Abstract: A recoil reduction stock assembly for a shoulder-fired firearm is described that includes a rear stock section housing a recoil reduction mechanism attachable to firearms with different receiver rear faces by using a front stock section having a rear face attachable to the rear stock section front face and a front face attachable to the rear face of the receiver. The assembly may include one rear stock section housing the recoil reduction mechanism and a plurality of front stock sections, each front stock section having the same rear face profile, but different front face profiles conforming to different receiver rear faces. The recoil reduction mechanism includes a compressible spring and a plunger, whereby recoil of said firearm compresses the spring against the plunger to absorb recoil. The assembly may also include a cheek rest slidably attached over a part of the rear stock section and attached to the recoil mechanism.

Abstract: A weapon system comprises a firearm configured for discharging ammunition having multiple projectiles and a sighting apparatus integral with the firearm. The sighting apparatus outputs a beam of light having a generally round shape. The sighting apparatus is oriented such that a centerline longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm extends through the beam of light. The sighting apparatus includes a light beam size selector for allowing a cross-sectional size of the beam of light at a fixed reference location external to the sighting apparatus to be selectively adjusted by a shooter of the firearm to a plurality of different cross-sectional sizes.

Abstract: The invention encompasses firearm sights configured to eliminate the effect of parallax a shooter would otherwise experience when aiming a firearm at a target. The firearm sight utilizes a rear sight vane and at least one occluder positioned so that the occluder interferes with or substantially blocks a shooter's line of sight for the shooter's non-aiming eye without obstructing the vision of the correct eye with which the shooter should be aiming.

Abstract: A directional rattle for imitating the sound of sparring dominate game animals. The directional rattle has a whorled portion on the rod that makes contact with concentric rings within the housing of the rattle. The manipulation of the rod within the housing results in a more authentic sound that resonates out of the bell shaped portion at the bottom that gives the sound a directional flow out and away from the device attracting game animals.

Abstract: A deer tail decoy has a first triangular-shaped flap folded over a second flap. The inner faces of the first and second flaps comprise a material of a lighter color that contrasts with the outer faces of the first and second flaps. A tell-tale flap is integral with or joined to at least the inner face of the first flap. The decoy is removably mounted to an upright, such as a tree trunk. A pull cord is linked or removably joined at or near the pointed tip at the bottom of the first flap. Tugging motion on the pull cord causes the first flap to pivot upward to expose the inner faces of the first and second flaps and the tell-tale flap. In this open configuration, the deer tail decoy resembles the upward tail of a doe, and the tell-tale flap has loose edges that flutter and may be seen at angles offset from straight on view.

Abstract: A limb line fishing device having a length of fishing line and an indicator. The indicator slidably receives the fishing line. The indicator tube can be used to determine at a distance whether a fish has been caught. The fishing device is capable of securing a reusable line and a hook when the device is not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side-loading line guide for a fishing pole. The side-loading line guide allows fishing line loaded through the side of the line-eye, and not just by threading the line through the center of the line guide-eye. The line guide has at least one foot for attaching the side-loading line guide to a fishing pole or to a pole tip. The line-eye of the guide is a split ring with the adjacent turns pressed substantially flat together. The line-eye is connected to the foot (or feet) of the guide by a mounting means such as is typical and known in the field.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a lure body having a head portion and a tail portion. The head portion is movably coupled to the tail portion such that the head portion may move relative to the tail portion when the lure is pulled through the water.

Abstract: An adjustable fishing float having a novel securing mechanism for attaching the float to a fishing line. In a preferred embodiment, the fishing float includes a housing formed into a spherical shape. A vertical slot is disposed on a side of the housing, extending inwardly to a central, vertical axis of the sphere. A securing mechanism may be disposed within the housing, and provides a spring biased clamp that is in operative communication with the slot, so that a fishing line may be positioned within the slot and the float may be clamped to the fishing line in a desired position. A button on the side of the housing may be used to open the clamp, in order to affix the float to the line, remove the float from the line, or to adjust the float and move it upwardly or downwardly along the fishing line.

Abstract: The method of attaching a bobber to a fishing line is performed by using pressure applied to two elongated flat surfaces to pinch the line, and a method to tie a knot in the line so that there is a thicker portion of the line to apply the attaching pressure. When the fish is snagged on the hook, the line tension pulls the knot apart and only a single line thickness is left between the two pressure surfaces. This allows the line to slip between the two pressure surfaces, provided the pressure surfaces do not significantly close their gap when the knot is pulled out.

Abstract: An insect trap has a “U” or similar shaped cross-section view, forming a circle or square, with a dark-colored coarse outer surface and a light-colored smooth inner surface. The trap can be placed around an arthropod-infested object such as furniture leg, luggage, food to form a barrier to prevent movement of arthropods between the infested object and its surrounding areas. The trap can also be placed where arthropods live or forage to monitor their numbers and activities such as at corners of a room, along perimeters of a room, inside a cabinet, inside food storage container, etc.

Abstract: A vermin repellent arrangement comprises a repellent storage coupled to a first vaporizer adapted to provide a repellent dosage into a first area in response to a repellent control signal. Means for acoustically detecting a vermin in that area provide a first detection signal in response thereto. The means are coupled to evaluation means to receive the first detection signal and adapted to provide the repellent control signal in response to an evaluation of the first detection signal and a reference signal, that reference signal assigned to at least one pre-defined type of vermin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and/or preventing infestation of a woody plant by one or more species of pests are provided. In one particular but non-limiting form, a composite member is positioned at a locus near a woody plant that is susceptible to damage by one or more wood-destroying pest species such as termites. The composite member includes a pesticide and a bait material palatable to the one or more wood-destroying pest species. In one aspect, the composite member includes an extruded mixture of the pesticide and bait material. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects shall become apparent from the description and drawings.

Abstract: A firelighter comprising a solidified emulsion of a liquid hydrocarbon encapsulated in polymerised aqueous resin, wherein the liquid hydrocarbon is present in an amount of 30 to 75% by weight of the firelighter, and wherein the firelighter also contains petroleum coke in particulate form.

Abstract: A unique process and catalyst is described that operates efficiently for the direct production of a high cetane diesel type fuel or diesel type blending stock from stoichiometric mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This invention allows for, but is not limited to, the economical and efficient production high quality diesel type fuels from small or distributed fuel production plants that have an annual production capacity of less than 10,000 barrels of product per day, by eliminating traditional wax upgrading processes. This catalytic process is ideal for distributed diesel fuel production plants such as gas to liquids production and other applications that require optimized economics based on supporting distributed feedstock resources.

Abstract: An additive may be added to an oil-based fluid having at least one wax foulant therein. The additive may be or include an alpha olefin copolymer, an alkyl phenol-formaldehyde resin, an alkyl acrylate, a polyalkyl methacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymer, ethylene vinyl acetate terpolymer, imidazoline, and combinations thereof. The additive may alter at least one property of the wax foulant as compared to an otherwise identical oil-based fluid absent the additive. The altered property may be or include the amount of wax foulant deposited, the amount of paraffinic wax dispersed, settling rate of the paraffinic wax foulant, viscosity of the paraffinic wax foulant, shape of the paraffinic wax foulant, such as but not limited to softening the wax foulant, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a distillate fuel blend with improved seal swell properties comprising at least one highly paraffinic distillate fuel fraction having a mass swelling ratio less than 9% when measured according to ASTM D1414 or ASTM D471 at 50° C. and for 20 days when using an NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) O-ring with a hardness of 70 that has been de-plasticised; and about 0.5 volume percent to about 15 volume percent of at least one component selected from a group of aromatic ethers wherein the blend exhibits a mass swelling ratio of at least 10% when measured according to ASTM D1414 or ASTM D471 at 50° C. and for 20 days when using an NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) O-ring with a hardness of 70 that has been de-plasticised. The invention extends to the use of an aromatic ether fraction in a blend with a synthetic middle distillate fraction for the purposes of achieving seal swell characteristics more comparable with those characteristic of crude-derived middle distillate fuel product.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed that achieve a high conversion of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons, and that may be carried out without the addition of a base. Depolymerization and deoxygenation, the desired lignin convention steps to yield aromatic hydrocarbons, are carried by contacting a mixture of lignin and a solvent (e.g., a lignin slurry) with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. A preferred solvent is a hydrogen transfer solvent such as a single-ring or fused-ring aromatic compound that beneficially facilitates depolymerization and hinders coke formation. These advantages result in favorable overall process economics for obtaining fuel components and/or chemicals from renewable sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for modifying of bio-oil, the process including the steps where feedstock including bio-oil is allowed react with a reducing agent in at least one polar solvent, to obtain modified bio-oil. Also disclosed is the use modified bio-oil, obtainable by the process, as heating oil, as starting material in processes for producing fuels, fuel components, fine chemicals, chemical building-blocks, and solvents.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming charcoal from coffee grounds is provided, which includes pyrolyzing coffee grounds to form pyrolyzed coffee grounds. The pyrolyzed coffee grounds are mixed with a binding agent to form a mixture. The mixture is pressed into a charcoal cube. In another embodiment charcoal formed from coffee grounds is provided including pyrolyzed coffee grounds and a binding agent. The pyrolyzed coffee grounds are mixed with the binding agent and pressed into a charcoal cube.

Abstract: A process for converting waste fibers to solid fuel is provided, including providing a supply of animal waste including the waste fibers in a predetermined quantity; washing the supply of animal waste for a predetermined washing period; dewatering the supply of animal waste by separating water from the waste fibers for a predetermined dewatering period; shedding the waste fibers for separating liquids from solids; compressing the dewatered and shed waste fibers to generate a plurality of briquettes; torrefying at least one of the plurality of briquettes in a torrefaction reactor using a heat source at a predetermined torrefying temperature for a predetermined torrefying period; removing the at least one of the plurality of briquettes from the reactor; and cooling the torrefaction reactor to reach a predetermined cooling temperature.

Abstract: The present process produces a clean burning coal from low grade coal and has a higher heating value per unit mass, as compared to the feed stock coal. The clean coal may be used in coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and homes since it produces fewer or none of the emissions commonly associated with coal burning devices. The process treats coal prior to its combustion and removes about 90 percent of the pollutants. These pollutants are removed within 6 to 18 minutes, many of which may be recycled into products such as roofing tar, chemical feed stocks, and light hydrocarbons that can be used as gaseous fuels. The final product is suitable for use in homes where coal is used for cooking and heating, and significantly improves the health of those who have previously been exposed to toxic fumes from burning uncleaned coal in their homes. The process is fueled by its own by-products, recycles heat, and reduces coal weight to save energy in transporting it to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems for optimizing organism growth, destruction or repair, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to an organism, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the organism, where the photon modulation is based upon the specific needs of the organism. Devices for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrum to the organism are also provided. Further provided are methods for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the use of high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrums.

Abstract: Guide and fastening device for plant support wires, in particular for rows of grapevines, the device having at least one pair of vertical upright elements, fastened to a head pole and provided with longitudinal guides within which are made to slide fastening elements for the lateral containment wires for the growing vegetation. To each pair of upright elements for the lateral containment wires is associated a further vertical upright provided with a guide within which is made to slide a fastening element for at least one carrying wire.

Abstract: A removable support surface has knitted loops of yarn, and has piles extending from the knitted yarn to form an artificial turf, or to form a hybrid turf when combined with natural grass which grows between the knitted yarn. The piles may be hollow to retain liquid, and the dimensions of the yarn and the piles may be adjusted during fabrication. The removable support surface is fabricated by warp knitting, and the piles may be bent to have a crimped configuration. When used in a bunker with sand, the crimped configuration prevents sand from migrating. The removable support surface may also be placed on a seeded mat, on a dirt layer, or on existing natural grass. The removable support surface may be composed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a final harvest index that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof growth system, comprising: at least one holder-like container (6) for placing on a roof (3, 5) and having a growth substrate (18) therein during use; a connection (11, 12) for arranging the container on the roof at least during use, further comprising: at least one conduit (17) to be connected at least to a liquid source; and an irrigation (8) which is associated with the holder-like container and which can be connected at least to the conduit, wherein the connection comprises an engagement (22, 23) formed on or between an outer side of a side wall of the container and the conduit.

Abstract: A biodegradable container including a base, at least one sidewall extending from the base and comprising an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, at least a portion of the base and the at least one side wall is formed from seaweed, and a biodegradable polymer coating applied to at least a portion of the base and the at least one sidewall.

Abstract: A downdraft gasifier for producing a gaseous fuel to be used in an engine from a carbonaceous material with a pyrolysis module, a reactor module, and a heat exchanger system that cooperate to produce the gaseous fuel from the carbonaceous material and to extract particulates from the gaseous fuel from the reactor. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchanger coupled to the dryer module that heats the carbonaceous material with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to dry the carbonaceous material; a second heat exchanger coupled to the pyrolysis module that heats the dried carbonaceous material with the exhaust from the engine to pyrolyze the dried carbonaceous material into tar gas and charcoal; and a third heat exchanger coupled to the reactor module that heats air used to combust the tar gas with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to preheat the air.

Abstract: A system is set forth for the exothermic generation of soot depleted syngas comprising (i) reacting a hydrocarbon-containing fuel with an oxygen containing gas in a first reactor to produce the syngas and byproducts comprising CO2, H2O and soot; and (ii) introducing the syngas and byproducts into a second reactor containing a non-carbonaceous material that traps the soot for a sufficient time such that the majority of the byproduct soot is gasified via reaction with the byproduct CO2 and/or H2O to produce a syngas stream that is depleted in the soot. The system is particularly suitable for the practice of heat exchange reforming therein a portion of the heat is recovered from the soot depleted syngas stream and used as at least a portion of the heat to facilitate the additional production of syngas via the (endothermic) catalytic reforming of natural gas and steam.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a char feeding hopper body that feeds separated char toward a coal gasifier; a char communicating tube that communicates with a bottom portion of the char feeding hopper body and extends in a vertical axis direction; fluid gas feeding means that is provided at a bottom portion side of the char feeding hopper body and feeds fluid gas to an inside thereof; a radiation source section that emits ?-rays toward an inside of the char communicating tube in which a level of the char reaches a level H2 which is the same level as a level H1 of the char in the char feeding hopper as a result of feeding of the fluid gas; and a ?-ray detector that is provided along a vertical axis direction of the char communicating tube and detects the emitted ?-rays.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is provided having a base portion configured to be secured to a mounting surface and a sensor connected to the base portion that is configured to interface with an elongate member and measure one or more characteristics of the elongate member as the elongate member moves y from being wound up on or paid out from a rotatable drive of a movable barrier operator. The one or more characteristics can include, for example, position, velocity, and direction of movement of the elongate member. By measuring the one or more characteristics of the elongate member, corresponding properties of a movable barrier connected to the elongate member can be accurately determined. The apparatus may be also used to supplement an estimate of the properties of the movable barrier obtained from measurement of the rotatable drive and provide a more accurate estimate of the movable barrier properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting an edge of a door to a surface, which, upon said edge and said surface being connected by said apparatus, results in substantially impeding movement of fluid or vermin about the edge, which apparatus comprises: (i) an outer material that substantially forms a seal between the edge and the surface; (ii) an inner material in contact with the inner surface of the outer material, wherein the inner material forms a gnaw-resistant barrier to vermin; and (iii) one or more connecting members in contact with the outer material that connect(s) the apparatus to the edge of the door; wherein the apparatus has a length that approximates the length of the edge to which the apparatus is connected.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a path-controlled adjustment device for a window pane of a motor vehicle, with a carrier assembly, with at least two guideways provided at the carrier assembly, which define an adjustment path for an adjustable window pane and which are spaced from each other transversely to the adjustment path, and with a driver which on the one hand includes means for connection of the window pane to be adjusted and which on the other hand is in engagement with the guideways so as to be longitudinally movable. The carrier assembly consists of at least two carrier elements which are connected with each other at a plurality of fixing points. On at least one carrier element fixing points, via which that carrier element is to be fixed at a further carrier element of the carrier assembly, are connected with each other by reinforcement paths.

Abstract: A window includes a frame, a rail module, and two sashes. The rail module includes a first rail, a second rail, and a pulley assembly. The first rail is fixed to the frame, and the second rail is able to turn. The second rail is turned to connect to the first rail so that the pulley assembly can slide in both the first and the second rails. The first sash is pivoted on the frame, and the second sash is hinged with the first sash and connected to the pulley assembly. The pulley assembly is moved to the second rail from the first rail to make the sashes fold up. After the second sash arrives at the second rail, one may turn the folded sashes totally off the window and attach them to a wall besides the window.

Abstract: A compact, sliding door apparatus includes three vertically curved panels positioned in a doorway. A first of the panels is solid and is operatively connected to a slot above the doorway enabling the first panel to move side to side in the doorway. The second of the panels is hollow and receives a portion of the first panel. The second panel is also operatively connected to the slot above the doorway for side to side movement of the panel across the doorway. A third of the panels has a hollow interior and is stationary adjacent the doorway. The third panel hollow interior receives a portion of the second panel. The doorway is opened by moving the first panel into the second panel interior to open a portion of the doorway, and then moving the second panel into the third panel interior to fully open the doorway.

Abstract: A fitting (1) for suspending a sliding door leaf (D) is provided. Said fitting (1) comprises a base plate (2) having means (8, 9) for attaching said base plate (2) to a door leaf (D), support means (3) attached to said base plate (2) for allowing said fitting (1) to be guided by a rail (R) along a sliding path (P), and a shank (5) having a part (5b, 5d) extending from a lateral end of said base plate (2) at an angle (?, ?)relative a plane of the base plate. Said fitting (1) further comprises an anti-lifting device (4) attached to said shank (5) and being moveable between an idle position and a locked position by a rotational movement of the anti-lifting device (4) about an axis (A) being substantially perpendicular to a plane of said shank part (5b, 5d).

Abstract: A manhole frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention generally includes an upper frame and a lower frame, and is adapted to support a manhole cover. The upper frame may be allowed to float with respect to the lower frame, enabling the upper frame to move during installation, or as the surrounding structure moves, or both. By being capable of movement, the upper frame may potentially prevent uneven transitions between the manhole frame assembly and the surface of the surrounding structure.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed comprising a stationary frame, a movable frame having a window, an upper frame, and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly further comprises an adjusting block and a fixing block. The adjusting block is disposed between the stationary frame and the movable frame and at least partially received in the stationary frame, and the adjusting block further includes an extension portion on a surface of which a first engaging element is disposed. The fixing block is received in the upper frame and includes an eccentric rotary block having a second engaging element and a base portion having a passage for receiving the extension portion. The eccentric rotary block is rotatable about the base portion.

Abstract: A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes forming a first mixture and a second mixture in a single forming process into an integral precursor shaped abrasive particle, wherein the first mixture has a different composition than a composition of the second mixture.

Abstract: Thermally stable polycrystalline constructions include a body having a polycrystalline ultra-hard phase and a plurality of empty voids. The construction includes a backside support member over at least a portion of the backside surface of the body and a sidewall support member over at least a portion of the sidewall surface of the body extending an axial distance along at least a portion of the body and at least partially covering a circumferential surface of the body. The construction has a compressive stress exerted on the body.

Abstract: An underground fluid storage tank hold-down system for holding down an underground cylindrical fluid storage tank in a hole that has been excavated, the underground tank hold-down system comprising a multiplicity of paired hold-down straps having a first end and a second end. A multiplicity of paired deadmen anchors are adapted to be placed to either side of the tank when the tank is in the hole. The deadmen anchors each have anchor upstanding loops. A tank hold-down assembly is provided comprising a take-up coupler assembly having a pair of arched sections, having hooks thereon, including a first arched section and a second arched section and a threaded engagement assembly. The threaded engagement assembly includes a threaded member and a receiving member adapted to receive part of the threaded member. The straps engage the hooks and the anchor upstanding loops.

Abstract: A railroad vehicle where an air conditioner can be installed in an upper part of a roof thereof includes a roof structure having an opening, and a low roof main body having a recessed part provided in the opening, and recessed in a cross section, the air conditioner being able to be placed on the recessed part, and an edge part of the low roof main body which is continuously formed from the low roof main body and joined to the roof structure. The low roof main body and the edge part of the low roof main body are made of plastic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to components for properly waterproofing sections of a building and a flashing kit including the components with installation instructions. Such components may include lower corner flashings constructed to be engaged with an elongated lower flashing and installed, e.g., at a sill. In some embodiments, an elongated lower flashing may be attached to lower corner flashings by a rear hooked arrangement. Flashing components may include upper end cap flashings for placement on appropriate ends of an upper trim board. Upper end cap flashings may have side plate portions constructed to cover respective side facing portions of the upper trim. An elongated upper flashing may be placed on respective upper end cap flashings. Components presented herein may be appropriate for directing water from flowing and accumulating into sensitive areas of a building that would otherwise lead to water damage.

Abstract: A tilt tower and pipe auger anchor assembly comprising a tilt tower having a mast and a swing tube and a coax cable engaging both the mast and the swing tube, the mast has a near end, the near end has a mast flange plate with fastener holes therethrough. A pipe auger anchor has walls defining a generally hollow elongated body having a near end and a removed end, the near end including a pipe auger anchor flange plate mateable with the mast flange plate. The pipe auger anchor flange plate has fastener openings therein and fixedly attached to the near end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated body and an auger at the removed end. The auger provides a penetration force when the body is rotated and the auger is engaged with the ground.

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 sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a frame, a first shade, and a second shade. The frame may include opposing side members, each defining an opposing channel extending along at least a portion of the side member. The first shade may be positioned forward of the frame and may define a plurality of horizontally-extending, transversely-collapsible cells. The second shade may be positioned rearward of the first shade and may be slidably received within the channels of the side members. The first and second shades may be operably coupled to a roller and may move in conjunction with one another across the architectural opening.

Abstract: A cover device kit includes: a plurality of heat insulation components comprising a lightweight construction material such as synthetic resin foam capable of being transported in a disassembled state and then quickly assembled into a box-shaped heat barrier structure having six sides including an opening on an open side for covering an opening in a floor or wall of a building. Four of the plurality of heat insulation components 14, 16, 18, 20 each includes two complimentary connections for uniting with two corresponding adjacent heat insulation components of the plurality of heat insulation components when assembled into four side walls of the box-shaped heat barrier structure 10. The cover 12 serves as a fifth heat insulation component and unites with the four components 14, 16, 18, 20 that constitute side walls of the box-shaped structure and is situated opposite the opening on the open side.