Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the barrier.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly includes a faceplate body and a label cover. The faceplate body has a front surface and an opposite back side. The front surface includes a panel area and a label area recessed from the front surface. The panel area includes a port extending through the front surface. The label area includes a hinge element. The label cover is coupled to the faceplate body and is disposed in the label area. The label cover includes a hinge protrusion and a retention tab. The hinge protrusion is rotatably coupled to the hinge element to permit the label cover to rotate toward and away from the front surface. The retention tab engages the faceplate body along a perimeter of the label area to secure the label cover in a closed position against the faceplate body.

Abstract: A soft sculpture picture frame in the shape of a human or animal, with a contained audio recording and playback device. A message may be recorded on the audio recording and playback device for later playback, by pressing a recording activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame. The recorded message may be played back by pressing a playback activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame, preferably a different part. Picture retaining means holds a photograph of a person whose voice may be recorded on the device.

Abstract: An adjustable display frame has first and second U-shaped frame elements having aligned free end surfaces that abut to form a small display frame and are separated by first and second inert elements urged by a spring to provide a large display frame. Each U-shaped frame element has a pair of longitudinal slots which receive heads of headed studs projecting from a base disposed behind the frame elements, wherein the frame elements are secured to the base and are capable of sliding on the base from a first position, to provide the small frame, to a second position so as to provide the large frame. The inserts are slidable on the base inboard of the U-shaped frame elements and are spring biased so as to move between the free ends of the U-shaped frame elements when the U-shaped frame elements are separated by being pulled apart. Stops are provided for arresting motion of the inserts to align the inserts with the free ends of the U-shaped frame elements after the inserts have been pushed outwardly by the spring.

Abstract: A modular portable weapon has a supporting module, constituted by the barrel of the weapon, and modules which are mutually functionally independent and are associated with the supporting module. The modular weapon according to the invention allows the user to compose the weapon by choosing, for example, a type of barrel, stock and tubular magazine among the alternatives that are commercially available, with the characteristics best suited to his requirements.

Abstract: A set of multiple recoil lugs for a rifle is taught, consisting of a rifle barrel with receiver end and a muzzle end. The receiver end of the barrel having a cartridge chamber therein and receiver threads with an extended chamber portion over the cartridge chamber and at least one set of forward lug attaching threads located between the receiver end and the muzzle end. A threaded receiver recoil lug jointly engages a rifle receiver on the receiver threads which forms a recoil absorbing surface with a rifle stock. One or more forward recoil lugs are mated with the forward lug attaching threads, forming additional recoil absorbing surfaces with the rifle stock. A barrel lock nut is attached to each set of forward lug attaching threads engaging each forward recoil lug, firmly locking each forward recoil lug securely in place. An alternate embodiment is used when the rifle receiver incorporates an integral recoil lug thereby eliminating the necessity of the receiver recoil lug.

Abstract: A two piece upper receiver for a firearm including a first piece having a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom, the first piece constructed to operatively carry a bolt carrier and bolt, and to have a barrel coupled to the front end. The bottom is constructed to have a lower receiver coupled thereto. The first piece includes a backbone extending along the top between the front end and the rear end, the back bone having upwardly directed indexing surfaces. A second piece overlies the backbone and includes mating surfaces engaging the indexing surfaces, aligning the second piece with the first piece. A receiving structure is opposite the mating surfaces for receiving accessory devices mounted thereon. Fasteners fixedly attach the second piece to the first piece to form a complete upper receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges.

Abstract: An accessory module is installed between a weapon accessory (optical sighting device) and its corresponding mounting interface. The accessory module includes a body having a lower surface which is configured and arranged to mate with the corresponding upper surface of the mounting interface and an upper surface that includes a seat that is configured and arranged to conform to and receive the outer surface of the weapon accessory. The accessory module includes electronic accessories, such as for example, a flashlight configured to emit visible white light, colored light and/or infrared light. Further, the accessory module may include laser devices therein such as a laser sight, an infrared laser for night vision targeting, or a laser range finder device. The accessory module may also be configured to include a taser and/or a compact video camera.

Abstract: A high-visibility gunsight has a body defining a vertical plane and having a vertically elongated rear face. The body extends from a lower base portion to an upper free end portion. A first visibility-enhancing element and a second visibility-enhancing element are connected to the body. The visibility-enhancing elements have different visibility enhancing properties. The visibility-enhancing elements are vertically aligned with each other and centered on the vertical plane. The body has a greater thickness lateral to the vertical plane at the base than at the free end. The invention also includes a rear sight operable to be aligned with the front sight along an aiming axis to form a gunsight system.

Abstract: A novel and improved turkey motion decoy and decoy mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system comprises a plurality of movable frames to support a decoy body and tail, to thereby provide a decoy capable of moving its body parts to imitate the realistic mating behavior of a turkey.

Abstract: Soft or pliable spinning appendages can be attached to a soft fishing lure using a swivel mechanism that provides unrestricted 360° rotation. The appendages increase attractiveness, flash, vibration, color, or scent. Due to their slow spinning speed and neutral buoyancy in water, the appendages provide unique properties to slow-moving lures not possible with prior art hard blades. A weedless swivel mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A simulated fishing lure replicates the physical characteristics and swimming motion of a live North American mudpuppy, while preventing a captured fish from escaping by biting through the lure. The lure comprises of a lure body (a head, midsection and tail) and a motion-creating bill. The motion-creating bill and the lure body's tail work together to create the life-like side-to-side swimming motion of the lure. The longitudinal inner cavity within the midsection of the lure body contains an anchoring device to ensure that the fishing line and hook remain secured to the fish, even when the lure is bitten in half.

Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.

Abstract: The animal trap of the present invention includes a tubular body with an open forward end and a closed rear end. A spring loaded restraint is pivotally mounted on the body so as to be movable between open and closed positions. A latch on the body engages the restraint to set the restraint in the open position. A trigger on the body engages the latch to set the trap. The trigger is movable in opposite forward and rearward directions by an animal, such as a raccoon, reaching its paw into the housing and pushing or pulling the trigger leg, such that the latch is disengaged and releases the restraint, which is forced by a spring to the closed position to catch the animal's paw in the tubular body.

Abstract: A slope planting structure includes containing bags laid on the surface of a slope, stuffing filled in the containing bags, and fasteners. The containing bags are provided with plant seeds. The stuffing composed of plant growing material and absorbent material is filled into the containing bags. The containing bags are laid on the surface of the slope, and then the fasteners are inserted through the containing bags to secure the containing bags on the slope. The containing bags are integrated with the slope to secure the slope, providing protection and green effects.

Abstract: A hinge unit for hopper/awning window units (1), the window unit comprising a fixed frame (2) and a sash (3) capable of rototranslation between open and closed positions. The hinge units (4) each comprise: a supporting element (5) integral with the fixed frame (2); an arm (6) one end of which pivots at the sash (3); a first slide (7) slidable along the supporting element (5); connecting rods (8, 9) connecting the first slide (7) to the arm (6); a joint rod (10) between the arm (6) and the supporting element (5), its ends respectively pivoting at a distal point of the supporting element (5) and at the arm (6), so as to form a second connecting point (F2); there being adjusting means (11) to allow a variation of the connecting point (F2) along the supporting element (5).

Abstract: An adjustable restraining stop assembly permits a residential double hung window to be locked in a partially opened position to permit ventilation through the partial opening. The stop assembly includes an outer tube with a telescoping inner tube. The outer tube is mounted to a window sash by a removable fixation device, such as a mounting hook and loop arrangement. A convenience knob is attached near the distal end of the inner tube. Adjustment is set by placing a desired hole of a plurality of holes in the telescoping inner tube in registration with a single hole in the outer tube and then inserting the end of a fastener, such as a cotter pin, locking both tubes together.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly allowing for varying performance and threshold heights is disclosed herein. A sliding door assembly incorporating a sliding door sill of the present invention can have varying performance and threshold heights while maintaining the integrity of the assembly. For example, the sliding doors do not have to be removed from the assembly, and the door frame does not have to be uninstalled.

Abstract: A door assembly for a refrigerator is provided which includes structure which is easily manufactured. The door assembly for a refrigerator door includes a door frame including a front panel and a flange unit formed on an edge of the front panel as one body therewith, a door liner mounted on the flange unit, and a filler provided within space formed between the door frame and the door liner.

Abstract: A utility land anchor for mooring a water craft to a shore or beach or to act as a ground anchor to pull an object, such as an ATV, thereto, that includes a straight shaft that is pointed on one end and is arranged for connecting to a torque producing device, such as a handle or sided driver, on its other end. The shaft includes an auger secured adjacent to the pointed end, and is to loosely fitted into a cylindrical tube wherefrom blades or fins are attached to extend oppositely outwardly from the cylindrical tube sides that are sloped outwardly to facilitate travel into the shore, beach or ground, and a mooring line connector is secured to the cylindrical tube, adjacent to a lower end thereof.

Abstract: A construction panel includes a pane, a construction substrate, and a frame that form an air gap there between. An electrical generator, a water circulator, and an air venting system are in the air gap. First and second reflective coatings are respectively on first surfaces of the pane and the construction substrate. The first surfaces face the air gap. The reflective coatings reflect IR to heat water in the water circulator and heat air in the air gap. First and second antireflective coatings are respectively on a second surface of the pane and on the first reflective coating. The second surface faces away from the air gap. The antireflective coatings transmit electromagnetic radiation to the electrical generator for electricity generation. The heated water, heated air, and electricity may be used in a building to which the construction panel is attached. The solar-construction panel includes a multiple-pane window integrally formed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting venting through eaves and foundation walls at low temperature and which closes at high temperature includes a shape-memory alloy spring that has a first expanded state at the low temperature and a second contracted state at the high temperature. At high temperature the shape-memory alloy spring contract which, in turn, closes a pivoting louver thereby obstructing the passage of air. At low temperature, after overcoming hysteresis, the shape-memory alloy spring expands and a counterforce type of spring is then able to urge the louver back into the open position. This process can be repeated, if necessary, thereby eliminating the need for replacement of the apparatus after experience of the high temperature event has occurred.

Abstract: A window frame is manufactured as an integral unit comprising a frame body, at least one nailing flange secured to the frame perimeter, and a strip of tape secured to the nailing flanges with the outer portion of the tape extending beyond the outer edge of the flange. In another embodiment, individual nailing flanges are manufactured and delivered on site, including a strip of tape secured to the nailing flange with an outer portion of the tape extending beyond the outer edge of the flange. The installer first secures such pre-taped flanges to the window frame body, before nailing the resulting window frame unit to the wall. With both embodiments, the window frame unit is first fit into the window penetration in the wall, with the nailing flanges and tape overlapping the wall. Each flange is nailed to the wall by folding back the outer, unattached portion of the tape, thereby exposing the nail holes on the flange, and driving nails there though into the wall.

Abstract: A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed or use in an exterior building entryway assembly, engaging a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a polymer profile portion and first and second reinforcing members. The profile portion comprises a layer of polyvinyl chloride with a hollow center. The first reinforcing member comprises an engineered material such as a wood laminate, and the second reinforcing member comprises a U-shaped steel channel that fits around one end of the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing members are received within the hollow center of the polymer profile portion and run the entire length of the mull post to provide substantial rigidity to the assembly. A polymer cap layer may be co-extruded on the outer surface of the polymer profile portion to provide the mull post with a desired finished surface appearance and/or color.

Abstract: As a temporary drainage equipment, a penetration hole is formed to a floor slab of a building under construction, the penetration hole is provided with a substantially cylindrical funnel portion opened to a floor surface of a room, a connection pipe is communicated to a bottom portion of the funnel portion, and a hose guide pipe is inserted to the lower end portion of the connection pipe. An inner flange portion is provided to the lower end portion of the hose guide pipe so as to be flush with a ceiling surface of the downfloor room.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an under rafters insulation system for a steep roof, comprising at least two mutually parallel extending building elements (3) which are spaced from each other, and insulation elements (4), in particular mineral fiber insulation elements, are arranged in a space between the building elements (3). The building elements (3) are mountable to rafters (2) of the steep roof by means of holding elements (5). For further developing an under rafters insulation system of the described type to the effect that the insulation elements (4) are easily supported between the building elements (3) at least over a period of time in which the under rafters insulation system (1) is not yet completed with a final cover, it is proposed that the holding elements (5) additionally secure the insulation elements (4) against falling out of the space between the building elements (3).

Abstract: A roof membrane is disclosed, for use in simulating a standing seam metal roof when applied to a roof surface and a roof system is also provided, that employs the roof membrane, disposed between longitudinal, but spaced-apart, generally parallel roof battens. Underlayments of various constructions are also provided, beneath the membrane, as an option. Caps are provided for upstanding legs of the roof battens.

Abstract: The composite joist floor system includes joists supported by supporting members. Corrugated steel decking is positioned over the joists such that the corrugations are substantially perpendicular to the joists. Self-drilling, self-tapping, stand-off screws are spaced along the length of the joist, aligned with the deck corrugations. These stand-off screws provide the required shear transfer between the joist and concrete slab to form a composite floor system. The placed concrete encapsulates the upper non-threaded shank portions of the stand-off screws and the end of the joists. After the concrete has cured, the resultant system comprised of steel joists, steel decking, stand-off screws, and concrete, act together to form a composite system with greater load carrying capacity and less vertical deflection. The stand-off screws connect the joist upper chords to the concrete slab allowing the joist and concrete slab to act as a unit, by transferring shear between the two joined components.

Abstract: The post assembly comprises a pair of juxtaposed and spaced apart post sections, the facing sides of which are provided internally with a longitudinal groove, the longitudinal grooves ] being arranged in alignment with one another and forming in co-operation, in their respective positions, a recess for receiving a longitudinal support rack member for supporting overhanging removable elements.

Abstract: An intumescent strip includes a first material layer and an opposing second material layer. A third material layer, formed from an intumescent material, is positioned between the first and second layers. The intumescent material includes a combination of intumescent particles suspended within a thermoplastic material. The intumescent particles have an activation temperature and are expandable when exposed to temperatures above the activation temperature. The thermoplastic material has a melting temperature that is lower than the activation temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting at least one line in a tower of a wind power plant, the line is provided in the tower before its erection in shortened, preferably folded or wound-up form. The tower also includes a means for extending the line, after erection of the tower so that the lower end of the line is lowered in a controlled manner to the bottom of the tower and can be attached there to a connector and the upper end is extended to a connector at the top of the tower if not already connected to the connector.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A system for filling medication dose packs with oral-solid medication items comprises storage tray drawers each having storage trays. Each storage tray stores a specific type of oral-solid medication item. The storage tray drawers are displaceable to a drawn position to expose the storage trays thereof. A table supports dose packs having a plurality of receptacles arranged in rows, with each receptacle associated with an intake time and date of a patient prescription file. A dispensing mechanism has fingers for grasping by suction an oral-solid medication item, and degrees of freedom to displace the fingers from any one of the storage trays to the dose pack, to transfer the oral-solid medication items from the storage trays in the drawn position to the receptacles of the dose pack.

Abstract: A baler and wrapper combination comprises a baler, a bale wrapper, and a bale transport table. The bale transport table is movable between a bale receiving position at a bale output location of the baler, a wrapping position at which the wrapper can wrap a bale located upon the bale transport table with a sheet material, while movable bale support elements rotate the bale around its horizontal central axis, and a bale depositing position in which a wrapped bale can be deposited on the ground. The bale support elements are arranged to be moved in the bale depositing position into an orientation in which the bale is deposited on its flat end.

Abstract: A flexible packaging structure has built-in opening features in a laminate with a first structure adhesively joined to a second structure. A tear area is formed by laser ablation of the laminate along a junction between the first and second portions preferably prior to assembling the laminate into the package. Laser ablation begins at the center of the tear area and progressively moves the laser in a direction radially outward from the center of the tear area. During assembly of the package, a seal is formed between end portions of the first and second portions of the laminate. A score line and a sealant reduction area are also introduced to the package to facilitate opening. The package is opened by pulling the seal near the tear area in a direction along the score line until the contents of the package are accessible.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of producing embossed promotional cards which minimize nesting of adjacently embossed cards in a stack, the apparatus and method provide for offsetting the embossed indicia between adjacently stacked cards or for varying the embossed indicia between adjacently stacked cards.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The engaging element includes at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. A portion of the rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness, and the insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness whereby a portion of the rotatable displacing element impinges into the material of the insert. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes an internal combustion engine and an electronic control arrangement that is coupled to the internal combustion engine and that is provided as input the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and that can be provided with information as to whether the harvesting machine is in operation on public roads or in a harvesting operation. The control arrangement provides as input during the harvesting operation in an automatic operating mode the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine as a function of the situation in a harvesting operation of the harvesting machine as controlled by the control arrangement. In addition, the internal combustion engine can be operated in an efficient operating mode at a local minimum of the specific fuel consumption.

Abstract: A stalk processing section of a harvester for harvesting stalks of stalk-like plants, the harvester has a main frame that is moveably coupled to an undercarriage. The stalk processing section includes a basecutter assembly movably coupled to the main frame. The basecutter assembly also includes a set of rails and a set of wheels. The set of wheels engage the set of rails. The set of rails are attached to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of wheels are rotatably coupled to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of rails and the set of wheels are configured to constrain movement of the basecutter assembly along a path established by the rails and the wheels.

Abstract: A stalk processing section of a harvester for harvesting stalks of stalk-like plants, the harvester has a main frame that is moveably coupled to an undercarriage. The stalk processing section includes a basecutter assembly movably coupled to the main frame. The basecutter assembly includes a knockdown roller, a butt lifter roller and/or an upper feed roller. The basecutter assembly also includes a set of rails and a set of wheels. The set of wheels engage the set of rails. The set of rails are attached to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of wheels are rotatably coupled to the main frame and/or the basecutter assembly. The set of rails and the set of wheels are configured to constrain movement of the basecutter assembly along a path established by the rails and the wheels.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms that are attached to and cooperatively support the flexible cutterbar assembly. The header also includes a draper assembly with a side draper carried on multiple ones of the support arms so as to flex with the cutterbar assembly. The side draper includes an endless flexible draper belt presenting laterally endmost margins, with upper and lower crop-conveying runs extending between the margins. The header further includes pivoting structure mounted relative to the header frame at a rear pivot location so that the pivoting structure projects forwardly from the rear pivot location.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically bypassing tying posts in fruit-bearing hedges has a working head with a pair of vertical drive shafts, each having stacks of toothed cutting disks mounted thereon. Each of the vertical drive shafts having a an opening wheel thereof. The stacks are movable between a position in which the cutting disks mesh with each other and a position in which the stacks of the cutting disks are spaced away from each other. The opening wheels are connected by speed reducers to the shaft such that the open wheels rotate at a speed less than the cutting disks.

Abstract: High performance propellants flow through specialized mechanical hardware that allows for effective and safe thermal decomposition and/or combustion of the propellants. By integrating a sintered metal component between a propellant feed source and the combustion chamber, an effective and reliable fuel injector head may be implemented. Additionally the fuel injector head design integrates a spark ignition mechanism that withstands extremely hot running conditions without noticeable spark mechanism degradation.

Abstract: Propellants flow through specialized mechanical hardware that is designed for effective and safe ignition and sustained combustion of the propellants. By integrating a micro-fluidic porous media element between a propellant feed source and the combustion chamber, an effective and reliable propellant injector head may be implemented that is capable of withstanding transient combustion and detonation waves that commonly occur during an ignition event. The micro-fluidic porous media element is of specified porosity or porosity gradient selected to be appropriate for a given propellant. Additionally the propellant injector head design integrates a spark ignition mechanism that withstands extremely hot running conditions without noticeable spark mechanism degradation.

Abstract: Modern exhaust-gas purification systems in motor vehicles with a lean-burn engine include a starting catalyst fitted close to the engine and a main catalyst arranged in the underbody region, with both the starting catalyst and the main catalyst being formed by nitrogen oxide storage catalysts. The nitrogen oxide storage catalysts are in each case regenerated by the engine being briefly switched from lean-burn mode to rich-burn mode when the nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas downstream of the storage catalysts rises above a predetermined value. The starting catalyst is exposed to particularly high temperatures and is therefore prone to faster ageing of its nitrogen oxide storage capacity than the main catalyst.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine with exhaust gas recirculation is provided. The method comprises directing EGR from exhaust downstream of an exhaust-aftertreatment catalyst to mix with fresh air upstream of an intake compressor and upstream of a throttle valve, and, in response to increased throttling by the throttle valve, discharging the mixed EGR and fresh air from downstream of the intake compressor to the exhaust downstream of the exhaust-aftertreatment catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, includes an exhaust line, an exhaust gas treatment device, an injection device arranged upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device for injecting a liquid educt into the exhaust line and a mixing and/or evaporation device for the sprayed educt situated downstream from the injection device and upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device. At least one section of the exhaust line carrying exhaust gas is formed by an exhaust pipe that has an end section arranged downstream from the injection device and upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device. The mixing and/or evaporation device is integrally formed on the end section of the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising a selective reduction catalyst, a NOx sensor or an NH3 sensor, a urea injector, and a dosing control unit, wherein the dosing control unit calculates the rate of urea injection by estimating the concentrations of NO and NO2 in the exhaust downstream of the SCR catalyst.