Abstract: One embodiment of a flat piece of rigid material shaped to attach to an existing yard. The base of the rounded horizontal shaped part at bottom, will allow clip to slip onto an angle iron yard sign The v shaped members will spread apart to allow a small topper sign to be slid down on top of the existing sign for further advertising.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly, including a central picture frame and a plurality of picture frames. Each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is fastened to the central picture frame or to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame, each picture frame is fastened to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, or each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame and to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, the plurality of picture frames encircles or is continuously disposed about the central picture frame, the plurality of picture frames is intermittently disposed about the central picture frame, or the assembly includes a peripheral picture frame connected to at least one picture frame in the plurality of picture frames and disjoint from the central frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for attachment to a display frame. Such securing device includes a support member having a first side and a second side. Such support member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A first securing mechanism is disposed at least one of on such first side of such support member and through such support member for releasably securing such support member to such display frame at a predetermined location. A second securing mechanism at least one of secured to and formed integrally with such second side of such support member for releasably securing such display frame to at least one of a corkboard, a gypsum board, a fabric covered wall, a cubicle wall, a bulletin board, a cardboard wall, a vertical structure and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A firing pin assembly is provided that includes a firing pin and a firing pin shaft. The firing pin is received in a slot of the end of the firing pin shaft to be retained therein with a spring retaining sleeve, a main spring, and a mainspring sleeve. The firing pin is removable from the firing pin assembly and can be replaced to result in a prolonged use of the firing pin assembly. The firing pin assembly will operate as a one-piece unit when the spring retaining sleeve is oriented to hold the components securely in place.

Abstract: Assembly (39) for a bolt action firearm comprises impact member (43) for impacting firing pin (42), spring (44) and shroud (45) for housing both member (43) and spring (44). Shroud (45) connects to the proximal end of bolt (40) which houses firing pin (42) and firing pin return spring (41). When assembly (39) is in a firing mode, a firing mechanism controls the release of energy stored in spring (44) so that member (43) impacts on the proximal end of firing pin (42) which then fires a cartridge located within a firing chamber in a known manner. Firing pin (42) may be located in a concentric position relative to the axis of bolt (40) for firing centre fire cartridges, or the axis of firing pin (42) may be offset to suit rim fire cartridges.

Abstract: The firearm support device includes one or more “beanbags” directly mounted to a rifle stock that can be moved between a secured transportation position held against the stock and a support position suspended beneath the stock. The support device includes a stock attachment and one or more beanbags pivotally connected to the stock attachment. The stock attachment includes cinch and stirrup straps that secure the support devices to the stock and prevent it from inadvertently sliding up the stock. The bean bags are constructed of cloth pouches filled with a granular substance. The beanbags are sewn directly to the cinch strap or connected to the cinch strap by a slide buckle that rides along a rail strap sewn to a beanbag. The beanbags are securely held against the sides of the rifle stock in the transportation position by elastic cords, buckles, snaps, hook and loop fastening patches or other connection mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for cooling the barrel of a firearm thereby maintaining a more consistent barrel temperature and reducing thermal distortion of the barrel. The system includes a fan apparatus for injecting or removing air or other gases to or from the barrel of a firearm. The fan apparatus comprises a first orifice and a second orifice.

Abstract: A rifle scope includes an ocular (6), an objective (4), a reticle (10) and an aligning device (20) that is displaced axially from the reticle and includes one or more markings (22a,22b) that are visible in use to a shooter. The aligning device (20) is constructed and arranged such that with correct eye alignment the markings (22a,22b) appear to be aligned with the reticle (10), and with incorrect eye alignment the markings appear to be misaligned with the reticle.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple sights includes a number of sights that are attached to a sight assembly. The sight assembly is securable to a firearm and configured such that a shooter can selectively utilize one of the number of sights tailored for number of respective distances. Preferably, the sights are connected such that moving one sight out of a shooting line of sight brings another sight into the shooting line of sight. Such a sight assembly allows a shooter to quickly configure a firearm for accurate shooting at a variety of distances.

Abstract: A fishing device for indicating a lure strike from fishes is disclosed. The device may be a strike indicator that may include a hollow body filled with trapped air, where the strike indicator includes a tab having an opening formed therein and a grommet made from a hard, durable material seated in the opening. Alternatively, the device may be a fishing lure that may be attachable to a fishing hook and having a hollow body filled with trapped air and an attachment mechanism for attaching the lure to the fishing leader and/or fishing line. For example, the fishing lure may be a fishing fly having a hollow body filled with trapped air. In either embodiment, the device may be made from a lightweight, resilient material, for example ethylene vinyl acetate or other similar thermoplastic material.

Abstract: This invention disclosure describes a conditioned single phase hydrocarbon-based fuel, a method for producing such fuel and components useful in such method. The described conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel is a single phase hydrous fuel with improved performance, handling and storage characteristics. A method is also is also provided for producing the conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel using a semi-solid activator. The resulting conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel has a volume greater than the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, a BTU content greater than the BTU content of the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, less particulate emissions and less non-particulate emissions than the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, and a water content less than the water content of the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel.

Abstract: This invention disclosure describes a conditioned single phase hydrocarbon-based fuel, a method for producing such fuel and components useful in such method. The described conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel is a single phase hydrous fuel with improved performance, handling and storage characteristics. A method is also is also provided for producing the conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel using a semi-solid activator. The resulting conditioned hydrocarbon-based fuel has a volume greater than the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, a BTU content greater than the BTU content of the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, less particulate emissions and less non-particulate emissions than the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel, and a water content less than the water content of the unmodified hydrocarbon-based fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing fuel from biogenous raw materials, to an installation for carrying out said method, to catalyst compositions suitable for said method, and to the use of catalysts for producing fuel from biogenous raw materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fuels with superior low temperature properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to the production of fuels that meet ASTM and military jet fuel kerosene specifications by heterogeneous, reactive distillation esterification of oils. The oils may be naturally high in unsaturation, such as whole plant oils, tall oil fatty acids, and rosin acids, or the oils may be from the unsaturated fraction isolated from less unsaturated seed oils such as palm olein, caprylic and caproic acids, or from mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A fuel composition consisting of at least 95% by weight of predominantly or entirely hydrocarbon liquid fuel and 0.001 to 5.

Abstract: According to the invention, unpurified biodiesel is brought in contact with cellulose-containing material by continuously and/or discontinuously mixing the same in order to eliminate the glycerin and catalyst residues, such as potassium soaps, accumulated during the production of the biodiesel. A system for carrying out said method comprises an agitated sedimentation tank (1) with a conduit (4,5) for delivering purified biodiesel into the agitated sedimentation tank (1) and a conveying device (6) for feeding cellulose-containing material into the agitated sedimentation tank (1). A drive unit (51) for an agitator (50) is disposed in the agitated sedimentation tank (1). A conduit (16, 20) extends from the agitated sedimentation tank (1) to at least one static sedimentation tank (2, 3). A valve (13) via which solid matter can be discharged from the agitated sedimentation tank (1) is mounted in the area of the bottom of the agitated sedimentation tank (1).

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention aim to integrate two common agricultural-practices, first of hothouses cover application, and second of protective netting. A method for reversibly sealing the pores of netting by applying a sealing agent on a net in a reversible manner, thereby producing an agricultural covering to protect underlying crops, particularly from cold conditions, is disclosed. A method for reversibly opening the pores of a sealed net, by exposing said portion of the net to chemical or physical unsealing agents and thus opening at least a portion of the sealed pores of the net, is conjointly disclosed. Furthermore, a method of including additives to the sealing agent, which enhances the protective properties of the resultant covering such as its ability to repel insects, its ability to block ultraviolet or other radiation, its water proofing qualities, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flower arranging vase for displaying a single stem flower extending out one direction of the vase, or by turning the vase over one-hundred-and-eighty degrees displaying multiple stems of an entire bunch of flowers extending out the other end of the vase. The two-sided reversible vase is achieved through two separate compartments for containing water.

Abstract: A flower support for long-stemmed flowers comprises an elongated support part as well as series of hook means in which the flower stems can be hooked, which series of hook means at both sides of the support part extend away from each other in an obliquely oriented fashion. The series of hook means are positioned obliquely with respect to each other. The oblique position of the series of hook means brings that a cavity is formed in which the stems of the hooked in flowers are well protected.

Abstract: The novel idea of using battery operated water-timer in this invention which is attached at the outlet of the up-side down water bottle (water-reservoir) and regulates the flow of water in a predictable manner. This water reservoir is independent, has no connection with the tap water, needs to be filled manually with water as per the need. As a normal course, the flow of water from an up-side down bottle will freely run down due to gravity but when the water-timer is attached at the outlet of the bottle, the flow of water is regulated. As a result, the desired amount of the water may be supplied to the plant at a desired interval by adjusting the frequency and run-time in the water timer.

Abstract: A plant is trained to provide a trunk having an ornamental shape by causing a pair of shoots to develop on opposed sides of the trunk. As the shoots grow they are attached to a form having the desired ornamental shape. When the shoots meet at the upper end of the form, they are attached to one another to form a continuation of the trunk. Top growth is then allowed to grow on the trunk above the form.

Abstract: A gasification reactor comprising a pressure shell, a reaction zone partly bounded by a vertically oriented tubular membrane wall, a horizontally directed burner having a burner head at which, in use, a combustion flame is discharged into said reaction zone, said burner protruding into the vertical wall part of the membrane wall via a burner muffle, said burner muffle comprising several vertically oriented, concentric and interconnected rings, wherein each successive ring has an increasing diameter relative to the preceding ring resulting in that the burner muffle has a muffle opening for the burner head at one end and a larger opening at its other—flame discharge—end, the rings comprising a conduit having an inlet end for a cooling medium and an outlet for used cooling medium and wherein the muffle opening for the burner head is located between the pressure shell and the membrane wall and wherein the burner muffle protrudes into the reaction zone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is system comprising a system comprising a high temperature gasifier; the high temperature gasifier being operative to function at temperatures of greater than or equal to about 450° F.; and a synthesizing reactor in fluid communication with the high temperature gasifier; the synthesizing reactor being operative to convert carbon dioxide into another form of carbon. Disclosed herein too a method comprising gasifying a waste stream to produce a composition that comprises syngas; the syngas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen; the gasifying being conducted in a high temperature gasifier; the high temperature gasifier being operative to function at temperatures of greater than or equal to about 450° F.; converting the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide; and feeding the carbon dioxide to an synthesizing reactor to produce an oil rich algae.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating material of the present invention includes a metal material that reacts with water to generate hydrogen, and a heat generating material that reacts with water to generate heat and is a material other than the metal material. The heat generating material is unevenly distributed with respect to the metal material. The hydrogen generating material has a plurality of regions that differ in content of the heat generating material. The content of the heat generating material is preferably 30 wt % to 80 wt % in a region with the highest content of the heat generating material. A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes the hydrogen generating material and a vessel containing the hydrogen generating material. The vessel can accommodate another inner vessel.

Abstract: A safety device in a closing-opening device of a vehicle which is provided with millimeter wave sensors as a detection device enables detecting an obstacle accurately for preventing a caught-in accident in advance caused by the closing-opening device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel movement system. The panel movement system includes top and bottom rails, top and bottom rail attachments, and a gear movement system. The top and bottom rails include threaded screw members along their lengths and first cog members rotatively coupled to the threaded screw members. The top and bottom rail attachments are movably attached to respective ones of the rails for lateral movement along lengths of the rails. Each rail attachment includes a rotatable second cog member engaged with the first cog member on respective ones of the rails. The gear movement synchronization system connects the rotatable second cog member of the top rail attachment to the rotatable second cog member of the bottom rail attachment such that the top and bottom rail attachments move along the rails in unison. The top and bottom rail attachments are adapted to have a panel connected therebetween.

Abstract: To securely maintain a rotatable rail in a position where it can receive a plate-like object again after the plate-like object has left the rotatable rail. [Means to Solve] When a sliding door (3) as a plate-like object is moved in a front and rear direction from a closed position to an opening preparation position, a rotatable rail (20) rotates from a horizontal lying position to a vertical standing position about a rotation axis (L1). When the sliding door is in the opening preparation position, a roller (40) of the sliding door (3) rides on a running track (25b) of the rotatable rail (20). When the sliding door (3) is further moved from the opening preparation position to an open position, the roller (40) transfers from the running track (25b) to an auxiliary track (26) of an adjacent rotatable rail (20). The rotatable rail (20) is biased toward the standing position by an elastic force of a torsion spring (18) and maintained in the standing position by an arm (13).

Abstract: A pet door having decorative and customizable aesthetic features. The pet door includes subframe assemblies that are connected to each other with fasteners that extend through the aperture defined by the door. The pet door can be adapted to fit doors of various sizes with a modular core frame. The core frame also includes a plurality of core members, each of which has one or more core elements. The core members extend laterally between the first and second subframe assemblies and defining a passageway through the door. Decorative frames are releasably attached to the subframe assemblies and can be removed or replaced, whereas the subframe assemblies remain fixed to each other and the door. A security panel can be secured to one of the subframe assemblies to prevent animals and intruders from entering the residence through the pet door.

Abstract: A system used in a vertical furnace is provided that includes a tube. The tube includes a tube flange at its lower end. The tube flange provides a first sealing surface at its lower end. Further, there is a structural member at the lower surface of the tube flange. This structural member extends vertically away from the lower surface of the tube flange at a position that is displaced inwardly from the first sealing surface. The system also includes a removable door plate that provides a second sealing surface at its upper surface. The second sealing surface of the removable door plate is sealed with the first sealing surface of the tube flange.

Abstract: A structural steel stepped closure frame is disclosed having a closure stop that is spaced apart from the closure jamb and discontinuously joined thereto, forming gaps between the closure jamb and the closure stop. The gaps and joinery are obscured from frontal view by a stop face positioned forward of the closure stop, creating a partially hidden closure stop. The partially hidden closure stop may extend entirely around the closure for windows or lids, or less than entirely for doors or gates. The gaps receive legs of a weather stripping that has a flange extending over the closure stop. The partially hidden closure stop, along with the jamb, extensions, and facings, are sized, shaped, and arranged to create a stepped appearance.

Abstract: In order to provide an intelligent building having specific rooms in which relatively less wealthy persons may use, and meeting the demands for specific rooms and privacy for the general public at the same time, by optimizing the space efficiency.

Abstract: A sandwich beam including in one example first and second spaced walls, a core configured to maintain a predetermined spacing between the walls when the core is filled with pressurized gas and to resist shear when the beam is loaded in bending and a port for filling the core with gas biasing both walls in tension. The tension tends to increase in the second wall and decrease and cause a compression load in the first wall in response to a sufficiently large applied bending load. A compression element is fixed only with respect to the first wall and is configured (a) to support the compression load so that the beam is stronger at a given gas pressure and (b) to flex sufficiently to allow the beam to be rolled up when the gas is emptied from the core via the port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for decreasing the susceptibility of a roof structure to extreme weather events, such as the wind related forces generated by a hurricane. In one embodiment, the ability of a roof structure to resist forces generated by extreme weather events may be improved by installing a bracing rod into the interior of a roof structure with the bracing rod positioned through the open spaces of a series of roof trusses, then attaching one end of securing member to the bracing rod. Securing an anchoring device in the ground, and linking a connecting member at one end to the securing member attached to the bracing rod and a second end of the connecting member to the anchoring device secured in the ground.

Abstract: A parking device comprises a trolley, two guide rails located on the trolley, shanks on each of the guide rails and a drive unit located on the trolley, in which, numbers of round transmission bodies are arranged adjacently and alternately between the inner side of the shanks, the transmission bodies are strung as an array and each of the arrays coupled with the shanks by a shaft respectively, furthermore, whether the odd arrays or the even arrays of the transmission bodies are strung and coupled with the shanks. As a result, the clearance resulting from the seriate array is filled up by the alternated spaced array of the transmission bodies, while the two opposite sides of the transmission bodies from the forked butt joint in the ends. Therefore, the parking device stabilizes the transmission of the car and shortens the transmission time.

Abstract: One version of this disclosure includes a subsurface storage system having two components respectively made from a single mold: a panel and a connector. In this version, a first layer of the system includes at least one connector having an identical top side and bottom side where each side may respectively maintain a panel in a specified position when engaged with the panel. A plurality of panels, particularly the bottom edges of the panels, are configured into an engagement with the at least one connector to form a plurality of shapes. A third layer of the system is at least one connector that engages the upper edge of the panels. Additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors. Further, additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors to form another layer of shapes defined by the panels.

Abstract: A portico assembly kit to install a portico construction around an existing entranceway to a home or building. The kit is installed quickly and efficiently by consumers with little or no construction experience and is manufactured in various aesthetic designs with quality architectural features.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for slip forming a building core is disclosed. The system may include a form and a plurality of extendable mechanisms. The form may include an inner and outer frame. The outer frame and the inner frame may define a space between the inner frame and the outer frame. The form may also be configured to accept a hardenable substance in the space, where the hardenable substance may form the building core. Each of the plurality of extendable mechanisms may include a first end, a second end, and an extendable midsection. The first end may be coupled with the form. The second end may be configured to be supported with a wall of the building core. The extendable midsection may be configured to change the distance between the first end and the second end so the form may be moved to a different elevation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating and cooling thermally efficient structures, in particular, it relates to controlling interior temperature of geodesic structures, through continuous omnidirectional radiant energy hubs and channels. The hubs can be engineered to meet any size or frequency of a geodesic structure. Thermodynamic principles are used in combination with a thermal mass storage of hot or cold thermal energy that is either heated by solar collectors or cooled by a geothermal cooling array, in order to regulate the temperature of the thermal mass or of the entire structure. This thermodynamic climate control in the present invention harnesses solar energy and geothermic energy and uses it to control internal temperature of the air traveling through hubs and channels or struts. The air travels through the system using natural thermodynamic forces, assisted by a fan and valves.

Abstract: A bird deterrent system includes a first riser attached to a structure, and a second riser attached to a structure. The bird deterrent system also includes a line attached between the first riser and the second riser. A riser includes a free end, and an attachment end. The attachment end includes an attachment mechanism for universal attachment to a frame member of a structure.

Abstract: A membrane (1) for use in the construction of buildings is described. The membrane (1) is provided with an alignment means (2, 3) to align the membrane (1) with a structure (7) of a building to which the membrane is to be attached. The distance (A) between the edge of the membrane (1) and the alignment means (2) may be equal to that specified by local building regulations for overlap between the membrane (1) and the building structure.

Abstract: A wall panel-ceiling engagement device is designed to couple a wall panel to a ceiling. The engagement device, when engaged with the ceiling, holds the wall panel stationary without any fasteners, braces or other securing members that penetrate into the ceiling. The engagement device includes a pair of wall extensions secured to opposite sides of the wall panel and that contain a sound and/or attenuating material, such as a foam material, therebetween. Corner braces are used to join adjacent wall-panels to one another. The corner braces also function to allow the wall panels to sway as a collective and connected unit during seismic events.

Abstract: A tuned liquid damper comprising a housing with a hollow cavity within said housing and a first fluid which partially fills said hollow cavity. The inner surface of said hollow cavity is essentially spherical. The tuned liquid damper further comprises first fluid damping means arranged within the essentially spherical cavity of the housing. In this way, a tuned liquid damper is provided which has a response which is constant and independent of the orientation of the tuned liquid damper. Damping means are provided in order to be able to control the damping effect of the tuned liquid damper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grating, and more particularly a grating capable of easily and firmly fixing a second partition member to a frame member and a first partition member. This grating includes fixing projections formed at regular intervals along a longitudinal direction of the first partition members on both sides of the first partition member and on inner sides of the frame member that face a side of the first partition member; and second partition members installed between the first partition members and between the first partition member and the frame member respectively, the second partition members having insertion slots into which the fixing projections are inserted, the insertion slots being bent to subsequently contact with the first partition members facing each other or the first partition member and the frame member facing each other so that the fixing projections are inserted into the insertion slots.

Abstract: A roof ridge vent includes a receptacle adapted to receive a fastener and located in the top wall of the roof ridge vent. The fastener is embedded in the top wall and positioned in the receptacle.

Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided with improved glazing panels, retention clips and/or U-shaped connectors. The retention clip may engage the glazing panels at locations lower than top ends of the upstanding seam flanges. In one embodiment, an internal U-shaped connector is positioned to engage the seam flanges while an external U-shaped connector covers the internal connector and the seam between adjacent glazing panels. The glazing panels may be formed with pockets adjacent the base of the upstanding seam flanges to receive a portion of the retention clip to apply retention forces at locations below the upper ends of the seam flanges. The retention clips may be formed with an upper transverse portion that is movable relative to the base portion of the clip to accommodate panel expansion and contraction. Also, a thicker plate or portion may be provided at a top flange for the retention clip to provide increased resistance to uplift loads trying to bend the flange.

Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided with improved glazing panels, retention clips and/or U-shaped connectors. The retention clip may engage the glazing panels at locations lower than top ends of the upstanding seam flanges. In one embodiment, an internal U-shaped connector is positioned to engage the seam flanges while an external U-shaped connector covers the internal connector and the seam between adjacent glazing panels. The glazing panels may be formed with pockets adjacent the base of the upstanding seam flanges to receive a portion of the retention clip to apply retention forces at locations below the upper ends of the seam flanges. The retention clips may be formed with an upper transverse portion that is movable relative to the base portion of the clip to accommodate panel expansion and contraction. Also, a thicker plate or portion may be provided at a top flange for the retention clip to provide increased resistance to uplift loads trying to bend the flange.

Abstract: A storm panel is provided for shielding a structure. The storm panel includes at least one corrugation, and comprises a first wall and a second wall disposed in spaced-apart relation. An angled wall is disposed between and connected to the first wall and the second wall to support the second wall away from the first wall. At least one ridge is disposed proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall, and may have a shape configured to strengthen the panel proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall. In addition, a storm panel assembly is provided comprising at least one storm panel and a mounting extrusion for attachment to the storm panel to provide support for the storm panel on a mounting surface, such as the side of a building.

Abstract: A laminated window assembly for a device, such as a handheld electronic device (e.g., a media player or mobile telephone), includes a window layer that preferably is glass, and a larger, substantially transparent lip-forming layer to which it is laminated, preferably by a substantially clear adhesive. Additional adhesive preferably is placed at at least portions of the edge of the window layer adjacent the lip-forming layer, especially at the corners, to resist delamination. Holes preferably are formed in the lip—e.g., at the corners—to resist the lip-forming layer peeling apart from the window layer forming layer. The holes preferably make up at most about 33% of the periphery of the window layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow profiles (4) in spacer frames for insulated glass panes. The plug connector (1) comprises at least two connector parts (2, 3) which may be plugged together and which have an essentially U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, which, in the plugged position, have adjacent side walls (6,17) and a positive fit (9). One connector part (2) has at least one retainer element (12) on the side walls (6) thereof (12) with a corresponding wall opening (13). In order to form the positive connection (9), the other connector part (3) has a projection (10) with a positive fit engagement in the wall opening (13) of the retainer element (12) when in the plugged position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel for use in construction of buildings, barriers and other structures, the panel comprising an internal framing structure encased in a solidified aerated medium, the aerated medium having an impermeable external layer. The panel has insulative properties along with inherent strength, impact resistance, and load bearing capacity.