Abstract: A DLC-coated fishing lure includes a fishing lure base material made of metal and having a predetermined shape; an intermediate layer made of one selected from a first group, a second group and a third group, the first group consisting of at least one kind of metal selected from the IIIb group, the IVa group, the Va group and the VIa group in the periodic table of elements, the second group consisting of at least one of a carbide, a nitride and a carbonitride of the at least one kind of metal, and the third group consisting of a mutual solid solution made of at least one selected from the first group and the second group, the intermediate layer being formed on a surface of the fishing lure base material; and a DLC layer having a thickness ranging from about 0.05 ?m to about 0.55 ?m and formed on the intermediate layer, the DLC layer presenting an appearance of a interference color.

Abstract: An algae bioreactor having a system and method for the efficient cultivation of algae in systems using in part or in full bioreactor chambers and other units wherein algae are grown in the presence of light and are then harvested for various uses including, but not limited to, for producing specific molecules, including recombinant molecules and other molecules produced from algae especially adapted to produce such molecules (including, but not limited to, nutraceuticals and industrial polymers and polymer subunits), as food products and components of food products, and as biofuel or components of biofuel. Further wherein the pH of the algae slurry is manipulated to allow for automated removal of algae adhered to the light permeable surfaces of the bioreactor.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening warning system for a car includes a sensor for sensing the approaching of another car from behind when a person is opening the car door, a car door-opening control unit stops the car door from being opened when the sensor senses the approaching of the other car from behind, and a warning light and a buzzer are activated to give a visual warning signal and an audio warning signal when the car door is being opened.

Abstract: A window lift assembly for moving a vehicle window includes a window regulator assembly including an actuator that moves the vehicle window between raised and lowered positions. A window support bracket assembly connects the vehicle window and the window regulator assembly. The window support bracket assembly includes a window support that supports the vehicle window. The window support includes an outboard side and an inboard side. A support bracket is connected to the window support. The support bracket includes a window support connecting portion connected to the inboard side of the window support and a lift arm bracket connecting portion extends below a bottom of the window support. An underhang portion is connected to the window support connecting portion at an inner bend and is connected to the lift arm bracket connecting portion at an outer bend.

Abstract: A counterweight mechanism that includes a radial arm with a weight and a series of elements interconnected between the door and the arm. The weight provides a closing force when in a first position and provides an opening force when in another position. The weight may be an over center weight and the closing force reduces when the weight moves toward an over center position. The counterweight mechanism may require manual resetting after the weight is in the second position. Door movement may be though an angle that is less than an angle of movement of the radial arm.

Abstract: An automobile flush glass assembly is provided that includes a moveable glass piece having an inboard surface, a front edge and a rear edge and a first glass guide operably connected to the inboard surface of the glass piece proximate the front edge. The assembly also includes a second glass guide operably connected to the inboard surface of the glass piece proximate the rear edge and retaining structures, each having a channel configured to slideably retain the glass guides.

Abstract: A clip for removably securing the front lip of a gutter guard having holes therethrough to the underlying front lip of a gutter having a downwardly and forwardly extending end portion. The clip comprises an elongated body with a forwardly and upwardly extending first tab at a front end thereof and a rearwardly extending second tab at a rear end thereof. The first tab can be inserted through a first hole at the front of the gutter guard with the body in an upwardly extending first position so that the first tab is located adjacent to and beneath the end portion of the gutter. The body can then be rotated downwardly toward the gutter guard to a second position wherein the first tab is moved upwardly to engage the end portion of the gutter and the second tab is received within a second hole in the gutter guard.

Abstract: A roof valley inset provides a flexible material with angularly extending arms. Dividers may be useful to direct water toward respective arms in a base pan and the arms may taper, such as to a point away from the other arm. Dividers may be provided as permanently connected to the base pan or detachably connected for ease in shipping. The dividers may also have cantileveredly connected legs which extend above a portion of the arms to assist in covering shingles, when installed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system in which a demarcation point cabinet to provide network connectivity between networks is placed into a cage mesh panel design for a communication facility structure, wherein the demarcation point comprises a demarcation point cabinet placed in the non-moving, stationary portion of the cage mesh panel design for the communication facility structure, such as an Internet Exchange (IX), Peering Point, Data Center, or Co-location center, providing security to the customers using the communication facility structure, frees up square footage space inside the cage for customers to put their own equipment and wiring, and adds security because demarcation point cabinet is constructed with physical barriers to prevent physical tampering or access from a front side of the demarcation point cabinet to the back side of the demarcation point cabinet.

Abstract: A thermally isolated portable expandable shelter may include a frame substantially similar in configuration to a shipping container and a movable portion comprising a plurality of rigid panels. The shelter may be movable between a stowed state and a fixed state, wherein the plurality of panels is folded into the frame in the stowed state and fold out during deployment. In some embodiments the plurality of panels may comprise structural insulated panels so that an interior defined by the expandable shelter is thermally isolated from an exterior. The portable expandable shelter may have reduced installation time, improved strength in both the stowed and deployed states, and reduced energy requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind upon a roof surface. This spoiler has a stowed position, whereby it is almost completely out of the view of passersby. It also has a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between these two positions. The spoiler is specially designed to operate in conjunction with a gutter mounted along the leading edge of the roof. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the open gutter. In one embodiment, the spoiler is L-shaped to facilitate its stability in the deployed position.

Abstract: A water diverter for installation between siding panels of exterior siding includes a diverter body elongated in a longitudinal direction between first and second ends. The diverter body defining a channel extending in the longitudinal direction and has first and second edges extending in the longitudinal direction and defining an opening into the channel therebetween. The first and second edges can each be angled inwardly toward each to form first and second hooks, such that either one of the first and second hooks can be snap-fit into a horizontal junction between the siding panels and water flowing down the siding panel above the water diverter enters the channel through the opening and exits through at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.

Abstract: A multi-storied garage having an energy efficient ventilation system that incorporates a unique window array and vertically mounted energy producing wind turbines located in a corner of the garage structure that would otherwise be unusable for vehicle parking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of aluminum extruded profiles, which form the sides of the frame and which are connected to each other at the corners thereof, wherein at least one aluminum extruded profile comprises at least one hollow chamber, wherein the frame comprises corner elements, wherein at least one corner element comprises a discharge opening, and the discharge opening is connected to a hollow chamber of at least one adjacent aluminum extruded profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved stairs and mezzanine that are constructed of standard steel structural components with poured concrete stair treads and the associated method for making them. The invention employs standard steel structural components to make a staircase frame that is stronger, is faster to construct, and is less expensive than those made by current methods. The framework for the staircase is constructed of steel studs, u-channel members, and metal deck material that are cut to size and screwed together. Once the metal framework is constructed and any openings caulked, concrete is poured within the framework to form the concrete steps for the stairs and any associated intermediate platform or mezzanine. Once the concrete is dry, the stairs may be painted, carpeted, or finished as desired.

Abstract: A flood proof window includes a glazing and a window frame having a glazing backstop. Dual sided tape is positioned between the glazing and the glazing backstop. The window is further provided with a glazing sealant for the glazing.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for door jambs and window frames utilizing a pair of angled legs attached to and extends along the entire length of an elongated element of the jamb or frame opposite the door or window opening, respectively. The angled legs may be moved inwardly or outwardly along the backside of the door jamb or window frame to accommodate the installation of drywall or filler compound. The angled legs may achieve a fire resistant status in combination with a metal stud found in an adjacent wall.

Abstract: A prescribed prestressing process is employed to construct precast concrete beams and girders. The process is utilized where an early concrete strength is too low for transfer of the full pre-tensioning force on a daily schedule to avert an otherwise serious and costly production delay. The process described provides the producer a reliable way of making beams and girders that are prestressed to take advantage of the higher concrete strength characteristics. The consequent economic advantage of higher structural capacity beams and girders is thereby realized. Additionally, beam or girder camber is controlled by the process, fostering production of a superior quality product.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an assembly in a supporting structure, constituted by parts (7,8) made of a fibrous material forming an elongate element that is at least partially hollow (10), with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (9), delimiting an inner area (11) and a outer area (12), characterized in that it consists of achieving the densification on the two end portions (13) of the hollow element, in order to exert, on each of the two end portions of the elongate hollow element, outward tensile forces in opposite directions to each other along its longitudinal axis in order to create an axial prestressing force having a determined value, and to maintain the elongate hollow element in this prestressed condition during the installation of the assembly in the structure. Also described are the assemblies obtained by this method and the structures using such assemblies.

Abstract: A multi-story tall building structure consisting plurality of three or more towers which are the primary structure enclosing a space longitudinally and transversely therein which are multiple floor/ceiling assemblies for multiple use occupied spaces including condos, military areas, observation, hotels, restaurants, retail, and offices. Each of the three towers has three or more vertical structural elements such as solid or hollow columns, or steel, concrete, or masonry constructs vertically extending. As an alternative occupied space including an aircraft landing deck or platform is attached to the top of the structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A subfloor component includes an insulating foam panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face toward the second face. The subfloor component also includes a moisture-resistant film attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the pedestals, and a hardboard layer on the second face of the panel. A method of manufacturing subfloor components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and virgin or new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.

Abstract: A furring strip fastening member is formed by a furring strip receiving plate, a bolt hole portion, a spring portion, and a rear face plate. The furring strip receiving plate and the rear face plate are shaped as flat plates that face each other. The bolt hole portion is provided at a central portion of the furring strip receiving plate. The spring portion connects the furring strip receiving plate and the rear face plate. The rear face plate has in a central portion thereof a through-hole. In a construction structure for buildings, a bolt is mounted to an anchor that is driven into a skeleton wall of a building that is formed by a concrete wall and a heat insulating material disposed outside the latter. This bolt traverses a through-hole in the rear face plate, and the bolt is screwed into a bolt hole portion. The furring strip is connected to the furring strip fastening member, and an external wall material is fastened to the furring strip.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical locking system on short edges having a displaceable tongue that is displaced in one direction into a tongue groove during vertical displacement of two panels.

Abstract: An assembly (14, 16) for securing two juxtaposed panels (64, 66) to a structure (74), each panel including a joining flange (68, 70) located at, or adjacent to, respective juxtaposed edges thereof. The assembly includes a retaining member (14) having a substantially planar surface (24) supporting at opposite edges thereof respective first flanges (26, 28) and a clamping member (16) having two spaced-apart legs (48, 40) depending from a web (36). Second flanges (46, 48) are each supported on a facing internal surface of a respective one of the legs so as to extend away from the web. Each leg engages a respective exposed surface of an adjacent joining flange, the first and second flanges being oriented in opposite directions so as to interlock when the clamping member is mounted on the retaining member and thereby limit lateral separation of the legs.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete component with at least one upper and at least one lower longitudinal reinforcement layer, and one transverse force reinforcement, wherein the latter is passed above an uppermost and a lowermost longitudinal reinforcement in its extension. The transverse force reinforcement is formed by at least 20 trapezoidal or triangular sheet metal components made from structural steel. Each sheet metal component has at its two ends one splay/chamfer. The chamfer is passed to the uppermost or lowermost longitudinal reinforcement, respectively.

Abstract: A prop assembly has interior and exterior members. Each member includes a plate with distal and proximal surfaces and attachment components on the distal surface of the interior member. The distal surface of the interior member is adapted to be secured to a support surface. The interior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The exterior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The threads of the tubes are rotatable with respect to each other. In this manner the distance between the distal surfaces is adjusted.

Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.

Abstract: A system for installing tubing of hydronic thermal control systems in the walls of buildings. It allows for the stable incorporation of the tubing in the walls while ensuring good thermal conductivity between the tubing and the building's room. The system features a wall including a hydronic thermal management system. The wall comprises a vertically-extending wall support structure, tubing panels secured to the wall support structure, the panels being constructed from wood material, tubing in the tubing panels for carrying a heat transfer fluid, and drywall panels secured over the tubing panels. A filling material is applied between the tubing and the drywall panels. Also a high thermally conductive layer, such as aluminum foil, is used between the filling material and the drywall panels or between the filling material and the tubing panels.

Abstract: A method for installing a roof vent includes the steps of providing a base component having an outer flange having a bottom surface and surrounding a central opening; providing a top cover; mounting the top cover on the base component over the central opening to permit the air to flow through the central opening, but to exclude water from entering the central opening; and welding a riser box on the bottom surface of the base component around the central opening, the riser box being sized and shaped to fit around the curb of the roof. The base component is then mounted onto the curb such that the base component covers the building venting aperture and the riser box fits around the curb.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a molded core component. A mat formed from cellulosic fiber and resin is provided. The mat is consolidated in a first press until the resin is substantially fully cured, and then removed from the first press. The consolidated mat is then placed in a second press having a mold cavity shaped to form at least one depression in at least one of the major surfaces. The consolidated mat is reformed in the second press to form a molded core component having at least one depression in at least one of the major surfaces. The molded core component has a variable density, preferably of between about 10 lbs/ft3 and 80 lbs/ft3.

Abstract: A carton processing apparatus and method can be used to reduce inventory of pre-printed or pre-labeled cartons. The carton processing apparatus can use a stacked inventory of unassembled cartons in a first planar orientation. A carton can be picked from the inventory, rotated from the first planar orientation to a print plane, and transported near a carton coding device, such as an ink jet printer, which can apply indicia to the carton. The processed carton can be further rotated or provided to a downstream device or process.

Abstract: A film-tail clamp, cut, and seal system for use in a wrapping apparatus for wrapping an associated item has an oval track vertically oriented and openable to move into and out of the associated item. A shuttle is configured for movement along an inner periphery of the track. A wrapping material is dispensed from the shuttle for wrapping around the item. A clamp arm, which is movable into and out of a plane defined by the film being wrapped around the item, has a sealing element for contacting and sealing a free end portion of the film onto a portion of the film already wrapped around the item. The clamp arm also has a clamp for securing the film when the film is sealed and has a cutter for cutting the free end portion of the film from the portion sealed onto the film.

Abstract: A product roll packaging apparatus includes a transfer unit for lifting and transferring a product roll from a conveyor, a wrapping unit for wrapping a protective sheet around the roll and attaching an end thereof with an adhesive tape, a protective sheet supply unit for cutting off the sheet from a sheet roll and supplying it along a protective sheet path line to the wrapping unit, and a tape supply unit for supplying the tape to the end of the cut sheet. The transfer unit includes a position correcting mechanism for establishing a reference line depending on the roll size, and bringing a reference end face of the roll into alignment with a vertical plane including the reference line. The protective sheet supply unit includes an edge position control mechanism for bringing a reference edge of the sheet into alignment with the reference line corresponding to the roll size.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (1) delivers a stored drug to a conveyance receptacle (T) adapted to be attached with a card (RC) that displays desired information. The drug delivery device (1) includes a transportation unit (P), a card supply unit (70), a card attachment unit (20), and a card preparation unit (50). The transportation unit (P) transports plural conveyance receptacles in a sequential manner. The card supply unit (70) supplies a first card (RC1) to be attached to a first conveyance receptacle (T1) that is first transported among the plural conveyance receptacles (T). The card attachment unit (20) takes out second cards (RC2) from the respective plural conveyance receptacles (T) and attach the taken out second cards to second conveyance receptacles (T2) that are transported after the first conveyance receptacle (T1) respectively. The card preparation unit (50) prepares the first card (RC1) and the second cards (RC2) so as to display patient identification information thereon.

Abstract: A closure having a device for lifting a liner from a container opening. The lifting device being a finger projecting from a hinge connection within the closure. The hinge connection is positioned from a depending skirt of the closure. The hinged finger disengages the liner from a sealing engagement with the container while engaging along substantially the same annulus spaced from the liner edge. A plurality of the hinged fingers may be used for the lifting device. The closure may be used in various retort and aseptic applications, as well as provide for tamper indication.

Abstract: A reservoir for a nebulizer, a nebulizer and a method of filling a reservoir are proposed. To avoid undesirable rises in pressure, a fluid chamber of the reservoir is pre-collapsed and filled with an initial amount of fluid which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber. Preferably, before being filled, the fluid chamber is compressed and/or expanded by means of gas to a defined volume which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove packing apparatus for packing gloves into a box, and to a method of packing gloves into a box, particularly to the packing of disposable medical gloves. A glove packing apparatus (1) for packing gloves into a box comprises a receptacle (26) for forming a stack of gloves to be packed, the receptacle having a perimeter wall (24, 25) for containing a stack of gloves, a floor (22) within the perimeter wall for supporting the stack of gloves, and an opening (27) opposite the floor into which additional gloves may be added to during stacking of gloves. The floor (22) is movable relative to the perimeter wall (24, 25), so that, in use, the floor may be moved relatively away from the receptacle opening (27) so that as gloves are added to said stack of gloves, the perimeter wall continues to contain the stack of gloves. The floor (22) may then be moved relatively toward the opening to remove the stack of gloves from the receptacle (26).

Abstract: A method of packaging products, in particular moist products, wherein an areal packaging material is positioned at the outer surfaces of a product while forming fold lines such that the product is completely surrounded by packaging material. The packaging material is first folded adjacent to a lower side region while forming side surface regions and end face regions such that a container open at one side is formed. Sections of the packaging material that project beyond the rim of the container open at one side in the regions of mutually oppositely disposed product side surfaces are folded so far over one another while covering the product upper side of the product until they contact one another in order then to be sealed with one another in a first sealing region.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes an outer housing and a shell disposed within the outer housing. The shell defines a product dispensing chamber, wherein the product dispensing chamber is climate controlled, for receiving a product, portioning the product, storing the portioned product, and dispensing the portioned product upon a dispense command. The product receptacles are stored in a dispense buffer disposed within the product dispensing chamber, and then are dispensed into an airlock for retrieval by a customer. The product dispenser further recognizes demands to keep the dispense buffer slots filled, and demands to dispense a filled product receptacle. The product dispenser may seal the product receptacles to ensure a sanitary product. The product dispenser may further include a vend interface unit to interact with a controller and consumers, whereby the consumer are able to place a demand on the vend interface unit, and await a dispensed filled product receptacle.

Abstract: An Idler is provided for a web wrap device. The idler has a deflector acting on web moved over the idler. The deflector has areas of different deflection intensity over its area of contact with the web.

Abstract: A machine is provided for harvesting stalk-like plants. The machine has at least one mowing and pick-up mechanism that comprises a cutting mechanism that can be set into a rotational movement for cutting plant stalks, and a feed mechanism arranged above the cutting mechanism for taking in and discharging the cut plant stalks. The cutting mechanism is drivably connected to an electric motor allocated to it.