Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber lock (1) for a firearm, having an outer, tubular lock housing (2) and a pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) provided therein, wherein the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) comprises a latching device (6) acting directly or indirectly in the interior of the lock housing (2) positioned between the lock housing (2) on one side and a clamping sleeve (10) for tensioning the firing pin spring (7) on the other side, the latching device being configured such that the firing pin spring (7) can be tensioned in a repeating manner upon pushing the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) once, and subsequently can be maintained in the tensioned state by means of the latching device (6), and that the firing pin spring (7) can be released upon removing the latching effect of the latching device (6) upon a subsequent pushing of the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4).

Abstract: A front sight assembly includes a self powered substantially permanent light source such as tritium source carried within a bore defined in a housing, where the housing preferably defines a structure symmetrically aligned along a central plane, where the bore carrying the light source has a central axis that lies within or parallel to the housing's central plane. The sight assembly housing terminates proximally in a proximal surface that faces the user when mounted on a firearm or other instrument. The sight assembly housing's proximal surface further includes a region surrounding or defining a periphery around the light source which is coated with, laminated with or altered to define a region of photo-luminescence that is substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion of light source.

Abstract: A purse ring for interconnecting a purse seine to a purse line is disclosed. Structurally, the purse ring includes a frame defining an aperture, with two rollers mounted across the aperture. As constructed, the rollers and the first and second sides of the frame between the rollers define a periphery around a passageway for receiving the purse line. Importantly, the portion of the first side of the frame adjacent the distal roller includes a hard facing in order to reduce wear. Also, the purse ring includes a cable release arm pivotally mounted as a portion of the second side of the frame, a sleeve for engaging the free end of the cable release arm to the frame, and a lock for holding the sleeve in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing hook having three loose fishing rods (1), the shafts (2) of which are individually and detachably disposed in a profile piece (5) such that easier removal of a hook (3) from a fishing rod (1) from the mouth of a fish is enabled.

Abstract: An insect destroying device is battery operated and shaped somewhat like a squash or tennis racquet in order to provide a wide opening to enable insects to make contact with one of two outer grids and an inner grid. Both a manual and static technique is provided for enabling contact with insects while destroying them. An uppermost portion of the housing includes an open area in which a narrow strip of central grid is exposed adjacent two ground grids to enable exposure to an insect discovered along the corner between the wall and the ceiling, or where the wall meets a wall at a 90 degree angle, or between the wall and the floor where it is very difficult to have the insect make contact with the center grid or ground grids through the main openings of the grid support area.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a device for catching phototaxis flying insects, which is utilized by light irradiating to attract the phototaxis flying insects to gather into the device for facilitating catching the phototaxis flying insects, comprises a light reflecting member having a plurality of reflecting portions for reflecting multi-directional diffused light for attracting the phototaxis flying insects; and a catching member for allowing the phototaxis flying insects to be caught and collected.

Abstract: A method of Improving the efficiency of a diesel engine provided with a source of diesel fuel includes the steps of: a) adding to the diesel fuel a reverse-micellar composition having an aqueous first disperse phase that includes a free radical initiator and a first continuous phase that includes a first hydrocarbon liquid, a first surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant, thereby producing a modified diesel fuel; and b) operating the engine, thereby combusting the modified diesel fuel. The efficiency of a diesel engine provided with a source of diesel fuel and a source of lubricating oil can also be improved by modifying the lubricating oil by the addition of a stabilized nanoparticulate composition of cerium dioxide. The efficiency of a diesel engine can also be improved by adding to the diesel fuel a reverse-micellar composition that includes an aqueous disperse phase containing boric acid or a borate salt.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition is disclosed. The fuel oil composition includes (a) a fuel oil which contains alkyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable or animal materials processed by contacting the esters with one or more ion-exchange materials, comprising materials represented by the formula: where Q represents a solid support, L represents an optional linking group and n is an integer of 1 or more, to improve their oxidation stability.

Abstract: Systems, catalysts, and methods are provided for transforming carbon based material into synthetic mixed alcohol fuel.

Abstract: A reactor system comprising two or more subterranean reactors for high pressure treatment of materials. The reactors each comprise an inlet tube, a reaction region and an outlet tube and are deep enough for material in the inlet and outlet tubes to produce significant hydrostatic pressure. The reactors are adapted to exchange heat which may occur through a shared heat transferring wall or a heat exchanger including circulating liquid. The invention also extends to a method of simultaneously running two processes in the reactor system. The preferred processes are hydrothermal dewatering of coal, especially brown coal, and coal liquefaction wherein exothermic heat product of one process contributes to the heating requirements of the other process. The invention also extends to a method of hydrothermal dewatering of coal when conducted in a subterranean reactor in conditions of decreasing pressure.

Abstract: A mobile greenhouse includes a cultivation area that has a bottom tray with a seedbed with seeds. The mobile greenhouse includes equipment that has at least two of the list of a water supply system for wetting the seedbed, a nutrient supply system for administering nutrients to the seedbed, a ventilation system for circulating air through the cultivation area, a shutter system for controlling outside radiation into the cultivation area, a light system for illuminating the seedbed and a heating system for the seedbed and/or the cultivation area. Further, the mobile greenhouse includes a control system that controls the equipment, the control system having an input mechanism to set the control system so that it controls the equipment in accordance with the requirements of the type of the seeds in the seedbed.

Abstract: A package includes seeds of a plant variety, the seeds being ready to start germinating after being wetted and having a coating to accelerate or delay germinating. The package contains seeds with different coatings causing different accelerations and/or delays in the start of germination.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

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. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A playing surface according to the invention includes turf, sand, fibers and organic binder, wherein the playing surface may be harvested in rolls. A field including the playing surface may have a sand base layer.

Abstract: A process of producing a combustible gas from a solid sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is provided. In the process, an aqueous solution is provided. A solute of the solution is a carbonate salt of an alkali metal. Particles of the fuel and the aqueous solution are mixed (26) to form a mixture. The mixture is fed into a gasifier (22) that contains molten salts of the alkali metal. The fuel is partially combusted in the gasifier to produce the combustible gas. At least a portion of the carbonate salt in the aqueous solution may be recovered (24) from a molten sulfide salt. The molten sulfide salt may be taken from the molten salts in the gasifier (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gasification reactor (1) and associated method for the entrained-flow gasification of solid fuels under pressure. The reactor essentially consists of a pressure vessel (4) that can be cooled and an inner jacket (7) that is equipped with a heat shield. At least one crude gas outflow (8) is located at the upper end of the cylindrical pressure vessel and at least one bottoms withdrawal outlet (30) is located at the lower end, the pressure vessel having at least enough space for a moving bed (13), an entrained flow (11) that circulates internally above the surface of the moving bed and a buffer zone (3) situated above said entrained bed.

Abstract: A solar-shading assembly for fastening to a support mullion, comprises an elongate louver member having longitudinal front and rear edges, an elongate cap element for extending along and covering the rear edge, a bracket which is connectable to the support mullion, and a fastening device for connecting the bracket to the rear edge of the louver member. The in use fastening device is coverable by the cap element so as to hide the fastening device from view. Preferably, at least part of the bracket is also coverable by the cap element so as to hide the said part of the bracket from view.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generically to a closure for a portal within a structure, and more specifically, to a closure such as a sectional-type door, comprising plural door panels wherein one or more door panels can be operated independently of the remaining door panels and thereby the ingress point may be only partially occluded. Presently, sectional-type doors are used to block ingress/egress into permanent structures such as commercial and residential garages, and on a reduced scale, to block ingress/egress into mobile structures such as panel vans and storage containers. Heretofore, sectional-type doors have typically been employed wherein the sectional door traverse tracks located on either side of a portal as a linked series of door panels.

Abstract: A door safety shield generally includes a door edge attachment portion, a bridge portion, and a door jamb attachment portion. The door edge attachment portion includes a cornering portion which serves to resist detaching forces on the shield at the door edge caused by forces applied to the shield or opening and closing of the door. The bridge portion includes a tambour panel which moves in a rolling fashion, away from the door's hinge, at least when an external force is applied to the shield. The configuration of the tambour panel serves to prevent injuries between the door and the door jamb, and also serves to resist detaching forces on the shield at the door jamb.

Abstract: A ceiling driving unit for moving doors comprises a motor unit (12) arranged at the end of a running rail (11) for a door-dragging carriage (17). The motor unit has a driven axis (14) that engages a mechanism in the rail to transmit movement to the carriage and between the rail and motor unit there are mutual coupling means (26-27-28-29, 30-31-32-33) for connecting the motor unit to the rail and which are driven by manual rotation of the motor unit around the driven axis.

Abstract: A snap-in glass carrier engageable with a window regulator assembly for snap fitting a movable door glass with a glass retention hole to the glass carrier is disclosed. The glass carrier may comprise a glass carrier base and a spring finger. The spring finger may extend in a cantilevered fashion from the base and include a barb spaced from the base and engaged with the retention hole. The spring finger may also include a spring finger neck adjacent to the base and connecting to the base at an attachment location, with the spring finger neck being tapered and having a curvature configured to align the attachment location directly under an edge of the glass when the glass is mounted to the glass carrier. The snap-in glass carrier may also include saber-toothed ribs under the barb and a support bridge for the spring finger.

Abstract: An overhead door, which is adapted to have its primary tracking members temporarily disengaged from their primary track when impacted by a substantial force when in the closed or partially closed position, is adapted to smoothly transition from its vertical, closed position to a non-vertical, open position by the use of second tracking members and track which come into use as the door panels transition from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. The impact caused disengagement feature is therefore effective without interference from the second tracking members, but progressively gives way to the second tracking members and track as the door is raised toward an open position.

Abstract: A door end structure of a container comprises an upper end beam, a lower end beam, a container door and a locking lever. The container door comprises an upper door beam, a lower door beam and a door panel which is a vertical corrugated plate. The locking lever is received in a trough of the vertical type door panel. The upper door beam comprises a web plate and an upper wing plate, and the lower door beam comprises a web plate and a lower wing plate. Both the inner side surface of the web plate of the upper door beam and the inner side surface of the web plate of the lower door beam are flush with the inner side surface of the door panel. A concave is provided at a lower corner outside the upper end beam, and the upper wing plate of the upper door beam is located in the concave and its bottom surface is at most flush with that of the upper end beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing gate (1) for strips for sealing a first chamber (2) in relation to a second chamber (3), a strip (4), in particular a metal strip, passing through both chambers (2, 3) and at least one sealing element (5) being provided for sealing the chambers (2, 3). The aim of the invention is to achieve an effective sealing action. To achieve this, the sealing element (5) has at least two gate elements (6, 7, 8, 9) that can be displaced in relation to one another and that have at least one sealing surface (10, 11, 12, 13), which is adapted to the edge contour of the strip (4) to be sealed.

Abstract: A vehicle door is disclosed that has a movable window and a window regulator including a regulator rail and a regulator slider slidably mounted on the regulator rail and engaging the window for movement between a closed position and a fully open position. The door also has a window down stop stabilizer assembly including a position detecting assembly that detects when the window is in the fully open position, a bumper movable between a first position spaced from the window and a second position in contact with the window, and a bumper actuator that moves the bumper into and out of contact with the window. When the window is in the fully open position, the bumper actuator will move the bumper into the second position and when the window is not in the fully open position, the bumper actuator will move the bumper into the first position.

Abstract: A diamond sinter which has higher hardness than conventional diamond sinters and is excellent in strength including chipping resistance and wearing resistance. The diamond sinter comprises diamond particles and a binder and is characterized in that the binder comprises: a solid solution comprising carbon, tungsten, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, and chromium; and an iron-group element represented by cobalt. It is further characterized in that adjacent diamond particles are bonded to each other.

Abstract: A multifunctional panel for a building comprises an insulative body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A sensor is provided to measure an interior condition in the interior of the building and an exterior condition in the exterior of the building, and generate a sensor signal in response to the difference between the measured interior and exterior conditions. A signal coupler can transmit the sensor signal to other multifunctional panels, receive an input signal from another multifunctional panel, or pass power to power a device in or about the insulative body.

Abstract: System, device and method for providing screened protection to gutters from clogging debris. Protection is provided by using a panel that includes rain siphoning louvered technology covered by a filter or screen. The rows of louvers are offset to direct water into the vertical openings. The louvered portion is dome shaped to permit the louvers to be vertical and to help debris roll off the sides. The filter is molded to the rows of louvers to conduct water to the vertical openings of the louvers. The filter or screen is secured to the panel by being laid in opposing hems on the two sides of the louvered portion of the panel and then by rolling beads or ribs onto the hemmed portions. The panel ends in one side in alignment ribs that are used to mount the gutter protection system under the roofing material.

Abstract: Modular construction panels, systems, and methods of installation are set forth for use in creating buildings. A modular construction panel includes a panel having a height, opposed faces, and opposed generally vertical ends. In one embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends, and a keyway spline is integral with the panel adjacent the other end. In another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. In still another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. One modular construction system includes first and second panels, each having: a height, opposed faces, opposed generally vertical first and second ends, a keyway receiver at the first end or one of the faces adjacent the first end, and a keyway spline at the second end or one of the faces adjacent the second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extending an automobile manufacturing plant in order to increase the vehicle production rate and in order to obtain a new plant from a plant some years older, wherein welding (2) and assembly (4) workshops located on an enclosed ground (10) are extended at the ground level towards the periphery of said enclosed ground from their respective former locations which are also preserved.

Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornados, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method, on a building site, of forming a stable and, in terms of weight, heavy modular unit under the utilisation of prefabricated, in terms of weight considerably lighter, modular unit (12) transported to the building site, where said heavy modular unit (12a) can be adapted to serve as a complete modular-built cellar unit. Said modular unit displays a base slab (14) and double-walled wall sections (10, 11) anchored to the base slab. Inner and outer wall portions (10, 11) are mutually coordinated and secured to one another via supports (18) oriented within a free space formed and structured between the wall portions. The free space is completely filled with a concrete mass, which is caused to cure or set, in order in such instance to form the in terms of weight heavy modular unit. The present invention also discloses a heavy modular unit thus produced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.

Abstract: A method and system finish member for forming a wall surface is provided. The finish member comprises a substantially organic material having a length along a longitudinal axis and a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the finish member is flexible along the length in a direction of the thickness.

Abstract: Embodiments of a panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed, some of which comprise a plurality of structural studs, each comprising: a baseplate; an exterior-facing sidewall and an interior-facing sidewall connected by the baseplate; and a tab punched out of each of the sidewalls; an exterior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the exterior-facing sidewalls are embedded; and an interior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the interior-facing sidewalls are embedded; where the exterior and interior concrete surfaces are substantially planar surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other. Methods for forming tilt-wall panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building wall or roof is formed of tubular structural members arranged in parallel, planar, spaced-apart relation. Saddle-shaped structural members having strengthening portions are respectively mounted on the tubular members with a clearance space, and thermal and/or acoustical insulation is interposed in the clearance space between the strengthening portions and the tubular members. As compared to conventional tubular log structures, the resulting wall or roof is resistant to horizontal forces generated by the wind or earthquakes and is faster and easier to construct and, furthermore, considerably better performing in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation without having to increase its thickness on an otherwise proportionate basis.

Abstract: A seismic isolator includes at least two layers disposed one on top of the other and made of an elastomer material and at least a reinforcement element in the form of a sheet, disposed between the layers and made of fibers.

Abstract: A foundation wall comprises a plurality of abutting, generally upright structural insulated panels, each of the panels comprising a slab of insulation sandwiched between first and second sheets and a top plate adjacent the top of the panel and overlaying the insulation. The lower end of the panel is devoid of a bottom plate.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one laminar element (103; 104) with a first face of contact with a laying surface (F) and a second face of contact with at least one covering element (R). Strips (121) defining joints between covering elements (R) are arranged around the edges and corners of the covering elements (R) to define and fill the joints between mutually adjacent covering elements. Corner elements for mutual connection of said strips are further provide to retain the strips around the respective covering element.

Abstract: An adjustable masonry form is disclosed for use in masonry constructions. The adjustable masonry form comprises a planar base section to support the masonry elements which will comprise the masonry construction, and a plurality of attachment elements secured to the planar base and at least one horizontal breakaway element for use in modifying the width of the planar base. The adjustable masonry form is constructed from material rigid enough to support the masonry elements, but flexible enough to be bent to conform to any given masonry construction without unwanted buckling of the form. The form is left in position permanently, obviating the need to build a temporary arch support saving time and expense and obviating waste of materials.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: The prestressed building structure comprises an assembly of precast elements separated by gaps occupied by an interface product, one or more prestressing sheaths having sections respectively incorporated into the precast elements, and a prestressing tendon tensioned inside the sheath. The sheath sections are respectively fitted with first and second end pieces opening out on the facing surfaces of the two precast elements. The first end piece has a flared opening. An elastic connecting sleeve is connected in a sealed manner to the second end piece. The sleeve presses against the first end piece, which compresses it longitudinally to ensure a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and the gap separating the adjacent surfaces of the two elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a building, comprising the step of providing a skeleton for a building wall of the building. The skeleton includes at least upright building elements such as columns or dividing walls. At least one lightweight, heat insulating and fire retarding wall element is placed between each adjacent pair of said columns. The columns are covered to provide substantially closed wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are covered with a covering layer having properties so as to provide fire-resistance to the complete wall. The covering layer on the inside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar, and a top layer of plaster mortar. The covering layer on the outside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar and a top layer of mineral mortar.

Abstract: A lap siding system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a plank having a length and a complementary member, such as corner trim, door trim, etc. The lap siding system further includes a flashing disposed between the plank and the complementary member. The plank, the complementary member, and the flashing are adapted to be coupled to an exterior of a substructure of a building. At least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing is adapted to create at least one ventilation channel between the substructure of the building and at least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing.

Abstract: In polymer building products, such as polymer siding, polymer roofing, j-blocks, gable vents, etc., characterized by fastener apertures each comprising an elongate slot bounded by a peripheral wall defining the slot, the peripheral wall having a height, a fastener centering-guide comprising a layer of material extending into the elongate slot from the peripheral wall thereof, the layer of material having defined therein (a) an elongate opening that is generally parallel to, but of smaller transverse dimensions than, the elongate slot, and (b) a predetermined location, defined intermediate the length of the elongate opening, for receiving a fastener therethrough, and wherein further the layer of material is characterized by a thickness that is less than the height of the peripheral wall and sufficiently thin so as to permit relative movement between a fastener extending through the centering guide and the polymer building product.

Abstract: A multi-layered veneer panel that includes a foamed core, a concrete surface layer, and a mounting device. The concrete surface layer forms a front surface and an edge perimeter region of the veneer panel. The front surface approximates a desired topography of a simulated wall. The foamed core forms a back surface of the veneer panel and is disposed adjacent the concrete surface layer. The mounting device is cast into at least one of the concrete surface layer and the foamed core and extends from the edge perimeter region. A method of making a multi-layered veneer panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: Horizontally engineered floor boards are provided by this invention. The floor board includes a top decorative layer placed on a plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are arranged to have some in X-axis orientation and some in Y-axis orientation. The plurality of strips also has characteristics that allow the wood floor board to be installed as a tile.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially parallelepiped vacuum panel which has, in an outwardly gas-tight manner in a sleeve or envelope, a filling made of granular or powdered degassed support elements, preferably silica particles, the interior of the sleeve being evacuated and the support elements being moved closely together and being enclosed by the sleeve, the sleeve comprising an encapsulation by injection-molding or overmolding of a plastic material. For forming two sides of the sleeve remote from one another, metal plates are provided, between which the support elements are arranged. The peripheral rims of the metal plates are positively and non-positively embedded by the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Additionally, a permeation barrier layer may be provided on at least the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Moreover, getter materials may be provided between the support elements.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up comprises a support member comprising a mounting flange adapted for securing the support member to said back-up wall, and first and second support member side walls extending outwardly from the mounting flange. The first and second support member side walls define at least one generally horizontal slot when the support member is secured to the back-up wall. The connector further comprises a veneer connector configured for non-rotational sliding receipt in the generally horizontal slot and adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of said veneer panel when the veneer connector is received in the generally horizontal slot and when the support member is secured to the back-up wall.