Abstract: A method for forming a circuit board is provided. The method includes forming a circuit board substrate (112) from a circuit board material. The method also includes positioning the circuit board substrate on a rigid structure (114) having a three dimensional contoured surface (300). The method further includes applying heat and applying pressure to the circuit board substrate to at least partially conform the circuit board substrate to the three dimensional contoured surface. If the circuit board substrate (112) is a clad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is formed on the circuit board substrate prior to the steps of applying heat and applying pressure. However, if the circuit board substrate (112) is an unclad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is disposed on the circuit board substrate after the steps of applying heat and applying pressure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a printed circuit, which involves forming a bump on a first metal layer; laminating an insulating layer on the bump so that the bumps passes through the insulating layer; placing a second metal layer on the insulating layer and then conducting heating and pressing, thus laminating the second metal layer on the insulating layer; etching the first metal layer and the second metal layer, thus forming circuit patterns on both surfaces of the insulating layer; and heating and pressing both surfaces of the insulating layer, thus embedding the circuit patterns in the insulating layer, such that the circuit pattern is embedded in an insulating layer to decrease the thickness of a printed circuit board, and the time and cost required for the process of fabricating a printed circuit board are decreased.

Abstract: Novel methods are provided that results in the formation of single-cap VIPs in a substrate are described herein. As a result, fine pitch trace patterns may be formed on the substrate. The methods may include initially providing a substrate having a first and a second side, the first side being opposite of the second side. A via may then be constructed in the substrate, the via being formed within a via hole that extends from the first side to the second side of the substrate, the formed via having a first end located at the first side of the substrate, and a second end opposite the first end located at the second side of the substrate. A selective deposition may be performed of a conductive material on the second end of the via to form a conductive pad directly on the via on the second side of the substrate without depositing the conductive material onto the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A circuit board has plated through holes which are laid out with a fine pitch and meets requirements relating to characteristics such as the thermal expansion coefficient of the circuit board. A method of manufacturing a circuit board includes: a step of forming a core portion by thermal compression bonding prepregs which include first fibers that conduct electricity and second fibers that do not conduct electricity, which have the second fibers disposed at positions where plated through holes will pass through, and which are impregnated with resin; a step of forming through holes at positions in the core portion where the second fibers are disposed; and a step of forming a conductive layer on inner surfaces of the through holes to form plated through holes at positions that do not interfere with the first fibers and thereby produce a core substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a printed wiring board includes forming an electroless plated film on an interlayer resin insulation layer, forming on the electroless plated film a plating resist with an opening to expose a portion of the electroless plated film, forming an electrolytic plated film on the portion of the electroless plated film exposed through the opening, removing the plating resist using a resist-removing solution containing an amine, reducing a thickness of a portion of the electroless plated film existing between adjacent portions of the electrolytic plated film by using the resist-removing solution, and forming a conductive pattern by removing the portion of the electroless plated film existing between the adjacent portions of the electrolytic plated film by using an etchant.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of circuit structure is described as follows. Firstly, a composite dielectric layer, a circuit board and an insulating layer disposed therebetween are provided. The composite dielectric layer includes a non-platable dielectric layer and a platable dielectric layer between the non-platable dielectric layer and the insulating layer wherein the non-platable dielectric layer includes a chemical non-platable material and the platable dielectric layer includes a chemical platable material. Then, the composite dielectric layer, the circuit board and the insulating layer are compressed. Subsequently, a through hole passing through the composite dielectric layer and the insulating layer is formed and a conductive via connecting a circuit layer of the circuit board is formed therein. Then, a trench pattern passing through the non-platable dielectric layer is formed on the composite dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an interlayer conducting structure of an embedded circuitry is disclosed. In accordance with the method for fabricating an interlayer conducting structure of an embedded circuitry of the present invention, there is no laser conformal mask formed prior to laminating the first and second lamination plates. Instead, after the first and second lamination plates are laminated, a laser boring process is directly conducted to form a via hole. In such a way, even when there is an offset between the first and the second lamination plates in alignment, the risk of short circuit between different layers of lamination plates can be lowered without improving an interlayer offset value.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective jacket over a connection region includes connecting the leads of an electronic device to conductors such that the connections are in a connection region, placing the connection region in a mold, injecting molten protective material into the mold to cover the connection region, allowing the molten material to cool and harden and removing the connection area from the mold.

Abstract: A preform includes an airfoil stub and a dovetail hub. The hub first undergoes electrochemical discharge machining to form a rough dovetail. The airfoil stub undergoes electrochemical machining to form an airfoil. The rough dovetail then undergoes electrochemical discharge machining to form a rough tang. The rough tang is finish machined to form a dovetail extending from the airfoil in a unitary rotor blade.

Abstract: A holding apparatus includes a first holding unit including at least two supporting rollers rotatable around rotation shafts which extend substantially parallel with each other; a second holding unit including at least one supporting roller rotatable around a rotation shaft; and at least one holding mechanism having the first holding unit and the second holding unit. The rotation shafts of the supporting rollers of the first holding unit and the rotation shaft of the supporting roller of the second holding unit are substantially in parallel with each other. By moving at least one of the first holding unit and the second holding unit, an object to be held is held between the first holding unit and the second holding unit by using the supporting rollers.

Abstract: A cooling jacket for a motor includes an extruded jacket body having an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a plurality of discrete cooling passages located between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces that provide multi-directional fluid flow. A fluid inlet is provided to direct cooling fluid into the jacket body and a fluid outlet to direct heated fluid away from the jacket body.

Abstract: A leveling method for burying an evaporating section of a heat pipe into a thermally conductive seat is provided for an assembly of heat pipe and heat-conducting seat by simultaneously making the evaporating section of heat pipe partially formed into a flat surface when the evaporating section of heat pipe is being burying into the thermally conductive seat. Furthermore, in cooperation with a stamping machine, the leveling method is to make a multiple steps of press-fitting process to an evaporating section of heat pipe under a condition that there is no need to change the stamping die.

Abstract: A vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing heat radiating fin, the technique of plastic working, such as stamping, is employed to apply an external force against a sheet metal material serving as a raw material for forming the heat radiating fin, so that the sheet metal material generates plastic deformation to form a plurality of recessed portions on a front side thereof. Meanwhile, a plurality of protruded portions is correspondingly formed on a rear side of the sheet metal material behind the recessed portions. Any two heat radiating fins so manufactured may be easily stacked and connected together with the protruded portions on a rear or higher heat radiating fin partially extended into the recessed portions on a front or lower heat radiating fin.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a recording head includes providing a recording element substrate and a circuit board having an inner lead connector, the recording element substrate including an energy generating element configured to generate energy used to discharge ink and an electrical connector to be electrically connected to the element, bonding the electrical connector of the recording element substrate to the inner lead connector of the circuit board, and applying a thixotropic sealant to the inner lead connector to seal the inner lead while exerting shear force on the sealant by ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a recording head including a recording element substrate provided with an energy-generating element which generates energy used for discharging ink and an ink-supplying port through which ink is supplied to the energy-generating element, and a supporting member which supports the recording element substrate, the recording element substrate and the supporting member being bonded and fixed together by an ultraviolet curable adhesive, the method including applying ultraviolet light, along a line of intersection between a wall surface in the longitudinal direction of the ink-supplying port and a wall surface in the lateral direction of the ink-supplying port, toward a corner which is an intersection point among a side on the supporting member side of the wall surface in the longitudinal direction, a side on the supporting member side of the wall surface in the lateral direction, and the line of intersection.

Abstract: The gear housing may be a housing to enclose a gear assembly of a land mobile vehicle. The gear housing may have an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The lower housing portion may have a wall reference position below a lowest surface structure of a gear assembly wherein a wall of smooth, generally non-planar surfaces may be positioned below a gear assembly centerline with an interior surface at the wall reference position adjacent the lowest surface structure with sufficient separation to avoid contact between the gear housing and the gear assembly. The wall may have at least one concave curved segment to position the wall adjacent to a contour of outer surface structures of the gear assembly, but not contacting the gear assembly. An upper housing portion may be attached to the lower housing portion to enclose the gear assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and assembly line for assembling a door-trim assembly in which resin-made door-trim parts are automatically fixed to a resin-made door-trim main body. Resin-made door-trim parts and deformable members associated therewith are temporarily installed to a resin-made door-trim main body. In a deforming processing unit (3), an electrically operated cylinder (10) equipped with an ultrasonic oscillator (2) extends and contracts and is rotatable within a horizontal plane by a ball screw mechanism (12). To the deformable members of the resin-made door-trim parts temporarily installed on the resin-made door-trim main body, the ultrasonic oscillator (2) comes close in opposite relationship by driving of the electrically operated cylinder (10) and ball screw mechanism (12), and performs ultrasonic irradiation. Consequently, the deformable members are deformed and the resin-made door-trim parts corresponding thereto are fixed to the resin-made door-trim main body.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool for sawing, includes a drive unit (12a), which includes a drive shaft (14a; 14b), and a dust-extraction device (16a; 16b) with a suction unit (20a; 20b) and a drive shaft (22a; 22b). A transmission unit (24a; 24b) is installed upstream of the drive shaft (22a; 22b) of the suction unit (20a; 20b).

Abstract: A folding tool and an associated locking mechanism are provided in order to securely and reliably retain an implement, such as a knife blade, in an open position. The folding tool may include a handle, an implement pivotally connected to the handle and a lock. The lock, in turn, may include an engagement member for movement with the blade and a pivotable member, such as a cam member, configured to pivot relative to the handle between first and second positions. As a result of controlled interaction between the engagement member and the pivotable member, such as a result of camming action provided by the cam member, the rotatable implement can be secured in the open position. If desired, the rotatable implement may be released and folded into the closed position.

Abstract: A utility blade for use with conventional retractable and fixed blade utility knives comprising a blade body having a generally trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, an opposite back edge, a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the side edges and the cutting edge. The blade further defines a pair of score lines, each proximate to one of the side edges. The score lines enable the user to remove a dulled or damaged cutting point, which in turn provides the user with two additional cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the score lines and the cutting edge. Further, the blade is configured with one or more notches strategically located on the back edge of the blade, such that each cutting point can extend from the utility knife at approximately the same distance.

Abstract: A motor-driven, hand-guided reciprocating saw or jigsaw includes a saw blade which performs a working motion and a base plate which is connected to a housing of the reciprocating saw, where an underside of the base plate is used as a bearing surface which faces a workpiece to be worked, A guide element is intergrated in the base plate and extends past the bearing surface of the base plate. The guide element is provided for placement on a guide contour of a template which is connected to the workpiece. Saw teeth of saw blade are located at least approximately in the center of the guide element or are laterally offset from the center relative to the saw blade plane of the saw blade.

Abstract: An archery scope includes a housing open at both ends and having a longitudinal axis. The housing has a tapered inner surface defining a narrow portion intermediate the ends of the housing. The tapered narrow portion provides a Ventrui-like effect where the interior of the housing appears substantially circular when viewed from various angles relative to the housing axis. A sight assembly is adjustably connected with the narrow portion of the housing inner surface and includes a ring having a diameter corresponding with an inner diameter of the housing and a sight portion coaxial with the ring and housing.

Abstract: A position controller provided in a controlling module obtains a difference between a detected rotation angle of a stylus and a target rotation angle, and determines an energization amount to a voice coil motor so that the difference becomes zero. A variable limiter circuit limits a driving current, which is supplied from the position controller, to a limitation value so that a rotation force applied to the stylus from the voice coil motor is constant. A target rotation angle issuing portion switches over the target rotation angle based on a relative position of a contact portion of the stylus.

Abstract: A fabric measuring and cutting jig for simultaneously holding, measuring and cutting a piece of fabric preferably includes a cutting matt, a ruler pivotally connected to the cutting matt, and a pin removably positioned through two holes selected from first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of holes, respectively, such that the ruler is pivotally displaced along the cutting matt while the proximal end of the ruler remains pivotally anchored to the pin. A fabric material is intercalated between the cutting matt and ruler wherein a cutting implement is used to cut the fabric material along a longitudinal edge of the ruler.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a measurement device for measuring a work piece defining a first circular hole and a second circular hole. The measurement device includes a base, a location member fixed on the base, a fixing pin fixed on the location member, and a measuring pin slidably positioned on the location member. The fixing pin and the measuring pin are configured for being received in the first circular hole and the second circular hole of the work piece, respectively. A diameter of the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard diameter of the second circular hole minus doubled tolerance. The distance between axes of the fixing pin and the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard value of the distance between centers of the first and second circular holes of the work piece.

Abstract: A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit. An alternative embodiment only has a first carriage.

Abstract: Provided are a continuous drying apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a combustion chamber, a heat exchange chamber, a filter, a mixing chamber, and a drying chamber. Biomass to be dried is loaded into an upper end of the drying chamber and falls on a rotating plate at a bottom of the drying chamber. Heated gas from the combustion chamber is mixed with recycled gas output from the drying chamber, and with recycled gas output from the heat exchange chamber, is filtered and is directed to the mixing chamber. Gas circulates within the mixing chamber and is directed into a lower end of the drying chamber at a drying temperature. The biomass loaded into the drying chamber is dried by the gas, and is extracted off the rotating plate.

Abstract: A method for operating a laundry appliance including a housing having a substantially circular housing opening closable by a door, a substantially cylindrical container disposed within the housing and including a substantially circular container opening and configured to receive laundry for treatment. The laundry appliance also includes a steam generating device including a heating element, an inlet opening and an outlet opening for steam, and a nozzled disposed in a region of the container opening. The method includes activating the heating element until a temperature of the steam generating device reaches a predetermined upper limit. Water is introduced into a tank of the steam generating device at a predetermined flow rate and the temperature of the steam generator device is measured as the water is introduced. The flow rate of water is reduced when the temperature of the steam generator device drops below a lower limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.

Abstract: An impact absorbing material for a footwear article includes a first sheet having a plurality of projections for dispersing the force of an impact and a second sheet, having a lower durometer than the first sheet, that is bonded to the first sheet for absorbing the force from the projections. The projections are arranged on the first sheet such that nonlinear gaps are formed between adjacent pairs of projections. The impact absorbing material may be positioned between an upper and an inner liner of the footwear article and may be selectively positioned on the footwear article to protect an area on the wearer that is vulnerable to impact, such as the wearer's feet, ankles, heels or calves.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is secured around a wearer's foot by adjustable fasteners such as lacing, and a second upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is separate from and overlaps the first upper on opposite sides of the shoe and at the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic sole member which optimizes between a shock absorbing function and repulsive elastic force, between which a tradeoff relationship exists, and a shoe with the elastic sole member. The elastic sole member includes a sole body which is upwardly inclined toward a back end thereof, and an elastic member comprised of a fixing piece inserted through and fixed in a space formed through an upwardly inclined back portion of the sole body, and an elastic plate extending from the fixing plate while it is downwardly inclined and having a first end exposed to the outside and a second end spaced apart from the sole body, in which the elastic sole member elastically contracts when external force is applied to a back portion of the sole body while the fixing piece serves as the elastic support axis and provides elastic recovery force when the external force is removed.

Abstract: A protective boot for an animal including a generally cylindrical leg portion having a top end and a bottom end and a top closure affixed to and circumscribing the top end of the leg portion that is drawn inward against the leg of the animal to protect against the infiltration of extraneous material into and against the self-removal of the protective boot by the animal. The base portion of the protective boot is sealed to the bottom end of the leg portion and is enhanced with a non-slip material to provide substitute traction for the animal. At least one strap is fixedly connected to the leg portion and is operable to reduce the diameter of the leg portion in the vicinity of the strap. The protective boot is sealed at each seam or point of attachment between elements so that the boot is waterproof.

Abstract: A shoe such as an infant's shoe includes a sole and an upper with the upper formed by a forefoot portion and a heel portion. When an infant's foot is to be placed in the shoe, the heel portion is configured to be pivoted with respect to the forefoot portion to an open position to allow the foot to slide into the forefoot portion. According to an example, after the foot is received in the forefoot portion, the heel portion is pivoted to a substantially closed position and one or more securing devices associated with each of the forefoot portion and heel portion are engaged to secure the shoe on the infant's foot.

Abstract: An ironing roller includes a first annular chamber in communication with an inlet and an outlet arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis, where the first annular chamber forms a passage through which a heat carrying fluid heated by heating device located inside the ironing roller circulates, a circuit external to the annular chamber being arranged to lead the heat carrying fluid from the outlet to the inlet of the chamber. A second annular chamber adjacent and coaxial to the first annular chamber is provided, the two annular chambers being intercommunicated for the circulation of the heat carrying fluid from one of the annular chambers to the other, and where one of the annular chambers carries out a heat uptake function and the other one carries out a heat transfer function.

Abstract: A greeting card is provided. The greeting card comprises a card having an image viewing window and a sound module attached to the card. The sound module comprises a microphone, a first switch for activating a recording function of the sound module, and a second switch for activating a playback function of the sound module.

Abstract: A message generating apparatus is disclosed. A message generating apparatus, comprising: a message generating panel, the message generating panel comprising a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising a first base substance and a first see-through pattern. a light transparency of the first see-through pattern being higher than a light transparency of the first base substance, the second layer comprising a second base substance and a second see-through pattern, a light transparency of the second see-through pattern being higher than a light transparency of the second base substance is provided. The message generating panel can be configured to generate a message by a light having passed through the first see-through pattern and the second see-through pattern. The first see-through pattern and the second see-through pattern can be configured to generate a plurality of messages according to an angle of the light incident to the message generating panel.

Abstract: A three dimensional picture frame comprising first and second vertical frame members, a bottom and top horizontal frame members coupled to opposite ends of the vertical frame members, front and rear transparent sheets located perpendicularly to the vertical and horizontal frame members to form a vessel, a backing sheet located perpendicularly to the first and second vertical frame members and the bottom and top horizontal frame members and outward from the rear transparent sheet such that when a material is placed in the vessel and a graphical sheet is placed between the backing sheet and rear transparent sheet, the graphical sheet is isolated from the material, and a plunger configured to slide downward in the vessel such that when a material is located in a portion of the vessel below the plunger, the material is prevented from entering a portion of the vessel above the plunger.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. The mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory.

Abstract: An aiming device for guns, which comprises a transparent plate that shows to the user a critical image when the plate has a predetermined orientation, and shows a deformed image when said plate has any other different orientation. The transparent plate is so mounted in the device and the device is so mounted on the gun, such that the critical image is seen by the user when and only when the axis of the gun barrel is parallel to the line of sight passing through the user's eye and the center of the transparent plate.

Abstract: A casting net is provided that allows for easy use. The casting net includes a tail portion and a mouth portion that are connected by a mesh lattice netting. The tail portion is of a smaller diameter than the mouth portion, and the tail portion is substantially closed allowing only a torque line assembly to pass through. The mouth portion is of a substantially larger diameter than the tail portion, so as to provide a larger area for capturing targeted species. A plurality of weights are affixed along the circumference of the mouth portion for providing weight so as to sink the casting net assembly. Along the circumference of the mesh lattice, and in close proximity to the mouth portion, a reinforcing means is affixed so as to provide structural support to the mouth portion and thereby maintaining an open position of the mouth portion as the casting net falls through the water.

Abstract: A bite-signaling device comprises a clamp member securing the device to the rod of the rod and reel combination. A linear support member is pivotally connected at a first end to the clamp member. The second end of the linear support member includes a perpendicular section with a linear signal member rotatably attached thereto. The linear signal member includes a weighted first end and a signaling second end. A line attachment member is secured to the signaling second end of the linear signal member and releasably secures a fishing line attached to a reel of the rod and reel combination. The fishing line secured to the line attachment member maintains the weighted first end of the signal member elevated relative to the signaling second end thereof. Releasing the fishing line from the line attachment member causes the weighted first end to rotatably descend and elevate the signaling second end of the signal member.

Abstract: A bait and hook arrangement is coupled with a mechanism that alerts a fisherman when his or her bait article is no longer attached to the hook. When the bait is off the hook, (empty hook), the mechanism is triggered.

Abstract: An open ocean floating algae farm built around a ship. The ship provides propulsion power for navigation, storage capacity for materials and algae products, machinery for harvesting and processing the algae, housing for crew, and facilities for maintenance of the floating farm. The invention is also comprised of transparent tubes that circulate a broth of seawater saturated with CO2, nutrients, and algae. The circulation path flows from the ship through the tubes and back to the ship where the algae is filtered out to be processed. The fields of transparent tubes circulating the algae broth are supported by a square matrix of pressurized tubes filled with seawater. This matrix is neutrally buoyant and submerged just below the ocean surface. The internal pressure in the tubes causes the matrix to be stiff in the horizontal plane, but flexible in the vertical dimension so as to conform to long ocean waves.

Abstract: The current device will enable the plant owner to protect a plant during the winter months from the extreme cold and at the same time protect the plant from birds and insects during the summer months. This device can be easily opened to cover the plant and can also be easily collapsed when it is no longer needed. At least two different types of material can be used: one of colder weather and one for warmer weather. Different choices of material may be used depending on the particular environment. The device will be lightweight and extremely portable.

Abstract: A gate arm for a swing gate incorporates a release mechanism that releases the gate arm and therefore allows the gate to swing freely about its hinges when inwardly-directed pressure applied to the gate exceeds a threshold level. The gate arm also includes a spring-loaded pivot joint that applies pressure to the gate when the gate is operating normally and is in the closed position, and further works cooperatively with the release mechanism to prevent damage to the operator and gate arm when the gate is forced open.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame, and louvres, and with a side pull bar located along one edge of the frame and connected to the adjacent ends of the louvres, the louvres being pivotally mounted in the frame in parallel relation to one another, and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a pull bar having a plurality of hinge assemblies, a hinge sleeve member at one end on each louvre, each respective hinge assemblies being engaged with a respective sleeve member, and an anti rotation formation on each sleeve member engaging the interior of its respective louvre so as to retain said sleeve member in its respective louvre.