Abstract: A boot accessory for attaching to a side of a boot comprising an elongated bar having an outer face and an inner face; wherein a first indentation is disposed in the outer face at a first end of the bar and a second indentation is disposed in the outer face at a second end of the bar; wherein the inner face is attached to the side of the boot such that the outer face extends outwardly from the boot; wherein a first screw is driven from the first indentation through the bar and into the side of the boot and a second screw is driven from the second indentation though the bar and into the side of the boot.

Abstract: The manually powered wheeled-levered shovel/launcher device for the purpose of snow removal, which has a handle, and shovel shaft pivoted to the handle at one end and a snow shovel head at the other end of the shovel shaft. A collapsible foldable wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum is attached to the device for easy handling a snow load. The shovel head is able to tilt downward against a spring-loaded mechanism for the purpose of altering the launch direction from upward direction due to centrifugal force around the wheel resting on the ground to forward direction when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle.

Abstract: Molded polymer elevator buckets are reinforced by tapering the thickness of front and sidewalls and integral arcuate corner parts to improve bucket life without significant weight increase or reduced bucket capacity. Front lip wear indicators may be molded into the front wall section delimited by the lip and/or on the arcuate corner parts.

Abstract: An advertising device, where one exemplary use is as a “stripper pole” having associated ad material. The ad material can be placed inside a portion of the pole and be visible through a protective cover, and be dynamic. Additionally, the stripper pole may be in a variety of sizes and shapes and may include lighting, rotating mechanisms, engraving and suspended objects. The advertising device includes a connecting element that attaches to at least one end, and optionally between two ends, with a gap between an inner element and an outer element where advertising material can be placed in the gap.

Abstract: A groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame comprises an outer frame element, an insert frame element and one or two flexible display panels. The two-part frame is quickly assembled by inserting and deploying the insert frame element within the rigid outer frame element. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. The interface of the frame elements forms one or more grooves near the perimeter of the resulting two-part frame. The grooves accept mounting gaskets connected at the peripheries of each display panel. Embodiments may include one or more internally-positioned compression tubes to help maintain internal structural rigidity and the integrity of the grooves. What results is a more cost-effective, robust, three-dimensional display capable of supporting fabric display panels in tension over extended periods of use.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article.

Abstract: A barrel retaining system for a firearm includes a firearm receiver having a barrel nut coupled thereto and a barrel assembly, which in one embodiment may include a barrel with a barrel extension coupled thereto. The barrel extension includes a plurality of barrel locking lugs that rotatably engage corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut. The barrel extension may further include a flange that may engage one end of the locking elements of the barrel nut and the barrel locking lugs may engage an opposite end of the locking elements to wedge the locking elements therebetween for securing the barrel extension to the barrel nut. The firearm may be an autoloading rifle in some embodiments.

Abstract: An adjustable base for attaching a sighting device such as a telescopic sight to a rifle or other ballistic projectile launcher, comprising upper and lower rails pivotally attached at the muzzle ends thereof, is disclosed. Adjustments are provided for altering the angle between the sight and the weapon's boreline or similar axis in elevation in increments of minutes of arc or fractions thereof.

Abstract: A covering device for an elongated telescopic sight that is mounted on a gun shaft, wherein the elongated telescopic sight has a first end and a second end, the covering device comprising a first pocket having an opening and a coverable end and a second pocket having an opening and a coverable end, wherein the first pocket is coupled to the second pocket by an intermediate member, oriented non-linearly relative to the second pocket, and is facing in at least a substantially opposite direction as the second pocket; wherein the first pocket is coverable upon the first end of the telescopic sight, the intermediate member is wrappable around, underneath or over at least a portion of the gun shaft and the second pocket is coverable upon the second end of the telescopic sight.

Abstract: A range finder includes housing, circuitry, a lens, a display, and a plurality of threaded apertures. The housing has a front end, a rear end, and a bottom portion extending between the front end and the rear end. The range finder circuitry is located within the housing. The lens is located at the front end of the housing. The display is located at the rear end of the housing. The plurality of threaded apertures are located in the bottom portion of the housing.

Abstract: A fishing lure that contains electronics and provides the lure with characteristics that better attract fish. The fishing lure has a body with external flank surfaces. A plurality of light sources are contained within the lure. The light sources shine light out from the flank surfaces of the lure when activated. A light sensor in the lure detects ambient light levels outside of the lure. The light levels detected by the light sensor are used to control the output intensity of the light sources as they activate. In addition to internal light sources, the fishing lure may also contain a transducer for creating acoustical particle motion in the water. Both the light sources and the transducer are controlled in a unique manner that causes the lure to closely mimic the visual and acoustical properties of a live baitfish.

Abstract: A fishing pole tender system for attachment to a support structure that includes a generally rigid base with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the second side are physically connected and spatially separated by an intermediate portion such that a support structure fits between the first side and the second side. The first side, the second side or both, may include at least one accessory mounting portion for interchangeably mounting fishing accessories to the base. One or more fishing pole holders are securely attached to the base. The first side, the second side, or both may include a indented portion comprising an arcuate or v-shaped form, a slanted portion, or a combination thereof. The indented portion provides improved attachment to a support structure by imparting compressive force onto a support structure.

Abstract: A fish live box has a frame assembly supporting a mesh screen surrounding a chamber for accommodating fish. A minnow cage is located in the chamber. A top wall and door closes the top of the frame assembly. Brackets mount the fish live box to a dock. Upright legs mounted on the frame assembly are vertically adjustable to locate pads on the bottom of the legs on the bed of a body of water to support the fish live box on the bottom of a body of water.

Abstract: A trap for collecting insects and pests is formed in a triangular prism shape. The triangular prism shaped trap is formed from a rectangular plate that is divided into three sections, the rectangular plate being bent into the triangular prism shape. A rectangular cavity that protrudes inward into the trap may be formed on one wall. Also, a control card may be mounted on one wall.

Abstract: An insect trap having a cylindrical tubular body with a top end and a bottom end and an oval flexible flapper removably mounted in regions adjacent the bottom end whereby the peripheral edge of the flapper is in contact with the inside surface of the body for the condition of no air blowing down the body and the peripheral edge of the flapper spaced from the inside surface of the body for the condition of air blowing down the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant aid for surrounding a young plant. The plant aid comprises a tube at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant placeable in the plant aid. The plant aid further comprises a water collection sheet for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere. The water collection sheet comprises a water collection surface comprising a receiving surface, which receiving surface operatively makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The water collection sheet further comprises a collecting surface adjoining a lower edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface operatively makes a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of pet doors, particularly selective entry pet doors based on detection of RFID tags. We describe a pet door comprising: an RFID reader to read an RFID tag on a pet; and a lock coupled to said RFID reader to control access through said pet door in response to an RFID signal from said tag; wherein said RFID reader has two modes, a first operational mode and a second, reduced power mode, and wherein said pet door further comprises: a pet proximity detector coupled to said RFID reader to identify when a pet is proximate said pet door and to control said RFID reader responsive to said identification such that when said pet is proximate said RFID is in said operational mode and such that said RFID reader is otherwise in said reduced power mode.

Abstract: A window lift arrangement with a driver for a window pane, an inner door panel, positioning instruments for positioning the driver relative to the inner door panel in an installation position for installation of the window pane, wherein the positioning instruments can assume a first and a second position, wherein the positioning instruments in the first position define the installation position and wherein the positioning instruments in the second position enable a movement of the driver for opening and closing the installed window pane.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a sliding panel and a rail. The rail defines a channel for receiving the sliding panel. The sliding panel is movable between a closed position and an open position along the rail. An encapsulation at least partially encapsulates the sliding panel. The encapsulation includes a silicone-based polymer that has a minimal coefficient of friction. The encapsulation provides operational advantages to the sliding window assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation mechanism for built-in sliding doors of the type comprising a sliding leaf (4), a guide (6) in the lower part of said sliding leaf (4) and a fixed stop (16) inside said guide (6), comprising a cover (1) fixed at the end of the sliding leaf (4), a mobile stop (2) slidable through the inner part of the guide (6) situated between the cover (1) and the fixed stop (16), and an adjustment screw (3) traversing the cover (1) and the mobile stop (2) by means of which the relative position between both elements (1) and (2) is regulated.

Abstract: Described is a carriage (7) for sliding doors and windows (2) comprising a fixed frame (3), at least one sash (4) that is slidable horizontally relative to the fixed frame (3) by means of a carriage unit (1), and a handle (9) mounted on the sash (4) for controlling the carriage (7); the latter is provided with a supporting frame (11), mobile on wheels, and with a connecting member (13) interposed between the supporting frame (11) and a bottom sash (4) rail (8); the connecting member (13) is movably constrained to the supporting frame (11) to enable the sash (4) to be lifted and lowered relative to the supporting frame (11) under the action of the handle (9); a helical spring (44) is interposed between the supporting frame (11) and the connecting member (13) to lessen the effort required of the user to lift the sash (4).

Abstract: A door assembly for disposition in a building includes a vertical member, a weather strip adjacent the vertical member, and a door selectively moveable to be adjacent the weather strip opposite the vertical member. A threshold extends below the door and the vertical member extends upwardly from a lower end. A corner pad is mounted to the lower end of the vertical member. The corner pad includes a base surface abutting the threshold, a first edge surface extending upwardly from the base surface between the vertical member and the weather strip, and a lower reservoir surface extending upwardly from the first edge surface. The lower reservoir surface extends inwardly into the corner pad defining a reservoir between the vertical member and the weather strip. The corner pad includes a second reservoir surface extending angularly from said lower reservoir surface for preventing the water from splashing out of said reservoir and into an interior of the building.

Abstract: Gasket for refrigerator cabinets of the kind including a soft bellows-type portion used for sealing the area between the cabinet and the door and extending from a base portion able to match the outer door and/or inner door of the refrigerator cabinet. The base portion is substantially rigid and has at one end, a sealing portion made of substantially soft material extending toward the inner door. The soft material portion has good flexible and spring back features when exposed to refrigerator and freezer temperatures. These features make the gasket able to further seal, preferably by compression, the space located between the cabinet and inner door in a more internal area of the refrigerator cabinet. Furthermore, the soft sealing portion is independent and free from constraints with respect to the soft bellows-type portion.

Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a wall unit mounted relative to a wall of the room and a floor unit extending along a floor of the room. The bed docks to the floor unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit located in a cavity of the side rail.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: A bird defense system for a dock system. The bird defense system consists of a series of support arms that are mounted to the stringers of the dock. The support arms are manually attached to the stringer and have an adjustable height support rod that allows the user to set the height of the bird defense system. At the end of the support rods are hollow tubes that accommodate a cord that is threaded through each support arm creating a perimeter around the dock preventing birds from landing or hoping on the top surface of the dock.

Abstract: A deck system is made by joining deck units, each having a hat-shaped profile fastened to the topside of a profiled bottom panel. The bottom panel has nestable or interlocking side laps and one or more “dove-tail” shaped recesses formed therein. These recesses, which may be concave upward or downward, give the deck unit additional strength as a defined, confined location for use to run conduit and to provide vertical support for vertical loads. The deck system may be combined with a layer of concrete for use as a floor or roof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bracket structure for increasing strength of a concrete structure and enabling easy construction. The bracket structure includes an affixing bracket and a pre-stressing steel plate. The affixing bracket comprises a holding member connected to a bottom of the concrete structure using an anchor bolt, and a support member connected to the holding member and forming a channel to increase the moment of inertia of area of the concrete structure. The pre-stressing steel plate is connected to the support member of the affixing bracket, and applies stress to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A post anchoring foot is configured for use in securing a post to a surface. The foot includes a body dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the post, with the body including a generally horizontal base portion and a generally vertical side wall that cooperatively present a laterally enclosed post-receiving area. The base portion defines a lowermost surface-engaging anchoring face and an elevated supporting face configured to engage an end of the post, with the supporting face being disposed above the anchoring face. The base portion further defines a plurality of anchor-receiving apertures extending therethrough, with each aperture being configured to receive an anchor therein to securely couple the foot to the surface. The side wall defines a fastener-receiving hole extending therethrough, with the hole being configured to selectively receive a fastener therein to securely couple the foot to the post.

Abstract: A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together.

Abstract: An architectural panel system including a plurality of architectural panels, a first mounting extrusion attached to a first architectural panel, and a second mounting extrusion attached to a second architectural panel, as well as a first anchor clip including a first attachment configuration that enables the first mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto, and a second anchor clip including a second attachment configuration that enables the second mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto. The system also includes a panel joint filler strip. The first mounting extrusion includes a first pocket portion, and the second mounting extrusion includes a second pocket portion that is shallower than the first pocket portion. The first and second pocket portions cooperate with each other to seat the panel joint filler strip. Also disclosed are methods of installing the panel system and of replacing a damaged panel of an installed array of panels.

Abstract: A multiple-layer laminated shingle and a method of making the shingle are provided, in which at least one adhesive of high temperature resistance is applied for securing the shingle layers together, to reduce reliance on a roofer having to fasten (via nails, staples or other fasteners) through a narrow headlap zone of a posterior shingle layer in order to secure the posterior shingle layer to a roof; such that a vertically wide portion of the headlap area of the anterior shingle layer is presented to the roofer as a nailing zone.

Abstract: A roofing material fastener comprises a shank having a length dimension and a point. The shank is adapted to enable it to be driven through at least a first course of roofing material and into a roof deck. A fastener head is positioned in a region of the shank distal from the point. A spike protrusion projects from the distal region of the shank to a terminus. The length of the spike protrusion is less than one half the length of the shank, measured from the point to the fastener head. The spike protrusion is adapted to penetrate a depth less than the full depth of a second course of roofing material installed above the first course. The spike protrusion is shaped to inhibit sawing through the second course of roofing material by the spike protrusion.

Abstract: A roofing shingle (74) includes an asphalt-coated sheet (18) having a tab portion (78) normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion (76) normally covered-up on a roof. The headlap portion has a lower zone (76A) that extends longitudinally between a first end (74A) and a second end (74B) of the roofing shingle adjacent the tab portion, and an upper zone (76B) adjacent the lower zone. At least a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has granules adhered thereto. A reinforcement member (19) is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion.

Abstract: A novel wall system for residential and light commercial construction that incorporates autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). This wall system comprises AAC blocks married to a building frame with a system of clips. The AAC blocks are joined one to the next with thin-bed mortar. The cavity between the frame and the AAC blocks is injected with structural insulating foam. The exterior of the autoclaved aerated concrete walls is finished with waterproof decorative stucco.

Abstract: A building component for a structure, the building component including a component body which includes two spaced apart and generally parallel interconnected side walls having opposed ends and opposed longitudinally extending sides, the building component being adapted to join with a second building component or to a connector for joining the building component to the second building component, the building component further including a plurality of coupling elements arranged at spaced-apart intervals along a length of the sidewalls from one of the longitudinal sides to the other and arranged such that in use the side walls can be cut or otherwise separated along the length thereof so as to provide a coupling element at the cut or separated end which is adapted to cooperate with a coupling element on said connector for securement of the component to the second building component or connector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of connecting a geogrid to a segmental retaining wall with the use of positive connectors between upper and lower blocks.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A spacer frame arrangement for insulating glass units, comprising a spacer profile body extending in a first direction and having a predetermined cross section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the predetermined cross section defining a hollow inner space of the spacer profile body with predetermined dimensions in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connector comprising a connector section adapted to be inserted in the first direction into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body by having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction which corresponds, with predetermined tolerances, to the cross section of the spacer profile body limiting the hollow inner space, at least the outer surface of the connector section facing the inner surface of the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body after insertion of the same being made of a fusable material, preferably a material fusable by melting the same, wherein the connector section is inserted into the h

Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support structure for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding structure which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Easy installation with unskilled labor is facilitated by attaching one support joist to a substrate and then unfolding the entire support structure.

Abstract: A fire-resistant glass block including a thermal break and methods for making same. Embodiments of the glass block assembly include at least two portions filled with fire-resistant gel, wherein the at least two portions are connected using a thermal break channel. The thermal break channel improves the thermal conductions characteristics of the assembly and mitigates the potential for breakage in either glass block half unit through direct heat transfer. The glass block assembly can be made by connecting two or more glass portions using a thermal break channel and filling the connected glass block portions with fire-resistant gel.

Abstract: A holding device (1) by which one or more panes of glass (2) forming a balustrade (3) is/are supported on a wall (4) or ceiling (5), consisting of a carrier rail (7) holding or supporting the panes of glass (2) and a holding plate (9) attached to the ceiling (4) or the wall (5), with the carrier rail (7) held in a horizontal direction on the holding plate (9) by means of a U-shaped hook-in pocket (25) projecting from the carrier rail (7). A box rail (11) projecting from the holding plate (9) in the direction of the carrier rail (7) is attached directly or by supporting elements (12), such that the carrier rail (7) is in contact with the box rail (11) or the supporting element (12) in the vertical direction, and one or more setscrews (16) and clamping screws (34) project from the box rail (11) in the direction of the carrier rail (7) with the screws connected to the carrier rail (7), and the distance between the box section (11) and the carrier rail (7) can be varied by means of the setscrew(s) (16).

Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.

Abstract: A wedge apparatus for a stirrup for reducing alleviating pain on a horseback rider's knees and ankles, the stirrup comprising a pair of opposing side bars, a hangar bar portion and a footrest bar, the wedge apparatus comprising (a) a wedge associated with the footrest bar, the wedge having a lateral portion and a medial portion, the lateral portion being thicker than and tapering toward the medial portion; (b) an impact-absorbing material; and, (c) an attachment mechanism for attaching the wedge and the impact-absorbing material to the footrest bar.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester (1) with cab (23), a chassis (5), a tip cutting device (2), a cane line dividing device (3), a base cutting device (14), a set of rollers (6) for conveying the sugar cane, a sugar cane chopping device (15), a cane cleaning device (8), an engine, an elevator (9) located in its central portion and comprising a 180 degree turning mechanism and an engine (12) located in its rear portion, independent of the chassis. Each of the rollers (6) is powered by at least one hydraulic motor housed inside the roller, with an aperture being provided in the chassis through which the motor can be removed.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A crop pickup apparatus for a round baler in which the pickup apparatus substantially wider than the bale chamber inlet opening. The pickup includes a pair of large crop converging augers situated along a common axis, one each on opposing sides of the crop inlet, and forwardly adjacent to the bale chamber infeed throat. The pickup apparatus also include a secondary crop feeding roll having a plurality of generally radially extending fingers that upwardly extend into the crop mat in an area adjacent to the converging augers to convey crop material from a forwardly disposed pickup tine reel to the inlet opening. The fingers are arranged to partially overlap with tines on the tine reel so that the crop material is generally continuously urged along the entire longitudinal feed path into the inlet opening.