Abstract: A sign waving apparatus that includes a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support connecting the base and the housing, and a sign mount mechanically connected to a motor. The sign or signs attach to the surfaces of the sign mount. The sign mount moves relative to the housing in a variety of different motions.

Abstract: A display device has a cover window that is light, has good resistance against external impact, and is capable of being processed with various shapes. A display device according to the present invention includes: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area; and a cover window positioned at the front side of the display panel and including a transparent area corresponding to the display area and a non-transparent area corresponding to the non-display area, wherein the cover window includes a cover window main body formed with the transparent area and the non-transparent area, and a transparent protection layer formed at the front surface of the cover window main body. The transparent protection layer extends to the rear surface corresponding to at least a portion of the non-transparent area of the cover window main body.

Abstract: A biasing member for a bolt assembly of a firearm is described herein. The biasing member comprises a body having a first portion configured to engage and seat within a biasing member receiving indentation of an arm of the extractor, and a second portion configured to engage and seat within a receiving area along a bolt of the firearm. The body provides a biasing force directed against the extractor arm. The body comprises an elastomeric material, and is configured such that the first and second portions provide varying levels of compression sufficient to maintain a substantially constant extractor tension between the extractor arm and a cartridge.

Abstract: An extractor for a self-loading firearm is mountable on a breech block and is formed of a body having a hook at one end. The body is pivotally mounted via a pivot pin. A surface is positioned between the pivot pin and the hook. The surface is divided into at least two surface portions offset from one another. One of the surface portions has a plurality of step surfaces offset from one another. The step surfaces are used to fix the bar dimension of the hook. The invention also encompasses a slide on which the extractor is mounted, as well as a self-loading firearm having the slide. A method of fitting the extractor to the pistol or slide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable capacity modular firearm magazine includes one or more modular magazine bodies, each having connectors to allow the plurality of bodes to be removably secured together in a vertical manner, a receiver member having a coupler that is removably secured to the uppermost magazine body, a baseplate having a coupler that is removably secured to the lowermost magazine body, and a cartridge engagement unit that is disposed within each of the bodies and receiver member.

Abstract: A revolver with light-weight firing control housing includes a cylinder frame supporting a rotatable cylinder defining a plurality of cartridge-receiving chambers and a firing control housing made of a non-metallic material. The firing control housing attaches to the cylinder frame and supports firing control mechanism components, such as a trigger and a pivotable hammer actuated by the trigger. In one embodiment, the firing control housing may be made of a polymer and the cylinder frame may be metal.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to an apparatus, device, or method for detecting aim or pointing direction of a firearm, the method comprising detecting a sound signature of a gunshot from the firearm; sensing an aim direction of the firearm substantially at the time of detecting the sound signature of the gunshot; setting a reference direction based, at least in part, on the aim direction; sensing a current aim direction of the firearm; comparing the current aim direction to the reference direction; and initiating an alarm if the current aim direction is beyond a threshold angle of displacement from the reference direction.

Abstract: A gun lock includes engagement structure for engaging the firing mechanism to prevent operation of the firearm. A plurality of rotatable ratchet wheels are provided and a combination disk is engaged to, disengageable from, and rotatable with an associated ratchet wheel. Movable cage structure includes a plurality of keys and each combination disk has an associated key-way, the keys being moveable into the key-ways upon the movement of the ratchet wheels and associated combination disk to an unlocking position. A combination-entering member is associated with each ratchet wheel. A combination-changing member is operable to disengage the combination disks from the ratchet wheels to permit relative movement there between, and thereby relative movement of the key-way of the combination disk relative to the initial position of the associated ratchet wheel to effect changing of the combination of operations of the combination-entering members required to unlock the lock and operate the firearm.

Abstract: A handgun converter enclosing a handgun and allowing the user to operate the handgun with full and increased functionality and enhanced safety. The combined weapon endows the handgun with increased stability and accuracy due to additional supports, versatility by adding rails, and with an additional mechanical latch mechanism supporting safe use. The handgun converter is constructed to allow quick mounting and release of the handgun, to enhance weapon versatility.

Abstract: The invention includes a decoy spreader having a central rod with a plurality of arms jointly connected to the central spine. Each arm, and at a plurality of locations on the central rod has at least one decoy attachment location. Preferably, there are at least ten decoy attachment locations. An extender mechanism may be used to help extend the arms or to retract the arms.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are disclosed for harvesting a member of a marine species while minimizing or preventing contact between the harvester and the marine species. Certain embodiments reduce the opportunity for contact between the harvester and the harvested member by providing mechanical means for removing the harvested member from a spear. The invention method includes, in one case, the steps of impaling the marine species member, removing the member from the impaling device, and securing the removed member in a manner to prevent contact with the harvester during each step of the method.

Abstract: One embodiment is a wall-less trap that includes a base, vertical supports, an upper cage, one or more guides connected to the upper cage, and a trigger. The base is positioned on a horizontal surface. The vertical supports extend upward from the base. The upper cage is movable between a raised position, in which the upper cage is suspended above the base, and a lowered position, in which the upper cage rests on the base or the horizontal surface. The guides are connected to the upper cage and slide on the vertical supports to guide vertical travel of the upper cage. The trigger can be either engaged to hold the upper cage in the raised position, or disengaged to allow the upper cage to fall downward from the raised position. The trigger is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position by an animal positioned under the upper cage.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable pocket survival snare that includes a manually windable wire snare within a low profile body assembly that incorporates a mounting loop. The storable manually windable wire snare is held in position within the body assembly, using a snap-mounted mounting ring assembly that is snapped into position around the outside perimeter of the body assembly. The mounting ring assembly is also used to position the pocket survival snare during use. The present invention also includes an escape proof sliding-locking noose and when used in conjunction with other elements of the present invention, engages automatically during operation. The wire snare is secured within the present invention using a press fit pin and then weaving the wire snare through a series of stress-relieving through-holes and non-stress-relieving through-holes that are incorporated into the invention.

Abstract: An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having a conductive trace. The carrier can further include a bottom surface with a tread pattern having a pattern of grooves. The conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the pattern of grooves, which can prevent water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.

Abstract: A method for cultivating one or more plants in an apparatus which has at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber which are separated from one another by a first partition wall, wherein the first partition wall has one or more communication openings which connect the inner space of the first chamber to the inner space of the second chamber, wherein the method includes the step that the plant and/or the first partition wall are displaced so that an area of the plant which was initially located in the second chamber is located in the first chamber after the displacement of the plant and/or of the first partition wall, and/or wherein the method includes the step that the plant is offset relative to the apparatus such that a region of the plant which was initially not located in the second chamber is located in the second chamber after the displacement of the plant relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a garage door is presented. An alarm system includes an antenna mounted to a garage door. A signal generator logic generates a periodic signal based on a capacitive value of the antenna. The signal generator logic also provides transmit power to the antenna that is radiated away from the garage door. A detection logic detects if there is a change in a characteristic of the periodic signal caused by movement in proximity of the garage door. Amplification logic amplifies the change of the periodic signal. Alarm detection logic determines if the change is an alarm and an alarm response logic will stop a movement of the garage door when the change is an alarm resulting from movement near the door.

Abstract: A child safety gate having a locking device and a flexible retractable barrier sheet is disclosed. The locking device comprises a locking means having at least a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking means is configured to in its locked position prevent further extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet, and the locking means is configured to in its unlocked position allow at least extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet. Further, the locking device comprises a timer means configured to upon activation let a delay time elapse and then bring the locking means into its locked position. An advantage of the locking device is that it provides safe operation of a child safety gate by automatically locking the locking device after a delay time has elapsed.

Abstract: A system for allowing a loading dock door to release from guide tracks. The dock door includes wheel-and-axle assemblies which are mounted to the door and which include wheels biased towards a position in the tracks. At least one of the tracks has a cross sectional profile which enables the wheels disposed in the one of the tracks to move out of the one of the tracks when the door is struck with sufficient force.

Abstract: An X arm type window regulator includes a lift arm, a lift arm bracket, an equalizer arm, and an equalizer arm bracket. The window regulator opens and closes window glass through pivotal movement of the lift arm. The lift arm has two stress-dispersing elongated protrusions provided in respective regions which are located in the vicinity of an annular protrusion provided around a through hole formed in a central portion thereof, the regions being located on the side toward a proximal end portion of the lift arm and located toward two respective edges of the lift arm. The stress-dispersing elongated protrusions have a function of dispersing stress caused by a load imposed on the distal end portion of the lift arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door panel preferably for a sliding door assembly. The door panel includes an inner frame and a sheet stock substantially covering the inner frame. The inner frame includes a geometry that cooperates with a geometry of a door accessory for operable connection of the door accessory directly to the inner frame.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises an outer shell having an opening and a cover for the opening. The cover comprises: a housing, a window and a motor for moving the window. The motor management unit stores three predetermined positions of the window relative to the housing. When the housing is engaged with the opening: in the first predetermined position the window is resiliently retained within the seal and the cover can be released from the opening without damage to the cover; in the second predetermined position the window does not engage with the seal; and in the third predetermined position the window extends into the seal and the window is prevented from being released from the seal without the window first being retracted to the first or second positions. The motor management unit causes the motor to extend the window to the third predetermined position when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes a rigid backer to couple a flexible panel assembly to a loading dock wall and a flexible, self-supporting sheet-shaped member having sufficient rigidity to enable the flexible sheet-shaped member to be cantilevered from a surface of a building without substantial sagging. The sheet-shaped member has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge where the first and second longitudinal edges couple to the rigid backer. The inner surface defines an empty cavity when the sheet-shaped member is coupled to the rigid backer.

Abstract: A hinge member providing a pivotal connection between a utility vault hatch and a utility vault frame that provides an adjustable torsion lift system with one-way bias. Hinge member comprises a fixed end socket, a floating end socket, a torsion bar member, and a collar member. Fixed end socket and floating end socket are rigid cylindrical members with a cylindrical exterior surface and a polygonal socket at in its interior. Torsion bar member is an oblong rod or bar with an external polygonal shape that fits the polygonal sockets on the fixed end socket and the floating end socket. Collar member is a rigid cylindrical member with a cylindrical exterior surface and a hollow cylindrical center. Collar member has a T-slot void cut into its cylindrical exterior surface. Floating end socket further comprises an ear member, which is inserted into the T-slot of collar member.

Abstract: A benchmark marking tool includes a marking plate having an upper surface formed in a flat shape so as to mark a benchmark on the upper surface, a stud extending from a back surface of the upper surface of the marking plate and buried in a structure such as a floor of a building to fix the marking plate, and an outer peripheral flange provided around the marking plate and buried in a coating layer applied to the structure. The marking plate is provided such that the upper surface is located to be flush with or below an upper surface of the coating layer formed on the structure when the marking plate is located in the structure of the building.

Abstract: A rigid support bearing for a rotating shaft has bearings arranged concentrically around the shaft instead of spaced axially and is used in a screw drive telescoping mast assembly. An axial drive screw is centrally located in the mast assembly for extending and retracting the tubular sections. A lower bearing assembly supports the drive screw and uses the concentric bearing arrangement to reduce the nested height of the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The apparatus includes a pivoting bracket that is rotatably coupled to a slab bracket plate having a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to slide onto a support structure driven into strata within a hole formed in a foundation in an area needing support. The pivoting bracket is pivoted into an insertion position in which one arm of the bracket is up and one arm is down. This enables the bracket to clear the sides of the hole in the foundation. The bracket is then pivoted to a support position and drawn upwardly with guide rods and a seating plate until seating portions of the bracket engage an underside surface of the foundation. The apparatus is then raised to lift the foundation. The sleeve of the apparatus is then affixed to the support structure to support the foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing rot and insect damage to in-ground wood increases the effective life of the wood. A waterproof collar has an upper margin that defines a seal against the wood and the collar surrounds the wood from a point above the ground level to a predetermined location below the ground level. The collar defines a barrier that prevents microbes and insects from gaining access to the wood over the most important portion of the wood in terms of structural integrity, the critical decay zone.

Abstract: Building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules include photovoltaic inserts for producing electrical power and supporting structures for mechanically attaching and supporting the insert with respect to a building structure, such as roof tops. The supporting structures may include ventilation ribs that form ventilation channels under the photovoltaic insert and, in certain embodiments, under other components of the module. These ribs may be used to provide mechanical support to the entire module. In specific embodiments, ventilation channels of one module are configured to coincide with ventilation channels of one or more other like modules and to form a continuous channel along the roof edge. The supporting structures may be used to form moisture barriers in between two modules, such as side glitters. In certain embodiments, supporting structures are separate components and are attached to the insert to form a module during fabrication or installation of the module on a building structure.

Abstract: A device for attaching a module for collecting energy originating from solar radiation on a structure such as a roof, a façade or a mounting structure of a ground-mounted system, in which the module is provided with at least one fastener on its face designed to be facing the structure. The device includes at least one support secured to the structure by snap-fitting, the fastener and the support being suitable for being coupled to one another for the attachment of the module to the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a threshold mat that provides a covering over the sill or threshold of an entryway. The device comprises a thickened interior layer sandwiched between an upper and lower covering, whereby the device is positioned over a threshold and connected to the ground surface and the threshold itself using a line of connection along the underside ends of the mat. This secures the mat against the threshold to prevent a tripping hazard, while providing a padded surface for children to crawl over the threshold. An embodiment of the mat contemplates the ability to size the mat to a particular threshold width by detaching removable outer portions that remove excess material. The mat construction is one of a thickened interior layer sandwiched between water proof outer material for exterior door use.

Abstract: A kit for assembling to produce a staircase, the kit comprising: a pair of star supports (12); a plurality of treads (16); a plurality of risers (18); a plurality of tread supports (14) for supporting treads when the staircase is assembled; and means defining the correct position of the plurality of tread supports on the stair supports to produce a staircase to a given specification.

Abstract: A door frame reinforcement assembly for resisting an intrusive force applied to a building door has a pair of opposing elongated jamb members and elongated reinforcement members securable with a respective jamb member. Each of the jamb members has a pair of rabbet milled step-up cutouts. One of the cutouts receives a long screw threadably engaging the jamb member with the walls studs. The reinforcement members are secured within the second cutout. The reinforcement members are formed as metal tubes with an insert.

Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.

Abstract: Provided are systems and components for modular wall assembly. The components include horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor tracks that have engagement means for assembling the components together into a frame structure. Horizontal tracks and floor tracks have portions for mourning a wall module such as a wall panel unit, bookshelf unit, or cabinet. The horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor studs may be CNC cut from a CAD file for precision alignment between interlocking components. The modular wall assembly systems provide for ease of construction and flexibility in designing the layout of an interior wall.

Abstract: A molding system for use in interior spaces at or near the top of a vertical wall having a decorative surface and a vertical mounting surface including an attachment flange used for fastening the molding section to the wall, said molding section having a center of mass which is spaced outwardly from the wall surface, and whereby the point of attachment of said molding to the wall is located at a vertically higher position on the molding section than the center of mass so that when secured to a wall the lower end of the molding section is continually urged towards the wall surface and is therefore maintained in continual contact with the wall surface.

Abstract: Provided is a structure that may include a structural tube having at least one slot extending from an end thereof, an end plate attached to the end of the structural tube, and at least one cross member extending through the at least one slot, the at least one cross member including a first region outside of the structural tube and a second region inside the structural tube.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated tile system includes modular backing boards comprising a plurality of tile backing board units including male/female edges for mating with an adjacent unit and a protruding bump serving as a grout spacer.

Abstract: A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for metal panel roof recover systems which are installed over an existing roof. The existing roof has a support frame which includes an array of spaced purlins running horizontally through the roof and a plurality of interconnected metal panels that are mounted vertically across the array of purlins. The roof recover system comprises individual panel clips, elongated panel clips, and a metal cover. The individual clips are arranged in linear arrays running vertically across the purlins and are mounted to the purlins through the panels of the existing roof. The elongated continuous panel clips extend vertically across and are mounted to adjacent purlins through the panels of the existing roof. The metal cover is attached to the clips and comprises a plurality of metal panels interconnected by vertical standing seams formed on the clips.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form having spaced sidewalls joined by form ties to define a first interior cavity therebetween for receiving poured concrete, the form ties including interior fastening plates positioned in between the spaced sidewalls. The interior fastening plates provide a backing surface to which forming structures can be easily and efficiently secured to define a second interior cavity in between the forming structure and one of the sidewalls, the second interior cavity having thickness less than the first interior cavity so as to define a form for making a recess in the resulting concrete portion of the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means, comprising blocks having: ridges that fit into grooves, bases that fit into channels, cavities for the flow of adhesive, notches in which ducts for installations are located, perforations for reinforcing the wall with post-tensioned cable or rebar, provisions for building frames for doors or windows, and tunnels for housing piers, among other elements, which together allow a wall to be constructed without skilled labor, saving materials and reducing construction time.

Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.

Abstract: Panels are shown which are provided with a mechanical locking system allowing perpendicular connection with a snap action.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: A strut end piece for a strut for connecting with a fin of a sleeve for a solar mirror frame support. A strut for receiving a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support. A sleeve for connecting with a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support having a main portion having an opening for receiving the chord. A method for connecting a sleeve to a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions.

Abstract: A method for creating an interior wall panel, such as for a residential structure, is described. The method includes providing an electronic template for an interior wall. The template may define at least one interior wall opening. At least one feature for all or part of the wall is selected. The feature may be such a color, design and/or pattern. The feature is imaged on a first substrate when the interior wall opening is imaged. A second substrate may be similarly imaged. The imaged substrates are located adjacent one another on an interior wall of a residential structure. The interior wall opening is removed to accommodate a feature on the interior wall.