Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling and using a z-bar extension member for a door installation that negates the need for trimming the assembly. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: A door handle system for an automotive vehicle door includes a door handle and a body panel. The body panel is moveable between a flush position and a recessed position. If the body panel is in the flush position, portions of the door handle are concealed. If the body panel is in the recessed position, portions of the door handle are visible.

Abstract: A door for an automotive vehicle provides a tailored space to receive a door window if the window is opened.

Abstract: A UV-polymerizable formulation comprising a polymerizable formulation and an aluminum trihydrate filler with a particle size of from 1 to 10 micrometers. The formulation is intended for use in the production of coated abrasives can be used to produce a very much thicker coating if a UV-transparent filler is used.

Abstract: A grinding disc, comprising a particularly metal grinding disc base body and abrasive grains applied to a surface of the grinding disc base body, in particular, made from cubic boron nitride is disclosed. The abrasive grains are arranged on the surface of the grinding disc base body with a defined position and defined separation to each other. A greater number of abrasive grains are arranged in given macro regions (18) of the surface of the grinding disc base body than in other given macro regions (19) of the surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetically reinforced structural assembly includes structural members, rigid mechanical connections joining an adjacent pair of the structural members, and at least one electromagnet disposed in the structural assembly. Each electromagnet is configured to be selectively energized to provide an electromagnetic attractive force between a respective pair of structural members to urge adjoining pairs of structural members to maintain their respective connections. An associated method of reinforcing a structural assembly includes providing a structural assembly with rigid mechanical connections and selectively actuating at least one electromagnet in the structural assembly to provide an electromagnetic attractive force that reinforces the connections.

Abstract: Herein described is a multi-use amphitheater/sports complex that greatly increases profits, as the timeframe for breakdown/setup has been substantially reduced. Furthermore, a novel seating arrangement is provided including a bulletproof glass floor that allows for viewing there through. Also, the events and all associated instructions for rapid interchange are calculated and controlled by a computer. Thus, many different types of shows, sports events, etc., can be rapidly interchanged resulting in the capability of scheduling many more events than previously attainable.

Abstract: A barrier is provided to preclude debris from passing into a rain gutter. The barrier includes a screen supported upon a channel. The channel includes a tab positionable between a roof and shingles upon the roof, and with a lip opposite the tab resting upon a portion of a gutter opposite the roof. The channel includes a recess between the tab and the lip. The recess includes a floor defining a lower plane of the channel. Ribs extend from the floor up to an upper plane of the channel in which the screen is supported. The ribs have sufficient height to remain in contact with the screen. Water is drawn through the screen and along the ribs down to the floor of the recess. Apertures in the floor allow the water to fall down through the channel and into the gutter, while debris is precluded from passing through the screen.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning system uses a pump supplied with water from a holding tank to power heads at spaced apart sites along the gutter to flush debris towards down spouting. The power heads are in fluid tight connections with manifold extending along fascia boards. The volume of collected water by the down spouting is returned to the holding tank. The entrained debris is separated by a strainer grate to recover entrained debris from the water flow in the down spout before delivery to the holding tank. A timer provides supervisory control of the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A patio or pool enclosure comprising a frame to support a side wall and an end wall disposed at opposite end portions of the side wall wherein the frame comprises a side frame assembly including a corner post or column member disposed at opposite ends of the side wall with a lower side frame member and an upper side frame member extending between the lower portions of the corner post or column frame members and extending between the upper portions of the of the corner post or column frame members respectively to support and secure the side wall therebetween and an end frame assembly disposed at opposite end portions of the side frame assembly, each end frame assembly including an end post or column member with a lower end frame member and an upper end frame member extending between the lower portion of the corresponding corner post or column frame member and the lower portion of the correspondingly end post or column member and extending between the upper portion of the correspondingly corner post or column f

Abstract: A modular structure system comprises a plurality of modular units connected to one another. Each of the plurality of modular units are moveable from a collapsed position to an erected position and include a plurality of sidewalls defined by a plurality of cementitious panels hingedly connected to one another and moveable from a closed position to an open position, and a top defined by a cementitious panel. The collapsed position is defined by the plurality of sidewalls and the top being separated and configured in a flat position. The erected position is defined by the plurality of sidewalls being moved from the closed position to the open position and the top being positioned to overlie the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: An insulation product having an integral air vent channel is disclosed for use in attic and cathedral ceiling applications. The product includes an insulation blanket having at least a pair of raised strips formed on one side thereof. When installed, the blanket is fit up between a pair of roof rafters until the raised strips contact the undersurface of the roof. The strips ensure that a predetermined offset exists between the insulation blanket and the roof, thus forming an unobstructed ventilation path running from the soffit to the roof peak. The raised strips can be foamed polyurethane or other polymer material that is dispensed or laminated onto the insulation blanket after the blanket exits the curing oven. The blanket may be a foamed polymer insulation that is extruded as a blanket at the proper insulation height for installation or may be cut to size from an overthick bun of insulation. The blanket and strips may be formed by a mold that shapes a pour in place foam.

Abstract: Among the several aspects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a paver edging device for use as an interface or boundary of a paved region. In one aspect the edging device includes an elongate strip extending in a longitudinal direction having a flange portion integrally formed to an edge of the elongate strip and extending in a transverse direction outwardly from one side of the strip. The flange is provided with a series of contoured-V cut-out portions having contoured edges. The contoured-V cut-out portions are connected along the rear edge thereof with a plurality of rear rail segments. Bending or contouring of the strip therefore requires removal of a portion of the rear rail segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flood resistant building structures, and more particularly to building structures that are floatable such that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. The invention includes significant improvements for combining various necessary elements to resist floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, high winds, fire, and bullets while not impeding on architectural aesthetics. It utilizes novel approaches to structural hold down and controlled ascent and descent during flooding.

Abstract: A wooden member support retrofit system includes a wooden member support having a support base and a wooden member supported by the wooden member. The system also includes a shim disposed in a space formed between the base and the wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. A process of retrofitting a wooden member support system includes measuring a space formed between a base of a wooden member support and a wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. The system includes selecting a shim and placing the shim in the space formed between the base and the wooden member.

Abstract: A wall system suitable for use in applications such as a fence or a wall of a building which comprises posts and panels which are interconnected or interengaged so that the wall may comprise a series of inline panels or corners formed by two panels and a single post, the interconnection or interengagement of the panels being effected without use of mechanical fasteners, glue, welding, or similar modes of attachment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-darkening system comprising a fluid-pumping device which can fill and empty an internal chamber between two transparent glass panes or pane segments belonging to a glazed structure. According to the invention, when the chamber fills with fluid, the glazed structure darkens and, when the chamber empties, the structure becomes transparent once again.

Abstract: Methods and systems for stairways or other walkways supported at only one end provide a plurality of stair treads are attached to a support beam, a pair of mounting brackets disposed at either side of a support beam bottom end rotatably connected to the support beam by a pivot bolt, the mounting brackets connected to a base, the base connected to a load bearing structure. A support bolt is disposed through the mounting brackets and below a bottom surface of the support beam. Locking means pivotally connected to the support beam engage a base mounting plate and restrain the stairway from at least one of pivoting upward about the pivot bolt or pivoting downward about the pivot bolt. Operative loads transfer from the support beam into the support brackets through the pivot bolt and support bolt and through the base into the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A window muntin apparatus and system, and methods for forming the same is disclosed. The muntins are formed from a substrate of expanded cellular polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) that has been applied with a desired muntin shape and machined by a computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machine such as a 3-axis router. Muntins are then sealed between two pieces of glass to create a sealed insulated glass unit.

Abstract: A subframe for retrofitting an existing roof with a new roof is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subframe comprises a base, a first and second longitudinal flanges, a first wall extending between the base and the first longitudinal flange, a second wall spaced apart from the first wall and extending between the base and the second longitudinal flange, and a traversely-oriented punch out passing through the base, the first wall and the second wall. The punch out is configured to receive a rib of the existing roof. Once installed on the existing roof and coupled to the new roof, the subframe and new roof form an enclosed, self-supporting structure with increased structural capacity and stability in comparison to conventional retrofitted roof systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing system for joint profiles, finishing profiles or decorative profiles, characterised in that the fixing is carried out by means of two permanent self-adhesive magnets, which are placed in the form of a strip (2) along the profile (1) to be fixed and on the edge of the joint, the said magnets being positioned such that the polarisation of the sides that are in contact is opposite on the two strips. In the case of a metal profile, the application of a single magnet is sufficient.

Abstract: A cementitious masonry block that exhibits the appearance of finished natural stone comprises at least two substantially parallel stacking sides operable to be installed on or over other blocks to form a block wall. At least one hollow cell is formed in the block to provide a void for structural reinforcing. One or more display faces each exhibits a finish applied by natural stone finishing techniques. The block is formed from a cementitious mixture that is substantially homogenous throughout the masonry block and that, when cured, is substantially matched in color or grain, or both, to the natural stone that is being replicated.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a building which includes a roof, a roof space in heat exchange relationship with at least a section of the roof, and at least one opening for airflow from the roof space.

Abstract: A stem wall is provided by manufacturing the stem wall and then transporting the stem wall to the house site for placement. Preferably, the stem wall is manufactured within an enclosed facility. Further, the stem wall is preferably manufactured at a location which does not require transporting the stem wall via public roadways to the house site. The stem wall can be manufactured by pouring concrete into a mold. Tension cables can be positioned within the mold and tightened after the concrete cures to provide increased tensile strength. The stem wall can be formed with one or more horizontal openings. Beams or pegs can be inserted through the horizontal openings to facilitate transportation of the stem wall to the house site. Before the stem wall is transported to the house site, a house can be built or placed on top of the stem wall.

Abstract: A louver blade is provided. The louver blade according to current application is asymmetric in side view. Side view of the louver blade has one sharp end. The other end of the louver blade is blunt. Center of the side view of the louver is thicker than the other part of the blade. Angle of the sharp end is in the range of 3 to 10 degree. Another embodiment of the current application is a louver blade tapered in one direction.

Abstract: A single-point holder for fixing a glass pane relative to a sub-construction or support is disclosed. The holder includes two clamping fittings for clamping the glass pane therebetween, one of the clamping fittings comprising a hollow sphere bearing shell; a setting member connectable to the one of the two clamping fittings; and a connecting component connectable to the sub-construction or support and having a longitudinal axis, the connecting component comprising a ball head which is received in the hollow sphere bearing shell. The hollow sphere bearing shell is divided into first and second semi-spherical bearing shells in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting component. The first and second semi-spherical bearing shells and the ball head form a ball-and-socket joint. When connected to the one of the two clamping fittings, the setting member sets and fixes the first and second semi-spherical bearing shells relative to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grating consisting of parallel bearing bars connected by cross bars running perpendicular to the bearing bars, and of a frame, the grating having higher bearing bars in some areas than in the other areas.

Abstract: A structural hanger is described for attaching a structural member to a concrete wall. The hanger has a portion that is embedded into the concrete wall and an exposed portion configured with one or more through-holes for attachment of a structural member to the structural hanger using carriage bolts or the like. In one embodiment the exposed portion is angled flush with a wall face for attachment of a ledger to the hanger. In another embodiment the exposed portion extends perpendicular to a wall face for attachment of a joist to the hanger.

Abstract: An elongate batten (1) adapted for positioning intermediate an inner wall framing member (2) and an outer wall cladding sheet (3) to facilitate dispersion and evaporation of moisture from a wall cavity. The batten includes at least one channel to facilitate migration and drainage of moisture between the batten and the framing member.

Abstract: A system of direct foundations on the walls for a constructive system conformed of three structural components, which are: a vertical component that is a prismatic box that is subject to an axial compression charge and whose external walls (1) and internal (2) walls are vertically abutted at intervals of approximately 18 times the thickness thereof, and horizontally by foundation plates, a horizontal component made up of a foundation slab (6) and reinforced with screen, and a third component also horizontal which is the foundation slab (6) and that is constituted by a continuous rectangular plate, where this system of foundations is conformed on: prolonging to the subsoil the set of external walls (1) until supporting them on a perimetral foundation strip (3) with a width (a) that is at a depth (h) and where the external walls (1) and perimetral foundation strip (3) are coupled by horizontal concrete ties poured in the first row of the blocks supported on the foundation strip (3) for the case of sections o

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided to quickly and conveniently conceal drywall seams, corner joints and nail and screw holes or other imperfections in drywall material.

Abstract: In a door constructed of spaced apart compression molded skins (11, 12) reinforced with fiber glass with a core space (18) between the skins (11, 12) filled with foam to construct the door (10), an improved skin (11 or 12) for such door is constructed by adding specific pigments to the raw materials for such skins before compression molding occurs to achieve a surface which is superior in appearance to the skins (11, 12) of such door (10) which is painted and/or stained after such skins (11, 12) are compression molded and converted into a door. The specific pigments employed are titanium oxide [TiO2], ferric oxide [Fe2O3], organic green pigment, organic blue pigment and carbon black and are blended in different percentages to achieve different colors without loss of the integrity of the skin (11 or 12).

Abstract: A building panel comprising a fiberboard panel providing the structural integrity of the building panel. An insulation layer is laminated to the fiberboard panel, the insulation layer providing a required thermal value to the building panel. A functional layer forms an air barrier, a water barrier and/or a vapor barrier of the building panel. The functional layer is secured to the fiberboard panel on the opposite side of the insulation layer.

Abstract: Composite panel structure including a pair of spaced, generally parallel-planar, fibre-reinforced, facial cladding sheets, and, disposed between and thermally bonded to these sheets, core structure including interleaved, generally side-by-side-parallel, elongate, low-density core elements, and elongate, higher-density, fibre-reinforced frame elements. Each frame element includes a pair of generally orthogonally intersecting, planar facial expanses, one of which is bonded to an adjacent core element, and the other of which is bonded to one of the cladding sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic medicine packing machine for packing a variety of medicines dose by dose continuously. According to one embodiment, there is provided an automatic medicine packing machine for packing a variety of medicines dose by dose continuously, including: a plurality of cassette units in which the variety of medicines are accommodated; a hopper for collecting the medicines discharged from the cassette units; a packing unit for packing the medicines collected by the hopper; and a shutter assembly mounted on the hopper to temporarily suspend the medicines discharged from the cassette units, wherein the shutter assembly includes a frame detachably mounted to an upper end of the hopper; an openable/closable shutter unit arranged and mounted on the frame; a driving means for driving the shutter unit to be opened and closed; and an interlocking unit for transferring a driving force of the driving means to the shutter unit to interlock the shutter unit.

Abstract: A combined packaging machine includes a device for paying out flat packaging material, a forming tube for deforming the flat packaging material into an endless tube, and a device for advancing the packaging material along the forming tube. A forming unit forms and welds respective longitudinal edges of consecutive pouches being produced, being capable of being moved in opposite directions longitudinally of the forming tube. A transverse welding unit operative for producing transverse seams between the successive ones of the pouches being produced is provided as well, as is a tucking-in unit that is provided on the transverse welding unit, being operative for tucking-in respective side regions of the successive pouches being produced. A control system selectively controls the operation of advancing, forming, transverse welding, and tucking-in units in coordination with one another in dependence on the type of pouch to be produced.

Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.

Abstract: A portable caddy, comprising: a base portion; a handle portion removably secured to an upper surface of the base portion, the handle portion having a pair of support members and an elongated member extending therebetween, the handle portion being configured to rotatably support a roll of paper towels above the upper surface of the base portion; a plurality of recessed areas disposed in the upper surface; and an opening in a side wall of the base portion, the opening providing access to a receiving area disposed between the upper surface and a bottom surface of the base portion, wherein the receiving area is configured to store a plurality of plates therein and wherein the opening allows removal of the plates from the receiving area.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: A headpiece is provided for use in a harness for controlling movement of an animal. The headpiece includes at least one strap for placing over an animal's poll and a spacer for reducing pressure caused by impinging of the strap on the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed. The spacer provides a separation between the strap and at least a portion of the poll of the animal on which the headpiece is placed, and includes at least one cushioning segment on the strap defining a gap for providing the separation. A harness for controlling movement of an animal is also provided, incorporating the headpiece as described. Still further, a method for making a harness for controlling the movement of an animal is described. The harness may be configured as a bridle, a halter, a hackamore, and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing pollution from a flare stack includes a platform disposed on or near the top of the flare stack and a plurality of baffles and filters disposed on the platform. A first plurality of upwardly extending stainless steel baffles is disposed around the flare stack while a second plurality of baffles is disposed about the outer periphery of the platform. A first and a second plurality of filters are disposed between the first and second plurality of baffles. The first plurality of filters associated with a fan, blower or pump for drawing flare gas into and out of the filter.

Abstract: The invention provides an air filter with an integral rigid edge. The filter uses a pre-cut sheet of non-woven synthetic filter material. The sheet has a generally rectangular central portion and four outwardly extending side portions. Each side portion is compressed to make it thinner, denser and more rigid than the central portion. The side portions are rolled or folded upon themselves toward the central portion to form a rigid edge around at least a part of the central portion. A method for making the air filter is also provided.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: The vertically swingable header of a farm machine utilizes a flotation mechanism having a torsion bar as the source of lifting force. The torsion bar is mounted on the header rather than the base machine and is operably coupled with the base machine through loading apparatus that includes a cam and cam follower system. An alternative embodiment utilizes a cam track fixedly mounted on the base machine.

Abstract: A hay baler provided with a tubular duct within which charges of crop material are prepared before being stuffed into the baling chamber has a windrow pickup device at its front end to lift crop materials off the ground as the baler advances. The effective operating width of the pickup is wider than the inlet to the duct so that the stream of crop materials lifted off the ground must be converged centrally into alignment with the inlet before entering the same. A pair of lower stub augers on opposite sides of the inlet are assisted by a pair of upper stub augers rotating in opposite directions relative to the lower augers to accomplish such convergence. A windguard overlies the incoming crop flow as well as the consolidation zone between left and right sets of the stub augers so as to maintain effective control over the flow at all times.

Abstract: A windguard is adapted to be attached to the frame of a crop pickup in overlying relationship to the pickup tine rotor so as to control the incoming flow of crop materials. A transversely extending crop hold down portion of the windguard is pivotally supported between the front ends of a pair of fore-and-aft extending support arms that are pivotally attached at their rear ends to the frame of the pickup so that the windguard can articulate as it is moved up and down relative to the pickup by engagement with inflowing crop material.

Abstract: A rake apparatus includes a tongue with a hitch, front rake arm positioners each pivotally connected to a forward portion of the tongue assembly, rear rake arm positioners pivotally connected to a rear portion of the tongue assembly, and rake arm assemblies including a rake arm assembly front end and a rake arm assembly back end. The rake arm assemblies are pivotally connected to one of the front rake arm positioners and one of the rear rake arm positioners. Distances between the rake arm assembly front ends and the tongue are greater when the rake arm assemblies are in an operating position than when they are in a traveling position. The rake arm assembly back end of each of the rake arm assemblies is positioned farther in the forward direction when the rake arm assemblies are in the operating position than when the rake arm assemblies are in the traveling position.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.