new concept in prefabricated buildings, components and methods of making the components and methods of erecting the buildings. A typical wall of the new building consists of a plurality of alternately positioned wall panels and support columns, where each support column is situated between two adjacent facing side edges of two wall panels. Coupling elements connect the support column to the two panels, and a single activation element on the support column causes these coupling elements to pull the wall panels into correct elevation and secure engagement with the support column and also secures the support column to an anchor pin in the foundation directly below the support column. This support column consists of an outer tube and a shaft slidable within the tube. First coupling elements extending from each side edge of the support column, and mating second coupling element are situated in the side edges of each panel for cooperation with the first coupling elements.

Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly is supported on a base panel having tubular uprights disposed adjacent opposite sides thereof with open tops and a fastener end extending into an interior of the uprights. A stacker panel has a bottom portion abuttingly supported on a top portion of the base panel, a vertically extending slot along one side thereof, and a first latch member adjacent to the slot. A connector bracket has a lower portion received in the interior portion of the frame upright, and an aperture shaped to receive the fastener end to vertically locate the connector bracket relative to the base panel. The connector bracket is received in the slot to horizontally locate the stacker panel relative to the base panel, and has a second latch member selectively engaging the first latch member on the stacker panel.

Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling whole, for the building of living places or for the area of toys. The whole comprises massive assembling bricks wearing lateral binding grooves, an upper binding groove and a lower binding groove designed for the assembling of the bricks, characterized in that the lateral groove is meant to bear a binding element uniting the bricks two by two. The invention also relates to a lock key for the assembling of two bricks by means of the lateral binding grooves, comprising a strip for key locking which sticks an assembling shim to lateral grip walls inside the binding grooves. The invention is made of wood or of any suitable material. The binding element is made of wood, of metal or of any suitable material.

Abstract: A damp protection arrangement for a space confined by floor, ceiling and wall portions in a building and comprising the following components: a damp permeable first layer structure (80), inside the space comprising at least one wall portion (16/80) of said portions; a second layer structure (60), inside the space covering at least the first layer structure (60/80); a continuous air gap (50), separated from the space and defined between the first and the second layer structures; an air inlet at a lower level in the space and communicating with the air gap (50); an air outlet at a higher level in the space and communicating with the air gap; and heating source (54) inside the air gap (50) for providing an air flow in the air gap between the inlet and the outlet and capable of dehumidifying layer structures.

Abstract: A material, system for generating and associated method for producing of a composite, resin based and waterproof article exhibiting a faux tile board appearance. The tile board material is produced according to a co-extruding or co-laminating process and in order to include at least a top layer and a backer layer, one or more of which is substantially opaque and includes a decorative component mimicking at least one of a metallic, glass graphic or stone appearance. Either or both of a heat embossing component or a mechanical and numerically controlled router is employed to create a plurality of intersecting grid lines having a roughened, matte finish which mimics that of grout lines separating tile surfaces.

Abstract: A building board for interior construction selected from the group consisting of mineral fiber boards, gypsum fiber boards and cement boards and containing from 1 to 25% by weight of zeolites.

Abstract: A corrugated wall tie includes rounded corners to avoid injury to installers and other workmen.

Abstract: Replacement Expansion Joint for Cement is an expansion joint for use with concrete. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an arrow shaped plastic expansion joint with two holes bored inside the expansion joint. To use the preferred embodiment of Replacement Expansion Joint For Cement, an individual would remove deteriorating wooden expansion joints located in grooves between concrete slabs. The length of the wooden expansion joints would be measured to permit the user to purchase and install the proper length of replacement expansion joint. The user would then insert the expansion joint of the present invention with the arrow side facing toward the ground into the groove from the wooden expansion joint. The newly installed expansion joint would be much more resistant to the weather elements than the wooden expansion joints.

Abstract: A floor profile arrangement is provided, in particular for bridging a joint between adjacent floor coverings, with a base profile, a covering profile with at least one sideways projecting covering wing, and a web arrangement as a connection between the base profile and the covering profile, and with an articulation arrangement, the articulation arrangement consisting of an articular cavity disposed on the base profile or the covering profile and an articulation element formed on the lower or on the upper edge of the pivoting web arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sandwich wall panel comprising: at least two fine sand gypsum or concrete panels (I) in each of which a glass fiber web (2) is disposed at center, and at least one polystyrene panel (3), which are bonded alternatively. The surface layer and the bottom layer are the fine sand gypsum or concrete panels, and according to the requirement, the wall panel can be produced to have three or more layers of composite panels. The wall panel of the present invention has advantages of light weight, easy installation, strong loading capacity, no seam crack, no plaster, and good performance of thermal insulation, sound insulation and fireproof as well as it is suitable for internal wall and external wall.

Abstract: A patch for repairing a hole or a scrape on a surface has a patching compound of a semi-fluid consistency, such that the compound can be applied to a surface in a thin coat and can adhere and dry in a relatively short time. A package encloses the patching compound, the package having basically rectangular top and bottom with side and end edges, the edges of one rectangle being connected to the edges of the other rectangle; the package including a packaging material which 1) is malleable permitting the application of pressure to create texture in the patching compound, and 2) retains the moisture of the enclosed patching compound. The package has at least one seal to connect the side and end edges of the package to enclose the patching compound. Also disclosed are methods for patching and forming textured surfaces.

Abstract: The retention of roofing granules on bituminous roofing products is enhanced by providing an adherent material in the interstices between the exterior surface of the roofing granules and the exposed upper surface of the base sheet.

Abstract: A metal framing member for use in a wide variety of applications including interior and exterior walls, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as floors, ceilings and roofs of residential and commercial buildings, to name but a few. The metal framing member generally includes first and second metal components, where each of the metal components is a separate piece and includes an elongated support with a series of fingers extending therefrom. The two metal components are attached together near tips of the fingers so that an alternating sequence of fingers and spaces is formed in an intermediate area between the two supports. This sequence can result in weight, material and cost savings, reduced thermal and acoustic conductivity across the metal framing member, and trade-ready holes for passing through items such as wires, pipes, etc.

Abstract: A preformed niche assembly and method of forming a niche include attaching the niche assembly in a stud cavity before a wall covering is installed. The preformed niche assembly includes a body that is constructed to be received in a stud cavity and a flange that extends about a perimeter of the body. The flange includes a first surface constructed to engage a stud and a second surface generally aligned with the first surface. The second surface of the flange is constructed to engage a non-exposed surface of a wall covering. The preformed niche assembly simplifies niche formation and allows positioning of a niche prior to installation of the wall covering.

Abstract: A bracket having a long leg and a base having three layers. A preferred bracket has support sides connecting the long leg and the base. Any bracket may be used to attach any portion of a structure which would tend to be separated from the remainder of the structure by a pulling or pushing force by laterally attaching the long leg to the main portion of the structure and laterally attaching the base to the portion of the structure which would tend to separate. A preferred use is a method of operatively connecting guard rail posts to deck joists or other structural elements.