Abstract: A collapsible firearm stock system is generally provided and preferably includes a shoulder stock system adapted to receive a buttstock thereon, and a locking linkage having a first linkage portion, a second linkage portion, and a hinge pin operatively uniting the first and said second linkage portions. One of the linkage portions is carried by the shoulder stock assembly so as to define a terminal end therefore, the other of the linkage portions being adapted to be carried by a firearm. Each of the linkage portions are adapted so as to automatically unite in locking engagement upon axial alignment of the shoulder stock assembly with the firearm about the hinge pin.

Abstract: A nozzle for lubricating an internally threaded rifle breech. The nozzle has a body defining a bore, with an inlet end adapted to receive a supply of lubricant. The body has an opposed end portion having a cylindrical wall and an enclosed free end. The cylindrical wall has a number of lubricant exit apertures. The body may be L-shaped, and the inlet may be threaded for connection to a lubricant container. The cylindrical wall may have an external diameter less than an adjacent portion diameter, so that a shoulder is formed to limit insertion depth. A cap may be provided to cover the exit apertures so that the body may remain attached to the lubricant container.

Abstract: Optical sights for long guns and handguns. The representative, disclosed optical sight has: a fiber optics assembly which includes an outer, hollow, tubular optical fiber and an optical fiber insert; an optical fiber assembly support comprising integral, spaced apart, assembly-associated support units; magnets for securing the fiber optics assembly support to a rib at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel; interchangeable mounting/sight alignment brackets assembled to the fiber optics assembly support and configured to match the configuration of the rib of the shotgun barrel; and magnetically engaged plates for clamping the support and the mounting/sight alignment bracket to the rib.

Abstract: The fishing rod support is a versatile device providing support or bracing for the handle or butt of a fishing rod against a portion of the angler's body. The support includes an elongate pad joined to a crosspiece having three sockets. When the butt of the rod is placed in either of the two aligned sockets, the pad is generally parallel to the rod. This allows the pad to be placed under the arm to restrain upward movement of the rod butt as the angler lifts the rod. Alternatively, the butt of the rod may be placed in the third socket, with the pad aligned generally perpendicular to the rod. In this configuration, the pad is placed against the forward body of the angler (e.g., upper thigh, hip, waist, etc.) for bracing. The fishing rod support is particularly useful for anglers having back pain or limited upper body strength.

Abstract: A DLC-coated fishing lure includes a fishing lure base material made of metal and having a predetermined shape; an intermediate layer made of one selected from a first group, a second group and a third group, the first group consisting of at least one kind of metal selected from the IIIb group, the IVa group, the Va group and the VIa group in the periodic table of elements, the second group consisting of at least one of a carbide, a nitride and a carbonitride of the at least one kind of metal, and the third group consisting of a mutual solid solution made of at least one selected from the first group and the second group, the intermediate layer being formed on a surface of the fishing lure base material; and a DLC layer having a thickness ranging from about 0.05 ?m to about 0.55 ?m and formed on the intermediate layer, the DLC layer presenting an appearance of a interference color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for catching insects, comprising an attracting plane (4) for attracting the insects to be caught, comprising an opening (6) which is arranged in the attracting plane and through which the insects can enter the device (1), wherein. the opening is adjoined by a duct (8) which extends into the interior of the device (1), and comprising a ventilation device (12) which generates an air flow passing through the duct (8). According to the invention, the duct (8) is arranged in the interior of a housing (10) and this housing (10) is provided for receiving and holding a liquid medium, wherein the ventilation device (12) is arranged in such a way that it generates an air flow in the direction of the liquid medium provided in the housing (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device for deterring insects, said electronic device being attachable to any domestic object; said electronic device comprising: (a) a bipolar source of electrical energy; and, (b) at least two conductors in electrical communication with said bipolar source; wherein said insect deterrence is obtained by constantly providing frequently oscillated high-voltage applied by said bipolar source to said conductors such that the maximum current obtained from said bipolar source is limited to a level harmless for men and pets.

Abstract: A detection device and method for monitoring infestation by insects such as bed bugs is provided. A suitable device comprises a pair of plates separated by an internal spacing sized to permit entry into the detection device by one or more insects. Also disclosed is a method for readily detecting insects such as bed bugs in a multiple areas such as in multiple hotel rooms, areas where animals are housed, or the like.

Abstract: A candle composition having fatty alcohol and vegetable-based wax. A candle composition having fatty alcohol and vegetable-based wax, and wherein the fatty alcohol comprises 0.5% to 99.5% by mass. A process for making a candle composition is also provided, the process comprising mixing together a fatty alcohol and a vegetable-based wax, heating the mixture to a temperature of 70-80° C., pouring into a container or mould, and cooling the mixture.

Abstract: Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for delivering tungsten from a to a fuel combustion system or to the exhaust therefrom. By the present invention, tungsten from the lubricant or the fuel will interact with iron from the combustion process. In this manner, the tungsten scavenges or inactivates iron that can otherwise poison catalytic converters, sensors and/or automotive on-board diagnostic devices and/or reduce the operation of spark plugs. The present invention can also lead to improved durability of exhaust after treatment systems. Supplying tungsten acts to change the characteristics of iron deposits formed by combusting a fuel with iron.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for the manufacture of an ether of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural through hydroxy-alkoxy-addition by reacting 5-hydroxymethylfurfural with an olefin in the presence of an acid catalyst

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for the manufacture of 5-(substituted methyl) 2-methylfuran by reacting 5-(substituted methyl) furfural with hydrogen and a catalyst system, comprising of one or more catalysts. Within the scope of the current invention is the use of 5-(substituted methyl) furfural, and in particular 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and the ethers or esters thereof, which may be obtained from C6 sugars.

Abstract: A method for purifying a biodiesel fuel includes the use of subjecting a biodiesel fuel to an electric field. The electric field forms a precipitate in the fuel that removes the impurities of excess catalysts and soap that are byproducts of the reaction that forms the biodiesel. This electric field assisted washing process can be applied to a biodiesel fuel in a batch process or, alternatively, in a continuous process.

Abstract: Improvements to biodiesel compositions, and methods for making those compositions more efficiently, are provided. Some variations of this invention provide processes for producing biodiesel and at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol. Other variations provide certain biodiesel compositions containing C2+ alkyl esters. In some embodiments, biodiesel compositions are produced entirely from renewable resources.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel additive composition including at least one of: i) a particle(s) or nanoparticle(s) of oxide(s), hydroxide(s), hydrate(s), and/or carbonate(s) selected from the group consisting of: Al, Sb, Mg, Fe, Mo, Zn, Sn, B, Bi, Ca, Li, Na, K, Ba, Mn, Si, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Ti, Ce, and V; and ii) an alloy(s) or nanoalloy(s) containing two or more metals selected from the group consisting of Al, Sb, Mg, Fe, Mo, Zn, Sn, B, Bi, Ca, Li, Na, K, Ba, Mn, Si, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Ti, Ce, and V; wherein at least one of the i) particles or nanoparticles and ii) alloys or nanoalloys can be capped with at least one iii) flame retardant material. The fuel additive composition can modulate fuel combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet and an aperture defined by the sheet. A first portion of the sheet surrounds the aperture. A second portion of the sheet has at least one ledge for engaging a top surface of the plant growing medium. The second portion of the sheet is integrated with the first portion of the sheet such that the at least one ledge is situated at a height below the height of the first portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A plant support with securing ring having a rigid unitary support comprising a lower, vertical, straight segment for pushing into earth and an upper support head shaped substantially as an incomplete circle, positioned horizontally and at a right angle to the lower segment of the same unitary component. In addition, a second component, an incomplete ring formed of semi-rigid material, a capture ring, significantly thicker than the upper support head incomplete circle material, contains a groove around the outer circumference which, when capture ring is rotatably placed within the incomplete circle in the upper support head of the rigid unitary support, receives incomplete circle which, in turn, holds capture ring in place while allowing capture ring to be rotated, thereby closing off the gap in the incomplete circles of both the capture ring and the upper support head, thus holding a plant stem securely within the closed circle form.

Abstract: Slab of potting compost for creating living walls or planted roofs characterized in that it includes an inextensile sheet equipped with elements for making it permeable to water and to air, an extensile fabric made up of fibres, spaced apart, a potting compost in which plants can be grown, in that the fabric is bonded to one face of the sheet, in that the spaces between the fibres are filled with the potting compost and in that a binder capable of encouraging the formation of clumps of compost, of a size larger than the spaces between the fibres, is mixed in with the compost.

Abstract: A nutrient-holding and flow control system (20) for connection in-line with the flow of water to a plant includes a receptacle (50) having an interior (101) into which nutrients (103) can be positioned and a dispensing head (60) including a substantially circular conduit ring (74) having at least one hose section (82 or 84) having perforated sidewalls (86) through which water and dissolved nutrients are permitted to seep. An intermediate conduit arrangement (80) is joined intermediate the receptacle and the conduit ring for conducting water and dissolved nutrients from the receptacle into the conduit ring at multiple locations thereabout which are disposed at regular spaced intervals around the conduit ring. In addition, a flow controller (52) is associated with the receptacle for permitting a user to shut off or adjust the flow rate of water through the receptacle.

Abstract: A gasification facility includes an air separator and a high temperature gas cooler for cooling the gaseous products that are produced at the facility's gasifier. The high temperature gas cooler is configured and a method is provided to produce superheated steam that is used to generate electric power in a steam turbine to satisfy the power demands of at least the air separator. Alternatively, or in addition, the superheated steam can be employed to drive compressors at the air separator. The high temperature gas cooler can be further configured so that it produces only that quantity of superheated steam required for the steam turbine to power the gasification facility, including the air separator, or a quantity of superheated steam adequate for the steam turbine to both power the gasification facility, including the air separator, and provide electric power or superheated steam to other users.

Abstract: A crash barrier apparatus for a structure opening that is closable with a movable door, the door being constructed and arranged with a security structure to close off the structure opening. The specific security structure of the referenced crash barrier apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a first support that is anchored to a first base surface, a second support that is anchored to a second base surface, and a beam received by the supports. In other embodiments, cable arrangements are used.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism suitable for being assembled into a device having a housing is provided. The fastening mechanism includes a post, a latching element, at least a plunger assembly, and an operating element. The latching element has at least an opening, the plunger assembly is disposed at a side of the latching element, and the operating element is in contact with the latching element. The post passes through the opening and presses against the plunger assembly and the post is confined by the latching element when the operating element is in a locking position. The operating element drives the latching element to move horizontally relative to the latching element so as to release the post from confinement and the plunger assembly moves vertically relative to the latching element so as to push the post out of the opening when the operating element moves to an unlocking position.

Abstract: A movable body driving device includes upper and lower racks movable in a lengthwise direction; a motor which can rotate forward and backward; a drive pinion fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor; and a driven pinion engaging the upper and lower racks to move linearly by the drive pinion. The driven pinion is driven to rotate by the upper or lower rack to thereby drive the lower or upper rack linearly in a direction reverse to the other rack. A sliding door is connected to the upper or lower rack and is opened or closed in accordance with forward or backward rotation of the motor. The drive pinion transmits its driving force while the rack to which the driving force is transmitted is changed from the upper rack to the lower rack or from the lower rack to the upper rack.

Abstract: A flange mounted weatherseal includes a carrier and a flexible cover covering the carrier. The carrier includes a base portion, a first side portion and a second side portion generally parallel to the first side portion and cooperating together with the first side portion and the base portion to define a generally U-shaped channel. The first side portion defines a plurality of first fingers, the second side portion defines a plurality of second fingers opposite the first fingers along a longitudinal axis, and the base portion defines a plurality of webs offset along the longitudinal axis relative to the first fingers and the second fingers. The first fingers, the second fingers and the webs each include deformations defining a non-planar cross sectional shape along the longitudinal axis to increase the rigidity of the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle side window, composed of HPR laminated glazing or advanced ejection mitigating laminated glazing, is provided with an inverted U-shaped channel, bonded to its upper edge, and extending into side channels of the door frame. The inverted U-shaped channel acts as a movable upper door channel, providing the door glazing with sufficient rigidity and pull-out resistance that it performs in an accident as if it were fully rolled up.

Abstract: A unified multiple-use stadium has multiple fields or other areas for putting on various types of sporting events or other performances sequentially or simultaneously. A racetrack surrounds the fields or other areas. A unifying structure in the center of the stadium allows for simultaneous viewing of different areas and sporting events. Walkways extend from the unifying structure and between bleachers for the different fields or other areas. A drag strip and return area extend in one direction from the unifying structure. Exterior bleachers surround the racetrack. The types of fields and areas can vary, but can include a grass field, a dirt field, a sand and water area, and a concrete pad. There may be additional areas for extending these areas. The interior bleachers are transforming bleachers that can be lowered into the ground or raised to tapered or fully extended positions to accommodate different types of sporting events.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket for a modular panel. More particularly, the invention encompasses a quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels. The quick roll mounting bracket for a modular panel provides an easier/improved means for an installer to install a modular panel and to electrically and mechanically couple the modular panels together. The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface. The wheel or a rolling interface could be secured to the modular panel via at least one mounting bracket or via at least one spacer or at least one emboss.

Abstract: A soffit and fascia system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a soffit member, a soffit flashing, a fascia member, and a fascia flashing. The soffit flashing is adapted to be secured to an exterior of the building and to retain the rear portion of the soffit member in a desired configuration with concealed fasteners. The fascia flashing may be adapted to be coupled to the fascia member in the lower portion thereof and adapted to at least partially retain the forward portion of the soffit member in the desired configuration. The soffit member may include two or more soffit segments. The soffit member may further include at least one soffit joint adapted to be disposed between a first soffit segment and a second soffit segment and to couple the first and second soffit segments together.

Abstract: A lightweight thermoplastic polyolefin roofing underlayment with superior tear strength is disclosed having a printed upper surface simulating the appearance of a finished roof. The underlayment is reinforced with a woven polypropylene scrim. Anti-skid materials can be incorporated into the body of the underlayment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gin pole device for raising and lowering a tower that allows tension and length adjustments of the guy wires during tower erection to keep the tower as straight as possible, so that weight loads are equally distributed on the guy wires, thereby avoiding tower deformation.

Abstract: A climbing shoe (10) comprises a sliding shoe section (16) and wall shoe section (18). The sliding shoe section (16) is designed so that it can guide and hold a climbing rail. The wall shoe section (18) is connected to the sliding shoe section (16) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A layered panel and framing system for use as a skylight or wall, formed from extrusions which capture and frame variable panels. An upper extrusion has an upper hole defined therein. An upper spacer has an upper spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the upper hole of the upper extrusion. An intermediate extrusion then has an intermediate hole defined therein offset from the upper holes and the upper spacer hole. A lower spacer has a lower spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the intermediate hole. A base extrusion is formed at the top of a rafter. A bottom plastic panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the base extrusion, and a top glass panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the upper extrusion, wherein the bottom panel and the top panel are spaced a distance substantially equal to a height of the intermediate extrusion.

Abstract: An adjustable modular doorframe includes a first jaw member secured on a first (or inner) side surface of a wall, and a second jaw member telescopically engageable with the first jaw member to accommodate the wall thickness and then secured to a second side (or outer) surface of the wall, thereby forming a doorframe for adjustably optionally meeting the variable thickness of the wall.

Abstract: A shingle blank is provided including a substrate coated with an asphalt coating and including a first fold region, a second fold region, a third region, a lower edge and an upper edge. The shingle blank has a length. The first fold region extends substantially across the length of the shingle blank. The second fold region extends substantially across the length of the shingle blank and is positioned between the first fold region and the third region. A first perforation line is positioned between the second fold region and the third region. A second perforation line is positioned between the first fold region and the second fold region. The first and second perforation lines are sufficient to facilitate folding of the first fold region and the second fold region on top of the third region to form a three layered stack configured to be applied across a ridge or hip.

Abstract: A rectilinear extruded plastic wall forming panel characterized being able to directly connect to next adjoining panels either by sliding adjoining panels together or by pushing them together. Also, if one of the panel walls is to become an exterior wall, it is preferably reinforced, for example with pultruded fiberglass or foamed PVC.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of manufacture and a method of how to utilize the same in order to create a radiation leak-proof environment. The present invention further relates to a metal stud configured with two holding cavities wherein the first holding cavity and the second holding cavity are constructed so that when a lead sheet is held in the first holding cavity and wherein a lead sheet is held in the second holding cavity the lead sheets overlap, and thereby, create a radiation leak-proof metal stud system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an assemblage of sealing nail essentially containing a nail, a propeller, and a blocker that is partially extended beyond the propeller. Wherein, the nail would sequentially penetrate the propeller, the blocker, and then a plank. By means of the nail entering the plank, the propeller and the blocker would be simultaneously urged to densely cover up where the nail inserted. Therefore, a preferred sealing efficiency between the nail and the plank is achieved to guarantee a favorable grouting on the plank.

Abstract: A fastening member and a magazine configured to deliver each of a plurality of the fastening members into a groove in a decking member. The fastening member includes a generally planar first surface, a generally planar second surface generally parallel to the first surface and at least one side generally perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface and circumscribing at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the fastening member is configured to be positioned at least partially in a groove in a first decking member and the fastening member is configured to provide a nominal spacing between the first decking member and the adjacent decking member; and an expansion feature configured to accommodate expansion of an adjacent decking member adjacent the first decking member.

Abstract: Shingle blanks including a first fold region, a second fold region, a third region, a lower edge and an upper edge are provided. The shingle blank has a length. The first and second fold regions extend substantially across the length of the shingle blank. The second fold region is positioned between the first and third fold regions. A first perforation line is positioned between the second and third fold regions. A second perforation line is positioned between the first and second fold regions. A reinforcement material is positioned over the first perforation line and configured to reinforce the first perforation line. The reinforcement material includes apertures configured to allow an asphalt coating to bleed through the reinforcement material. The first and second perforation lines facilitate folding of the first and second fold regions on top of the third region to form a three layered stack.

Abstract: A block wall system including a block wall having a multiplicity of courses of blocks; at least one longitudinal reinforcement bar that extends through the block wall; and at least one bracket for locating the longitudinal reinforcement bar; wherein the longitudinal reinforcement bar passes through the void of at least one block in the block wall and through a capture zone of the bracket located within the block wall.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an outer plate of side panels and an outer corner post of a container body comprises a connecting plate for connecting the outer plate and the outer corner post of the container body and a cover plate. The connecting plate is perpendicularly provided with a strengthening stop plate at an inner side of a middle portion thereof and a stop groove for receiving the outer plate at an outer side of the middle portion thereof, and provided with a seat plate parallel to a base plate of the stop groove at an end thereof connecting the outer corner post. Two clipping strips are symmetrically provided on opposite sides of the seat plate and the base plate of the stop groove. The cover plate is provided with two elastic clipping strips which respectively engage with the two clipping strips and have a hook-shape cross section.

Abstract: A wall tie being a steel rod having a first end and a second end, the first end having a tapered helical screw with a crimped stop located a predetermined length from the end thereof, the crimped stop adapted to retain a stopping means, e.g., a washer. The washer serves as a depth gauge such that when the wall tie is screwed into a stud and the washer reaches the stud it acts as a stop preventing the wall tie from further penetrating the stud.

Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor for insertion in a hole delimited by a wall comprises an expander member and an expansion member, the expander member being provided at a leading end of the expander member, the expander member comprising a flaring end, the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole, wherein upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.

Abstract: A roof securing system for use in the construction of a roof structure having an arrangement of spaced apart, parallel support beams and an arrangement of roof panels disposed in overlying and spanning relation atop at least two adjacently positioned support beams. The securing system includes at least one elongate metal strap with a top side and a bottom side, and including a central zone and a pair of oppositely disposed distal zones. The central zone of the strap is adapted to span at least one of the roof panels and has a spaced arrangement of pointed prongs extending downwardly from the bottom side for fastened attachment into the roof panel by hammering the top side of the strap. The strap is structured and disposed to be fastened at its opposite distal zones to one of the support beams such that the strap and the roof panel become securely anchored to the support beam.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes a trim body, with a primary fastener extending from the trim body. The primary fastener includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a push clip head that is configured to substantially fit and project through an aperture in the vehicle panel. The second end is connected to the trim body. The secondary fastener is rotatably connected to the trim body by a living hinge and is positioned to engage the vehicle panel at an edge portion of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: A method of capturing, channeling, concentrating and harnessing the dynamic pressure energy of wind, within a structure for the first time, to operate any type, form, size or shape of pressure operable device, including but not limited to, automatic, pressure relief dampers, vents, openings or valves and any applicable electrical power generator. This method includes structures built as single pressure vessels where all of the interior areas can communicate. Single strong vessels will operate at uniform pressures and withstand substantially higher winds and the associated increased dynamic pressure challenges, than structures with interior areas that do not communicate. Further resistance can be accomplished by adding automatic openings at the vessel's outer edge surface that will relieve interior pressure buildups to outdoors, before uncontrolled pressures cause catastrophic structure failure.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of manufacture and a method of how to utilize the same in the metal wall panel industry. More particularly, the present invention relates the attachment of aluminum facial panels to exterior building construction. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a universal fastening device utilized in the metal wall panel industry to support, to fasten and to attach architectural panels together creating a panel-to-panel assembly and subsequently attaching the assembled panels to the exterior surface of a building. The universal fastening device of the present invention is easily installed, since the same type of fastening device may be utilized on all four sides of the aluminum panel.