Abstract: A folding rifle stock has a forward portion for securing to a rifle action having a barrel and trigger. The stock has a rear portion having a shoulder-engagement surface. The forward portion and rear portion are pivotally connected and movable between an extended position and a folded position. The rear portion includes a grip positioned adjacent to a trigger location on the front portion, so that a finger on a user's hand gripping the grip may operate the trigger when the stock is in the extended position. The hinge may be directly connected to a metal bedding block in the front portion. The hinge may be adjustable to take up slack due to wear, with a tapered hinge pin, and with one hinge portion configured to selectable clamp a threaded portion of the hinge pin. The hinge may include a latch to lock the stock in the extended position, and the lock may include a wedging cam element to generate torque to bias the stock to the extended position.

Abstract: End plate sling adapter securable to a rifle for a sling, includes a fastener element, sling adapter clamp and locking insert. Sling adapter clamp has a collar defining a central opening extending therethrough, and a pair of fastener housings arranged at respective ends of the collar defining a gap therebetween. Each housing receives a fastener therein such that the fastener extends across the gap and is adjustable to reduce its width. Locking insert has an upper portion with a threaded cradle accommodated within central opening and meshing with a threaded portion of a rifle buttstock receiver extension, and a lower portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: A harmonic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a barrel. According to at least one embodiment, a harmonic barrel dampener comprises an outer portion that substantially encases or enwraps a significant portion of barrel, and wherein the harmonic barrel dampener further comprises at least one acoustic dampening material contained between the outer portion and a weapon's barrel, resulting in improved accuracy of projectiles fired from the weapon.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pistol includes coupling a tool to the pistol such that a portion of the pistol is interposed within a retaining aperture formed within the tool, interposing a first portion of a slide stop within an aperture formed within the frame of the pistol, interposing a second portion of the slide stop within a notch formed within the frame, and urging the second portion of the slide stop to contact the tool to prevent a scratch on a portion of the pistol that is prone to being scratched by the second portion of the slide stop.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to the side plate of a gun. The sighting device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source. The sighting device is mounted to a gun, usually by being mounted to a side plate, which is then mounted to a gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device is mounted to the side plate by being screwed or bolted to it. In another embodiment, the sighting device includes a recess or channel that receives a rail, such as a dove-tail projection (or protrusion), formed on the side or vice versa. A side plate to which the sighting device can be attached and a gun including the sighting device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: A scope adjustment system includes a turret cap assembly, a saddle assembly, and a quick spanner assembly. The turret cap assembly includes a ring with a plurality of regularly spaced apart teeth residing circumferentially around the ring. The saddle assembly includes a transportation element in mechanical communication with a plunger. The saddle assembly includes a click element to engage the teeth of the ring. The quick spanner assembly includes a bolt that may be coupled to the transportation element, a cam lock hinged to the bolt, and a pressure plate residing between the bolt and the cam lock. The bolt can be screwed into the transportation element, and the cam lock can be set to apply a force on the pressure plate such that the transportation element engages the plunger. When engaged, the plunger is responsive to rotations of the turret cap to adjust, e.g., an aiming reticle.

Abstract: A combination and accessory for a firearm having a receiving mechanism such as a Picanny rail or similar mechanism. A bracket is used to secure an accessory to the firearm via the receiving mechanism. The bracket mechanism uses a holder configured to encircle a portion of the accessory and a securing bracket adapted to engage the receiving mechanism. A manually operated compression mechanism simultaneously engages the securing bracket with said receiving mechanism and the holder with said accessory for a firearm.

Abstract: An electronic sound module in a fishing lure in the water is activated by a fisherman on the shore to broadcast a pre-recorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature. In a preferred embodiment, a motion sensor in the sound module activates the sound chip and micro speaker when the fisherman tugs on the line, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment remote radio controlled robotic fishing lure device replicates bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: A line, system, and method are provided for delivering a plurality of fluids to a target plant array at a plurality of pressures. The line comprises a plurality of tubes at least portions of which are hydrophilic. The tubes are connected together to form a co-extensive, multi-chambered delivery system. Each tube is connectable at a proximal end to a source of fluid, preferably comprising at least two different fluids. By having a unitary system positioned in the soil, redundancy of equipment, labor, and systems can be reduced, with the instant system able to perform the functions of multiple systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.

Abstract: A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.

Abstract: A stackable planter has a generally rectangular base having a base area. A hollow leg is attached to opposite sides of the base. Each leg has an open top, the open top of each leg being adjacent opposite sides of the base. The area of the open top is less than the base area. Interconnected sidewalls extend from the base and the legs to define a cavity for planting soil. A removable cover fits over the open area of each leg. These covers also fit on the rectangular base. The base, covers and open tops of the legs are sized such that the covers may be placed on the base and not extend into the open area of the legs and each cover can be placed over the open area of a leg fully covering the open area. The sidewalls and the legs are sized and configured so that one planter body can be positioned within another planter for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A pressure-activated sensor assembly may include a switch component that actuates upon pressure contact with an obstructing object; a flexible component that substantially surrounds and encases the switch component; an engagement component that engages a projection of an associated closure component; an extended portion disposed substantially on a side of the engagement component that contacts a side surface of the associated closure component; and at least one fastener that secures the extended portion to the side surface of the closure component.

Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filtering screen having a top surface and a bottom surface. A skeletal structure is attached to the filtering screen and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the filtering screen contacts the top surface of the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure forms a plurality of downward extending channels.

Abstract: A roof framing structure (20) is disclosed, and includes a plurality of primary supports (30) (e.g., rafters) that may be disposed in parallel relation and extend along the roof pitch (14). One or more secondary supports (40) extend between each adjacent pair of primary supports (30). Each secondary support (40) is of a triangular cross-sectional configuration, and may extend orthogonally to the various primary supports (30).

Abstract: A form or mold for letters and numbers is filled with different color stucco and mounted to the side of a building or used in landscaping and filled with different color mulch or rocks to display names and addresses. The letters and numbers can have an illuminating feature.

Abstract: A ground anchor, including a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, ground piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, the ground piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface, ballast positioned on or in the body, the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load, and means for securing an anchor line to the body.

Abstract: A leaktight frame (10) for a window (3) suitable for securing the window (3) to a carrier structure (2), has first and second sealing gaskets (11, 12) respectively suitable for being arranged on a first periphery (3?) of the window (3) and on a second periphery (2?) of the carrier structure (2), the frame (10) being provided with releasable holder elements (20) for clamping the first and second gaskets (11, 12) onto the window (3) and the carrier structure (2).

Abstract: The present system and method enables water entering a dwelling or structure to be contained and removed, while preventing evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form, affixable to a first surface of a wall at a mounting angle, and comprising a vapor barrier retainer for detachably affixing a vapor barrier to the waterproofing form, and a gutter channel, disposed at a pitch angle, and in fluid communication with the first surface of the wall, the vapor barrier, and a collection area, where the pitch angle and the mounting angle are the same angle, and where the pitch angle causes the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a concrete sandwich panel. The sandwich panel may comprise a first reinforced concrete panel; a second reinforced concrete panel; an insulating panel sandwiched between the first reinforced concrete panel and the second reinforced concrete panel; a tie comprising a generally triangle wave-shaped pattern having a period defined by peaks spaced at a regular interval and a peak-to-peak amplitude greater than the thickness of the insulating panel; wherein the insulating panel has a plurality of generally linear slots defined at the regular interval of the tie for receiving the tie such that opposing ends of the tie terminate adjacent to the insulating panel, and the plurality of generally linear slots are filled utilizing an insulating material upon insertion of the tie to reduce thermal bridging; and wherein the peaks of the tie mechanically join the first and second reinforced concrete panels to the insulating panel.

Abstract: A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane.

Abstract: A roof mounting system includes rows of overlapping panels wherein a spacer is provided between the overlapping panels to cause a separation of the outer surface of one panel and the lower surface of the other panel. The spacer is in a wire/band form structure wherein the spacer is bent or bendable to include both horizontal and vertical portions. Other practices are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of longitudinal profile such as a tongue and a groove on boards wherein the process includes the steps; a) shaping a substantial part of the profile cross-section by means of milling with a milling tool Fine shaping undercuts in at least the groove of the board by means of broaching utilizing at least one broaching tool.

Abstract: A support frame system for placing and securing reinforcing bars, which includes an elongated beam member which includes a plurality of saddles at a predetermined spacing. Support legs extending from the beam member hold the beam member, and thus also the re-bars, at a fixed distance above the mold. Once re-bars have been laid in the desired saddles, mating clips can be placed around each re-bar and locked onto the beam member to prevent movement of the re-bars during a subsequent concrete pour. Two or more of these beam members can be connected together end-to-end using mating prongs and holes at opposite ends of each beam member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glazing unit comprising a glazed element (10) provided with a peripheral frame or with peripheral elements made of plastic overmolded onto said glazed element (10), said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements incorporating at least one element (13?, 14?, 15, 16, 17, 18?, 19?, 19?, 20) for reinforcing the glazed element, this reinforcing element being connected to said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements by an overmolding plastic (9) and consisting of a profile comprising a web part (11) that is arranged parallel or substantially parallel and close to the glazed element (10) and bears at least one projecting part (12) distal to the glazed element, characterized in that the projecting part or parts (12) does not or do not form a pocket that is open in the direction of the glazed element (10).

Abstract: A weather strip includes a bottom wall that faces or is in contact with an end face of a fixed window glass that closes a window opening of a side door. An outer wall extends from the bottom wall on an outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass, and an inner wall extends from the bottom wall on an inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass so that the inner wall and the outer wall sandwich a peripheral portion of the fixed window glass in a thickness direction. The inner wall is provided with a spacing groove for creating a space between the fixed window glass and the inner wall.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method of forming a decorative pervious concrete system are generally described. In some embodiments, the pervious concrete system comprises a coarse pervious layer, a binder layer, a decorative pervious layer and a decorative layer sealer. In some embodiments, the decorative pervious layer comprises a decorative aggregate which may be at least partially exposed.

Abstract: Method for producing a heating panel, and heating panel resulting therefrom. In a first platform, a stack of a sound-proof and moisture-proof material and a thermal insulating material, through which shock-absorbing poles having protecting caps are inserted by a predetermined interval, is prepared. A lower thermal energy storage plate is attached to the thermal insulating material in a second platform, a heat conduction steel plate is attached to the lower thermal energy storage plate in a third platform, and an upper thermal energy storage plate is attached to the heat conduction steel plate in a fourth platform. Rivet holes are perforated through the thermal energy storage plates, heat conduction steel plate, and protecting caps in a fifth platform, and rivets are into the holes in a sixth platform. The rivets are riveted in a seventh platform, completing the complex heating panel. The completed panel is transported in an eighth platform.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a molded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: Photovoltaic bituminous tile for a photovoltaic roof, production method of the tile and laying method of the roof, in which: the photovoltaic bituminous tile includes the photovoltaic module that integrates at least one amorphous silicon triple junction solar cell and electric connector, coupled to a bituminous base by a sticking phase; and in which the installation of the photovoltaic roof requires two phases. In the first phase in which the photovoltaic bituminous tiles are placed, each is provided with an electric connector, placed side-by-side to the other at the lateral edge and surmounted near the upper longitudinal edge, and, at least at the connection of each tile placed side-by-side to the other, with at least one angular ‘L’ shaped section to which a covering is joinable. The second phase involves performing the electrical connections with protection of the connections and of the connector by application of the protection covering.

Abstract: A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) and a method for making packs (30) of at least two beverage containers (20) are disclosed. Using a conveyor, (15) the beverage containers (20) are fed to a station (10), at which the beverage containers (20) can be guided into a separate holding element (16). The station (10) has at least two rigid guiding elements (50), which are positioned in the station in transport direction of the beverage containers (20) in such a way that they run towards each other and thus clamp the beverage containers (20) in the holding element (16).

Abstract: A method of providing a food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein.

Abstract: A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving the document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use the respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.

Abstract: A spur attachable to a boot. The spur includes a body having a first arm, a second arm, and a neck. A first bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the first arm and a second bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are configured to be forward relative to a heel of the boot and the neck is configured to be rearward relative to the heel of the boot.

Abstract: A tine assembly is used with an agricultural machine such as a harvester or hay merger. The tine assemblies mount on a reel that rotates about an axis extending transverse to the direction of travel. The tine assembly includes a first tine and a second tine, each having a main extended portion and a lateral portion extending transverse to the main portion at a mounting end of the tines. The lateral portions mount into tabs or opposite ends of a sleeve. The sleeve or tabs and mounting end of the tines are enclosed by a molded mounting portion that also includes a reinforcing arcing element configured for mounting to the reel bar. The arcing element includes orifices that allow for easily bolting and unbolting the tine assemblies for easy attachment and removal.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: An oil recovery device is disclosed. The oil recovery device includes two bearing supports mounted on an inter-turbine casing, a first bearing and a second bearing mounted on the bearing supports, a low-pressure turbine journal mounted rotating with respect to the inter-turbine casing, a fixed ferrule, and an oil passage provided in the low-pressure turbine journal making it possible to discharge the oil inside the fixed ferrule. The ferrule is preferentially widened from the end at which the oil is discharged.

Abstract: A solar-thermal gas turbine generator is equipped with a compressor, a heat receiver, and a turbine. Additionally, there is a generator that is driven by the solar-thermal gas turbine to generate power; and a steam power generation cycle in which high-temperature air exhausted from the turbine is introduced into a steam generator and in which a steam turbine that is operated with steam generated at the steam generator drives a generator to generator power, wherein a solar-thermal steam generator that generates steam by being heated with heat collected by the light collector is provided upstream of the steam turbine of the steam power generation cycle, and a distribution ratio for distributing the sunlight collected by the light collector to the heat receiver and the solar-thermal steam generator is adjusted in accordance with the sunlight intensity.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a propulsion device that ionizes a portion of a medium and ExB drifts the ionized portion providing thrust where the ionized portion is created using high pressure field emitters comprising: a substrate layer; a gate layer; a field emitter tip; and a cover layer, wherein the field emitter tip is configured to emit electrons in a region when there is a potential difference between the gate layer and the field emitter tip, where the cover layer separates an ambient environment at a pressure from the region, and where a substantial portion of the electrons pass through the cover layer.

Abstract: A gas control valve is configured to controllably supply propellant gas to a thruster so that the thruster may produce thrust over a relatively wide range, and so that the thruster exhibits relatively fine minimum impulse bit (MIB) performance. The gas control valve includes a pilot stage having a pilot valve, and a main stage having a main valve. The gas control valve responds to control signals supplied to the pilot stage and is configured such that for commands of relatively short duration, only the pilot valve responds. Conversely, for commands of relatively longer duration, the pilot valve and main valve both respond.

Abstract: The present specification generally relates to improvements to combustors such as burners and engines. In one aspect, the specification presents an acoustically enhanced ejector system which can be used as part of an intake system for a combustor. In another aspect, the specification teaches the use of a combustor combustion chamber as an oscillator to magnify a harmonic frequency of a pulsating frequency of the combustor. In still other aspects, the specification presents a combustion chamber having an inlet with a plurality of tangentially spaced apertures, and an in-line intake system connected to the apertures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating an exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder (Z1-Z4) and one exhaust-gas section (4), in which the exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) and a lambda probe (43) downstream of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) are arranged. A characteristic value which is representative for the NOx concentration is determined as a function of a measured signal (VLS DOWN) of the lambda probe (43).

Abstract: A closely-coupled exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first exhaust conduit comprising a first valve operable between a first position promoting an exhaust flow within the first exhaust conduit to an inlet of a first oxidation catalyst and a second position promoting the exhaust gas flow within a second exhaust conduit. It also includes a third exhaust conduit fluidly coupled to an outlet of the OC and comprising a second valve operable between a first position promoting an exhaust flow within the third exhaust conduit to an inlet of a particulate filter (PF) and a second position promoting the exhaust gas flow through a fourth exhaust conduit to an inlet in the second exhaust conduit. It further includes a turbocharger fluidly coupled to the second exhaust conduit downstream of the inlet and a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) catalyst that is located downstream of the turbocharger and upstream of the PF.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operated with direct fuel injection into the combustion chambers. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine is operated with sub-optimum ignition angle efficiency and an apportionment of a fuel quantity, which is to be injected before the start of a combustion, into at least two partial injections. A torque loss which results from the sub-optimum ignition angle efficiency and/or from the apportionment of the fuel to be injected is compensated by means of an increased charge of the combustion chambers. The fuel quantity and the charge are coordinated with one another in such a way that the air ratio lambda of the combustion chamber charges is greater than 1.

Abstract: A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine.