Abstract: A microcontroller operated module is affixed to a firearm. The module includes an accelerometer for measuring the G force of each round fired by the firearm, a flash memory (non-volatile memory) for storing the shot profile data that includes shot count and recoil data and transmitting it to a remote location such as a remote computer via a serial communication device pursuant to RS232 standard, Bluetooth, a wave or other low power RF transmitter. The module including a wake up circuit adapted to switch upon detection of a fired shot to signal said microcontroller to initialize a low power mode to activate said MEMS accelerometer faster than said accelerometer would activate by itself.

Abstract: An anti-rotation feature incorporated into an interface established between a cotter pin and a sub caliber action device installable within an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm. A generally elongated receiver plate exhibits a generally lengthwise extending notched interior established between extending sides. The notched interior seats a bolt in reciprocating fashion along said receiver plate. A chamfer feature is formed in a side of the bolt in intersecting fashion with a selected length extending channel of the bolt for seating within the notched interior, the chamfer feature seating a head of the cotter pin to prevent rotation during bolt travel. A rearward projecting support sleeve includes an open interior for receiving and seating an opposing guide rod associated with a further mounting location of the receiver plate and in order to maintain in assembled fashion the forward assist adaptor.

Abstract: A high reliability extractor depressor assembly for use in handguns which significantly reduces the effect of recoil on the extractor depressor plunger assembly. These positive effects are accomplished by the following: (a) designing a new longer piece (standoff bar) of greater mass, (b) redistributing the mass from the rear of the assembly to the front, (c) designing a new shorter piece (extractor depressor plunger), (d) reversing the location of the longer piece (standoff bar) and the shorter piece (extractor depressor plunger) in the assembly, (e) increasing total mass of the assembly, and (f) changing the balance of the assembly by shifting mass to the rear of the spring.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a gun sight disposed in a dovetail groove on a gun slide is presented. The device includes a pushing member and a pressure plate both moveable in a first direction and an opposing second direction. The device further comprises a bracing member opposing the pressure plate, where the bracing member is stationary, and a seating member disposed between the pressure plate and bracing member, where the seating member opposes the pushing member, and where the seating member is movable in a third direction and an opposing fourth direction. When the gun slide is secured between the bracing member and the pressure plate, moving the pushing member adjusts the position of the gun sight.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a buoyant housing containing a power source and an electronic controlling element. A pair of conduction lines may connect the power source with a submersible module which contains an actuator, a means for propelling the submersible module through the water, and a hook. An elongate member or cable may also be used to connect the buoyant housing with the submersible module. A means for increasing/decreasing the length of conduction lines (and optional cable) between the buoyant housing and the submersible module may also be used. Some embodiments operate an electric motor with a propeller, fin, or tail. Some embodiments utilize contacts which may be bridged by water in order to energize the submersible module.

Abstract: An angling rig comprises a pebble of natural stone and, secured to the pebble, an attachment ring for attaching the pebble to a fishing line. The attachment ring is secured to the pebble by means of a swivel bonded by epoxy resin adhesive in a bore formed in the pebble. The invention provides an alternative to a lead weight which is non-toxic (and therefor ecologically desirable) and also of natural form (and therefore not perceived as threatening by fish), whereby anglers may both help the environment and expect better catches.

Abstract: A diving planer is provided for use in a fishing environment. The diving planer includes a planer body that is adapted to be drawn through a body of water. The planer body is operable between a first mode of operation, wherein the planer body is configured to travel in a first direction when drawn through the body of water, and a second mode of operation, wherein the planer body is configured to travel in a second direction when drawn through the body of water.

Abstract: Provided is a long line fishing that prevents a round frame sleeve from separating from the external circumference of a main line no matter how large force may be radially applied from the outside, reduces friction, and makes it possible to quickly and easily connecting a string to a simple connection hook of a swivel. The present invention may be implemented by fitting a plurality of round frame sleeve on a long main line at predetermined positions, disposing clover stoppers at both sides of the round frame sleeves at predetermined positions to prevent the round frame sleeves from longitudinally moving, and protruding hook from the external circumference by striking the external circumference of the round frame sleeve with a punch P through a hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved ant trap. The ant trap includes a base having a central opening and the opening is suitable for storing liquid. A bait trap is located centrally within the central opening to maximize the number of ants in the central opening at any point in time. The ant trap, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an electromechanically operated platform, which is movable with respect to the central opening. In a first position the platform forms an ant path from the base to the bait trap. In a second position the platform is moved into the central opening. The central opening is filed with a liquid toxic to ants, but safe to mammals and the environment, generally. For example, a solution of sweet boric acid and water is used to fill the central opening. Upon moving, the platform is immersed in the liquid, thereby exterminating ants found thereon.

Abstract: Soil fumigation compositions are provided herein that include methyl iodide, at least one fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon, at least one surfactant, and water. The fumigant can be produced by combining the water and surfactant with an initial mixture that is an azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixture of methyl iodide and at least one fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon. The fumigant compositions can be utilized in drip fumigation processes, and have increased volatility as compared to methyl iodide alone, which can reduce the risk of water contamination when utilizing methyl iodide as a fumigant.

Abstract: A bait station kit for use in terminating pests including a dispensing device including bait and a plurality of bait stations initially not including bait. The bait is preferably a gel and is contained in a dispensing device such as a syringe. The bait is dispensed from the syringe into the bait stations proximate to the time the bait stations are placed for accessibility by pests. The dispensing device preferably contains an amount of bait more than sufficient to fill all of the plurality of bait stations.

Abstract: Oleaginous yeast can be used to produce oil that can be extracted from oleaginous yeast biomass and converted into a wide variety of useful products, including fuels, hydrocarbon compositions, and/or oleochemicals.

Abstract: A process for producing biodiesel from fats, oils or split fatty acids containing steryl glycosides, wherein the fats, oils or split fatty acids are reacted with short-chain alkanols in the presence of a catalyst by transesterification or esterification to a fatty acid alkyl ester to obtain a first product stream, includes washing the first product stream with water in a washing device, so as to form a suspension layer on a phase boundary layer between a heavy phase rich in water and the first light phase rich in the fatty acid alkyl ester. The suspension layer is treated by introducing kinetic energy. A second product stream is withdrawn from the first light phase and intensively mixed with water to obtain a third product stream. A mechanical separation is performed on the third product stream to provide a fourth product stream and a fifth product stream. The fifth product stream is withdrawn as a heavy phase that is enriched in the steryl glycosides.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a biochar retort kiln are disclosed herein. A method for making biochar includes placing waste bio mass in a cylindrical retort chamber. The retort chamber extends outwardly at a first end and a second end from a fire box. Pyrolysis is fueled by igniting the waste biomass. Syngasses are evacuated through one or more holes defined by the cylindrical retort chamber, such that the syngasses are driven out of the biomass and out of the retort chamber to be consumed by a fire in the firebox. The byproduct of the described method is biochar.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a heat integrated coal treating system having a two-stage coal treating process. In one embodiment, the two-stage treating process may include an HF reactor and an HNO3 reactor coupled to the nitric acid reactor and having a fluid exchanging heat between the hydrofluoric acid reactor and the nitric acid reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, systems and methods for using coal from coal processing sources to remove coal fines from a mixture and form a coal-on-coal composite particle.

Abstract: A raised garden system includes a plurality of structural members that include a plurality of side rails. The raised garden system further includes a plurality of tapered bracket assemblies, each of which includes a tapered male bracket that slides into a tapered female bracket. Each side rail may be connected to at least one other structural member via a bracket assembly, wherein one of the male bracket and the female brackets is fastened to the side rail and the other of the male bracket and the female bracket is fastened to the other structural member. When assembled, the structural members form a raised garden, the sides of which are at least partially formed from the side rails, and which is held together by the tapered bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A form for shaping a culm of a plant, such as bamboo, is provided. Embodiments of the form can comprise two interlocking corner pieces that can force the culm to grow in a square (or other multisided) shape. The interlocking corner pieces can be frictionally engaged, and the magnitude of the frictional force can be adjusted and optimized. The size of the form can then be automatically expandable, depending on the amount of friction placed on the interlocking corner pieces. In described embodiments, an optimized magnitude of frictional force can allow the form to expand if the culm is too large for the form (such as, for example, if the width of the form is set to be less than the actual width of the culm), while at the same time resisting such expansion enough to shape the culm as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabricated landscape architecture system that can simply form landscape architecture of a wall surface or the like. The fabricated landscape architecture system, includes a plurality of support plates (60), a plurality of cultivation boxes (10) and water supply pipes (30). The plurality of support plates (60) are arranged in one or more lines in a vertical or horizontal direction and include a plurality of fastening holes and pipe grooves (13). The plurality of cultivation boxes (10) are formed in the shape of a box of which one surface is open. A plurality of fastening protrusion (25) to be inserted into the fastening holes, pipe grooves (13) positioned so as to face the pipe grooves (13) of the support plates (60) and the assembly holes are formed on the bottom of the cultivation box (10).

Abstract: A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment includes a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control elements (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting elements (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. Leaf heating elements are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has a body and an insert or extension attached thereto. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A weather strip 20 for double doors comprises: an installation base member 21 installed on a door join part side of a prior dosing rear door 2 of double doors arranged on a side part of an automobile; a hollow seal member 22 which is integrally molded with the installation base member 21 and makes an elastic contact with a post closing front door 1 when the door is closed; and a fin 50 connected to a lower side of the hollow seal member 22, which includes a plane installation piece 51 installed on a lower end on a door join part side of the rear door 2 and a seal piece 52 which is integrally molded with the installation piece 51 and makes an elastic contact with the front door 1 when the door is closed, wherein: the installation piece 51 of the fin 50 has a concave ditch 80 formed on an installation surface side thereof, continuously extending from a lower side of the hollow seal member 22 to a hole 130 which is provided on a lower end on the door join part side of the rear door 2 and bores in the rear door 2

Abstract: A lock indicator arm for a door having a latch mechanism includes a rod portion connectable on a first end to the latch mechanism, and a knob portion located on a second end of the rod portion opposite the first end and formed as a one-piece structure with the rod portion. The rod portion may include a spring region configured to bias the rod portion against either an interior panel, an exterior panel, or both panels. The knob portion and the rod portion of the lock indicator arm may be formed from a matrix material and a filler material. The filler material may include a plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers may be oriented substantially longitudinally along the rod portion. The rod portion of the lock indicator arm may have one of an H-shape cross section and a W-shape cross section.

Abstract: In combination, a door, two latches at an edge of the door, and door latch operating components at opposite sides of the door; displaceable structure in the door having a position blocking movement of the latches, first mechanism responsive to displacement of one of the components for displacing the structure from blocking position to allow movement of the latches, for door opening; and electrically operable actuating means for effecting displacement of the structure from blocking position to allow movement of the latches, for door opening.

Abstract: Abrasive tools contain abrasive grains oriented in an array according to a non-uniform pattern having an exclusionary zone around each abrasive grain, and the exclusionary zone has a minimum dimension that exceeds the maximum diameter of the desired grit size range for the abrasive grain. Methods for designing such a self-avoiding array of abrasive grain and for transferring such an array to an abrasive tool body are described.

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline diamond comprises derivatizing a nanodiamond to form functional groups, and combining the derivatized nanodiamond with a microdiamond having an average particle size greater than that of the derivatized nanodiamond, and a metal solvent-catalyst. A polycrystalline diamond compact is prepared by adhering the polycrystalline diamond to a support, and an article such as a cutting tool may be prepared from the polycrystalline diamond compact.

Abstract: A method of forming a substantially homogeneous suspension of nanodiamond particles and microdiamond particles is disclosed The method includes disposing a first functional group on a plurality of nanodiamond particles to form derivatized nanodiamond particles, and combining the derivatized nanodiamond particles with a plurality of microdiamond particles and a solvent to form a substantially homogeneous suspension of the derivatized nanodiamond particles and microdiamond particles in the solvent. A method of making an article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a superabrasive polycrystalline diamond compact by combining: a plurality of derivatized nanodiamond particles, a plurality of derivatized microdiamond particles having an average particle size greater than that of the derivatized nanodiamond particles, and a metal solvent-catalyst. The method also includes combining the polycrystalline diamond with a substrate comprising a ceramic.

Abstract: A substantially homogeneous particle mixture is disclosed. The mixture includes a plurality of derivatized nanodiamond particles comprising a plurality of first functional groups. The mixture also includes a plurality of microdiamond particles, wherein the derivatized nanodiamond particles and microdiamond particles comprise a substantially homogeneous particle mixture. The mixture may also include a plurality of third particles comprising nanoparticles not identical to the derivatized nanodiamond particles, or a plurality of microparticles not identical to the microdiamond particles, or a combination thereof, and the derivatized nanodiamond particles, derivatized microdiamond particles and third particles comprise the substantially homogeneous particle mixture.

Abstract: A particulate material comprising cerium oxide particles having a secondary particle size distribution in a range of 80 nm to 199 nm and a density of at least 6.6 g/cm3.

Abstract: A civil structure block for buildings is provided. The civil structure block is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic to the civil structure block.

Abstract: A pneumatic support comprises a long hollow body, tapering towards the ends and two pressure/tension elements. The hollow body is embodied by a sleeve of gas-tight, flexible, non-stretch material. Said sleeve can be formed from two layers, an external non-stretch, flexible sleeve and an inner gas-tight elastic bladder. The hollow body can be pressurised with compressed gas by means of a valve. The both pressure/tension elements lie along diametrically opposed surface lines of the hollow body on the same and are partly or completely frictionally connected to the hollow body along said surface lines. The ends of the pressure/tension elements are frictionally connected to each other.

Abstract: A roof, ceiling, dome, bridge, tunnel or similar structure for a construction, a system and method thereof, the structure configured to move between a folded position and an extended position, the structure comprising a folding structure unit with a first end and a second end, the first end being co-lineal with the second end when the structure is in an extended position, a first coupling and folding device between the first end and the second end, an actuating device connected from the first end to the second end, a first rod between the first end and the first coupling and folding device and a second rod between the second end and the first coupling and folding device, and wherein the actuating device and the coupling and folding device are configured to move the transportable and foldable structure from a folded position to an extended position and from an extended position to a folded position. A plurality of structures may be co-lineally connected between themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building construction method and a room module which can realize reduction in a construction period in addition to reduction in an on-site working amount by further enlarging a room modularization range. The present invention uses four column members which are vertically provided at inner corners of four room modules adjacent to one another as a frame column of the building when a plurality of room modules are installed in a grid pattern on a floor surface of the building. Specifically, the present invention uses the column member of an angular steel pipe, which the room module has, as the frame column of the building. Thereby, on a construction site, it is not necessary to construct the frame column in advance, and the frame column can be constructed by using the column members of the room module while the room module is installed on the site.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the framing members comprising eight edge rails, at least one edge rail in one unit being interconnected by beam stitching with a respective edge rail in at least one other unit, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tower for a wind turbine, comprising one or more tubular tower sections, having an outer jacket wall and an inward directed flange in its lower and upper ends, and at least one platform arranged inside the tower for facilitating access for maintenance and repairs to the inner of the tower and to the nacelle. The tower also comprises a support structure including at least three elongated tensile load carrying members, which each is attached in its upper end to the upper flange of the tower section and in its lower end to the lower flange of the tower section and which supports one or more platforms that are suspended by the tensile load carrying members while at least one ladder is attached to the platforms. The at least one ladder is stabilized in the horizontal direction by transversal tensile load carrying members extending from the ladder to the tensile load carrying members that are vertically arranged between the upper and lower flanges.

Abstract: A connection bracket, which is provided to connect a connection means, such as a shackle, hook or ring, to a flange, includes two fixing sections arranged at a distance from each other and each having a support surface for laying the connection bracket against the flange and a connection section. The connection section is formed from two supporting sections each firmly connected to one of the fixing sections and standing thereon, and a centre section carried by these supporting sections and firmly connected to them, such that the connection section bridges the distance between the fixing sections at a distance from the plane of the support surface. In a top view seen from the side of the connection bracket remote from the support surface, the centre line of the centre section of the connection section is arranged outside the envelope of the fixing sections.

Abstract: An adjustable concrete pier includes a concrete block having a central aperture extending from a top surface of the block to a bottom surface of the block. The pier includes a plate disposed at the top end of the concrete block, the plate having a hole aligned with the central aperture. An internal reinforcement framework is affixed to the plate and embedded within the concrete block. The central aperture receives a threaded rod to which is affixed a nut larger than the central aperture. A suitable support member, e.g. flat plate, U-shaped channel, etc., is disposed at the upper end of the rod. The internal reinforcement makes the pier much stronger as the load bears on the plate and internal reinforcement. Because the threaded rod is not embedded within the concrete, it can be replaced. This novel design also permits greater vertical adjustability.

Abstract: Integrated multi-layer roofing that includes energy-conserving reflective layers and insulation can be pre-fabricated in sheets, panels, or even complete pre-sized roofs. Recycled polymers can be used for some or all of the layers, and other recycled materials such as fiberglass can be used in the insulating layer. Some versions of this integrated roofing can be installed directly over roofing beams, greatly reducing the time and expense of installation. The polymer construction makes this roof lightweight and long-lasting. The reflective properties allow for increased energy capture by solar panels and reduce the ground-level effects of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.

Abstract: A stair tread structure includes a tread body comprised of a core having a plurality of layered glued plywood members, top and bottom veneer layers glued to the core for minimizing warping of the tread, and an elongate hardwood leading edge formed with an inside ridge to fit into the core and veneer layers in a tongue and groove manner. Included is a jig/template for onsite trimming of the stair tread ends as needed for fitting of an end-cap, thus providing proper onsite fitting of each stair tread.

Abstract: The invention provides an environment-accessing structure for providing environmental access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The environment-accessing structure can provide natural day-lighting by use of a skylight lens as the closure member, or a smoke vent which can be opened and closed. Such smoke vent can be transparent or translucent to natural sunlight, or can be opaque. Such environment-accessing structure is installed in an aperture in a metal roof. The system limits opportunity for water leakage from the outside environment. The environment-accessing structure includes a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of adjacent roof panels, a closure panel adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure, and a diverter which seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: A wall system includes a first wall section a structural portion, such as concrete block construction. A second wall section mounts to the first wall section and includes insulating panels connected in an edge to edge relationship to form a continuous insulating layer. A third wall section of conventional finishing materials such as drywall, paneling or exterior finish layer mounts over the second wall section. Each of the insulating panels includes mounting elements at least partially embedded therein that provide for mounting the panels to the first layer and for mounting the third wall section to the second wall section. Each of the panels is lightweight and may be water impervious. The panels have ridges formed therein that define channels for routing wiring and other components. The panels also include complementary edges and complementary alignment features.

Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.

Abstract: A wall panel includes a panel body, a first jamb clip, a second jamb clip, a bottom member, and an attachment clip. The first jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a right side of the panel body and the second jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a left side of the panel body. The first and second jamb clips are each configured to receive a portion of a spline. The bottom member has an engagement portion and is positioned adjacent to a bottom end of the panel body. The attachment clip is positioned adjacent to an upper end of the panel body and has an engagement receiving portion configured to engage an engagement portion of an adjacent panel. The bottom end of the panel body is configured to define a ventilation gap when joined to an adjacent panel.

Abstract: As ambient conditions change around a truss structure, such as a wooden truss in an attic, webs of the truss are affected by changes of moisture and temperature in the air. As the end-grain of the webs expand and contract, a contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint minimizes unwanted expansion and contraction in the truss chord. An elastic layer such as an elastomer in the CEM joint absorbs expansion while plates around the CEM joint maintain rigidity of the chord, keeping it secure to the walls. As the moisture and temperature in the attic decrease, the end-grain of the truss returns to its original state.

Abstract: Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.