Abstract: In an adjustment device for the alignment of supporting parts on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances, in particular in an aircraft fuselage, by means of joining surfaces, the joining surfaces form positive shapes and negative shapes corresponding with one another in a form fit. The positive shapes and the negative shapes in each case are arranged in a cross grid.

Abstract: Straight tracks are formed in a first direction on a base. The top surface of a platform is formed so as to be flat to mount a wafer having an Ori-Fla, and the platform is moved in the first direction by being engaged with the straight tracks via engagement means. A block having a flat face against which the Ori-Fla of the wafer abuts and which is parallel with the first direction is installed with a first clearance L being provided with the straight track in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Wafer fixing means for fixing the wafer in a state in which the wafer is mounted on the platform is provided in the platform, and a measurement device having a probe opposed to the straight track and capable of being displaced in the second direction is installed on the base with a second clearance M being provided with the block in the first direction. When a clearance between the tip end of the probe and the straight track is taken as N, the relationship of 0 ?m<L?N?100 ?m exists.

Abstract: A process in which a white light scanner and a CMM are integrated into one inspection tool. The white light scanner and CMM will be tied to the same table and articulate using the same mechanism. Both inspection processes use the same absolute point to take measurements. The white light data will be modified using the CMM inspection data. Ultimately, the output of the inspection process will be a surface created by the white light inspection with the accuracy of a CMM. The white light scanner first scans the part to determine the surface topography within a first predetermined tolerance. The CMM scanner then scans the part using the coordinates from the white light scanner to position the probe close and fast, and then scans the surface topography of the part with a better tolerance than the white light scanner.

Abstract: The adjustable jig and transfer punch tool that a plurality of pointers wherein each pointer has a central vertical axis, an anvil portion, a mandrel portion and a swivel joint joining the anvil portion to the mandrel portion in a movable manner about the central vertical axis. Each of the anvil portion and the mandrel portion has a transverse orifice therein relative to the central vertical axis. A first and second rods extend in the transverse orifices in a first and second pair of pointers respectively, joining these pointers together such that the pointers are independently movable there along. One of the pointers in the first pair of pointers is also one of the pointers in the second pair of pointers, and the first rod is movable angularly from the second rod about the swivel joint on that common pointer.

Abstract: An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion for containing a foot, with an upper sole on a bottom surface of the shoe part. The upper sole has an upper toe sole area and an upper heel sole area. The upper sole is capable of bending at a point between the upper toe sole area and the upper heel sole area. A lower sole has a lower toe sole area and a lower heel sole area, also capable of bending at a point between the lower toe sole area and the lower heel sole area. A compressible heel mechanism interfaces the upper heel sole area to the lower heel sole area so that the upper heel sole area is held parallel to the lower heel sole area and the upper heel sole area is held in a same horizontal position with respect to the lower heel sole area. A spring pushes the upper heel sole area away from the lower heel sole area, thereby absorbing energy upon impact and releasing the energy on step-off.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Abstract: A clearing bar for the clearing blade of a snow plough, is defined at least partially in cross section by a curved contour and avoids undesirable swirling of snow within the clearing blade Snow is swirled on parts of the fastener for fastening the clearing bar to the clearing blade. To solve this problem, a design of the curved contour is optimized dynamically in terms of flow.

Abstract: A holder for wearing by a user, slidably, replaceably, and visibly holding an ID card, and replaceably and visibly holding at least one specifically configured charm. The holder includes a frame, a first apparatus allowing the holder to be worn by the user, a second apparatus slidably, replaceably, and visibly holding the ID card, and a third apparatus replaceably and visibly holding the at least one specifically configured charm.

Abstract: A wearable drinkmarker element fitting a variety of beverage containers and customizable to depict individual ownership for health considerations. The element includes inner ribs configured to engage containers and affording space for condensation flow away from rib gripping areas. The element is fabricated from a flexible material and configured in a substantial C-shape defining an interior space where a container is embraced. The element is flexible with memory to embrace the container when spread apart for mounting thereon. The ribs are slightly tapered to promote proper adherence to containers, and have sloped or inclined surfaces at their upper ends to accommodate container placement. The ribs may extend inwardly individually or be interconnected by an inner rim, affording stability in use and comfortable wrist wear by the user when not placed on a container. Finally, outwardly curved ends of the element allow for easy placement and removal of the drink marker.

Abstract: A container having an integrated media display includes a base having a storage compartment for holding contents and an orifice for receiving the contents into the storage compartment. A cover is adapted for coupling to the base and closing the orifice and enclosing the storage compartment. A cavity is integrated in an outer surface of the container and has an opening. The cavity is configured for receiving a media insert having at least one visual display and holding the media insert for displaying the visual display through the opening.

Abstract: A towel securing apparatus is disclosed. The towel securing apparatus comprises a strip of material that is formed into a loop, and has a label attached to the loop. It is contemplated that the label may be used for advertising and various other types of promotional purposes (e.g. sports teams, etc. . . . ). It is also contemplated that the apparatus may be installed on a chair such that the label is oriented on the back side of the chair. Additional embodiments provide for various ways to attach an item to the apparatus. This serves to keep common items handy (e.g. sunglasses, camera, etc. . . . ) while at an outdoor venue, such as the beach, pool, on a boat, or at a concert, for example.

Abstract: A sign attached to the back of a poker or blackjack dealer's chair to provide ease of visibility for a casino's floor staff and players waiting to enter a gaming area as to the availability of a vacant seat and as to the betting limits associated with the table, with the sign being operated by a pull-cord arrangement at the dealer's chair.

Abstract: A firearm includes a support block having a forward end and a rearward end, and carrying a receiver on a top surface thereof. A rearward barrel guide having a thrust coupling extending radially outwardly therefrom, the thrust coupling engaging an engagement element located at the forward end of the support block, thereby aligning the rearward barrel guide with the support block. Also provided is a barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end, the breech end is received through the rearward barrel guide and coupled to the receiver. A forward barrel guide is fixed to the barrel intermediate the muzzle end and the breech end. A handguard assembly is received over the barrel and coupled to the rearward barrel guide and the forward barrel guide, stabilizing the barrel.

Abstract: A firearm with a stock having an exterior contour that is generally symmetric with respect to opposing end portions, a front edge portion and at least a portion of opposing side surfaces. A barrel extends through the front edge portion of the stock. Two safety release buttons are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to a barrel bore centerline axis and are exposed at a front edge portion of the stock. Two firing mechanism release buttons are each exposed at an exterior surface of the stock at a respective one of the opposing end portions. The firing mechanism actuation buttons are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the barrel bore centerline axis. Firing of the firearm requires both of the safety release buttons to be depressed thereby allowing either of the firing mechanism actuation buttons to be depressed for firing the firearm.

Abstract: The boresight laser aiming system for firearms provides a laser aiming beam through the mechanical action (20), chamber, and barrel (36) of the operable firearm (10) and through a specially configured live rimfire cartridge within the chamber, enabling a marksman to place the laser upon the target and fire the weapon simultaneously. The laser device (12) may be installed concentrically with a light passage through the bolt (22), hammer, or other mechanism of the firearm, or may be offset with the light path guided by one or more reflective mirrors, prisms, etc. The firearm may comprise a rifle (10), semiautomatic pistol, revolver, etc. The live cartridge has concentric inner and outer tubes defining a toroidal explosive charge-containing chamber therebetween and a light passage through the innermost tube, and a bullet having a passage therethrough allowing light to pass through the live cartridge assembly when placed in the firearm chamber.

Abstract: A sighting assembly is configured for use on a firearm in long-range sighting applications and broadly comprises proximal and distal sights. The sights present various sighting surfaces including at least a pair of complemental surfaces that, when viewed along a sighting direction, are opposed to one another. The distal sight presents a radially outer one of the opposed sighting surfaces and the proximal sight presents a radially inner one of the opposed sighting surfaces. The opposed surfaces cooperatively present at least one aiming window for accurately aligning the sights and viewing a target.

Abstract: An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of the clamping actuator is adjustable. The mounting assembly generally includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that retention nut controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for use of an enhanced aiming system which includes a marker displayed at a first position in an aiming scope, a user input of a start position and an ending position to measure a desired impact zone, a calculator for determining a range to the target based on the known dimension of the impact zone and the magnification value of the aiming scope, and a display in the aiming scope for showing an aiming point dot or bar to compensate for projectile drop at the calculated range, and optionally for windage and optionally for moving target hold-over.

Abstract: A disposable flying insect trap having an entry plate with a plastic bag affixed to the entry plate periphery and including entry plate port openings for receiving the insects. The entry plate is sealed by a lid which is removable for insertion of liquid therewithin. The lid is positionable from its sealed position to a second position spaced from the entry plate surface and defining a gap therebetween to enable the insects to fly into the bag interior, attracted by the bait within the bag. The lid is removable from the entry plate by a hang cord which, when pulled, dislodges the lid from the entry plate surface.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: Methods and systems for algae production are provided, the methods and systems generally comprising providing at least one body of water having an algae population in suspension, growing algae, heating the body of water with a heat source, heating the algae process with a heat source, drying the algae with a heat source, and covering the body of water with a cover. Heat recovery systems, algae processing, and covers are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for promoting the growth of plants under less than optimal climatic and lighting conditions, the system comprising a device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants, and at least one source of light. A special characteristic of the invention is that the device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants consists of a flexible tarp (1) which comprises integrated lighting sources (6), the flexible tarp (1) being kept up at an optional height over the plants by means of excess pressure built up under the tarp (1) by means of an excess pressure system (5).

Abstract: A system for radiating plants with photon radiation to induce photomorphogenic growth is described. The system includes a light assembly operable to transmit photon radiation, a light transmittive material located between the light assembly and a plant, a power supply connected to the light assembly, a failsafe switch connected to and located between the power supply and the light assembly and a photomorphogenic growth controller connected to the light assembly. The power supply is operable to energize the light assembly and the failsafe switch is operable to de-energize the light assembly when a safety signal is received by the failsafe switch. The photomorphogenic growth controller is operable to selectively energize the light assembly.

Abstract: A telescoping pole for supporting growing plants comprises two or more elongate pole members, one of which has a pointed stake section at one end to facilitate insertion into the ground. The pole includes means for locking the elongate pole members in a number of different telescoped positions, whereby to allow for adjustment of the effective length of the pole according to the height of the plant that it supports. The telescoping members are made of a polymer material, with at least one of the telescoping members comprising two injection-molded component parts that are mechanically attached to one another.

Abstract: An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.

Abstract: A robotic ocean farm includes a plant support means such as a grid, with a submersible towing system incorporating means for navigation of the support grid in the open ocean, and means for positioning of the support grid in a first surfaced position for sunlight exposure of the plants and a second submerged position for nutrient gathering by the plants. The submersible towing system incorporates one or more tow boats connected to a forward periphery of the grid, each of the tow boats incorporating a propulsion system for navigation of the grid and maintaining lateral tension in the forward periphery of the grid. Additionally, one or more reaction boats are connected to an aft periphery of the grid. Each of the reaction boats incorporates a propulsion system for maintaining lateral tension in the aft periphery of the grid and reacting in concert with the tow boats to maintain longitudinal tension in the grid.

Abstract: Brackets mounted to the corners of a garage door improve the strength of a garage structure in the event of an earthquake. As the garage sways during the earthquake, the door frame contacts the brackets mounted at the upper corners of the door. The brackets transfer shear forces from the frame to the door. Additional brackets mounted at the bottom corners of the door contact the lower portions of the frame and stop the horizontal movement of the garage door. By using the door to transfer the shear forces, the strength of the garage door frame is substantially improved.

Abstract: A cable window regulator (10) is provided which comprises a first pulley (42) rotatably mounted to a first pulley bracket (44) for rotation about a first pulley axis and a second pulley (52) rotatably mounted to a second pulley bracket (54) for rotation about a second pulley axis. The regulator further comprises a lift plate (60) securable to a window glass (70), a cable (80, 82) affixed at opposite ends thereof to the lift plate (60) and running over the first and second pulleys (42, 52). A window regulator drive assembly (90) is operably connected to the cable for causing movement of the cable and in turn moving lift plate (60) relative to the first and second pulleys (42, 52). The first pulley bracket (44), second pulley bracket (54) and window regulator drive assembly (90) are mountable to a structure housing the window independently of any window rail.

Abstract: A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to the passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.

Abstract: This door lining fixing construction is constructed such that: an assist grip provided on a vehicle interior side of a door lining is fixed to a bracket provided on a vehicle exterior side of the door lining; the bracket is extended to an inner handle opening that is formed in the door lining; the bracket is fixed to a door inner panel through the inner handle opening; an inner handle is disposed between the bracket and the door lining; and an operation hole is formed in the inner handle for fixing the bracket to the door inner panel.

Abstract: A tiered seating system includes a series of tiers each including a block pair, a riser, brackets securing the riser to the block pair, and concrete. The block pair includes a lower block and an upper block. The riser is spaced from the front surface of the block pair. The system includes two rows of brackets. The first row is secured between the upper block and the lower block, and is secured to the riser between the bottom and the top of the riser. The second row is secured only to the upper block, and is secured to the top of the riser. The concrete fills the gap between the riser and the blocks and form a layer over the upper block.

Abstract: A wind spoiler including a vertical member mounted vertically along a roof of a structure to extend above the plane of the roof for creating turbulence in wind flowing over the roof.

Abstract: A roofing assembly includes an uppermost stainless steel cover. The cover has an upper surface and a lower surface. The roofing assembly has a reinforced foam base, rafters and a ridge board. The ridge board supports the cover and the base. Cement board panels have upper surfaces adhered to the foam base.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: A tough building system and buildings and associated accessories which make such structures more versatile. Support accessories can include a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite support bracket, adapted to be mounted to a top of a foundation wall, and to support an edge of a slab of concrete adjacent the top of the foundation wall, or to support brick fascia, or to support ends of floor joists adjacent an inner surface of said foundation wall. Support accessories can also include a load-bearing, and load distributing support pad, adapted to be used as an interface support/footer between an underlying natural base and an overlying constructed structure. The support pad has a plurality of fiber-reinforced polymeric layers, optionally stacked one on top of the other. The pad has a load bearing capacity of at least 1000 pounds per square foot. The support pad may be a pultruded product.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for protecting a coupling that is disposable within a concrete structure. In one aspect, a cap for engaging a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. The cap includes a body having an engagement portion and a back portion, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage the coupling of the cement coupler bar. Additionally, the cap includes a flexible tail having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the back portion of the body. In another aspect, a method of using a protective cap with a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. In a further aspect, a coupler bar assembly for use in reinforcing a cement structure is provided.

Abstract: An existing vertical monopole tower is reinforced by a plurality of vertically extending metal reinforcing members in the form of elongated channel members or angle plate members or ribbed plate members. The reinforcing members have longitudinally spaced holes which align with vertically spaced holes in the tower wall, and blind fasteners extend through the aligned holes to secure the reinforcing members to the tower. The fasteners provide for transferring only tensile forces or tensile and shear forces to the reinforcing members. Vertically aligned reinforcing members have adjacent end portions spliced together by splice plates and blind fasteners, and the splice plates are fastened to the web portions of the channel members or the ribs of the rib plate members or the wing portions of the angle plate members. Shear plates and pin assemblies may also be used to transfer shear forces and in splicing vertically aligned reinforcing members.

Abstract: An interlocking modular building block system for mortarless cavity wall construction having blocks configured such that upon grouting, the cavity is solidly filled in a unified mass. Four block configurations are provided, namely runner, half, corner, and end block units. The runner has a length two times its width, and the other blocks have the same width and length as the width of the runner. Common to all blocks is a pair of parallel offset solid walls forming the outside and inside walls while creating vertical and horizontal positive and negative alignment features. The offset walls also form flat horizontal and vertical surfaces where successive units meet upon alignment. These walls are connected by one or more transverse membranes, with the exception of the corner block, where the walls are joined end to end at right angles.

Abstract: A window glass, particularly for installation by adhesive bonding in an opening of a vehicle bodywork, comprises a sheet of glass with a profiled bead that is fixed at least to the main surface of the sheet of glass facing toward the interior in the installed state and that rests against at least part of the opening. The use of such a window glass makes it possible, once the window glass has been installed in the bodywork opening, to obtain a visible space less than 5 mm between the opening and the edge face of the window glass.

Abstract: A support panel structure includes at least one panel which extends in longitudinal and cross direction of the support panel structure and essentially forms one integrated structure, which integrated structure is at least partly built up of at least one composite resin laminate building block comprising at least a first and a second face sheet of a fibrous reinforced material with sandwiched in between a sheet of a foamed core material, wherein the first and second face sheet and the sheet of core material are mutually connected by means of fibrous reinforcing material at least part of which extends in height direction of the resin laminate building block, further with the support panel structure including in height direction a multiplicity of composite resin laminate building blocks stacked on top of each other and bonded to each other, at least a first and a second superposed resin laminate building blocks which sandwich between them a layer of a foamed material, the resin laminate building blocks and foame

Abstract: A structural panel for a building structure includes first and second stud members each including a neck. Openings and venturi bridges are formed in the neck. At least one flange is attached to the neck. A foam panel extends between the studs. The openings in the neck limit the heat transferred from the stud to the edge of the foam panel. The venturi bridges in the neck also limit the transfer of heat from the neck to the edge of the foam panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated manufacture of self-sealing inflatable dunnage bags includes a bag making machine. The bag making machine includes a plurality of sheet roll spindles and a plurality of heat sealing rollers. A first bag sheet roll is retained on a first bag spindle. A second bag sheet roll is retained on a second bag spindle. A strip bag sheet roll is retained on a strip spindle. A plurality of first openings are formed through the first bag sheet. A plurality of second openings are formed through the strip bag sheet. Each edge of the strip bag sheet is heat sealed to the first bag sheet with a first roller. A first bag roller seals an end partition across the first and second bag sheets. The edges of the first and second bag sheet are heat sealed to each other with a second bag roller.

Abstract: A method of packaging thermally labile goods. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a legend correlating some thermally labile goods with a first color and other thermally labile goods with a second color, (b) locating the thermally labile goods to be packaged on the legend and identifying the correlated color, (c) selecting thermally conditioned panels displaying the correlated color from amongst a plurality of panels displaying different colors wherein the panels are color coded in relation to the phase change temperature of the phase change material contained within the panels, (d) lining the retention chamber of a thermally insulated container with the obtained thermally conditioned panels, (e) placing the thermally labile goods to be packaged into the lined retention chamber, and (f) closing the container.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting an article, which is a bag formed from a flexible packaging material, includes a first transport part and a second transport part. The first transport part is configured and arranged to transport the article in a predetermined transport direction with the article being supported from below by a transport surface of the first transport part. The second transport part is configured and arranged to transport the article in the predetermined transport direction while exerting a downward force on a portion of an upper surface of the article being transported by the first transport part.

Abstract: A machine for the harvest of stalk-like plants with a cutting arrangement for cutting plant stalks that extends in a plane terminating in a cutting edge and a conveying arrangement for taking up and conveying away the cut plant stalks. The plane of the cutting arrangement is inclined upward in the forward operating direction (V) of the machine.