Abstract: A retaining device for improving the functionality of placard holders when the placard holder is subject to transient atmospheric conditions. The retaining device includes a member used in conjunction with a placard holder to more fully secure a placard with the placard holder when transient atmospheric conditions are encountered. The retaining device may be adapted to use with many designs of placard holders, including, but not limited to, U.S. Department of Transportation approved hazardous material information placard holders.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for safety apparatuses for weapons. An example safety apparatus includes an interchangeable barrel and a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism can be moved between an open position that corresponds to an unlocked position and a closed position that corresponds to a locked position. The safety mechanism includes a feeder cover that is part of cartridge loading equipment that supplies cartridges to the weapon. The feeder cover includes a locking mechanism that engages with a barrel locking device and prevents the feeder cover from entering the closed position if the interchangeable barrel is not coupled to the weapon via the barrel locking device. Further, the unlocked position prevents the weapon from being fired and the locked position allows the weapon to be fired.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing double barrel shotgun barrels, including the steps of providing an elongated metal stock material having a first end and a second end, forming two index holes in both the first end and the second end of the material, forming a first and second bore hole through the material, and then profiling the material into a desired gun barrel profile. 16. Double barrel shotgun barrels formed from a single piece of elongated solid metal stock material according to the process of the invention are also taught.

Abstract: A modular integrated rail system for a firearm includes an upper hand guard having a dovetail rail extending longitudinally between the forward end and the rearward end thereof. The rearward end of the upper hand guard includes a clamp that removably secures the upper hand guard to the barrel nut of the firearm. The rearward end of the upper hand guard and the clamp include clamping surfaces configured to cooperatively engage the outer surface of the barrel nut. The upper hand guard further includes mounting channels that are used to mount accessories, such as a lower hand guard or a grenade launcher, to the upper hand guard. The rear end of the upper hand guard includes alignment tabs for automatically aligning the dovetail rail of the upper hand guard with the dovetail rail of the upper receiver during mounting. The tabs also prevent rotation of the rail system relative to the upper receiver during use.

Abstract: A firearm barrel assembly having a gun barrel with a muzzle opening on a distal end, a shroud coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the barrel, the shroud having a distal portion extending beyond the muzzle opening defining a shroud front region having a distal end portion, a proximal portion extending proximally from the muzzle opening defining an annular region between the barrel and shroud, the shroud front region and annular region in fluid communication with substantially no obstruction between the shroud front region and the annular region, and a front wall disposed at the distal end portion of the shroud. The wall has an opening to allow passage of a projectile fired from the firearm.

Abstract: A light emitting fishing lure comprising: a translucent lure head having a cylindrical lure cavity passing longitudinally through the translucent lure head, a charging terminal located within the cylindrical lure cavity, an enable terminal located within the cylindrical lure cavity and electrically isolated from the charging terminal, a ground terminal located within the cylindrical lure cavity and electrically isolated from the charging terminal and from the enable terminal, an energy source, a control circuit board, a light emitting circuit board, and a convex lens formed by the outside surface of the translucent lure head; a leader secured to a fishing line and extending through the charging terminal, the enable terminal, and the ground terminal, in the cylindrical lure cavity and connecting to a fish hook; a lure skirt attached to the translucent lure head.

Abstract: A fishing rod fixing device includes a base that is supported by two suction cups for easy and efficient attachment of the device to a smooth fixture surface. A seat is rotatably mounted on the base and is releasably set any desired horizontal direction by an adjustment knob. The seat includes a tubular bar on which at least one retainer is mounted and rotatable about the bar for setting the retainer at any desired inclination angle. An angle locking member is provided to releasably secure the retainer at the desired inclination angle. The retainer has a base support mounted to the tubular bar and a top wall member spaced from the base support to define a passage therebetween for receiving a fishing rod. A locking member is provided on the top wall and is manually movable to releasably and selectively secure the fishing rod to the base support.

Abstract: A device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle which includes a member with an aperture for receiving a reel seat of a rod and an arm extending from the member comprising a grip for receiving one or more digits is provided. A device may also include a handle, which includes a cylindrical member for coupling onto a rod, an arm extending from the member and disposed at a selected angle thereto, where the arm includes a grip for receiving one or more digits. Methods for using the devices and coupling to a user to repetitively make desired casting movements are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for controlling the movement of insects such as termites by using a vibration device that produces mechanical vibrations within a certain frequency range. The frequency range may be chosen to attract or repel. The source may be coupled with insect food sources or other attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

Abstract: A landscape device having a growth section surrounded by at least one upwardly-extending wall. Located within the growth section are a plurality of displaceable elements which are capable of being displaced by the growth of a plant located in the growth section of the landscape device. A second upwardly-extending wall may be located between the first upwardly-extending wall and the growth section, forming a reservoir between the walls. Water, soil, and other elements may be placed in the reservoir, which will contain weep holes to permit passage of water into the underlying ground. A cover plate may be positioned over the reservoir to inhibit evaporation of water. The cover plate may also include a fitting for connecting to a water source such as a hose. A method for manufacturing variations of the landscape device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The bouquet holding device includes an outer ring, a plurality of inner rings, a door attached via hinge to the outer ring, a locking clasp, and a track. The track runs along the interior periphery of both the door and the outer ring, and engages a grooved notch located on each end of each inner ring. The hinged door locks in place with respect to the outer ring to ensure that the inner rings are enclosed within the track. The inner rings are capable of rotating freely about the outer ring. The inner rings are capable of securing a single or a plurality of flowers or objects associated with the bouquet.

Abstract: A watering device for providing water to a sub-surface level is provided. The watering device includes a body portion for distributing water radially therefrom and along its length. The watering device includes an irrigation assembly for emitting water from a water source, the irrigation assembly emitting the water within the watering device, and the water then being distributed through the body portion to surrounding soil. The irrigation assembly may be supported by the body portion. The irrigation assembly may include a bubbler, and may include a check valve. The device may include a top cap including retaining structure for providing a generally vertical or other desired orientation to the irrigation assembly. The device may further include a bottom cap that generally restricts the flow of water out of the bottom of the device and cooperates with body portion to direct water radially from the device.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes a water resistant sheet of material, with at least one opening formed in the sheet to enable growth of a plant through the opening. A fertilizer band, which can be contained within a membrane, is affixed to an underside of the sheet and includes a predetermined amount of a plant nutrient. The inventive apparatus is placed on top of a growing medium. With the fertilizer band in contact with the growing medium, a nutrient gradient is established so that plants growing through the openings formed in the sheet receive nutrition.

Abstract: A spray catcher apparatus and method includes a fluid capture surface where the fluid capture surface is conformed to direct captured fluid from the surface. A support stake includes a first end and a second end and the first end is connected with the fluid capture surface. The second end is placed near an object to which the captured fluid is directed.

Abstract: A combined seal activation system positioned within a panel for use with a combination of the panel and a frame includes a first seal activation system and a second seal activation system. The panel pivots relative to the frame. The first seal activation system activates a first sealing system positioned within the frame, and the second seal activation system activates a second sealing system positioned within the frame. The first seal activation system is positioned adjacent a first side of the panel, and the second seal activation system is positioned adjacent a second side of the panel different than the first side of the panel. The first and second seal activation systems having an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A portable, tactical building door opener comprises a door opening mechanism comprising: a body; a door opening arm pivotally connected to the body at a first end and having a roller for engaging the surface of the door at a second end; and an actuator for rotating the door opening arm with respect to the body, from a ready position in which the roller is not forced against the surface of the door, to a door-opened position in which the roller is forced against the surface of the door to open the door. The actuator is remotely and manually operable. The device further includes a support for temporarily and removably bracing the door opening mechanism with respect to the door.

Abstract: Under a method to control a sliding speed in accordance with this invention, the motor is initially accelerated for a predetermined reference speed, and then during the initial acceleration period, if a rotational speed of the wire drum is of and above a given value, a difference between a rotational speed of the wire drum and a rotational speed of the motor is of and above a given value, and a rate of acceleration of the wire drum is of and above a given value, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced temporarily judging the slide door is in a state of abnormal acceleration, and then the motor is accelerated again at a lower rate than the initial acceleration toward the reference speed.

Abstract: A frameless glass door arrangement for a doorway bounded in part by a top section and a bottom section is disclosed. The frameless glass door arrangement includes two hinge parts rotatably embedded in the respective top section and bottom section; and a glass door leaf including a main body including a top edge, a bottom edge and a lateral edge, the glass door leaf further including two tongue-shaped extensions disposed adjacent to the lateral edge. The extensions extend outward from the respective top edge and bottom edge of the main body and into the respective hinge parts so that the doorway is completely transparent after the glass door leaf is installed in the doorway.

Abstract: A doorframe structure comprises an upper guide formed of metal plate so as to have an enclosed space extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper guide, the upper guide having a constant cross section, a weather strip channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper guide and fixed to the upper guide, a window glass guide, made of metal plate, arranged so as to be inclined relative to the upper guide and fixed to the upper guide at one end thereof in order to guide a window glass so as to move, and a pillar outer panel, made of metal plate, for covering, on an exterior side of a vehicle, a vehicle exterior-end surface of the upper guide, a vehicle exterior-end surface of the window glass guide and an opening formed between the upper guide and the window glass guide.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window or patio door includes an integrally moulded unitary master frame having upper and lower horizontal members, opposed first and second vertical jamb members extending between the horizontal members, and a vertical mullion midway between the first and second vertical members. An integrally moulded unitary sash frame is slidably mounted within the master frame. The sash frame can be lifted within the master frame to facilitate installation and removal of the sash frame. The mullion can include a weather buffering chamber to reduce fluid penetration from an exterior to an interior side of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window including a sash that slides vertically within a master frame. The master frame is substantially of unitary, one-piece construction that can advantageously be manufactured by an injection moulding process. The sash frame can also be of unitary, one-piece construction, and can also be manufactured by injection moulding. The master frame can be provided with liner support structures along the jambs to receive jamb liners in snap-fit. The liner support structures can advantageously be integrally moulded with the master frame.

Abstract: A system for assembling a load-bearing support structure, and structure assembled with such a system. The system includes at least one supporting member, at least one connecting member, and at least one complementary member. Each supporting member includes an upper surface being provided with at least one section having at least one bulge protruding from the upper surface. Each connecting member is used for connecting a supporting member to at least one other member of the system. Each complementary member, typically a floor panel, is used for affixing onto a corresponding supporting member, and has at least one orifice being positioned, shaped and sized for inserting into a corresponding bulge of the corresponding supporting member so as form the load-bearing support structure. The system further includes at least one securing member cooperable between a given complementary member and a given supporting member for securing the complementary member onto the supporting member.

Abstract: A gutter cap forming tool is provided for use in a method of forming a gutter cap from a sheet stock blank. A roll forming operation is performed to form a reversely-turned arcuate bend in the gutter cap. The gutter cap assembly includes a gutter cap and a bracket that secures the gutter cap to a building and a gutter.

Abstract: An assembly and method for facilitating the attachment of a metal alloy hood to the concrete shell of a spray absorber tower, and compensating for relative radial thermal expansion of the hood and the shell during start up, shut down, and operation of the spray absorber tower, while also providing accurate and effective distribution of shear forces circumferentially along a horizontal plane from the metal alloy hood to anchor rods partially embedded in the concrete shell of the spray absorber tower.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: An adjustable connector with a rounded, concave seat and matching washer, a connection and a method of making a connection that ties a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and an anchor member, especially a girder truss to the supporting wall in conjunction with screws and an anchor rod.

Abstract: A modular area wall system for constructing area wall assemblies at a jobsite. The area wall system provides modular sections of varying heights, each provided with a connection plate and a strengthening rib to allow them to be connected to one another in a simple and secure manner. By providing the strengthening rib in overlapping engagement with another area wall section, lighter material of more inexpensive construction may be utilized to reduce the overall cost and weight of the resulting assembly. The system may also be used with sections of varying depth to create a tiered area wall, using teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: Installed on a top of a structure (1) is a base stand (11) against which damping body (3) movably rests via a linear guide mechanism (12). Mounted between the damping body (3) and the structure (1) or between the damping body (3) and a top of a support housing (14) erected on the structure (1) is a characteristic-frequency adjusting spring or springs (13) with an initial tension being applied vertically. Movement of the damping body (3) causes the spring or springs (13) to be obliquely and longitudinally expanded to apply horizontal component to the damping body (3) upon restoring.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A crawlspace access panel assembly for covering a crawlspace accessway opening in a building exterior wall is provided. The crawl space access panel assembly having a substantially rigid panel member adapted to cover the opening and a seal attached around a perimeter of the substantially rigid panel. A number of fasteners connected to the substantially rigid panel for removably fastening the substantially rigid panel to the exterior wall, the fasteners being located only on a minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel to stably hold the panel to the exterior wall. When fastened the fasteners only on the minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel urge the panel against the exterior wall causing the seal to seat around the perimeter so that the substantially rigid panel seals the opening.

Abstract: A free-standing, partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide an open space of a room, comprising a plurality of first partition panels, each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the first partition panel such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel such that the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide the open space of a room.

Abstract: Self supporting roofing plate for pitched roofs having purlinless roofing construction is disclosed. This particular roofing plate allows for the rafters of the purlinless construction to be spaced apart as twice as allowed when using best known prior art products, thus significantly reduces costs and labor of the complete roofing construction.

Abstract: A flooring panel includes a decorative upper surface and a lower surface. The flooring panel further includes a plurality of edges extending between the decorative upper surface and the lower surface. The plurality of edges are shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with adjacent flooring panels, wherein each of the plurality of edges includes an edge profile having at least a male coupling member or a female coupling member. The flooring panel also includes at least one notched transition section that extends between one of the plurality of edges of the flooring panel and the decorative upper surface of the flooring panel. When adjacent flooring panels are brought together, the at least one notched transition section of the adjacent flooring panels defines a grout receiving recess into which a material may be poured for creation of the a grout line between the adjacent flooring panels.

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: A structure and a method for producing the structure wherein the structure comprises a framework of purlins supported by clips and plates and upright cylindrical members to form a structure of a fence, wall or a structure and the method comprises supporting the purlins between cylindrical members by the use of clips and plates to produce a structure which may include a slanted or peaked roof and may include windows and doors.

Abstract: An upright space-dividing wall panel having an inner rigid frame. The frame is of an open ring-shaped construction utilizing detachable corner gusset structures for rigidly joining the transverse frame rails together, thereby providing the frame with a high degree of flexibility with respect to assembly thereof.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: A screening device is provided with multiple channel upper and lower panel retaining members that allow multiple panels to be laterally moved past each other. Channel end caps, a panel rolling member assembly and close spacing of the upper and lower panel retaining members prevent removal of the panels from the screening device. A support structure uses angled castings and extrusion members for rapid custom screen device assembly that avoids long welding assembly times as well as subsequent weld failure due to screen device vibration. The panel rolling member assembly uses balls, rollers or wheels to easily move the panels in their channels. A trim member with oppositely faced channels engages upper and lower projections on the panel retaining members and covers fastener heads located in a recess in the panel retaining members.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: A beam construction, particularly a so-called doctor beam, for use mainly in pulp and paper mills to carry blade holders (7) intended to hold doctor blades. The beam (1) is a composite-construction hollow beam, which also includes at least one composite construction pre-tensioning rod (9, 10, 12). The construction has an essentially triangular cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set. Thus, for each revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined fixed amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.

Abstract: A film roping assembly comprises a roping pulley which is disposed upon the wrapping film dispensing carriage assembly. The roping pulley is vertically reciprocable so as to be movable transversely, across the width of the wrapping film, with respect to the direction in which the wrapping film is being dispensed. The roping pulley is initially disposed at its uppermost position and engages the upper edge portion of the film. As the roping pulley is moved vertically downwardly, the film is condensed or gathered so as to form a roped section of the wrapping film. The process may be repeated throughout a single wrapping operation so as to provide the wrapped film with both roped and non-roped sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable bag and for packing a food, such as a snack food, which is required to have an oxygen barrier property and a water vapor barrier property. The biodegradable bag can be produced at a high speed by a bag making and packaging machine, which can be degraded by naturally occurring microorganisms in soil or water finally to a non-hazardous degradation product, which can be biorecycled, and which is not accumulated in nature. The biodegradable bag for packing a food comprises a laminated film obtainable by laminating in the following order: a sealant layer comprising a biodegradable polymer; a barrier layer having an oxygen barrier property and a water vapor barrier property; and a barrier layer-supporting substrate layer comprising a biodegradable polymer, the laminated film being heat-sealed in order for the sealant layer to be inside.

Abstract: Soap bars that are not of essentially a square or rectangular shape, but of a generally rectangular shape, can be packaged using a single plastic film wrapper. This plastic film preferably is biaxially oriented polypropylene of from about 60 micron to about 180 microns. It can be a monolayer or a multilayer laminated. However, any plastic film having a Taber stiffness of more than about 5 and preferably about 7 to 20 can be used. The soap bar in order to facilitate making an effective longitudinal seal on the bottom of the soap bar package should have a planar surface adjacent to the position of the overlapping longitudinal edges of the wrapping film. This provides a surface for the sealing plate to seal the longitudinal edges against.

Abstract: A machine for packaging groups of products ordered in one or more layers, which includes a magazine for the supply of the group of products; apparatus for supplying a packaging sheet the sheet being set vertically to a front face of the product, a pusher for unloading the product; a first-folding spindle set downstream of the wrapping sheet; a pair of horizontal conveyors, set on top of one another, set downstream of the first-folding spindle; a vertical folder, which operates in the short space between the folding spindle and the pair of conveyors; and apparatus to superimpose on the bottom of the product the last transverse end flaps of the packaging sheet; and apparatus for fixing the bottom flaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.

Abstract: A cassette for a waste disposal device, the cassette including an outer wall, an inner wall, a flexible tubing positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall, and a rim having a top surface and a bottom surface. The rim is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall and extends from a top surface of the outer wall toward the inner wall. The bottom surface of the rim faces the flexible tubing, and the rim includes a plurality of protrusions on the top surface of the rim to engage with a rotation mechanism of a waste disposal device.