Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a thickness of a lens includes a plurality of first touch heads, a base, a plurality of second touch heads and a driving mechanism. The first touch heads each has a first curved contact surface for coming into contact with a first surface of the lens. The first curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the first surface of the lens. The base is configured for selectively mounting one of the first touch heads thereon. The second touch heads each has a second curved contact surface for coming into contact with a second surface of the lens. The second curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the second surface of the lens. The driving mechanism is configured for driving the mounted second touch head to move relative to the mounted first touch head.

Abstract: A main rotor blade calibration gauge is disclosed to include a graduation plate with an angle scale, a calibration plate pivoted to one end of the graduation plate, and chuck plates coupled to the calibration plate for securing the calibration plate to the main rotor blade of the remote-controlled toy helicopter to be adjusted for allowing the angle of the main rotor blade to be calibrated subject to the indication of a pointer at the calibration plate relative to the angle scale at the graduation plate.

Abstract: A ceiling utility alignment template includes a base and a boss extending from one side of the base. The base has dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of a ceiling tile placed within an opening in a grid formed by a frame. The boss extends from a first side of the base at a predetermined position thereof. The boss is used to align a ceiling utility above a tile ceiling.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a template is useful for properly positioning at least one item having first and second rear-facing engagers at a desired location on the front of a carrier and is removable thereafter without disturbing the position of the at least one item.

Abstract: A vapor drying apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1a adapted to contain semiconductor wafers W; a supply nozzle 2 adapted to supply IPA vapor or N2 gas into the processing chamber 1a; a two-fluid nozzle 3 connected to both of an IPA supply source 8 and an N2 gas supply source 5 and adapted to produce a mixed fluid of IPA and N2 gas; a vapor generating apparatus 10 adapted to produce IPA vapor by heating the mixed fluid produced by the two-fluid nozzle 3; an N2 gas supply line 23 connected to the upstream side of the two-fluid nozzle 3; and a mixed fluid supply line 22 connected to the downstream side of the two-fluid nozzle 3. An open-and-close valve V2 is provided on a branch line 25 connecting the N2 gas supply line 23 and the mixed fluid supply line 22.

Abstract: A fully passive-type solar lumber drying house classified into two models, one is an east-west model configured as a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model configured as a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction and the house is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film and a carbon fiber sheet and is available to be used through all year in which stacked lumber can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house is exhausted through an insulated cylinder.

Abstract: An evaporator core drying system in which air that is blown by a blower is concentrated into a narrow cross-sectional air stream of high speed purge air which passes progressively across the area of the evaporator core, per an appropriate blow algorithm, so as to effectively and efficiently dry the evaporator core. Preferably, the configurable barrier is composed of at least one roller door located between the blower and the evaporator core.

Abstract: Articles of footwear include a textile upper member with an exterior constructed from knitted textile material, the exterior including a region with stability ribs and a second unribbed region. The region(s) having stability ribs may be located, for example: along a lateral midfoot side of the upper member; along a forefoot portion of the upper member; and/or along a medial midfoot side of the upper member. Other articles of footwear include an upper member having exterior and interior textile elements joined together in a stitchless manner at the foot-receiving opening of the upper member. The exterior surface of this upper member also may include one or more regions with stability structures. The stitchless textile engagement techniques can provide a smooth, non-bulky, and breathable joint that does not require thick layers of textile material in contact with or adjacent the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.

Abstract: An insole for footwear that is capable of providing a protective layer between a plantar surface of a human foot and an upper surface of a sole of the footwear. The insole can have a first portion positioned in a rearfoot region of the insole and a second portion positioned at a forefoot portion of the insole, wherein the second portion can be more flexible than the first portion. The insole may further include a toe piece positioned in a toe region of the insole and a footbed that overlays the first portion of the insole, the second portion of the insole, and the toe piece of the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for making trenches in the soil comprising a frame, on which a soil-removing tool is arranged, and a control device for aligning the foundation construction device in the trench having two control flaps, which are supported pairwise opposite each other on the frame, and having at least one extendable and retractable guide wheel arranged on the frame.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump displacement control apparatus for a working vehicle capable of reliably detecting the working vehicle under excavating operation and reducing loss in power is provided. For this purpose, the control apparatus includes a bottom pressure detector (45) for detecting a hydraulic pressure in a bottom side (13A) of a cylinder (60) for operating a working machine (10), a displacement control device (41) for controlling a displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump (26), and a controller (50) which determines that an excavating operation starts when a predetermined time elapses with a detection value from the bottom pressure detector at a predetermined value or less and thereafter, the detection value exceeds the predetermined value, and outputs a displacement control signal to reduce the displacement of the hydraulic pump to a predetermined displacement that is smaller than the maximum displacement to the displacement control device.

Abstract: A glove iron comprises a cloth body and a power unit disposed in the cloth body. The cloth body includes a cloth fiber layer, a heat insulation layer, and an electrothermal fiber layer. The cloth fiber layer forms an accommodating space. The power unit is disposed on the cloth fiber layer, and corresponds to the heat insulation layer and the electrothermal fiber layer. The power unit is electrically connected to and provides power for the electrothermal fiber layer. The electrothermal fiber layer can also be replaced with the combination of an electrothermal membrane and a second cloth fiber layer. A user can use the glove type iron to iron a piece of clothing or material.

Abstract: An electric iron in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes a housing body, a carrying base, and a flexible soleplate. The carrying base is mounted on the bottom of the housing body to define a containing space configured for receiving inner members and a controlling circuit of the electric iron. The flexible soleplate is arranged under the carrying base and transforms an electric energy transmitted from the controlling circuit to a heat energy for generating the high temperature on the surface thereof to perform an ironing function. The electric iron has the flexible soleplate, which has a high heating and dissipating-heat property and a low power property so as to decrease the consume of the electric energy and the whole weight of the electric iron.

Abstract: An automatic induction device for turning pages includes a plurality of inner pages, a plurality of conductive rubber pieces, a flexible printed circuit board, and an electronic unit. The inner pages connect with each other on one side and each has a groove on the connected side. The conductive rubber pieces are inserted in the grooves respectively and one end of each conductive rubber piece extends out of the corresponding groove. The flexible printed circuit board has a plurality of connecting finger conductive portions and a connecting end, the connecting finger conductive portions are inserted in the grooves and contact with the conductive rubber pieces, respectively. The electronic unit electrically connects with the connecting end of the flexible printed circuit board. Based on the above assemblies, the automatic induction device for turning pages, electronic audio books and photo albums has more reliable performance, a simple structure and a low cost.

Abstract: A motorized photo display having a base; a frame including a bottom portion mounted on the base, a wall portion including first and second wall portions mounted on the bottom portion, at least one opening having a retaining tab; a drive element having a drive shaft rotatable about a vertically-oriented drive axis and a drive mechanism; a spool mechanism mounted on the drive mechanism and having a spindle with a longitudinal axis colinear with the drive axis, opposing upper and lower pivot rings extending outwardly from upper and lower extremities of the spool mechanism and having vertically-aligned pairs of orifices; centering plates fixedly securing the upper and lower pivot rings about the spindle; a plurality of photo holders having pivot hinges mounted to corresponding pairs of the vertically-aligned orifices of the upper and lower pivot rings; and a power source.

Abstract: By providing a unique, pre-printed promotional system which can be produced in a wide variety of alternate forms and/or configurations and employs at least two cooperating panels mounted to each other, with one panel being movable for activating the movement of the second panel between an open position and a closed position, a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product is attained. In the preferred embodiment, the promotional system of the present invention incorporates a panel member on which a plurality of cooperating cut out sections are formed, with each of these cut out sections being constructed for cooperating with each other in the central area or zone of the panel member. Furthermore, each cut out section is movable or arcuately pivoted between two alternate positions, with the arcuate pivoting movement being controlled by affixation of each cut out section with the cooperating, overlying activation plate.

Abstract: There are provided a surface light source having uniform and high brightness independently whether the light source is small or large while using semiconductor light emitting devices (LEDs), and an electrically illuminated signboard using the surface light source, which is thin and capable of uniform display and which operates with low electricity consumption. LEDs (12) of a dome type are arranged on four corners at a bottom surface of a box body (11) of a tray shape whose bottom surface is quadrilateral, whose upper side is open, on an inner surface of which a light reflection member (11b) is provided, and whose side walls (11c) are inclined outward. The LEDs (12) are arranged so as to mainly irradiate a region between a vertical plane on a diagonal line (N) of the bottom surface and one side wall (11c), and the region irradiated by each of the LEDs (12) of the dome type arranged on the four corners rotates individually and sequentially in a specific direction (same direction) in the box body (11).

Abstract: A mounting system is provided for flexible message panel assemblies. An end cap is secured to the panel assembly with an elastic flexible tether which allows the end cap to be fitted over an end of a rib supporting the panel. Stored force in the elastic tether holds the corner of the message panel in position.

Abstract: A supportive display container having an inner structure and an outer structure. The dimensions of the inner structure and the outer structure are such that when the outer structure has been placed over the inner structure, there is a gap between the side or sides of the inner structure and the side or sides of the outer structure which can hold an insert consisting of compressible material. The gap is of such a dimension that compression of the insert and friction prevent the inner structure and the outer structure from slipping apart. Preferably the side or sides of the outer structure are transparent to permit viewing of a message or design that is preferably on the insert. When the top of the inner structure is open, devices for stacking cubes, holders for cards, and display platforms can be inserted into the interior of the inner structure.

Abstract: A firearm magazine loader (30) comprises a body (32) coupled to a movable press (40), a plunger (20) extending out of the press towards the body, and a magazine aligner (52). The body is hollow and adapted to fit and slide over an open side of a magazine (10). A spring (48) is positioned between the body and the press to force them apart. To load the magazine, the user squeezes the press towards the body such that plunger is over a topmost round (12) in the magazine, and then presses down the loader, causing the plunger to force the topmost round further into the magazine to form a vacant space below lips (14) of the magazine. This enables a new round (13) to be rearwardly, case first, loaded inside the vacant space. The user then eases the down force on the loader allowing the spring (16) of the magazine to force up all the rounds in the magazine towards the lips while releasing the press for allowing the spring of the press to force the press and plunger back to their original position.

Abstract: A multitool for a firearm provides a frame adapted for storage within a handgrip cavity of a firearm and a plurality of tools rotatably mounted to the frame to move from within the frame to extending from the frame as a result of being rotatably mounted, wherein the plurality of tools are adapted for use to rehabilitate the firearm under predetermined malfunction conditions.

Abstract: A fishing lure shaped like a snake that mimics the undulating, swimming action of a snake. It incorporates this original action into an extremely versatile lure specifically designed to be fished on water's surface, under water's surface, diving, bouncing around on floor bottom, and swimming back up to surface simply by adjusting rod position/retrieval speed. Furthermore, consisting of not only replaceable (soft plastic) snake bodies, but replaceable (soft plastic) lizard bodies and replaceable (soft plastic) frog bodies as well that all attach to the same hard plastic head and neck via a snap-on/squeeze-off connection. Furthermore, it's design enables each body to have it's own swimming action. The snake body, aforementioned, undulates like a real snake swimming. The lizard body wiggles and sways like a real lizard swimming. And the frog body wobbles and kicks it's legs like a real frog swimming.

Abstract: An Adjustable Trolling Device, or dodger, consisting of a flat primary body and configured to be removably attached at one or more points along its edge to a primary fishing line, and at other points on its edge, at least some of which may be substantially opposite to the point where it is affixed to the primary fishing line, to trailing fishing bait, or lures. The device has an attached mounting surface, rotatable through 360°, or a specified range, projecting one or more guiding fins, substantially perpendicular to the rotatable mounting surface. The mounting surface, by its nature, may be rotated to place the guiding fins at alternate desired angles from the leading fishing line, so that movement of the dodger through the water may produce a variety of rotation or roll characteristics of the dodger and, correspondingly, the trailing bait or lures.

Abstract: The invention proposes a potting machine (1) for potting flowerpots (2), with a conveying device (3) comprising a plurality of pot retainers (4) for a respective flowerpot (2), and with a housing ring (5) surrounding the conveying device (3). To enable the flowerpots to be labeled in a simple manner even during the potting operation, the potting machine (1) comprises a labeling device (11) which is provided with a dispensing tongue (12) for stripping off labels (13) and applying them to the flowerpots (2). The labeling device (11) is connected to a positioning device (22) comprising a joint (23) and having a positioning arm (24) for pivoting the labeling device (11) and positioning the dispensing tongue (12) against the flowerpots (2).

Abstract: A crop protection device that is designed to cover a number of citrus fruit trees during periods of cold weather. The device is a heated canopy system that is made from a lightweight, high strength fabric that is supported by a number of ground-mounted frame members. The ends of the fabric are attached to one another by a drawstring, which is wound through a series of eyelets on the fabric. The device also includes a heater and blower unit that continuously blows hot air within the confines of the fabric after the fabric has been mounted over at least one citrus plant.

Abstract: Chemical combinations known to be used for odor control are provisioned for enhancing growth of a plant. The chemical combinations preferably include a stable, aqueous solution of a surfactant and a chemical source of oxygen. There are numerous ways by which one could learn that such combinations have utility in odor control. In preferred methods a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, farmer or other entity is informed of such through reading a journal article or other publication, or by a receiving a letter, fax, or email. The combinations can be used to reduce consumption of irrigation water and to increase a crop yield, each by at least 5-25%, as a consequence of applying the solution to a soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting plant foliage includes a base assembly that is placed in a growing medium. A plurality of support members are attached to the base assembly and extend radially away from a plant center and vertically. Additional linear extension segments are detachably-attached, as desired, to an upper end of any support member to provide increased vertical height. Additional radius extension segments are similarly detachably-attached to the upper end of any support member to provide increased radial displacement. The linear extension segments can be attached to the upper portion of other extension segments or the upper portion of other radius extension segments. The radius extension segments can be similarly attached. Plant ties that do not over tighten the plants and which permit easy attachment and removal are disclosed. A telescopically extensible top segment that prevents injury to a user is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planting device for plants to be formed mainly on a rooftop, a roof of a building, or the like. The planting device for plants comprises a body portion provided with a first fixing means and a second fixing means. The first fixing means is firmly fixed to a mounting surface of the body portion. The second fixing means is linked to the first fixing means. The body portion is provided at a bottom with a water draining means, a water retaining means and the first fixing means. A water receiving means is provided at a side wall of the body portion. Soil is filled into a surrounding space enclosed with the side walls and desired plants (or a desired plant) are planted on the soil. A planting structure in which multiple adjacently arranged planting devices may be used is also provided.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an open/close object comprising a driving device for driving and opening the open/close object, a position detecting device for detecting an open position of the open/close object (1), and a fully open position storage device for storing a fully open position of the open/close object, wherein, when the driving device drives and opens the open/close object, the driving device is stopped in a fully open recognition position stored in the fully open position storage device or a position a fixed amount short of the fully open recognition position. When a current position of the open/close object after completion of the opening drive by the driving device is different from the fully open recognition position (#1), the fully open position storage device sets a new fully open recognition position (#2).

Abstract: A wind and rain preventing device for aluminum doors and windows includes a window structure composed of an inner window, an outer window, a lower frame, two side frames and an upper frame. The wind and rain preventing device consists of plural covering-and-clogging casings, plural water-preventing elongate members, an inner draining space, a lower wind-and-rain-stopping blocks, plural draining valves, an upper wind-and-rain-stopping blocks, and plural collision-preventing and airtight elongate members. The wind and rain preventing device for aluminum doors and windows has excellent effects of prevention of wind and rain and resistance to wind pressure as well as functions of stopping rain water from flowing backward and draining out rain water smoothly.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a frameless sliding glass door has a bracket, a roller and at least one fastening device. The bracket is attached to the frameless sliding glass door and a track and has at least one elongated hole, an adjustment hole and a set screw. The at least one elongated hole is formed through the bracket near the lower end. The adjustment hole is formed through the lower edge of the bracket and communicates with the elongated hole in the lower end of the bracket. The set screw is threaded and corresponds with the adjustment hole. The roller is rotatable connected to the rear surface of the bracket in the upper end and mounted on the track. The fastening device is connected to the bracket and the frameless sliding glass door through the elongated hole and the corresponding through hole.

Abstract: A building is equipped with gull-wing doors that open the whole or substantially the whole side of the building, thereby providing easy access to the interior which may be used as a roll-through garage or when mounted on a truck or trailer, the invention makes a roll-on-roll-off covered transporter. Similarly as a horse trailer and the like. Fire fighter's rest station, equipment shed, decontamination wash room, vending kiosk, etc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for maintaining the position of headstones in a cemetery. Previously, headstones installed at a cemetery may shift over time. As the ground beneath the headstone is subjected to erosion from frost, rain, snow, and wind, the headstone may settle and eventually sink partially into the ground. In some cases the headstones may become loose and fall, possibly getting damaged. The present invention provides a subterranean bridge comprised of concrete that the headstone rests upon. In this way, the headstone is supported by the concrete bridge structure, and is less affected by soil conditions, ground water, and freeze-thaw cycles. Since, by definition, the headstones are to be at the cemetery for an indefinite period of time, it is desirable to have a system to maintain the position of the headstone for the long term. The bridge is comprised of two caissons and a plinth.

Abstract: An improved panel section for use in a sound barrier is disclosed and is of the type: having a cementitious body; for use with at least two vertically-extending, ground-mounted I-beam columns, each having two parallel flanges and a transverse web extending therebetween and being positioned with its web substantially parallel to the web of adjacent columns and substantially normal to a line defined by said columns; and disposed, in use, in respective vertically-stacked groupings to form one or more wall panels interleaved between adjacent pairs of columns, each panel having a pair of end edges disposed, one each, in mechanically-engaged relation, between the flanges of a respective pair of adjacent columns. The improvement comprises: the body having defined therethrough an opening; and a glazing element secured to said body to occlude said opening and impede sound passage therethrough. A sound barrier constructed from the improved panel section is also disclosed.

Abstract: Double-glazed thermoinsulated external wall particularly for windows or the facade of buildings, constituted by an outer pane and an inner pane, parallel to one another and defining a space, wherein the wall comprises a forced air circulation unit in the space.

Abstract: A building material anchor including a resilient pad. A resilient, openwork tube is affixed to the top of the pad. An adhesive layer coats the bottom of the pad.

Abstract: A clip for suspending ceiling panels from a horizontal channel having a C-shape formed by a vertical web and integral opposed horizontal upper and lower flanges, the clip comprising a sheet metal body, the body including a vertical web extending between upper and lower portions, the upper portion being configured to overlie the horizontal upper flange of the channel when installed thereon, the lower portion being configured to lie below the horizontal lower flange of the channel, the lower portion including a generally upstanding hook section adapted to be received in a downwardly open channel on the ceiling panel beneath the C-shaped channel to enable the clip to support the panel by transferring the weight of the panel to the C-shaped channel, the hook section being fixed against horizontal movement relative to the body vertical web.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system having a separately machined strip which is mechanically joined with the floorboard.

Abstract: A steel-framed building 1 using section steels for a column 10 and a beam 20, wherein section steels having the same cross sections are used for the column 10 and the beam 20. The steel-framed building 1 has a beam-side joint A for joining an end of the column 10 to the beam 20, and a column-side joint B for joining an end of the beam 20 to the column 10. The same members are used as both a reinforcing member 30 provided in the cross section of the beam 20 constituting the beam-side joint A and a reinforcing member 30 provided in the cross section of the column 10 constituting the column-side joint B.

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips, double chord beams, double beam connectors and modular structural assemblies constructed of double beam chords and connectors and forming modular wall, floor/ceiling and roof assemblies. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: An anchor having multiple legs for a concrete wall. The anchor has an interface plate with two sides. Disposed on a first side is a stud that is connectable to a bracket. Disposed on the second side of the interface plate are at least two legs. Each of the legs is insertable and secured to a respective hole formed in the concrete wall with epoxy. Once the epoxy cures, the leg attaches the anchor to the concrete wall.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions. A reinforcing bar securing device comprises a base and a securing means for securing the reinforcing bar to the base, which is configured to engage at least one rib of the reinforcing bar. The securing means may include a flange, a hinged member, or a flexible member, such as plastic, for example, configured to allow the reinforcing bar to enter the securing means in one direction and engage at least one rib on the reinforcing bar to prevent the reinforcing bar from withdrawing from the securing means. The flanges are configured to bend to press against the reinforcing bar as the ribs contact the flanges and as the reinforcing bar moves relative to the securing device as the reinforcing bar enters the surface. A system of the present invention is also presented for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.