Abstract: The present invention provides a self-watering tree stand comprising: (a) a tree stand body comprising (i) a base wall forming the bottom of the tree stand body; (ii) an inner body space reserve reservoir; (iii) an inner reservoir, situated entirely within the inner body reserve reservoir space; and (iv) a plurality of spaced, tree support members; (b) a liquid transfer means, capable of transferring liquid from the inner body space reserve reservoir to the inner reservoir; and (c) a liquid transfer means switch capable of activating and deactivating the liquid transfer means.

Abstract: A plant support is assembled from a plurality of interchangeable parts that can be readily assembled together to form a complete plant assembly having a desired size, in either an open or closed configuration, and to readily permit disassembly for storage or reconfiguration of the support. The plant support may be made up of various horizontal and vertical members that are configured to readily attach and detach from one another in order to form supports in various shapes and sizes such as enclosures or trellis-type supports.

Abstract: A device for decorative purposes, for the vertical cultivation of plants, includes: i) a cultivation support containing a cultivation substrate, and having holes on the front face thereof for the opening out of the above-ground part of the plants, ii) a rigid frame extending in a substantially vertical plane, defining a window in the front face of the cultivation support, and iii) a water reservoir, the cultivation support being placed over the water reservoir, and including at least one hydrophilic wick extending from the cultivation substrate to the water reservoir tank. The cultivation support is hydrated by a continuous supply of water by one or more hydrophilic wicks immersed in the reservoir. It may include an internal framework to give it rigidity and to prevent settling of the substrate in the lower part of the support. A method for obtaining such a plant box is also claimed.

Abstract: A modular gardening system includes a first monolithic growing pod forming an interior growing volume and including an opening to the growing volume defined by a frame-accommodating lip, and at least a second monolithic growing pod, the second monolithic growing pod being substantially identical to the first monolithic growing pod. The modular gardening system further includes a frame assembly configured to form a perimeter around the opening of the first monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the first monolithic growing pod and the opening of the second monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the second monolithic growing pod, the frame assembly further configured to support the first monolithic growing pod and the second monolithic growing pod in a side-by-side array, stepped array, or elevated array.

Abstract: A process for refining raw materials containing oil and/or bitumen includes supplying the raw materials to a reactor. The reactor is operated under a pressure of from 0.001 to 1 bar and at a reactor temperature of from 300 to 1000° C. so as to volatize fuel gases and obtain solids and non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons. The solids and non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons are introduced into a furnace. The non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons are burned in the furnace at a furnace temperature of from 600 to 1500° C. so as to obtain hot solids in the furnace. The hot solids are recirculated from the furnace into the reactor. An oxidizing atmosphere of the furnace is separated from an atmosphere of the reactor by a sealing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for selectively allowing light to pass through a substantially transparent substrate or blocking the light, at least to some degree. Some embodiments provide a plurality of reflective vanes that can be positioned in at least two positions. According to some such implementations, when the vanes are in an open position, incident light is allowed to pass through the window. The light may reflect from two or more vanes before passing through the window. When a sufficient voltage is applied between vane electrodes and other electrodes, the vanes are pulled down, reflecting back at least some of the incident light. The voltage may be controlled according to detected temperature, ambient light intensity, etc.

Abstract: A door assist system for use in a motor vehicle, to aid the user in opening doors by providing a power assist and operative controls. The door assist system can be retrofitted to existing vehicles such as armored motor vehicles used in military operations, to aid the user in opening heavy armored doors. The door assist system includes a programmable central controller coupled to internal and external open and close switches and sensors for activating door movement.

Abstract: Single-hung, double-hung, horizontal sliding/gliding windows, and sliding door assemblies having a weathering block of the present invention are disclosed herein. The weathering block of the present invention is an integral component of a window or door frame, and functions to substantially seal leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. In an embodiment, the weathering block substantially prevents air and water infiltration around windows and doors by substantially eliminating gaps between the frames and moving parts when they are closed. In an embodiment, the weathering block includes a back surface sufficiently designed to engage a side jamb, a head jamb, or a sill plate of a window or door frame; a front surface sufficiently designed to maintain weather-stripping; a first side surface sufficiently designed to maintain weather-stripping; and a second side surface sufficiently designed to maintain weather-stripping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of installing a liftgate under a vehicle bed. In one implementation, the system includes a liftgate and a mounting device. The mounting device comprises at least one mounting bracket having a group of multiple substantially horizontal slots vertically stacked relative to one another so as to be at different heights relative to ground when the bracket is installed under a vehicle bed essentially parallel to ground. The slots are vertically spaced on the bracket relative to one another to accommodate different vehicle bed heights so as to maintain the liftgate within a desired vertical ground clearance when mounted in a slot on said bracket under a vehicle bed.

Abstract: The window has a sash mounted in a frame, the sash having an electrical system and being selectively operable into one of a closed state and an open state, a lock between the sash and the frame, the lock being selectively operable into one of a locked state and an unlocked state, an electrical connection connecting the frame and the electrical system of the sash, and a sensor-switch device which senses the open state and which causes the electrical connection to be open when the sash is in the open state

Abstract: A snap-in glass carrier, engageable with a window regulator for snap fitting a door glass having a glass retention hole to the carrier, comprises a carrier base, a regulator attachment extending from the carrier base, a glass retention portion and a finger. The glass retention portion extends from the base spaced from the window regulator portion to define a gap for the glass. The finger, cantilevered from the base, includes a vertical portion extending parallel to the support finger on the same side of the glass as the support finger, a retention tab extending from the vertical portion into the gap that engages the retention hole, a hinge point adjacent to the glass carrier base and located on the same side of the gap as the window regulator attachment, and a spring leg extending through the gap from the hinge point to the vertical portion.

Abstract: Coil springs are incorporated, with a longitudinal direction oriented vertically, into the top and bottom end parts of hinge pieces provided on side surfaces of opposing door panels of a folding door and that connect the doors panels together. A portion of a pin plate is inserted into the coil springs at the top and bottom end parts of the coil springs and attached to the coil springs. The pin plate that is inserted into the top end part of the coil spring incorporated into the top end part of the hinge piece and the pin plate that is inserted into the bottom end part of the coil spring incorporated into the bottom end part of the hinge piece are fixed to the hinge pieces by brackets. The folding door is closed by the restoring force generated by the twisting of the coil springs.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge easily operable to adjust the position of a swinging door vertically and/or horizontally within a door frame.

Abstract: A door, frame and hinge assembly (10) includes a door (12) having a main body (24) with a hinge side defined by a convexly curved surface (14), and a frame (16, 70, 76) having a hinge side defined by a door jamb cavity (26). A hinge means (22) connects the hinge side of the door (12) to the hinge side of the frame (16, 70, 76) through a hinge pivot point (45). The convexly curved surface (14) extends beyond the location of the hinge pivot point (45) towards, and locates within, the cavity (26), so as to allow the door (12) to open without a gap being created between the hinge side of the door and the frame that may cause finger-pinch injury. The convexly curved surface (14) may be the curved surface of a cylindrical quarter segment (14a). The hinge side of the door (12) is formed integrally or continuously with the main body (24) of the door and extends into the door jamb cavity (26).

Abstract: A waterproof assembly for an electronic device includes a watertight door and a case. The watertight door includes a cover, a water absorbing ring, and a water blocking ring. The cover is provided for being disposed into an opening of the case. The water absorbing ring and the water blocking ring are disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the cover and an inner peripheral surface defining the opening. The water absorbing ring includes deformable material and water absorbent, such that the water absorbing ring expands by absorbing water and contacts the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The water blocking ring is normally compressed and contacts the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. When water penetrating occurs, the water block ring blocks water preliminarily, and then the water absorbing ring block blocks fully water after completely expanding.

Abstract: A seal attachment assembly for a vehicle sunroof comprises a seal including one of an outward extending protrusion and hook and a deflector body including the other of the protrusion and the hook. A cooperative relationship between the protrusion and the hook resists a movement of the seal away from the vehicle body. A double-sided adhesive tape secures a planar base portion of the seal to the vehicle body. A resilient lip extends outward from the seal in a direction away from the sunroof opening along an outer edge of the planar base portion. This resilient lip maintains an elastic engagement with the vehicle body to shelter the double-sided tape from exposure to elements. The protrusion extends outward from the seal along an inner edge of the planar portion in a direction toward the sunroof opening. A terminal end of the protrusion includes a rounded bulb section. An outer leg of the deflector body extends beyond the planar base portion of the seal.

Abstract: An assembly for a door of a motor vehicle includes a window molding having an end portion including an edge. The window molding includes opposing inboard and outboard legs defining a channel therebetween. The assembly also includes an appliqué extending between an upper and a lower end. The appliqué includes an end cap integrally formed at the lower end. The end cap abuts the edge of the end portion to close out the window molding.

Abstract: An adjustable stop is adapted to limit travel of a sliding sash window/door, and can be installed upon the window/door master frame during initial manufacturing of the product, or may be an after-market option added at some time after manufacturing was completed. The stop may even be installed upon sash windows/doors currently in service in a building. The stop is intended to limit sash travel between a closed position and a safe position, where the safe position is a position significantly less than a full-open position. The safety stop may be comprised of a housing and a tumbler being pivotally mounted within a cavity in the housing, with a spring to bias the tumbler out of an opening in the housing. Mounting is by a flange extending from the housing, with spacers of varying thickness that are capable of removably attaching thereon to accommodate sash to master frame height differences.

Abstract: A cBN sintered body excellent in chipping resistance and wear resistance in working difficult-to-machine centrifugally cast iron is provided. The present invention is directed to a cBN sintered body composed of a cBN component not lower than 50 volume % and not higher than 90 volume % or not lower than 40 volume % and not higher than 85 volume %, characterized in that the cBN sintered body contains alumina and zirconia not lower than 9 volume % and not higher than 50 volume % and a weight ratio of zirconia/alumina is not lower than 0.1 and not higher than 4. A tool including the cBN sintered body according to the present invention in a portion involved with cutting achieves improved performance in working difficult-to-machine centrifugally cast iron as compared with a conventional tool made of a cBN sintered body, because the cBN sintered body is excellent in strength, hardness and toughness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dome type structure induing main wall parts (10), forming four walls and a portion of a ceiling, each of which is provided with a lower end fixed to or buried under the ground in each of four directions and an upper end bent in a dome shape toward the center of the upper portion of the structure such that both edges of the upper ends of the neighboring main wall parts contact each other; corner wall parts (20) disposed at four corners of the structure between the neighboring main wall parts (10), and thus forming dome type corners; and a central ceiling part (30) closing a hole formed at the ceiling by connecting the main wall parts (10) such that the central ceiling part contacts the upper surfaces of the main wall parts (10), thereby being simply and rapidly assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a ventilated eaves closure and tile support apparatus along the eaves of a roof. A vented eaves closure apparatus is disposed along the eaves to support the first course of roof tiles at a desired pitch. The apparatus provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion. The apparatus includes an array of openings configured to allow drainage and facilitate the flow of air beneath the tiles and throughout the air space between the roof deck and the tiles. The method and apparatus can be adapted to fit a variety of roof types and roof tiles having different sizes, shapes, and profiles.

Abstract: A memorial marker having a base for placement on a grave marker is provided. A spring element is coupled to the base and configured to affix the base to the grave marker. A rod having a first end and a second end is coupled to the base at the first end. The rod is disposed in a substantially upright position. The second end of the rod permits an ornament such as at least one of a medallion and a flag to be coupled to the second end of the rod. A kit for the memorial marker and a related method for memorializing a deceased individual are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for protection of buildings are disclosed here. The system may include a plurality of durable recyclable sheets that are capable of displaying media, portions of each sheet may be attached to the other via external fasteners that may be located at interfaces between the sheets. The system may also include top fasteners to fasten portions of the sheets to parts of the building, supporting members, and internal fasteners to fasten the supporting members to portions of the sheets. The method may include the steps of providing durable recyclable sheets capable of displaying media, attaching portion of the sheets to each other, fastening portions of the sheets to the building, disposing supporting members to support portions of the sheets, and attaching the supporting members to portions of the inside surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.

Abstract: A mast assembly having a base, and a mast pivotally connected to the base for movement between a horizontal and an upright position. A linear actuator is connected between the base and the mast and is extensible to move mast about the pivot. A strut is selectively positioned between the mast and the base to inhibit pivotal movement toward the horizontal position during lifting of the mast. A plurality of abutments on the base permits selective connection between the actuator and the base. The strut position supports the mast while said actuator is moved between the abutments.

Abstract: A damper system for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic and wind energy transmitted to the structure, includes first and second pairs of elongated members forming an outer parallelogram, third and fourth pairs of elongated members forming an inner parallelogram, and a pair of energy dissipating devices connected between the parallelograms for dissipating the energy transmitted to the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two adjacent metal tower plates. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, the tower plates are connected by one or more fish joints. The invention further relates to a wind turbine and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and system for installing decorative moldings including a mounting block made of a soft and light material adapted to be secured to a wall and extended about a border thereof, said mounting block having a first contacting surface parallel to the wall and a second contacting surface oriented at an angle to a mounting surface of a crown molding, said first contacting surface having a parallel rigid member thereon for securing the mounting block to the wall and the second contacting surface having an angular oriented rigid member thereon for securing the decorative molding to the mounting block.

Abstract: Multiple brackets are used together to support photovoltaic cells upon a roof. Each bracket includes a mounting rail at an upper side and a bottom rail at a lower side. The bottom rail of one bracket is configured to overlap the mounting rail of another bracket. Lateral joints on each bracket overlap each other to connect adjacent panels of photovoltaic cells. Cell support structures are interposed between the mounting rail and bottom rail to support a photovoltaic stack assembly thereon. Wind clips allow the bottom rail of a higher bracket to be interconnected with a mounting rail of a lower bracket. An undulating end piece allows airflow to enter beneath a lowest bracket and pass up beneath the brackets to provide cooling air for the overall system of photovoltaic cells mounted upon the brackets. Edge flashing precludes water migration laterally at edges of the panels.

Abstract: A supporting structure for an open-space photovoltaic system with several ground supports arranged in at least two mutually parallel rows oriented in essentially North-South direction and installed vertically in the ground, with beams supported on free ends of the ground supports located at the same location along a row, and with module rails attached to the beams for attachment of fastening means for photovoltaic modules. The module rails are secured on or between two corresponding adjacent beams in essentially North-South direction. The free ends of the ground supports are positioned at the same height above terrain ground, so that the beams and the module rails extend essentially plane-parallel to the terrain ground. This arrangement reduces material consumption, and only a small surface area of the supporting structure is effectively exposed to wind gusts. Each row of ground supports includes ground supports with both rigid and flexible flexural characteristics.

Abstract: Multiple brackets are used together to support photovoltaic cells upon a roof. Each bracket includes a mounting rail at an upper side and a bottom rail at a lower side. The bottom rail of one bracket is configured to overlap the mounting rail of another bracket. Lateral joints on each bracket overlap each other to connect adjacent panels of photovoltaic cells. Cell support structures are interposed between the mounting rail and bottom rail to support a photovoltaic stack assembly thereon. Wind clips allow the bottom rail of a higher bracket to be interconnected with a mounting rail of a lower bracket. An undulating end piece allows airflow to enter beneath a lowest bracket and pass up beneath the brackets to provide cooling air for the overall system of photovoltaic cells mounted upon the brackets. Edge flashing precludes water migration laterally at edges of the panels.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: A floor pod (100) for indoor use, including a vertically movable bollard adapted to present utilities and provide security function, presented in a watertight housing (110) is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a wood board connection structure with heat transfer function which comprises flooring heat transfer and wood board blocks. A main reinforcement of each flooring heat transfer exposes out from the surface of a wood board block, at least one salient is formed on the side wall of the main reinforcement, a groove which is matched with the main reinforcement and the salient is formed on the corresponding wood board block, and the block of each flooring heat transfer is provided with a hollow part. The salient is a salient with a hook part. A cushion block can be added between each two flooring heat transfer to be used for ventilation, and the flooring heat transfer can also regulate indoor temperature; the wood board block can generate thermal expansion along with temperature variation, and a gap between each two wood board block units on the surface of the wood board block can be small and big along with the temperature variation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-weight load-bearing structure (1) with optimized compression zone (2), where along one or more compression zones (2) in the structure (1) to be cast a core (3) of strong concrete is provided, which core (3) is surrounded by concrete of less strength (4) compared to the core (3) of strong concrete. The invention also relates to a method of casting of light-weight load-bearing structures (1) with optimized compression zone (2) where one or more channels, grooves, ducts, pipes and/or hoses (5) formed in the load-bearing structure (1) serves as moulds for moulding one or more cores (3) of strong concrete in the light-weight load-bearing structure (1).

Abstract: A system for a solar panel roof surface effectively uses a roof support substructure having a series of parallel hollow support beams extending downwardly from a roof peak to a roof edge. These parallel hollow beams not only provide support for solar panels but also allow for drainage in channels provided in the beams. A series of solar panels are secured to hollow support beams and collectively define a closed sloped roof surface. The series of solar panels are positioned on the beams to define elongate segments of abutting panels where each elongate segment is one panel wide and supported between adjacent hollow support beams. The abutting panels include a sealing arrangement between panels to allow flow of water along the length of the elongate segments.

Abstract: Attach a thermoplastic polymeric foam to multiple spaced apart structural support members of a structure wherein the foam has a resistance to water vapor permeability (mu) that is less than 50, a thermal conductivity that is less than 40 milliwatts per meter*Kelvin, a compressive strength that is greater than 80 kilopascals, and a density of 48 kilograms per cubic meter or less to provide insulation while also providing water vapor-permeability and structural durability to the structure.

Abstract: A wall board having a shape that can mimic any desired visual representation. For example, a wall board as that disclosed, if desired to be in the shape of a butterfly, will be shaped, either formed during manufacture, or cut, into an outline of a butterfly. The wall board can have added functionality by utilizing pegboard wall board. Further, the wall board disclosed may optionally provide for graphics to illustrate better the desired shape or image. The graphics can be of many varieties, including, but not limited to, laminates of plants, animals, insects, letters, symbols, animated characters, a person or people, inanimate objects, and visual arts substantially conforming to the shape of the wall board; and hand applied colorants, to represent a more realistic image of the desired shaped. Additionally, during installation on a wall, the wall board can include spacers set between the wall and the board, to create a three dimensional appearance of the image coming from the wall.

Abstract: A tray substrate for a modular tile flooring system is disclosed that allows installation of medallion floating tiles into the flooring system. This tray substrate is designed to be a smaller medallion type tray substrate installed amongst larger tray substrates in a shape that is twisted at an angle to the grout lines of the other tiles. This is known as a medallion which is inserted in the layout.

Abstract: This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is made of plastic and has vertical tray edges recessed under the surface.

Abstract: Floor covering hard panels having at least on two opposite edges, coupling elements made in one piece with the panels, so that several ones of such panels can be mutually coupled, whereby these coupling elements provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges and parallel to the plane of the panels, and whereby these coupling elements are made such that the panels can be rotated into and/or out of one another at least along the above-mentioned edges. The panels are provided, at least on the above-mentioned edges, near the top side, with a part from which has been removed an amount of material such as by a bevel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area.

Abstract: A construction block for use with other like construction blocks to build a retaining wall has a “bullet shaped” front with a pair of angled forward surfaces joining the front surface to the sides, and forming a 45° angle with the front and side surfaces. At least one hole is located in the front portion of the block, passing vertically through the block from the top through the bottom. The rear portion of the block is shaped to receive the front end of a corresponding block when two of said blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation, and includes an indent defining a second hole extending through the block when two blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation. Multiple front holes and multiple rear holes may be provided.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a layer of insulation boards overlying a roof deck, and a layer of cover boards overlying the insulation boards. The insulation boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam material that has a first density. The cover boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane material that has a second density. The second density is greater than the first. The roofing system may also include a waterproofing membrane overlying the cover boards.

Abstract: A composite cellulose element for drywall walls, ceilings and floors of buildings, which is composed of a cellulose-containing material with hollow spaces that are enclosed therein. The composite cellulose element are formed as boards or panels with each board or panel preferably having a plurality of sheets or thin boards forming layers that are affixed together. Several of the layers of sheets or thin boards have a profile of a wave or meander. Numerous hollow spaces are formed within the profile. A plurality of such composite cellulose elements can be connected to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) intended for the construction of a frame stanchion (20.1), preferably a supporting frame (21.1), particularly of a supporting frame tower (22.1), the vertical frame comprising at least two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4), which are disposed at a horizontal distance from each other, and comprising at least two horizontal arms (35.1, 35.2; 35.3, 35.4), which are disposed at a vertical distance from each other and each extend between the at least two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) transversely to the vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4). A first horizontal arm (35.1, 35.3) of the horizontal arms is welded on both ends to one of the vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) each in the region of the upper ends thereof, and a second horizontal arm (35.2, 35.4) of the horizontal arms is welded on both ends likewise to the two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) in the region of the lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g.

Abstract: A device for joining a first building element to a second building element has a bridge element that is in contact with the first and second building elements to connect the first and second building elements when in a working position, and a first element secured to the first building element by being embedded therein. The first element cooperates with the bridge element. An elastic sleeve is arranged between the first element and the first building element. The elastic sleeve has at least one internal groove, thereby forming at least one cavity between the elastic sleeve and the first element.

Abstract: A non-slick surface-seeded exposed aggregate concrete product and method of making the same enhances the coefficient of friction of an exposed surface thereof to reduce undesirable slipping and sliding. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. After curing, the exposed surface is then ground and acid-etched to define fissures, cracks, and/or sharp edges of the aggregate. Subsequently finishing steps are performed to produce the non-slick concrete product which may be used for high traffic pedestrian areas where foot gripping and traction are important, such as on stairs, ramps, walkways, courtyards, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.