Abstract: The invention relates to a firing mechanism for a firearm, comprising a housing in which a spring-loaded firing pin is guided in a guide, which firing pin can be held in a cocked position by means of a firing pin lug which latches on a latching tab of a latching piece and lies radially on one side of the firing pin, with the firing pin being guided in the guide via at least one roller, and wherein the roller lies on that side of the firing pin that is located radially opposite to the firing pin lug.

Abstract: A butt pad apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the butt pad apparatus includes a plate and a recoil pad attachable to the plate such that a chamber is defined therebetween. The recoil pad with plate attached thereto may be adapted for attachment to a butt of a stock. In various aspects, the butt pad apparatus includes an insert removably receivable within the chamber, and the insert may be formed of an elastomeric material. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for firearms including one or more tubes associated with a mono-block, characterized in that the mono-block has one or more cylindrical protrusions which allow the connection of one or more of the tubes and the subsequent joining thereof by welding, adhesive bonding, forcing, etcetera. The method for manufacturing the barrel assembly is characterized in that it includes the steps of: providing a mono-block which includes one or more front cylindrical protrusions, one or more partial chambers axially aligned with the protrusions, and corresponding collars for the cartridge seats, extractor seats, and closure members such as closure tenons or other members; all the members are completed with their final dimensions; performing an overall heat treatment of the mono-block and of the barrels; connecting the tubes, which constitute the barrels of the firearm, by welding, adhesive bonding, forcing, etcetera, to the protrusions.

Abstract: A firearm stock having a bipod on the end of the fore-stock with legs that store in channels formed inside the fore-stock and which permits the canting movement of the deployed bipod with respect to the stock. The bipod legs are pulled from their stored positions to extended positions and then pivoted to their splayed and deployed positions perpendicular to the axis of the stock. The stock also pivotally and optionally carries a monopod in the underside of the butt stock for pivoting rearward to its deployed position, urged by a spring into both the deployed and stored positions. The bipod legs may telescope and are exchangeable with different types of legs; the monopod is extendable and may be stored in its extended position against the underside of the butt stock.

Abstract: A digital machinegun optic (DMO) is discussed, which includes a digital module having a camera to obtain an image, a bullet drop compensation mount receiving the digital module in a detachable manner, and having a mounting solution, a caliber adjustment knob configured to enable a user to select a caliber that matches firearms of different calibers, and a dual bullet drop compensation wheel to allow the user to accurately hit a target by selecting a right distance to the target; a head mounted display module having a display portion to receive the image from the camera; and a control box module configured to control a display of the image on the display portion.

Abstract: An auxiliary sight device for shotguns, for anchorage on the barrel or double barrel of the shotgun, includes at least one swivelling item (7) with an articulation axis (9) in respect of the auxiliary sight (6), in which the swivelling item (7) is fitted with a pin (8), at the end opposite to its articulation, so that the direction of the line that visually links the shooter's eye with the end of the pin (8) has a divergence in respect of the axis of the barrel of the shotgun (3), adjustable in different predetermined positions.

Abstract: A decoy stand includes a tubular pole having a plurality of walls defining an outer periphery of the pole. The pole defines a longitudinal axis. The decoy stand also includes at least one slot elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and positioned in each of the walls of the tubular pole, and at least one extension arm including a first arm portion that is received through one of the slots, and a second arm portion upon which a decoy is mountable.

Abstract: The invention is an automatic rod holder with a frame and two opposed clamping jaws pivotally connected to the frame by parallel axes of rotation such that the clamping jaws exhibit a range of motion between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the closed configuration has a longitudinal opening defined by opposing concave portions of the clamping jaws configured to retain a rod.

Abstract: A jig body adapted to at least temporarily mount a soft plastic lure relative thereto, the jig body including an elongate shank, a line attachment portion relative to a first end of the elongate shank, a hook mounting means along the length of the shank, a soft plastic lure retention portion, and at least one portion of positive or negative buoyancy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-lethal animal trap that comprises a housing, a mechanically actuated trap door, a motion sensor, and a microprocessor controlled tripping mechanism. The trap includes a pathway having a first and second entrance and a first and second trap door. The pathway includes animal bait therein, whereabove a motion sensor detects objects and motion within the pathway such that the entrances to the pathway are closed by the trap doors. The motion sensor sends signals to the microprocessor, which in turn activates an electrical latch mechanism that releases the trap door mechanism from its set position to its closed position. Once closed, each trap door includes a brace that prevents the animal from forcibly opening the door. The animal is then trapped for later disposal or relocation. A plurality of indicator lights provides notification of the device operational state, including device standby, triggered, and trapped animal notification.

Abstract: Pest-management apparatuses (e.g., stations), such as, for example, that can be configured to permit a rodent to enter and retrieve a bait and/or become trapped (e.g., via adhesive or a snap-trap).

Abstract: Bait stations (e.g., rodent bait stations), such as those, for example, including a J-shaped or U-shaped passage (e.g., with an open first end and a closed second end).

Abstract: An above-ground termite station includes a container having a base, a side, and a lid together defining an interior space of the container. The side has at least two peripheral openings in spaced relationship with each other about a periphery of the container. Each of the peripheral openings is at least partially closed by a respective access closure that can be selectively removed to provide access to the interior space of the container through the peripheral opening. The container is mountable on an above-ground mounting surface with the base in generally opposed relationship with and abutting against the mounting surface. The lid is positionable between a closed position and an open position to permit access to the interior space of the container. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container.

Abstract: In an above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration of the termite station, a container of the termite station defines an interior space and is at least in part configured for abutting against and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. The container is configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration in which the interior space of the container is accessible while the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container and is generally an aggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at least in part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a single unit.

Abstract: Existing carpenter bee nests are treated with an insecticide gel. The insecticide gel comprises a thixotropic, injectable, non-hardening, non-volatile gel blended with a pyrethroid insecticide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a renewable fuel using a supercritical fluid. The method includes charging a supported catalyst into a continuous reactor and adding a catalyst activating material thereto to activate the supported catalyst, feeding an oil or fat, hydrogen and a supercritical fluid into the continuous reactor and allowing hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation reactions of the oil or fat in the supercritical fluid to proceed, and collecting a renewable fuel as the reaction product. The method enables the production of an oxygen-free renewable fuel in a higher yield at a lower hydrogen pressure and a lower reaction temperature than conventional methods for producing renewable fuels.

Abstract: Fungible bio-oil compositions with enhanced processability are provided. A process to produce the fungible bio-oil composition is also provided that involves combining a biomass-derived liquid, at least one petroleum-derived composition, and, optionally, one or more additives in order to produce the fungible bio-oil composition.

Abstract: A stabilized composition containing a metal hydride of boron, including complex metal hydrides of boron, in a polyalkylsiloxane amorphous fumed silica mixture is provided. In a preferred embodiment the composition is a stabilized mixture of aluminum borohydride, polydimethylsiloxane and amorphous fumed silica. A method to prepare the stabilized mixture is also provided.

Abstract: The device is provided for collecting sap from a tapped hole of a tree. It includes a collector having a substantially frustoconical outer peripheral wall surface and an inner peripheral wall surface. The collector also has a portion that is removably insertable into the tapped hole with a frictional engagement. The material between the peripheral wall surfaces at the removably-insertable collector portion is elastically and temporality deformable in response to a peripheral pressure exerted inwardly on the outer peripheral wall surface when the removably-insertable collector portion is inserted with a forced frictional fit into the tapped hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new tool for use in planting fruits and vegetables which under certain circumstances may increase the yield of fruit and vegetables. The tool is a structure that envelopes the plant and protects the lower portion of the plant by enclosing it in a structure that protects the plant from the elements and yet allows the plant to get the benefit of sunlight. A cage is disclosed having a lower portion enveloped in plastic or other suitable material. Certain opacities of plastics or other materials may be used according to local climate conditions and plant type.

Abstract: A planter assembly o raise a garden bed to a height that eliminates or minimizes stoop labour is comprised of lightweight, flexible, materials with adequate tensile strength as well as a rigid element with adequate compressive strength. Flexible wire mesh is formed into a perimeter frame of pre-determined width, length and height in combination with rods and wire. A textile lines the perimeter frame, providing a barrier impervious to soil. The textile encloses the top horizontal wire of the mesh within a hem held fast by wire and is thereby restrained. A band of the textile, sufficiently wide to be held to the ground by the placement of soil, extends from the base of the perimeter frame towards its middle. Wire is also used as crossties to enable the lateral earth pressure pushing against one side to resist the lateral earth pressure pushing against the side opposite.

Abstract: A seedling tray includes a top body member constructed of a rigid solid plastic material having a plurality of planting cells formed in an upper surface with each of the cells converging downwardly and inwardly to define an opening at the bottom thereof. A plurality of air chambers are formed between adjacent ones of the cells which are closed at the bottom by a bottom plate member constructed of a rigid plastic material which is fixedly attached to the body member and which has openings therein corresponding in number and alignment with the openings of the bottoms of the cells which are sealingly engaged with the openings in the bottom plate member.

Abstract: A pot for containing a plant such as a flower plant, having a bottom peripheral edge adapted for insertion or installation into a garden bed. In one embodiment, the pot is a normal truncated conical shape and the lower peripheral edge is irregular so as to use that bottom edge to more securely position the pot within a hole in the ground. The irregularity of the lower peripheral edge can be a plurality of teeth that bite into the ground and position the pot in the hole when the user rotates the pot while forcing it downwardly toward the ground. The bottom edge is thus used to cause the pot to settle firmly within the hole dug in the ground. In another embodiment, the pot is empty and is installed in the garden to provide decoration, by positioning the pot against the garden bed, and then pushing the pot into place. The upper rim of the pot may be decorative and may be located above the level of the ground.

Abstract: Composition and method for preparing artificial seeds of plantlets that can be developed into grown plants for propagation in the field are disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial seeds are developed in degradable containers. The disclosed methods also allow for rapid propagation of in demand plants, such as sugarcane, to meet the ever increasing global demand for this plant.

Abstract: Self-watering fruit tree container comprises a container holding a living plant that is positioned above a container holding a pool of water or nutrient solution where the water may be absorbed by the living plant through a permeable bottom and/or side of the plant container. Self-watering fruit tree container allows for an airspace layer between the plant container and the water container which prevents excessive absorption of water into the plant container, thereby preventing root rot. Self-watering fruit tree container achieves this partially by special funnel shaped root-pruning aeration apertures in the bottom of the plant container that allow very small roots and root hairs to pass and grow through the bottom of the plant container and into the water reservoir below, while pruning and stopping larger roots, and also allowing for aeration of soil in the plant container.

Abstract: A reforming process and apparatus exhibiting improved catalyst longevity towards reforming a high sulfur-containing liquid fuel. The process involves contacting in a first reforming zone a first oxidant and a liquid fuel containing high molecular weight organosulfur compounds with a partial oxidation catalyst under CPDX reaction conditions to form a first reformate stream containing a mixture of unconverted and partially-converted hydrocarbons and one or more low molecular weight sulfur compounds; and then contacting in a second reforming zone the first reformate stream with steam and optionally a second oxidant in the presence of an autothermal reforming catalyst under ATR reaction conditions to form a second reformate stream containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen and one or more low molecular weight sulfur compounds. The low molecular weight sulfur compounds can be readily removed from the first and/or second reformate streams by gas phase adsorption methods.

Abstract: Chemical processes and reactors for efficiently producing hydrogen fuels and structural materials and associated systems and methods. A representative process includes dissociating a hydrogen donor into dissociation products by adding energy to the hydrogen donor, wherein the energy includes waste heat generated by a process other than dissociating the hydrogen donor. The process can further include providing, from the dissociation products, a structural building block and/or a hydrogen-based fuel, with the structural building block based on carbon, nitrogen, boron, silicon, sulfur, and/or a transition metal.

Abstract: A lockless metal fireproof door is pivotably mounted to an outer frame and includes two metal sheets, with a fireproof mechanism mounted in each metal sheet. A hinge is mounted to a bottom of the lockless metal fireproof door for automatically returning the lockless metal fireproof door, with a gap provided between each metal sheet and the outer frame. The lockless metal fireproof door can be moved to a position and retained in the position by the ground hinge. The lockless metal fireproof door is positioned by a weight thereof after the lockless metal fireproof door reaches the position. The lockless metal fireproof door expands in a lateral direction to tightly press against the outer frame if a side of the lockless metal fireproof door is subjected to heat.

Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A viewing gyro window includes a fixing housing, an air-transmitting element, a center bracket, a first driving element having multiple first plates, a second driving element having multiple second plates, and a transparent element attached on the first driving element and the second driving element. A first tunnel and a second tunnel are defined on the center bracket, and are linked through a tube. When the first plates and the second plates are driven by air from the air-transmitting element emitted out of the first tunnel and the second tunnel via the tube, the first driving element and the second driving element rotate simultaneously. Because the transparent element is attached on the first driving element and the second driving element, simultaneous rotations of the first driving element and the second driving element increase a torque and angular velocity of the transparent element so as to accelerate its rotation speed.

Abstract: A rotatable adjustment knob has a knob body mountable to an optical or electronic device for rotation about an axis extending outwardly from the device. The knob body has an opening into a battery compartment sized to receive a battery. A lid is pivotably attached to the knob body for movement between a closed position in which the lid covers the opening, and an open position in which the lid is pivoted away from the opening to provide access to the battery compartment. The lid remains attached to the knob body while in both the open and closed positions for rotation with the knob body about the axis. A resilient seal confronts the knob body and the lid while the lid is in the closed position to thereby seal the opening and the battery compartment. A latch releasably retains the lid in the closed position.

Abstract: An integrally molded plastic part has a main body with an opening, and a door connected to the main body via an integral hinge and snapping into a closed position closing the opening. The door, at each of its two sides extending away from the hinge, includes a stopping surface via which the door, in its closed position, abuts against a supporting surface of the main body, and a snap-in hook protruding from the stopping surface and comprising a retaining surface which engages behind an edge of a flange confining the supporting surface. A distance between the two retaining surfaces as compared to a distance between the flanges confining the two supporting surfaces decreases with increasing distance to the hinge, whereas distances between the retaining and stopping surfaces as compared to distances between the edges of the flanges and the supporting surfaces increase with increasing distance to the hinge.

Abstract: A weatherstrip and associated method of forming the weatherstrip includes a body having a core formed of a first material and at least partially encapsulated in an extrusion material. A bright strip or metal show surface is integrated within the extrusion body to provide an aesthetically pleasing bright strip. The end of the bright strip is formed at an end of the weatherstrip to provide a one-piece structure.

Abstract: An outer blade cutting wheel (1) comprising a base and a blade section (11) of metal or alloy-bonded abrasive grains is dressed by clamping the cutting wheel between a pair of circular jigs (2) such that the blade section (11) projects beyond the jigs, immersing the cutting wheel in an electropolishing liquid, positioning counter electrodes (4, 5, 6) relative to the blade section, and effecting electropolishing for thereby removing part of the metal or alloy bond and chips received in chip pockets until abrasive grains are exposed on the blade section surface.

Abstract: The invention is for a cubic nitride compact comprising a polycrystalline mass of cubic boron nitride particles, present in an amount of at least 70 percent by volume and a binder phase, which is metallic in character. The invention extends to a compact in which the binder phase is preferably superalloy in character.

Abstract: Deployable units and systems made of deployable units are described. The units have a retractable brace transitioning from a retracted condition to a deployed condition through a gravity driven movement, a latching arrangement contacting the brace and keeping the brace in position when the brace is in the deployed condition, and a guiding arrangement to guide the movement of the brace. The systems comprise plural deployable units to be arranged in a building structure, each unit to be located in a respective bay per story space of the building structure.

Abstract: A protective covering helps to prevent fastener leaks from roof installed fasteners, which are used to mount roofing systems, such as a solar panel installation system, to roofs with a mounting bracket attached to the roof. The protective covering is a portion of flat, malleable waterproof material molded to form a cover, forming a rounded or peaked triangular-shaped structure when viewed from the side. The triangular shaped structure includes a base and a hypotenuse portion where the line of the roof acts as a side which is covered by at least the hypotenuse portion. The hypotenuse portion meets the roof at an angle. The covering is adapted for insertion under portions of a roof shingle, and extends back in a slight rise (downwardly with respect to the root) to cover the fastener and L-shaped bracket, which the fastener fastens to the roof.

Abstract: A system includes a portable transformer repair station that includes a portable building. The portable building includes a framework, a roof, and walls having a disassembled building configuration and an assembled building configuration. The portable building is configured to be transported in the disassembled building configuration. The portable building is configured to enclose a transformer repair space in the assembled building configuration. The portable transformer repair station also includes a portable floor having a disassembled floor configuration and an assembled floor configuration. The portable floor is configured to be transported in the disassembled floor configuration. The portable floor is configured to be disposed within the portable building in the assembled floor configuration. The portable transformer repair station also includes a portable oven configured to be disposed within the portable building.

Abstract: A carpenter's deck board and fastener positioning tool has a first, proximal part which rests temporarily on the top of a joist, and a second, distal part which rests temporarily on the top of a deck board to be installed. The first, proximal part has a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending tabs, one for extending along each side of the joist. This way, when the tool is placed on the joist, the tabs center the tool on the joist. The second, distal part is a longitudinal, substantially flat plate extending from the first, proximal part parallel to the joist, for resting on top of the deck board to be installed when the board is resting transversely on the joist. On or in the flat plate are fastener placements for enabling or indicating the proper location of fasteners for effectively connecting the deck board to the joist.

Abstract: A reinforcing bracket has a planar central portion extending parallel to the reinforcing members with at least one central opening to receive a lifting anchor. Two V-shaped wings extend out of the plane of the central portion from the opposing ends of the central portion. Sets of aligned openings pass through these wings to receive reinforcing members.

Abstract: Ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A passive damper for earthquake hazard reduction includes an inner member received in an outer member, with an elastomeric material disposed in the gaps between the inner and outer member. The elastomeric material has at least a first and a second portion. The first portion is bonded or connected to both the inner member and outer member such that no slippage occurs between the members and the material. The second portion is not bonded or connected to at least one of the inner and outer members such that slippage may occur.

Abstract: An adjustable roof jack comprising: a flange; a first cylinder having a first cylinder top portion being at an angle between 20 and 25 degrees and a first cylinder bottom portion, fixedly connected to the flange. There may be a second cylinder having a second cylinder top portion and a second cylinder bottom portion at an angle between 65 and 70 degrees. A second cylinder bottom fold is folded over a first cylinder fold to fixedly and rotationally connect at an angle between 20 and 25 degrees. A vent cap cylinder having a vent cap cylinder top portion and a vent cap cylinder bottom portion having at least one vent cap cylinder fold is folded over a second cylinder top fold to rotationally connect the vent cap cylinder to the second cylinder; and a vent cap assembly is fixedly attached to the vent cap cylinder top portion.

Abstract: A composite panel comprising an elongated concrete. A plurality of elongated pre-stressed cables pass through the slab, extending from the first end to the second end. Also provided is a support frame including an upper chord and a lower chord, the upper and lower chords generally extending in parallel relation from the first end to the second end of the slab. The upper chord is adjacent the upper side of the slab and the lower chord is adjacent the lower side. A plurality of connection studs extend transversely between the upper chord and the lower chord. A plurality of anchors extend from the support frame to the pre-stressed cables, a covered portion of the anchors being cast in the concrete and an exposed portion of the anchors maintaining the support frame in generally parallel spaced relation from the inner face of the slab.

Abstract: A system and method providing a facade for portable toilets and other structures includes a plurality of panels that mimic or emulate a more aesthetically pleasings structure. The facade may provide the appearance of a house or other structure to disguise the less appealing form of a portable toilet. One, two, three or more panels connect about a portable toilet structure and may partially or completely connect to the portable toilet structure itself. The facade is optionally comprised of lightweight and easily transportable material.

Abstract: An apparatus constituting the walls and frame of a building with a series of interlocking panels, preferably composed of two sheets of metal, bound together by polyurethane foam injected between them. The panels are secured to the floor via metallic columns found at each juncture between two panels. Electric assemblies and setups, as well as plumbing outlets are preinstalled within the panels, facilitating rapid installation. Windows, doors, and A/C vents are also crafted into the panels at their inception, prior to their transport to the construction site. It is the intent of the present invention to provide an avenue for affordable, durable, and efficient housing that may be constructed quickly with minimal effort in the absence of heavy machinery, and without any advanced tools.

Abstract: A spacer for use in spacing a cladding component from a building component has a support member, a base spaced apart from the support member, the base having a contact surface facing away from the support member, a web connected between the support member and the base, and a guide configured to locate the cladding component on the support member. A plurality of the spacers can be used by resiliently deforming them to accommodate and retain by restorative bias force a corresponding plurality of portions of the cladding component. Thereafter, the spacers are secured to the building component.

Abstract: A connector includes a vertical arm. The connector further includes a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm. The connector further includes a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element. The riser element is longer than the vertical element. The vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a core platform sub-assembly having an underlying structural support grid. A plurality of platform extension panels are disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of a perimeter of the core platform sub-assembly. Support extensions are configured on the support grid at a plurality of circumferential positions around the core platform sub-assembly, with the platform extension panels supported by the support extension. The support extensions are mountable to a wall within a wind turbine tower and are variably positional on the support grid so at to vary the effective diameter of the support grid.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a plurality of individual, multi-sided plate members, with each plate member connected to at least one other plate member along a common side. At least certain of the plate members have an outboard side that defines a circumferential section of the platform assembly. The connected common sides of the plate members define a structural support grid that connects to a wall within a wind turbine tower at a plurality of circumferential positions for supporting the platform assembly relative to the tower.