Abstract: Impact-attenuation systems, e.g., for use in footwear, can help control foot positioning during a step cycle, e.g., to help reduce or eliminate misorientation of the foot, and the fatigue and/or strain that may result from such misorientation. Articles of footwear including such impact-attenuation systems may include: (a) an upper member; and (b) a sole structure engaged with the upper member. The sole structure may include: (i) a first impact-attenuating member located in a heel portion of the foot-supporting member, and (ii) a second, separate impact-attenuating member located at a rear, lateral heel portion. The second impact-attenuating member may be designed and/or configured to provide less resistance to an impact force as compared with the first impact-attenuating member.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation systems, e.g., for use in footwear, can help control foot positioning during a step cycle, e.g., to help reduce or eliminate misorientation of the foot, and the fatigue and/or strain that may result from such misorientation. Articles of footwear including such impact-attenuation systems may include: (a) an upper member; and (b) a sole structure engaged with the upper member. The sole structure may include: (i) a first impact-attenuating member located in a heel portion of the foot-supporting member, and (ii) a second, separate impact-attenuating member located at a rear, lateral heel portion. The second impact-attenuating member may be designed and/or configured to provide less resistance to an impact force as compared with the first impact-attenuating member.

Abstract: A variety of devices for protecting a user's foot from injury are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device may be a metatarsal protection device, which may include a first layer of material having top and bottom surfaces, with at least one of such surfaces including a series of cones or a pattern of hexagons thereon. The metatarsal protection device may also include a second relatively rigid layer of material overlying the first layer, and the first layer may be shaped to conform to the metatarsal region of the user's foot, such that the device is configured to protect the metatarsal region against injury. Other configurations and variations of a metatarsal protection device are also disclosed, as are other uses for the principles of the invention(s) disclosed herein (e.g., protection devices for other areas of the foot, etc.

Abstract: An article having a primary use associated with an open position thereof, and a secondary use associated with a closed position thereof. The primary use is that of a piece of clothing, and the secondary use is that of a storage container. The article comprises a pouch portion (12) having an opening (20), the pouch constituting, in the open position of the article, a functional portion of said piece of clothing, and, in a the closed position of the article, a storage pocket.

Abstract: An article of footwear including heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

Abstract: A cycle counter for a wheeled tractor scraper is disclosed. The cycle counter may have an ejector configured to push material from a bowl of the wheeled tractor scraper, a sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a position of the ejector, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine movement of the ejector toward a full dump position based on the pressure signal, and to record completion of a cycle for the wheeled tractor scraper after the ejector has reached the full dump position only if a value of the pressure signal exceeded a threshold value during movement of the ejector toward the full dump position.

Abstract: The visual alert for placement on free-range animals includes active and/or passive lighting to alert motor vehicle drivers of such animals crossing the roadway when traveling through open rangeland. The visual alert is a sleeve having fins extending radially therefrom, the fins having reflective and/or active lighting elements thereon. Power for active lighting is provided by electrical batteries that are recharged during daylight. The permanently installed sleeve may be formed as a circumferentially closed distensible unit that passes over the hoof of the animal, or as an open sheet that is rolled about the leg of the animal and permanently secured by plastic ties or other suitable elements. The sleeve is lined with a non-abrasive material to preclude injury to the animal during long term wear.

Abstract: An inflatable display having figurines that are selectively attached to a display base using a pneumatic coupling comprised of an inflating coupling having an annular groove that mates with an inflating port having a ring seal. The base and individual figurines are made of a breathable yet inflatable fabric material. Openings through the base allow air pressure supplied by an electric blower to inflate the figurines via the pneumatic couplings. The display is kept in place by a series of guy ropes and stakes placed around the perimeter of the base and some figurines can include an interior light.

Abstract: A linear series of connected unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling articles, each of which comprises a labeling tag flatly cojoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. Adjacent labeling articles of the series are ruptureably connected in a manner permitting the series to be handled as a unit while at the same time permitting ruptureable separation of individual merchandise labeling articles from the series. In one embodiment, the linear series is wound into roll form.

Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.

Abstract: A rifling angle calculating method according to the present invention expands a rifling angle by combining a Fourier function and a polynomial function to take only the advantages of the two functions, and thus boundary conditions at the start and end points of the rifling angle may be faithfully satisfied, and an optimum rifling angle for minimizing the maximum rifling force may be calculated.

Abstract: A communication connector system for a weapon having an upper receiver at an upper part of the weapon with electronics associated with the upper receiver and a base at a lower part of the weapon with a lower receiver and a hand grip and that houses electronics and with the upper receiver rotatably coupled to the lower receiver and movable between a closed position and an open position includes an upper connector assembly configured to be coupled to the upper receiver. The upper connector assembly has an upper connector being configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. A lower connector assembly has a lower connector that is configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted to the hand grip.

Abstract: A finger-tip device facilitating convenient release of a magazine-clip from a gun such as an AR-15 rifle, some of which magazine/release-buttons are configured with a statute-mandated recessed sub-button therein, requiring dexterous insertion of a separate pocket-carried cylindrical probe-tool is disclosed. An index-finger stall adapted with an insertion-pin is provided. Also disclosed is a self-retaining version, which attaches directly into the existing magazine/release sub-button The invention described herein enables the gun user to more efficiently dispatch the spent magazine-clip for a loaded one, in a safer and substantially more efficient time-&-motion manner.

Abstract: A sight assembly for a firearm is provided and may include a main body attached to the firearm and a pair of projections defining a first surface opposing a shooter and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the projections than the first surface. The first surface may be formed at an angle relative to a top surface of the firearm such that a bottom portion of the first surface disposed proximate to the top surface of the firearm is farther away from a shooter than a top portion of the first surface. The sight assembly may further include a U-shaped opening disposed between the pair of projections and in communication with a passage defined by the pair of projections, whereby the passage widens along a length of the pair of projections in a direction extending from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A sighting system for a firearm is provided and may include a rear-sight assembly having a rear surface opposing a shooter, a pair of rear-aiming points, and a U-shaped opening disposed between the pair of rear-aiming points. The rear surface may be formed at an angle relative to a top surface of the firearm such that a bottom portion of the rear surface disposed proximate to the top surface of the firearm is farther away from a shooter than a top portion of the rear surface. The sighting system may also include a front-sight assembly including a housing having a front-aiming point, a brightly colored material surrounding the front-aiming point, and a top coat extending over the brightly colored material and the front-aiming point.

Abstract: A reel seat (5) for affixing a fishing reel (80) to an archery bow (1) using a threaded fastener (16) attached to a support shaft (9). The foot (6) of the fishing reel (80) rests upon the shaft (9) and is secured between a cap (7) and a rear bushing (8). The rear bushing (8) is stationary while the cap (7) is movable along the shaft (9). Screwing a threaded fastener (23) into the shaft (9) advances the removable cap (7) towards the stationary rear bushing (8) and decreases the separation of the rear bushing (8) and the cap (7). The decreased distance results in physical forces and friction being applied to the reel foot, supporting member, and said structures. Prior to fully tightening the fastener (23), the fishing reel (80) may be placed in an infinite number of circumferential positions (90, 91, 92) with respect to the longitudinal axis (86) of the shaft (9).

Abstract: A buoyant fishing device with a housing having a first end and a second end and containing an elongated passageway having an axis, at least one weight disposed within the passageway, wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity when the weight is in the first position and wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially parallel to gravity when the weight is in the second position.

Abstract: A fishing jig includes a hook shank including i) a substantially straight portion extending along a first axis; ii) an angulated length forming a shoulder at a first upper end of the straight portion including a first section extending at an obtuse angle to the straight portion and a second section bent at a 45° away from the point, a place of intersection between the first section and the second section forming a crook in said angulated length; a malleable weight secured to the hook shank overlying the crook and iii) a line-tie eyelet formed at a terminal end of the second section. Molded soft plastic baits having pockets to receive the malleable weight are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: A single small elastic disk, which may or may not include a central perforation, is dispensed from the storage cavity of the device into a holding channel at the edge thereof so that it can be threaded onto a fishhook to serve as a bait retainer. The lateral movement of the hook from the edge of the dispenser removes the retainer from the channel, so that is placing firmly on the shaft of the fishhook. The central portion, being opened by the fishhook tip before removal from the dispenser, will exert a gripping force when disposed on the shaft or shank portion of a fish hook. Preferably, the disk portion of one such retainer when placed against adjacently threaded bait or lures will retain them on the hook during use until the bait or lure is intentionally removed.

Abstract: A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed.

Abstract: A bed bug monitor includes a base and a central housing. The central housing is insulated and encloses a supply of solid carbon dioxide. During use an aperture in the housing releases a plume of carbon dioxide vapor which attracts bed bugs onto the base.

Abstract: A partitioned planter for expandable compartmentalized plant growth includes an outer container and removable progressively smaller inner compartments. The planter provides water drainage and molded features to retain and position the inner compartments. The removable compartments each have a plurality of flat wall sections which are assembled to form a structure which contains the plant roots during growth. The wall segments also include stiffening brackets which engage top perimeter edges of forwardly adjacent wall members for additional structural stabilization.

Abstract: The invention specifies an anti-trapping device, comprising a motor for driving a pivotable actuating element of a motor vehicle, a sensor for contactlessly identifying an obstacle in the way of the actuating element with an electrode, which has a plurality of segments for producing an external electrical field with respect to a mating electrode and a control unit. The electrode extends in a radial direction with respect to the pivotable actuating element and is split in the radial direction into the plurality of segments, which can each be evaluated separately for the purpose of generating an interference signal. The control unit is designed to drive the motor as a function of an interference signal from one of the segments. Such an anti-trapping device has particularly high flexibility when driving the pivotable actuating element if an obstacle in the way of the pivotable actuating element has been detected.

Abstract: A retainer bar assembly for use with a door or window includes a retainer bar configured for slidable coupling with a fenestration frame and slidable coupling with a sash. A retainer bar handle is coupled with the retainer bar. A retainer bar fastener assembly includes a movable bolt movably coupled with the sash. The movable bolt is movable between a fastening configuration where the bolt is coupled with at least one of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is fixed in an installed orientation relative to the sash, and a releasing configuration where the bolt is decoupled from one or more of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is slidable relative to the sash.

Abstract: System, device and method for providing screened protection to gutters from clogging debris. Protection is provided by using a panel that includes rain siphoning louvered technology covered by a filter or screen. The rows of louvers are offset to direct water into the vertical openings. The louvered portion is dome shaped to permit the louvers to be vertical and to help debris roll off the sides. The filter is molded to the rows of louvers to conduct water to the vertical openings of the louvers. The filter or screen is secured to the panel by being laid in opposing hems on the two sides of the louvered portion of the panel and then by rolling beads or ribs onto the hemmed portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a throating that enables temporary affixing and facilitates construction work. The throating of the present invention includes a rear plate part that is fixed to a building frame, a throating plate part bent obliquely downward and frontward at a lower end of the rear plate part, and a front plate part bent downward from a front end of the throating plate part. The throating has an adhesive layer on each of a front face and a rear face of the rear plate part, and has a release paper on the surface of the adhesive layers. A top end portion of the rear plate part is covered by an adhesive layer and/or release paper. Preferably, the release paper has a cutting line.

Abstract: A retractable roof system (30) for a large building structure (32) for selectively closing off an opening (39) of a fixed roof (34) of the building structure (32), the system includes at least one roof section (40) movably mountable on at least one pier (42). A deployment mechanism (46) is provided and includes ropes (66) and pulleys (68) appropriately mounted on the top section (50) of the pier (42). The ropes (66) extend from an actuating piston (60) to the movable part (44) of the top section (50).

Abstract: The invention is a wall for interior architecture, particularly for partitioning adjacent rooms, comprising a substantially rigid frame (2) suited to define an external perimeter surface (4) of the wall (1), and one pair of opposite faces (3) constrained to the rigid frame (2) and made of a flexible material. In particular, the opposite faces (3) comprise elastic constraining means (5) suited to maintain them tensioned and substantially parallel to a geometrical plane, while the rigid frame (2) and the opposite tensioned faces (3) delimit an internal hollow region (6).

Abstract: A leveling spacer for laying wall tiles, paving tiles and the like with the interposition of gaps, which comprises a base with spacing protrusions for the abutment of the edges of corresponding tiles so as to define the width of the gaps, a threaded stem, which is fixed at right angles to the base in at least one easily breakable point, a knob for clamping and removing the threaded stem, which comprises a female threaded portion adapted to be screwed to the threaded stem.

Abstract: A crawlspace encapsulation system that enables sealing and insulating of the crawlspace while allowing for the venting of gases trapped between the ground and the sealing and insulating system. The crawlspace encapsulation system includes an insulation joist plug, one or more insulation panels, and a polymeric membrane.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules and a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array on the support surface without penetrating the support surface. The support members are formed of plastic and each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members. Each of the support members is secured to and supports at least one of the photovoltaic modules but is not directly secured to any of the other support members. Thus the support modules can be utilized to support a wide variety of different sizes of photovoltaic modules. A wind shield is located at the rearward most support members. The wind shield is spaced a distance from the rearward photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Framing for panels, in particular for sliding panels, which may or may not be sliding windows, arranged to enclose and hold one or more single or multiple parallel glazing units, and having at least one frame in two parts formed from profiled parts and assembled so that their relative position can be modified, each of the profiled parts having at least one longitudinal wing which enclose a glazing unit, wherein each of the profiled parts has at least one pair of parallel transverse wings, namely an upper transverse wing and a lower transverse wing respectively, at least partially fitting around at least one insulation element, and in that the transverse wings and the insulation element are configured to ensure the connection of the parts of each frame, the width of the insulation element being adjusted at the time of mounting according to the thickness of the glazing unit or units.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.

Abstract: A safety line anchor securable to a roof drain is disclosed. The anchor provides a secure tie down location for people working on the roof of a building. The anchor is portable so that users can carry it with them to the roof and secure it in a roof drain with minimal modification of the drain. When the worker is finished on the roof, the device can be removed and carried away. The safety line anchor comprises a body, a drain coupling assembly, and an expansion assembly. The drain coupling assembly securely fastens the anchor to the roof drain. The expansion assembly expands in the neck of the drain or the roof drain system piping to minimize wobbling of the anchor. A safety line may be attached to the body of the anchor.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: The present invention comprises an effective manufactured insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The radiant insulating and venting assembly is comprised of a rigid upper layer that is moisture resistant. The bottom layer of the assembly is made up of a radiant reflective surface. Between the rigid upper moisture resistant layer and the radiant reflective layer are non-collapsing air spacer columns, approximately ?ths to 1 inch in length, that create the needed air space for effective radiant heat reflection and air and moisture venting.

Abstract: A wall system includes a first wall section a structural portion, such as concrete block construction. A second wall section mounts to the first wall section and includes insulating panels connected in an edge to edge relationship to form a continuous insulating layer. A third wall section of conventional finishing materials such as drywall, paneling or exterior finish layer mounts over the second wall section. Each of the insulating panels includes mounting elements at least partially embedded therein that provide for mounting the panels to the first layer and for mounting the third wall section to the second wall section. Each of the panels is lightweight and may be water impervious. The panels have ridges formed therein that define channels for routing wiring and other components. The panels also include complementary edges and complementary alignment features.

Abstract: A roofing panel includes a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a right-side surface, a left-side surface and a rear surface, the front surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the right-side surface, the left-side surface and the rear surface include a waterproofing membrane. A plurality of top perimeter edges, the plurality of top perimeter edges include substantially concave bevels. A plurality of bottom perimeter edges, the plurality of bottom perimeter edges include substantially convex bevels. The bottom surface of the roofing panel includes an adhesive for adhering the roofing panel to a roof deck.

Abstract: An insulation insert panel for use with an ICF block having a pair of opposed panel members and a plurality of tie members extending transversely therebetween, the insert panel including a plurality of spaced apart slots extending along the length thereof for mating with the tie members associated with the ICF block into which it is being inserted, each slot including at least one notch located in the vicinity of its terminal end portion for receiving at least one crossbar member associated with each tie member when the insert panel is fully positioned within the ICF block.

Abstract: A method of roofing an occupancy structure comprising providing a roofing membrane that comprises at least one thermoplastic membrane layer, bonding the roofing membrane to the roof of an occupancy structure, where the occupancy structure includes a roof member that is at least partially constructed of a plastic material and extends above the roofing membrane when the roofing membrane is applied to the occupancy structure. A substantially solid hot melt thermoplastic sealant is heated to enable the substantially solid hot melt thermoplastic sealant to flow and a layer of the substantially solid hot melt thermoplastic sealant is applied to an exterior surface of the thermoplastic membrane layer and a plastic portion of the roof member to seal the joint between the roofing membrane and the roof member.

Abstract: An insulation panel includes a foam core with a reinforced and vapor-impervious facing disposed on one or both sides of the core. A portion of the facing extends beyond the core and has an adhesive so that the overhanging portion can be secured to an abutting panel to cover a seam between the abutting panels. A fixture for forming the panel includes two heated platens, preferably provided with a textured surface, held apart by a spacer and between which the facing is mechanically suspended. An installation of the insulation panel includes panel-securing elements attached to frame elements of the building and including first and second flanges spaced apart by the thickness of the panel. A portion of the insulation panel is disposed between the first and second flanges, the first flange is secured to the frame element, and a cover panel disposed over the insulation panel is secured to the second flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering consisting of elements that can be mechanically interconnected, at least one of the elements being a panel (1, 1a-1d, 2, 2a-2d) with the following characteristics: a) the sides (6) of the elements facing one another have a corresponding profiled section that can be used to interlock adjoining elements by means of a substantially vertical or pivoting connection movement in a horizontal and vertical direction; b) the interlocking can be achieved by a tongue element (11) that is hinged on one of the elements and that can be pivoted behind a locking edge (17) of the other element during the connection movement, said edge extending substantially in a horizontal direction; c) during the connection of adjoining elements, the tongue element (11) slides down a supporting surface (19) of the adjoining element, said surface lying opposite the locking edge (17).

Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: In an installation channel to be embedded into a curable construction material, e.g. concrete, having a support profile and preferably an attachment for attaching at least one add-on part to the installation channel, so that the outside of the support profile has a direct connection to the curable construction material at an embedding area, a potential fault block should be large so that large forces can be absorbed by the installation channel. A compressible insert is fastened to the outside of the support profile at the embedding area, so that part of the outside of the support profile is not in direct contact with the curable construction material at the embedding area.

Abstract: An earth retention system constructed with a top-down process that can be used for permanent below-grade structures, similar to a “soldier beam and lagging wall,” consists of vertical soldier piles, drainage and waterproofing, and a finished, reinforced concrete facing. The concrete facing is placed pneumatically (i.e., using so-called shotcrete). The system is well-suited to constructing below-grade portions of buildings where excavation lay back is not practical or cost effective and can incorporate permanent lateral support from tieback anchors. The below-grade structure is constructed by excavating down part way, constructing a waterproof “lift” portion of the ultimate structure, excavating down another part way, constructing another waterproof lift portion in a manner to be tied in with the lift portion immediately above, and repeating these steps until the below-grade structure is constructed to the desired depth.

Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.

Abstract: A lightweight hollow member having excellent stiffness and impact properties and which is suitable for automotive parts due to having a high strength such as at least 780 MPa and a complicated shape is provided. A hollow member 11 has a hollow steel body 14. The body 14 is constituted by a single member at least in the lengthwise direction. The body 14 has a flat cross section having at least a portion with a maximum outer dimension L1 and a portion with an outer dimension L2 shorter than the maximum outer dimension L1. The body 14 has a twisted portion in a portion of its length.

Abstract: An air cushion manufacturing machine includes a film supply unit and a feed unit installed on a machine body and a sealing device for heat sealing an inflated double-layer film when the feed of the film stops. The manufacturing machine is characterized in that a solid state relay (SSR) is coupled to a power supply required by a heat sealer of the sealing device, and the solid state relay controlled by the processor compensates the heat loss of sealing according to the cycle of the sealing process, and a power-on time percentage is controlled to produce a punctuate periodic micro heating to the heat sealer and achieve a constant-temperature heat compensation for each sealing course of the heat sealer. The manufacturing machine is not affected by ambient temperature and is capable of improving the sealing effectiveness and overcome the drawback of conventional sealing devices that easily breaking an electrothermal wire.