Abstract: The present invention is a self-leveling follower for an ammunition magazine. Side extensions provide greater stability to the follower and aid in its self-leveling feature. The follower according to the present invention is also manufactured to facilitate removal from and insertion into the magazine casing when maintaining the magazine. Additional features provide greater utility by improving bolt-stop capacity and consistency of ammunition feed.

Abstract: A shell stripper assembly includes a shell stripper, a stripper guide, a stripper guide plate, and a magazine insert. The shell stripper strips the top round from the firearm magazine so that it can be picked up by the firearm breech bolt. The shell stripper slides between guide rails of the stripper guide, and its motion is controlled by the stripper guide plate.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of firearms and firearm assemblies. In one example, a firearm assembly for use in a firearm including a breech block, includes safety equipment; a slide stop, wherein the slide stop is adjustable between an arresting position that locks the breech block and a position that does not lock the breech block; and a safety element adjustable relative to the slide stop between a neutral position and secured position, wherein in the secured position if the breech block exerts an operating force on the safety element and the safety element engages the safety equipment, the safety element fixes the slide stop in its arresting position.

Abstract: A device for attracting animals by simulating food on the ground or water is disclosed. The device comprises at least one simulated corn kernel that is arranged to look like a pile of corn kernels and an attachment means fixed on at least one end of said simulated corn kernel. A pile of simulated corn kernels linked together by an attachment means to form a continuous strand of any desired length. The attachment means are selected from a group consisting of hooks and eyes, loops, push and pull type links or any other means of suitable connection. In one embodiment, a hole of said simulated corn kernel is adapted to receive the attachment means thereby forming a continuous row of simulated corn kernels of any desired length. In another embodiment, a string connects the simulated corn kernel to form a strand of simulated corn kernels.

Abstract: A decoy comprising: a base member; a hub having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the hub into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is inserted; and a support operably coupled to the base and to the hub. A decoy, comprising: a distribution means for distributing a tail feather array having a groove along a longitudinal plane of the distribution means into which a quill end of at least one feather(s) is replaceably or permanently inserted; and a reciprocating deployment means for reciprocally deploying the distribution means in positions from about 90 degrees to about 0 degrees with respect to the ground. A method of attracting an adult male turkey, comprising: displaying a decoy characterized by a tail feather array, wherein the tail feathers of a central portion of the array are longer than the tail feathers in a remaining portion of the array.

Abstract: A surface lure designed to mimic the appearance of an injured fish. The surface lure has a flat top surface which helps maintain the lure in a proper orientation in the water when reeled in. The surface lure also has a contoured bottom surface which is designed to mimic the appearance of a fish floating on its side when viewed from below the lure. The flat top surface may be painted a visually distinctive color so that the fisherman can easily spot the lure in the water.

Abstract: A culling buoy holder that includes multiple tubes laid side by side in a parallel fashion and affixed to a mounting structure or to each other. The tubes are sized in length and diameter such that a culling buoy may be inserted down through the bore of a tube, with a float first orientation, until the float dangles below the lower open end of the tube. Further, while tube bore sizes are large enough to permit the passing of a buoy float, they are small enough that the clipping apparatus comprising the opposite end of the buoy cannot pass. Advantageously, each buoy, once inserted through an individual tube of the buoy holder, is effectively separated from other buoys as it securely hangs in its individual tube.

Abstract: An animal trap include, a housing having an open end, a door pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, the door including a slit therein at a lower portion of the door to form an elastic portion below the slit, a close latch provided on the housing near the open end, the close latch cooperable with the elastic portion to retain the door in the closed position by latching the elastic portion between the close latch and the door stop.

Abstract: A reaction method using a microreactor, comprises: forming, in a microchannel, an at least two-layered laminar flow in n kinds (n is an integer of 3 or more) of a fluid 1, a fluid 2, . . . , and a fluid n at least two kinds of which are mutually incompatible; and pulsating at least one kind of the fluids.

Abstract: A fuel system for improved fuel efficiency which can be contained in a single fuel source, such as a fuel tank of a vehicle, having a gasoline phase comprises gasoline or gasohol; and an anti-knock phase comprising a glycol anti-knock subagent, water and one or more of a second anti-knock subagent selected from the group of methanol, ethanol and mixtures thereof; such that the anti-knock agent phase is substantially immiscible with the gasoline phase.

Abstract: A method for producing a low sulphur containing fuel from a hydrocarbon feed having from 10 to 80 ppm of sulphur is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one paraffin having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms with an ionic liquid catalyst and a halide containing additive in an alkylation reaction zone under alkylating conditions to produce a fuel having sulphur content up to 10 ppm.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fuel composition comprising hydrocarbons derived from carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic acid esters, which process comprises feeding hydrogen and a hydrocarbon-containing stream to a first reactor to reduce levels of olefins and/or heteroatom-containing compounds in the hydrocarbon-containing stream, and feeding the so-treated hydrocarbon-containing stream to a second reactor together with hydrogen and a carboxylic acid and/or ester to produce a second hydrocarbon-containing stream in which at least some of the hydrocarbons are derived from the carboxylic acid and/or ester.

Abstract: A method of producing a fatty acid alkyl ester, containing: conducting an transesterification reaction of an oil or/and fat with a straight-chain or branched alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in the presence of a phosphoric acid alkali-metal salt; and a fuel containing the fatty acid alkyl ester produced by the method in a given ratio.

Abstract: The fuel additives of the present invention comprise essentially of about 10-50 weight % of terpene, 0-15 weight % of Alkylene Glycol Ether, and 40-80 weight % of 2-Propanone, 0-20 weight % of Dibasic Methyl Ester and 0-15 weight % of nonyl phenol ethoxylate and 0-15 weight % of mineral oil. This highly effective fuel additives can eliminate the formation of deposits and form air-borne micro-cluster molecules in internal combustion engines, particularly, in the fuel injection system and combustion chamber of such engines.

Abstract: Combustible log (U) comprising a matrix (M), a first component (A) and a second component (B), the first and the second component (A, B) forming two inserts placed in the gangue forming matrix, the combustion of the first component (A) producing a first effect and the combustion of the second component (B) producing a second effect, the distances between the outer surfaces of the inserts and the outer surface of the matrix (M) being determined so as to introduce a time lag during the combustion of the log (U) between the apparition of the first effect and the apparition of the second effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus which is designed to hold a plurality of cultivation beds for mushrooms or other agricultural products, each rotating on two different axes. The three disclosed embodiments operate according to different configurations but all provide similar functionality for the apparatus, enabling the frames holding the cultivation beds to rotate in two different circular motions independently or in congruence. The overall design of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus resemble that of an elaborate Ferris wheel and includes a central wheel assembly, and a number of secondary wheel assemblies each holding a plurality of cultivation beds which are positioned on the perimeter of the central wheel assembly. The first rotating motion is around the axis of the central wheel and the second is of each secondary rotating mechanism around its axis.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recipient for containing moist substrate, which recipient comprises a flexible polymer wall having an outer surface and at least one gas exchanging membrane, which gas exchanging membrane is hermetically sealed to the outer surface of the flexible polymer wall along a sealing line. The sealing line defining a hermetically sealed area of the flexible polymer wall. The flexible polymer wall comprises at least one aperture, being provided in this hermetically sealed area of the flexible polymer wall. The recipient further comprises a means for creating an air chamber circumscribed by the hermetically sealed area and the gas exchanging membrane, for preventing moist substrate to contact the gas exchange membrane when the recipient is filled with moist substrate.

Abstract: A plant pot comprising a base and at least one side wall, the base and the side wall together defining an at least one chamber of fixed dimensions for receiving an at least one plant and a growing medium, wherein a plurality of apertures are formed in the at least one side wall, each aperture permitting passage of a root of the at least one plant from the chamber through the side wall to an exterior of the plant pot. Plants, typically trees, are normally grown in such pots in the ground and their recovery for onward sale is facilitated by the use of such pots.

Abstract: An at least partially open top container desirably functions as a planter and provides for effective yet aesthetic mounting of a number of like containers in a vertical array. The planter includes a hollow body having at least partially closed sides and bottom, including a back side. First surface manifestations, such as a pair of recessed keyhole-shaped openings, are associated with the back side to facilitate mounting to a wall. Second surface manifestations, such as a pair of recessed projections, are also associated with the back side to facilitate mounting to keyhole openings in another similar planter in a vertical array, interlocking the planters together. The planter may contain potting material and real or artificial plants, and a number of interlocked planters are typically provided in combination in a vertical array.

Abstract: The present invention discloses replaceable liners for maintaining clean conditions for use in artificial plant cultivation systems, through inexpensive and quickly installable tray and or reservoir disposable/recyclable liners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing thermal energy, such as solar energy, as a fuel, by heating a reactive oxide substrate to a first temperature, such that the reactive oxide substrate is reduced, wherein the reactive oxide substrate includes a cerium oxide. The method also includes contacting the reduced reactive oxide substrate at a second temperature with a gas mixture including carbon dioxide, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature, thereby preparing the fuel. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the reactive oxide substrates by heating a mixture including a doped cerium oxide and a pore-forming agent, such that pores are formed in the doped cerium oxide, thereby forming the reactive oxide substrate.

Abstract: A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.

Abstract: A fuel feed system for use in a gasification system includes a feed preparation section, a pressurization and conveyance section, and a slag additive section. The feed preparation section is configured to grind the fuel to a predetermined size and to adjust the moisture content within the particulate fuel. The pressurization and conveyance section is coupled in flow communication with the feed preparation section, and includes at least one solids pump configured to receive a flow of the particulate fuel at a first pressure and discharge the particulate fuel at a second pressure. The slag additive section is configured to feed a slag additive mixture into the gasifier and to substantially control the total water content within the gasification system.

Abstract: A garage door has pivotally connected door panels, with each of the door panels including an outer skin having an outer surface. The outer skin has a metal, such as steel, having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An overlay element, such as a decorative element, is coupled to the outer surface of at least one of the outer skins. The overlay element includes a fiber-reinforced thermoset material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. In one specific embodiment, the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion are substantially equal. In one embodiment, the overlay element includes a pultruded fiber-reinforced thermoset material. In yet another aspect, the overlay element is adhesively coupled to said outer surface. Adhesive coupling may, for example, include a hot-melt adhesive, a two-part glue, or double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle, which has a door-lock mechanism, is provided. An output of a motor unit is transmitted to a drum having a planetary gear mechanism, and the slide door of the vehicle is driven by an open-side cable and a close-side cable wound around the drum. A closer cable of the door-lock mechanism is coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear mechanism, and coupled to a latch of the door-lock mechanism via a coupling link. The coupling link is constituted as a toggle mechanism so as to regulate the rotation of the latch by the traction force of the closer cable until the latch is rotated toward a full latch direction from an unlatch position. When the regulation of the latch by the toggle mechanism is released, the latch is rotationally driven toward the full latch direction due to the rotation of the carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blocking element, especially for a gate used as a checkpoint, comprising two sector-shaped gate wings (4, 4?) which are mounted on a support (2) located in a housing be means of the tapering internal side thereof so as to be pivotable about a horizontal swivel pin (5) while said gate wings (4, 4?) can be slid over or into each other or pulled apart in a fan-like or telescope-like manner to block or unblock the passage when a signal is generated. The two gate wings (4, 4?) are mounted near the floor so as to be pivotable about a common swivel pin (5) while the radius thereof corresponds approximately to the height of the support (2) and the housing. Both gate wings (4, 4?) are driven only via a lever system (10, 13, 14) controlled by a driving motor (7).

Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus for a vehicle includes a driving device adapted to drive an opening and closing member to open and close an opening portion formed at a vehicle body, a sensor provided at a connecting portion connecting the vehicle body with the opening and closing member, the sensor detecting an opening operation and a closing operation of the opening and closing member, and a drive controlling device controlling the driving device to drive the opening and closing member to open or close the opening portion by determining the opening operation or the closing operation of the opening and closing member based on a detection value of the sensor.

Abstract: A closure mechanism C comprising a elongated push/pull member 1, a base part 2, a resilient element 4, such as a coil spring, a motion converting means 6, such as a rack-and-pinion gearing, comprising a rotary output element 6o and a rotary braking device 7, such as a centrifugal brake, comprising a rotary input element 7i directly or indirectly coupled to said rotary output element 6o at least during movement of the elongated push/pull member 1 towards said first position, so as to be rotated thereby. The elongated push/pull member 1 and the base part 2 are assembled to each other so that said elongated push/pull member 1 is guided in a translational motion relative to the base part 2 between a first and a second position. The resilient element 4 is placed between said first and base parts 1, 2 so as to urge the elongated push/pull member 1 towards said first position.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly has at least one sliding pane mounted for travel along a travel path between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in an offset second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The window assembly has travel guide apparatus for guiding its movement along the travel path between the open and closed positions. The travel guide apparatus includes a track defining an elongate slot corresponding to the travel path, a fixed guide surface having a fixed position relative to the track, e.g., a pivot pin, and components cooperatively operative as a cam and slide movement for guiding travel of the sliding pane between its open and closed positions. Typically, for generally rectilinear sliding panes, a track, guide surface and cam and slide movement are provided for each corner of the sliding pane.

Abstract: A rain gutter screen assembly for use at the inside corner of a rain gutter. The assembly includes a screen having portions sized to overlie intersecting ends of the rain gutter sections, to allow water cascading down the roof corner to flow into the intersecting ends while blocking the entry of debris into the intersecting ends, and a central portion sized to extend outwardly beyond outboard edges of the intersecting ends in cantilever fashion; and a frame structure mounting outboard edges of the screen and defining a plate extending outwardly beyond the outboard edges of the intersecting ends in cantilever fashion in underlying relation to the central screen portion, whereby cascading water trajecting beyond the intersecting ends may pass through the central screen portion and onto the cantilever plate for redirection into the rain gutter sections.

Abstract: A system and method for decorating roll-up garage doors with unique designs is presented. The system permits special messages or seasonal decorations to be easily inserted and removed/replaced as the homeowner wishes. The system provides decorations to fit all roll-up garage door window sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A vehicle storage and display enclosure, comprising a frame which holds a floor assembly, walls, and a roof. At least portions of the walls are transparent to allow display of a vehicle placed inside the enclosure. The enclosure is substantially sealed to provide protection of the vehicle from environmental conditions. The temperature and humidity inside the enclosure is controlled by a climate control system.

Abstract: An anchor positioning assembly to position an anchor in a concrete casting frame having a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member. The anchor positioning assembly includes an anchor and a hook member. The anchor includes an first portion and a second portion, and the hook member includes a first end configured to couple to the first reinforcing member, a second end configured to couple to the second reinforcing member, and an intermediate section coupled to the second portion of the anchor.

Abstract: A concrete poured wall corner slab saver and form attachment device that includes a slab saver corner piece having two sides with an inwardly directed central stem portion, and a form attachment device which is a generally shaped triangular form configured to be inserted between one side of corner piece and the stem portion of the corner piece. The form attachment device further a longitudinal aperture near an upper edge that extends through the attachment device with an aperture therein sized to insert a nail for engaging the combined slab saver corner piece and form attachment device to a form board, The attachment device has a generally C-shaped slotted portion forming a slotted aperture configured to engage the expanded portion of the stem of the corner piece and a hollowed core portion to more fully encase the device within the poured concrete.

Abstract: A building material configured to enhance sound attenuation and reduction in dB across a walled partition, the building material comprising a facing membrane, a core matrix disposed about the facing membrane, the core matrix comprising a plurality of microparticles and a binder solution configured to support the microparticles, the building material comprising at least a substantially exposed face, wherein a side of the core matrix is at least partially exposed to increase sound attenuation by reducing reflections from sound waves impinging on the building material as compared to a control building material lacking an exposed face. Two building materials may be used in conjunction with one another about a building structure, such as a stud wall, to create and define a sound trap that functions to reduce sound transmission across the partition formed by the stud wall and building materials.

Abstract: A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for installation on sliding glass doors and windows to reinforce those structures against storm force winds, such as those experienced during a hurricane. An elongate rigid member is affixed to interior portion of the sliding glass doorframe by threaded fasteners to provide increased structural integrity. The elongate rigid member comprises a generally hollow member formed of extruded aluminum having a length that is generally equal to the height of the interior side frame member of the sliding glass door. The elongate rigid member is preferably installed on the side frame member disposed generally at or near the center of the opening in a two-door installation. Additional members may be used for installations having more than two doors. Once installed, the elongate rigid member increases the structural integrity of the sliding glass door structure by increasing the ability of the door to withstand being blown inward (or outward) by storm force winds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting equipment for handling a wind turbine component in connection with lifting means. The equipment comprises a base frame with at least one attachment area, and at least two attachment points for said wind turbine component. The at least one of said attachment points are adjustable mounted in relation to said base frame. The invention also relates to a method for handling a wind turbine component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention consists of a travel center adapted for use by motorcycle travelers and comprises a central atrium structure coupling to each one of five structures arranged as spokes on a wheel, pentagonal from the atrium. The atrium further adapts to support the functions of the other five structures. The five structures include a hotel structure, a restaurant structure, a service bay/storage structure, a convenience store structure, and a convention center structure. Additional structures for RV-hookup, motorcycle wash, and tent camping are also included in this embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A structure having an area separation wall including: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall having only outer membranes. Preferably, the area separation wall is fire resistance rated. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation without adversely affecting the fire resistance of the area separation wall. The area separation wall provides improved thermal resistance. In one embodiment, the area separation wall includes: an interior support structure and at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation. Between the outer membranes is a substantially organic material barrier. The structure may also include a tying structure connecting the area separation wall to the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wall system where a wall form mold has a structural insulated core assembled to form a structural insulated panel (SIP) to form a concrete beam and concrete column to be poured anywhere within the wall as well as between building modules when placed together and erected vertically. The interlocking wall molds interlock within the wall as well as between panels and modules. The wall panels allow concrete columns and beams to be formed in any size and shape. The structural insulated core consists of interlocking foam spacers and support channels which can be glued or screwed together to form an independent wall or as part of a precast wall with columns and beams integrated within the wall panels. Insulated flanges within the wall forming mold separates the wall forming structure from the wall surfaces.

Abstract: A wall construction air barrier system includes a foundation structure and a frame structure positioned on top of the foundation structure. The frame structure has an exterior surface and the frame structure includes a sill plate. At least one exterior sheathing is attached to the frame structure. The exterior sheathing has an interior surface. A continuous sealing gasket has a lateral portion positioned between the sill plate and the foundation structure and an extension portion positioned between the exterior surface of the frame structure and the interior surface of the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety cap that may be used with exposed construction rebar, studs, anchor bolts, stakes or shafts of various sizes and shapes to minimize potential impalement injuries suffered by any individual falling upon the exposed shaft. The invention includes a specially shaped collar for receiving differently sized shafts so that the same device may be used on a variety of different shafts. The collar includes inwardly extending deformable flanges that temporarily but securely attach the safety cap to the shaft. Embodiments of the invention may be brightly colored for visibility and reinforced to insure that the invention does not deform or break when downward pressure is asserted upon it.

Abstract: An insulation system for a cavity of a building structure, including: a layer of plastic foam insulation present on a substrate of the cavity, and a layer of blown-in fiberglass insulation in substantial contact with the layer of plastic foam insulation, wherein the layer of plastic foam insulation is present between the substrate and the layer of blown-in fiberglass insulation.

Abstract: A method for the production of end-products for civil and urban building whereby one or more layers of glass-based materials, compounds from crystal fragments joined to each other by means of resinous chemical binders are used, which can be subsequently coupled with at least one reflecting or transparent panel; a series of end-products are thus produced for civil and urban building, such as coating panels, ornament objects and fittings in general, having a strong visual, luminous and decorative impact. When end-products for false-ceilings are used, at least one layer of plastic material, of the type comprising air cushions, such as, for example, so-called “bubble” material, is coupled with the layers of glass-based material in order to lighten the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of designing, previewing a natural stone veneer project in its entirety before a single stone is cut; cutting and finishing the edges of a natural veneer stone to form interconnecting finished natural stone veneer components having a weathered appearance, each component having a perimeter of a pre-determined contour and a finished edge.

Abstract: A wooden tile flooring system, kit and method of installing the same. In one embodiment, the invention is a wooden tile flooring system comprising: a plurality of wooden tiles having an edge defining a major surface, the wooden tiles positioned atop a floor surface in spaced relation to one another so that a grout line exists between the edges of adjacent wooden tiles; and a resilient grout at least partially filling the grout lines. The resilient grout provides a gasket seal about the wooden tiles that affords flexibility, allowing for natural expansion and contraction of the wooden tiles as needed without breaking the gasket seal. A cushion layer can be used underneath the wooden tiles if desired.