Abstract: Apparatus and method for material distribution, including a drawbar to which is fixedly connected a bucket body. Wheels are attached to the drawbar on opposite sides of the bucket body between an open side and a gate thereof. A lower edge of the open side of the bucket body, which can receive material, is in the form of a cutting blade or teeth. The gate, which is disposed opposite from the open side, can be opened and closed. At least part of a top side of the bucket body forms a platform for an operator. At least one engine is provided and is drivingly connected to the wheels. A handlebar is connected to the bucket body, forward of the platform, for pivoting the bucket body about the wheels so that the cutting blade or teeth can be brought into or out of contact with a surface.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a tooth adapter to the bucket or other piece of earth moving equipment which provides for mechanical advantage whereby tightening of one portion, procures a multiplication of force, for providing secure engagement.

Abstract: A vehicle license plate frame and bumper assembly has a substrate formed of a high-durometer first polymer compound, and an overmold component formed of a lower-durometer, second polymer compound that is chemically compatible with the first polymer compound. The substrate includes an endless frame with forward, inner and outer faces, and license plate screw mounting tabs inwardly extending from the frame. The overmold component includes a bumper cohesively bonded to the frame but not to screw head-receiving areas of the tabs.

Abstract: A system for displaying an illuminated image which includes (1) a frame kit with interchangeable components and an assembled electric cord set and (2) a flexible sheet imprinted with an image which combine to make a unit for display of the image as on a table lamp or hanging lamp. The printed sheet is art paper or other media formed into a closed shape defined by the shape of the frame rims to which it is attached at both ends. One of the frame rims includes provision for the attachment of legs which connect the rim to a central hub, which provides support for a lamp holder. A slot is provided in the central hub so the complete electric cord set with the lamp holder attached can be inserted without disassembly. A website is set up whereby institutions or businesses can upload selected images with instructions for formatting for printing on the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A firearm support apparatus has a support frame having an elongate longitudinal center body and a lateral crosspiece having right and left sides that extend outwardly from the center body. The apparatus also includes a forward cradle assembly, a rearward cradle assembly, an outwardly extending flanges, and a pair of adjustable legs for adjusting the height of the lateral crosspiece with respect to the ground.

Abstract: An improved muzzle-loading firearm with a removable, threadless breech plug retained by a breech plug retaining collar, and a barrel retaining nut for simplifying manufacture, cleaning, preventing fouling and over-pressure situations, and minimizing alignment issues during, assembly of the firearm. The removable, threadless breech plug also allows for straightforward interchangeability of breech plugs for use with various primers and propellants.

Abstract: A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock/unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a prohibited area, such as a school. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time.

Abstract: A firearm having modular components that can be assembled under field conditions, by using simple tools. Upper and lower receivers are assembled by pins and a barrel and gas tube are secured to the upper receiver by a barrel nut. Mounting flanges of the upper receiver and a handguard are secured in reliable assembly by a manually actuated clamp mechanism having a clamping condition releasably securing the handguard to the upper receiver and having a releasing condition permitting separation of the handguard from the upper receiver. A pocketed soft protective container receives and protects the modular firearm components until firearm assembly takes place.

Abstract: A handguard or other cover for a firearm includes a shell or body with a hollow interior cavity and a retaining structure configured to engage the forearm and retain the shell in place on the forearm, where the retaining structure is releasable to permit removal of the shell from the forearm. The shell may have a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface extending between the first and second edges. The concave inner surface may include at least one tab extending outwardly from the inner surface which is configured to be connected to a slot or opening formed in the forearm for the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm which is modifiable by the user such that a firearm barrel is arranged replaceable by the user, wherein the firearm comprises a barrel unit, which is detachable by the user and fastenable to a receiver, which barrel unit comprises the barrel and a locking piece, wherein the locking piece has a backward narrowing rear cone, which fits a cone in the receiver and which has a forward narrowing front cone, and which fits a cone in the centering bush, wherein to the centering bush is rotatably connected a clamping bush having an outer thread which fits an inner thread in the receiver, wherein by rotating the clamping bush in the locked direction, the rear end of the locking piece is centerable by means of the rear cone and lockable to the cone in the receiver.

Abstract: A firearm magazine loader. The magazine loader includes an ammunition holder adapted for receiving and holding ammunition from a tray in the same arrayed configuration in which the ammunition was held in the tray. The magazine loader includes a holder adapted for holding ammunition in an array including multiple columns and rows. The magazine loader includes a carrier and a biasing member biasing the carrier for movement. The magazine loader includes a movable carrier and a stop. The stop engages ammunition held in the carrier for indexing movement of the carrier. The magazine loader includes a plunger oriented for plunging ammunition from the carrier in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the carrier. The magazine loader includes a slot sized and shaped for receiving a round of ammunition and configured for permitting the round of ammunition to slide along a length of the slot.

Abstract: A device for selectively engaging and depressing the slide lock of a firearm includes a pair of engagement tabs that may be utilized in the field stripping of a firearm. In particular, the tabs have slots that are configured to accept the slide lock of the firearm, and facilitate disengagement of the lock to the slide assembly of the firearm.

Abstract: Gun support apparatus for supporting a gun or components of a gun for assembly, servicing, cleaning, or other gunsmithing operations. A vise may include one or more gun supports for supporting a gun. A gun support may include a magazine well insert receivable in a magazine well of a gun. The support may be pivotable and may include a hammer stop. A gun support may include a channel of tapering width which is pivotable for positioning a desired width of the channel for receiving a portion of a gun to be supported in the channel. A bolt support device may be used to mount a bolt for cleaning or servicing.

Abstract: A hunting decoy with a body has a guidance fin being both movably positioned and releasably attachable below the body of the decoy. Water contact with the guidance fin permits the decoy to have a lifelike movement. Baffles applied to the guidance fin permit a more lifelike movement for the decoy.

Abstract: To provide a better experience for ice fisherman and fisherman generally, the present inventor devised, among other things, apparatus, assemblies, components, and methods for holding a fishing device, such as a fishing rod. One exemplary apparatus includes an adjustable rod holder pivotably mounted or coupled to a base structure. The rod holder, which can be strapped or otherwise attached to one or more types of fishing rods or poles, has an adjustable center of gravity and/or an adjustable pivot point. The adjustable center of gravity and/or pivot point allows users to balance the fishing rod at various tip angles, up or down, and thus to position the rod in a way most suitable for the type of desired fish. The exemplary apparatus is particularly suitable as a replacement for the conventional tip-ups used in ice fishing, because it provides advantages of conventional rod & reel fishing with those of conventional tip-down fishing.

Abstract: A means and apparatus are provided for attracting fish to a Lure that uses at least one of a color of light or at least one of a type of Scent or at least one of a color as the attractant. The Scent would have the added benefit of being made of at least one of a color. Thereby affording anglers an innovative, adaptable, and more affordable type Lure.

Abstract: A lure of the present invention has a hollow portion 2 therein, the body 3 being made of a translucent material. A body inner wall surface forming the hollow portion 2 has a polyhedral structure including a first plane 61 and a second plane 62 connected to the first plane 61, and a multilayer colored region 7 including a first colored portion 71 and a second colored portion 72 stacked on the first colored portion 71, the second colored portion 72 having a color that is different from that of the first colored portion 71, is provided on the first plane 61 or a body outer wall surface corresponding to the first plane 61. The lure of the present invention varies in color depending on the viewing direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device. The insertion device may include an insertion member having a tip and a release assistance piston arranged inside the insertion member. The release piston is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance piston is in the extended position, a proximal end of is substantially flush with an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.

Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.

Abstract: A material may include a substrate, such as sand, treated with a binder, for securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a powdered, polymeric coating. Commonly called acrylamides or polyacrylamides by industrial suppliers, certain polymers have been found to serve well by being comminuted to powder and adhered to the substrate granules.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. In addition, the bag may be used for planting individual plants in a planting bed, for establishing a buffer zone around the foundation of a building, or for controlling erosion around a downspout of a building.

Abstract: A floral grouping package for a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end is disclosed. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a preformed sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the preformed sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the preformed sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for slidable devices such as sliding gates or sliding doors. In order to render possible a compact and nevertheless stable construction of the device (1), it is provided according to the invention that the device (1) has a supporting or retaining device (2) and a shorter runner rail (3) as well as a longer runner rail (4), wherein rolling elements (5) and/or sliding elements are provided on the supporting or retaining element (2), via which rolling elements and/or sliding elements the shorter runner rail (3) can be moved, and wherein further rolling elements (6) and/or sliding elements are provided on the shorter runner rail (3) and optionally on the supporting or retaining element (2), via which further rolling elements and/or sliding elements the longer runner rail (4) can be moved.

Abstract: A responsive structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section is provided. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: An attic stairway insulator assembly configured for placement within a building scuttle is provided. The building scuttle has a length and a width. The attic stairway insulator assembly includes a base configured to cover the building scuttle. The base has a length and a width corresponding generally to the length and the width of the building scuttle. A bag is seated on the base and has insulative material within a jacket. The bag has a length that is longer than the length of the base and a width that is wider than the width of the base such that portions of the bag having the insulative material drape over portions of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease.

Abstract: A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

Abstract: A foundation system includes a security boot selectively coupled to a pier having a notched upper end. The security boot includes first, second, and third portions complementary to the pier upper end. The security boot third portion includes a configuration complementary to a foundation sill plate and is selectively coupled thereto. The foundation system includes a sleeve configured to be received on a pier, the security boot configured to surround the sleeve and be slidable therealong. The system includes at least one lifting device having a base member and rod configured to engage the sill plate and is movable between a retracted configuration not urging movement of the sill plate and an extended configuration urging the sill plate upwardly. In a method of using the foundation system, the lifting devices may be actuated to lift an entire foundation upwardly from the piers, the security sliding upwardly along an associated sleeve.

Abstract: An insulated window buck with integrated fastening and anchor elements for a self aligning cut or molded insulated concrete form (ICF) window buck. The insulated window buck with integrated fastening and anchor generally includes an insulated ICF window and door buck made with multiple components with a configuration that allows for the use of various type of materials' on the face and edges of the buck, and have the ability to friction fit to the inside of an ICF wall so as no external bracing or strapping is needed to keep the buck aligned with the ICF wall during concrete placement. Having a firm insulation material component on the internal portion of the buck is an integral part of the invention in that through the use of recesses in the insulation material the fluid concrete can flow into these recesses and make a permanent bond to the buck.

Abstract: A multi-floor data center, comprising in one implementation, a plurality of floors; a first set of server racks disposed about a first vertical center axis on each floor, the first set of server racks formed in a substantially closed shape, with a substantially vertical open center comprising a first airflow plenum at least for air flow; a first opening in each of the floors, with the first opening aligned with the substantially vertical first airflow plenum on it respective floor, wherein the substantially vertical first airflow plenums on the floors are aligned for communication through the first openings in the floors; outer wall; a roof with a roof opening therein.

Abstract: An anchoring device for panel supporting structures, which comprises at least one tension element (6) which is adapted to act on a supporting frame (2), which supports at least one panel (3) and rests on a resting surface (4). Means being further provided for tensioning the tension element (6) and means (7) for connecting the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) adapted to transmit at least partially the tension forces of the tension element (6) to the supporting frame (2) along a direction that has at least one component substantially perpendicular to the resting surface (4).

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: Lath assembly for a sidewall finishing of a floor or ceiling comprising a pair of a first and second lath. The lath assembly further comprises a connector for connecting the first ends of the pair of laths to each other. The connector comprises two key members which are arranged to be inserted into respective keyways of the laths to be connected. By inserting the key members into the keyways, the laths are brought into an assembled condition. Each keyway of the combination of laths comprises an integrally formed lath stopper and each key member comprises an integrally formed key stopper. The key stopper is in an assembled condition in form closure with the lath stopper to lock the connector in the longitudinal direction to the lath. Advantageously, the engagement of the key stopper with the lath stopper provides a secure lockage of the connector to the lath in length direction.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting wall is disclosed. The cladding system includes a plurality of building blocks, each having a body and a facing; and a plurality of support brackets for mounting the blocks on the supporting wall in a plurality of adjoining horizontal rows. The body of each block includes engagement means for engaging at least one of the support brackets such that, in use, at least a part of the body of each block abuts at least a part of the body of a neighbouring block in an adjoining row so as to guard against water penetration between the rows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorbing base flooring section comprising a primary deck comprising interconnection means to interconnect at least two base flooring sections and comprising shock absorption means attached under said primary deck, a subfloor attached under said primary deck and provided adjacent to the shock absorbing means, the subfloor having a thickness lower than the height of said shock absorption means.

Abstract: A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer is highly reflective (optionally textured) and operative to bond to concrete cast against it. Preferably, the protective coating layer comprises cement, polymer, and white pigment, and may optionally or additionally include a filler, a UV absorber and an antioxidant. The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it. Also disclosed is a waterproofing membrane comprising a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a protective coating layer (as described above), and a highly releasable bonding layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer comprises a highly reflective protective coating layer operative to bond to concrete cast against it, particularly one that is produced from an aqueous coating comprising an acrylic emulsion, a filler, and a white pigment. The pigment volume concentration of the filler plus white pigment is greater than or equal to 55% by volume. The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it. Also disclosed is a waterproofing membrane comprising a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a protective coating layer, and a highly releasable bonding layer. The preferred highly releasable bonding layer comprises nanoscale silica and a binder.

Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of board finishing systems. For example, in various aspects, disclosed are joint compound compositions, wall assemblies, methods of treating walls, and products related to any of the foregoing, including reinforcement trim, e.g., for protecting corners where boards meet, fasteners, and tape. The joint compound preferably is a drying type composition with reduced shrinkage property, and includes binder and hollow spheres, resulting in an ultra lightweight formulation in some embodiments. The joint compound composition can be applied in a one-coat treatment in preferred embodiments. Other aspects of board finishing system accommodate such a one-coat treatment to thusly allow a user to manipulate the compound closer to the plane of board as compared with conventional formulations. Joint tape and reinforcement trim can include non-swelling synthetic paper facing material in some embodiments.

Abstract: A panel mounting system and method of securing a panel to a vertical surface. The panel mounting system, which may be used in a point of sale (POS) display, includes a panel having a channel open to a rear surface of the panel. The channel has a top surface configured to engage a portion of a horizontal cleat and a bottom surface. A channel access opening allows a security cleat to be inserted into the channel through the rear surface of the panel. The security cleat is then repositioned laterally along the axis of the channel, thereby engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the channel and securing the horizontal cleat to the panel. The panel may be decoupled from the horizontal cleat by simply repositioning the security cleat to the channel access opening and removing the security cleat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washer having a substantially planar annular area defining an opening for through passage of a fastener and a non-planar area radially outwardly disposed of the planar annular area. A method for fastening a roof deck comprising inserting a fastener through a washer having a substantially planar annular area and a non-planar area radially outwardly disposed of the planar annular area and driving the fastener through the roof deck or through an opening therein. A corrugated metal roof deck system comprising a subjacent support and a corrugated metal roof supported by the support. A waster having a substantially planar annular area defining an opening for through passage of a fastener and a second non-planar area radially outwardly disposed of said planar annular area with a fastener extending through said washer through said deck and into said subjacent support.

Abstract: A joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) for connection of mutually adjacent structural members (11A, 11B), (11, 12), (12, 14), (11, 13), (11, 11), (11, 12), characterized in that each structural member has a pair of opposed walls (18, 19, 20, 21), (24, 24, 22A, 22A), (50, 51, 52A, 52A), (50, 51, 52C, 52C), (99, 100, 24, 24), (99, 102, 24, 24), (102, 102, 24, 24) whereby in formation of said joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) each opposed wall (18, 19), (24, 24), (50, 51), (99, 100), (99, 102), (102, 102) of one structural member (11A, 11, 12) is located adjacent to a proximal opposed wall (20, 21), (22A, 22A), (24, 24) of another structural member (11B, 12, 14, 13, 11) and connected thereto by fasteners (26, 17A, 17B).

Abstract: Odor emissions from improperly prepared Chinese drywall commonly termed “Chinese drywall” are reduced by the use of a hydrophobic coating on preferably both sides of the drywall, and by positively ventilating air from between the joists onto which the drywall is mounted.

Abstract: A method for erecting a facility includes the steps of constructing initial tower panels on a foundation. Work platforms and guys are installed so that additional tower panels may be installed on top of the existing tower panels. The work platforms with guys may then be raised, so that the process may be repeated until tower section height is reached. Tower sections are them completed by the addition of peripheral trusses and permanent guys, and additional tower sections are constructed by repeating the process to reach the desired facility height. Lifting units including truss and rail systems and rotatable modules with turbines in shrouds are assembled on the ground, then raised up the towers and operably mounted for generating electricity from wind. The erection process is sequenced to maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for anchoring a load (26) to an anchorage (30) utilizing at least one unitary anchoring tendon (10) including a plurality of tensile elements (12) each having a free length (14) and a bond length (18). The tendon is located lengthwise in a bore (34) formed through the load into the anchorage, and different groups (G1, G2, G3) of the strands of the tendon are tensioned in a predetermined sequence to a respective initial displacement length prior to the different groups being collectively tensioned to a respective final displacement length to anchor the load.

Abstract: An abutment device, in particular for laying floor elements, is proposed, comprising a first abutment element with a first abutment face and a second abutment face, which is oriented transversely to the first abutment face, and a second abutment element with a third abutment face, which is oriented transversely to the first abutment face, and which second abutment element is slidingly displaceably guided in a fixable manner on the first abutment element, a spacing between the first abutment face and the third abutment face being fixably adjustable, the first abutment element, on a side opposite to the first abutment face, having a recess, which is limited by an edge and in which the second abutment element is arranged.

Abstract: A ceramic board (1), of at least cement and gypsum, preferably in the proportions 1:10, and can include additional filler material in the composition. The board is used for various applications including as a door panel (31) or cabinet door (81). The board (21) can have channels, grooves, honeycomb, corrugations, or protrusions (22) extending along one or both faces which help to lighten the board whilst retaining rigidity, and which can have filler material (103) provided therein. The board (31) can have mounting points (35) for cabinet hinges or a lock, and can have internal strengthening members (142a,b,c) within the material of the board. The board or door can have an edge protector, which can be internal (153) or external (112). An end of the board can form a recess (184) for cables, pipes etc, which can be formed by internal strengtheners protruding from the end of the ceramic material (FIGS. 18a, 18b). The board can have an internal frame or skeleton embedded within the ceramic material.