Abstract: A trigger assembly for use with a firearm has a hook carried by and pivotal with a selector to engage an aft tab of a hammer in the safe position of the selector.

Abstract: A forward set trigger device for a firearm, includes a striking element that is acted upon by a main spring and has a catch interacting with a locking element, which can be disengaged from the catch by a trigger blade via a release member. The forward set trigger further includes an uncocking mechanism for the main spring by means of which a main spring support facing away from the striking element can be brought into a position that uncocks the main spring. A forward setting mechanism having a spring element, is articulated to the trigger blade and supported on a stop and which can be brought into an unstable cocked position during a forward setting movement of the trigger blade, and wherein the uncocking mechanism brings the spring element out of its unstable cocked position when the main spring support is moved into the uncocked position.

Abstract: A striker-fired firearm in one embodiment includes a firing mechanism having a spring-biased blocker movable into and out of the linear path traveled by the striker to reach a chambered cartridge. A sear operates to hold the striker in a cocked position. A blocker lifter actuated by a trigger mechanism via a trigger pull raises the blocker and actuates the sear to release the striker for discharging the firearm. Upon release of the trigger, the blocker automatically returns to a blocking position obstructing the linear travel path of the striker to disable the firing mechanism.

Abstract: A battery-powered trigger-locking device, which is configured to be disposed on a gun with a trigger for 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 memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-looking member to an unlocked position, permitting the gun to be fired. A separate electronic gun key is provided to transmit gun unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This gun unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.

Abstract: A weapon mount that integrates a Picatinny style weapon mount and a hook and loop attachment surface to quickly and securely affix weapon accessories to the accessory rail of a weapon using hook and loop fasteners. The mount is constructed of a light weight resilient material that allows the mount to be press fit upon a standard Picatinny rail. The weapon mount has a molded body having a flat top platform and an integral pair of opposed clamp members. The mount also includes a patch of hook fasteners bonded to the outer surface of the top platform.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an accessory to a rail of a weapon including a base portion, a first side portion configured to engage a first side of a rail of the weapon, and a second side portion configured to engage a second side of the rail. The first side portion has an opening defined therein. A movable clamping member is disposed in the opening in the first side portion so as to be movable between a clamping position where it secures the device to the rail and a retracted position. A clamping lever is pivotally interconnected with the first side portion for movement between an open position and a closed position. A link interconnects the clamping lever and the clamping member such that moving the lever from the open position to the closed position moves the clamping member from the retracted position to the clamping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for aiding the insertion of detachable magazines in AK rifle variants. The magazine well attachment includes a well attachment body having a slit configured to slide over a trigger guard of a firearm during the assembly process. The attachment body includes a beveled well opening for guiding a tilt-lock magazine into the firearm. The beveled well opening includes beveled steps for funneling and centering the magazine during insertion and also includes an angled front well ramp for guiding the magazine into the rifle at an appropriate angle. In order to accommodate the dimensional variances between receivers made by different manufacturers, a front retainer secures the attachment to the magazine opening. The magazine well attachment also includes a rear overhang secured to a ledge of the firearm's trigger guard.

Abstract: A handgun shoulder support platform includes a shoulder support stably supporting a handgun to a shooter's shoulder when shooting the handgun, thus providing greatly improved shot accuracy. The support is preferably made of an elongated strip of metal with a rear section shaped to engage the shooter's shoulder and a front section, and a grip-engaging bracket (“perch”) on the front section shaped to matably engage a grip of the handgun. The bracket is vertically open and shaped to engage and stably support a grip of the handgun without the use of mechanical fasteners. Multiple removable brackets can be provided for receiving differently shaped handgun grips.

Abstract: An optical super-elevation device including an elevation follower mirror that counter-rotates with an opposite angular rate to the weapon elevation rate, thereby maintaining the line of sight to the target during the elevation process. In one example, the optical super-elevation device includes a modular housing having a mounting bracket configured to fixedly mount to at a weapon or azimuth axis of a tripod, an elevation follower mirror rotatably mounted within the housing, and a mirror actuator coupled to the elevation follower mirror and configured to counter-rotate the elevation follower mirror at an angular rate opposite to an elevation rate of the weapon to maintain a line of sight to a target during super-elevation of the weapon.

Abstract: Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stop surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage turret.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the location in which herbivore fowl populations congregate by altering the behaviour of the fowl through the combination of providing a strong disincentive to populate areas where the presence of the fowl is not desired and a strong incentive to populate a proximate area where the presence of fowl can be tolerated. For herbivore waterfowl, and in particular Canada geese, the adjacent area also provides the waterfowl with a means of egress to water as an escape from predators and other perceived threats. The method uses a deterrent in the form of adulterated feed to dissuade the herbivore fowl from congregating in areas in which their presence is not desired and the use of an attractant in the form of non-adulterated feed to encourage the herbivore fowl to congregate in a proximate area in which their presence can be tolerated.

Abstract: A fishing device provided is configurable as a teaser that can simulate a live fish. A hookless teaser provided is configurable in various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. More particularly, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be received by and operatively attached to the first and second portions. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation the first portion to simulate swimming. The first portion may be configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion may be configured to simulate a tail of the fish. A loop near the central second portion end may interact with water to reorient the second portion. A method is provided for using the fishing device.

Abstract: A fishing rod with convenient devices for measuring a length and a weight of a fish, includes a scale, a cord, a weighing hook, a weight display, and a cavity for storing the weighing hook and cord, such that the scale is mounted in a handle of the fishing road, whereby the scale can weigh a fish which is attached to the weighing hook. The fishing rod can further include length measuring markings on an elongated member of the rod. Further, the fishing rod can include a measuring control device, including a processor; a non-transitory memory; an input/output; a weighing manager; a communication manager; and a data bus; whereby the fishing rod can communicate with a mobile device via a wireless connection.

Abstract: The Planer Board Fishing Quick Line Roller is a pulley system created to improve planer board and mast line fishing. The pulley represents an entirely new device to improve the process for fishermen to utilize gravity to position the fishing line release in the desired location along a mast line. When the fishing line release is triggered by fish strike or snag, the pulley system effortlessly glides down the line with the release attached, all the way down to the planar board allowing the next pulley and release to be attached and the fishing can continue without the worry of the previous release clip hindering the performance or location of the subsequent release clip. Additionally, the Planer Board Fishing Quick Line Roller utilizes the fisherman's original equipment, such as a Planer Board Release or other commercially available devices using the “shower curtain clip”.

Abstract: An insect trapping system comprising: a container, where the container includes a threaded top; a threaded top, where the threaded top includes a funnel shape with an opening; and bait within the container to attract insects. In one particular embodiment, the bait includes fruit and the top is threaded around a perimeter.

Abstract: A bed bug trap includes heat, carbon dioxide and/or semiochemicals (pheromones and/or kairomones), to attract and trap bed bugs. The trap may be combined with the appearance and/or function of another appliance, such as an air freshener. The release of semiochemicals may be combined with the release of air freshening compositions. The device preferably is powered, but not necessarily. The bed bug trap may provide one attraction mode, or two attraction modes, namely one which uses heat, carbon dioxide and/or kairomones to attact bed bugs seeking a meal, and the other which uses pheromones to attract bed bugs seeking a safe harbor, i.e. a hiding place. The two different modes may operating simultaneously in different areas, or the trap may be switchable between modes, for example via a timer, or in response to some trigger such as a light sensor.

Abstract: A device, method and system for killing and disposing of parasites, such as ticks and fleas, wherein a dispenser (1) having a bowl-shaped reservoir (5) located on a dispensing cap (4) is filled with an alcohol based solution (3) that is stored in a bottle (2) and pumped through a supply tube (6) into the bowl-shaped reservoir. Parasites may be placed into the bowl-shaped reservoir and alcohol based solution to kill the parasites. The used alcohol based solution and bowl-shaped reservoir may then be cleaned and dispenser may be stored until needed again. The dispenser may be stored near an entry way through which the animal commonly enters a home after being outside so that the animal may be checked for parasites immediately upon entry into the home. The device, method and system may also be used by groomers, veterinarians and kennels when checking an animal for parasites.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to the introduction of a renewable fuel oil as a feedstock into refinery systems or field upgrading equipment. For example, the present application is directed to methods of introducing a liquid thermally produced from biomass into a petroleum conversion unit; for example, a refinery fluid catalytic cracker (FCC), a coker, a field upgrader system, a hydrocracker, and/or hydrotreating unit; for co-processing with petroleum fractions, petroleum fraction reactants, and/or petroleum fraction feedstocks and the products, e.g., fuels, and uses and value of the products resulting therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention describes bacterial strains CECT 7968, CECT 7969 and NCIMB 42026 of the species B. subtilis, capable of expressing the heterologous synthetic mutated genes: pdc and adhB, originating from Z. mobilis, 'tesA, originating from E. coli, and atfl, originating from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1. Furthermore, said strains may overexpress at least one of the genes of the ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) and acyl-CoA synthetase enzymatic complexes. The use of said strains produces an increase in the production of biofuel, preferably biodiesel from glycerin as the carbon source. Moreover, the present invention describes the use of said bacterial strains for the production of said biofuel, biodiesel, from glycerin, as well as a process for synthesising biofuel, preferably biodiesel, using the strains described in the present invention and the biofuel duly obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon composition, which can be used as a fuel and/or fuel oil, containing a petroleum component (A) and a component of a biological origin (B), wherein the component of a biological origin is present in a quantity of up to 75% by volume with respect to the total composition.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for transport of energy and/or materials. In one aspect, a method includes generating gaseous fuel (e.g., from biomass dissociation) at a first location of a low elevation. The gaseous fuel can be self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A liquid fuel can be generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the gaseous fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor, and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The liquid fuel can be delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for a rechargeable fire starter and a long burning fuel. The disclosure relates to a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel. The rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel may comprise an absorbent having a porous mineral, or a combination of one or more porous minerals along with wood pellets. The absorbent may then be saturated with a flammable liquid. This combination provides a rechargeable fire starter and long burning fuel that is relatively impervious to moisture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing lignin. The method includes feeding lignin material to the system, decreasing particle size of the lignin material in a grinding device in order to manufacture lignin powder having particle size distribution wherein at least 85 wt. % of the lignin agglomerates and particles are less than 300 microns, and increasing dry solids content of the lignin material at least 5 percentage units while decreasing the particle size in the grinding device. In addition, the invention relates to a system for processing lignin, a lignin powder, a method for manufacturing a product including lignin, a system for manufacturing a product including lignin and a product including lignin powder.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburiser carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.

Abstract: Here invented is method and apparatus for control of ground surface radiative effects. A material is laid out in a field in anticipation of frost or in expectation of crop damage from powdery mildew. The material causes radiative heat loss to the cold night sky due to its low emissivity and it causes ultraviolet-C in natural sunlight to be directed upward to impinge on mildew spores on vegetation where it would be otherwise shaded from the sun.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selection of constituents for a growth medium and mulch for varying types of soils. Also disclosed is a growth medium and mulch.

Abstract: Here invented is a vineyard configuration for maximizing use of the resources of land and sun. It is a configuration based on a low and narrow tractor that enables both narrow spacing of rows of plants in vineyards and formation of canopies that enable nearly complete usage of impinging sunlight.

Abstract: The plant cage of the present invention comprises a plurality of vertical risers with a plurality of horizontal cross section assemblies that are capable of being raised or lowered on the vertical risers as well as increasing or decreasing in diameter by transitioning the inner bore of the larger horizontal tube.

Abstract: A novel, improved plant support devise, that is universally adaptable for holding one or more plants. This planter's pot is specifically designed for placement upon the top of any 4×4 inch object. Examples of objects it is intended for mating with may include the top of fence posts and/or mailbox posts. Said planter's pot is architecturally designed with a 4×4 inch, introverted opening in the center of the base of the pot. When met with, for instance, the top of a 4×4 inch fence post, the planter's pot introverted internal cavity would mate with the pot. It would sit, combined with the 4×4 inch object. No additional attachment devices are needed to secure such planter pot to its base.

Abstract: A method for controlling soil moisture to perform water deficit experiments on a plurality of plants located in soil contained within a plurality of pots supported in a plurality of openings of a stationary platform includes lifting the plurality of pots with a plurality of load cell modules and weighing each of the plurality of pots with the load cell modules. The method also includes determining whether each pot needs to be watered based on the weight of the pot and the water deficit experiment, watering the pots through the load cell modules, if necessary, and lowering the plurality of load cell modules so that the plurality of pots are supported by the platform.

Abstract: A pot for use with system for controlling soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments includes a body portion having an open top end and a bottom end, and a flange coupled to the body portion adjacent the top end. The flange is configured to engage a platform to hold the body portion within an opening of the platform. The pot also includes a fluid reservoir having a bottom portion located adjacent the bottom end of the body portion, a plurality of vertically extending fluid channels extending upwardly toward the top end of the body portion, a fill opening located at the bottom end of the body portion in communication with the bottom portion of the fluid reservoir, and a check valve coupled to the fill opening to permit fluid to be supplied to the fluid reservoir from the bottom end of the body portion through fill opening and the check valve.

Abstract: A stand for hydroponic growing has multiple tiered horizontal shelves supported by curved arms with the arms attached to a base that includes a tank with a pump. The shelves are hollow, shallow troughs with a cover. The covers have openings to accommodate planting baskets and liquid nutrients are pumped from the tank to and through the shelves. In some versions the shelves are tilted to reduce the incident of a growing plant interfering with or being interfered with by the shelf above it. Also it causes the plants to hang down in a predetermined direction making it easier to provide a trellis or other plant matter directional control. In some versions the growing baskets have a tab that interacts with a slot in the shelf cover to help secure the growing basket to the shelf.

Abstract: An aeroponic chamber incorporating a molded tub incorporates an integral angled interface having ports to receive misting nozzles, a drain sump including an outlet, and support brackets incorporating saddles adapted to be received on support rails with integral conduits. The conduits are connected to the misting nozzles. At least one support tray with an arcuate surface is supported on the molded tub and has a plurality of apertures to receive mesh seed pouches.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for producing, storing and using alcohol fuels. In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a method to provide a fuel for an engine includes mixing an alcohol with water to produce a wet alcohol, adding a fuel constituent in the wet alcohol to form a liquid fuel, the fuel constituent being soluble in the wet alcohol, and converting, in a container having an interior formed of an armored material, the liquid fuel into a gaseous fuel substance using at least one of heat energy or electrical energy to pressurize the liquid fuel, the gaseous fuel substance exhibiting a higher pressure and lower density than that of the liquid fuel.

Abstract: Support and operating device for sliding doors, in particular for wardrobe cabinets, wherein the doors (6) are moved from a closed and lowered position, to an open and raised position, shifted forward in relation to the closed doors, and vice versa. The device comprising one upper group of component parts and one lower group of component parts for each door (6), suitable for determining the movement of the door in such a way that it is always kept in its correct parallel and orthogonal position in all the shifted positions thereof.

Abstract: A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closing position and moves radailly along the tracks to a sealing position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for pressure vessel.

Abstract: A device for a movable furniture part having a first stop part which can be attached to a body and is connected via a joint mechanism to a second stop part which can be attached to the movable furniture part for pivoting of the movable furniture part. A damping device is provided, and includes a damper housing and an inner part which is received on the damper housing, which damper housing and inner part can be moved with respect to one another, and the damper housing or the inner part serving as a contact part which, for the damping operation, comes at least temporarily into contact with a section of the device, which section can be moved during the pivoting of the furniture part. A setting mechanism is provided, by way of which setting of the damping action which is provided by way of the damping device can be performed.

Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a frame having an upper frame member that is elongated with a generally constant cross-section. The cross-section of the frame member may define a channel. The shower door assembly also includes a door that slides in a direction parallel with the channel, as well as a bumper. The bumper is positioned within the channel of the upper frame member and limits movement of the door. The bumper is connected to the upper frame member by the upper frame member compressing a portion of the bumper, or the bumper compressing a portion of the upper frame member, or both.

Abstract: A seal for incorporating into a vehicle application, including an elongated body having a first softer portion exhibiting a multi-sided and enclosed cross sectional profile and a second more rigid portion coextruded with the softer portion and which is adapted to being resistively engaged with an extending location associated with a vehicle panel so that the first portion is supported upon the panel and adapted to being contacted by a further component associated with the vehicle. The first portion exhibits a multi-sided profile in cross section with a hollow interior to facilitate controlled and cushioning collapse when compressed and includes an upper portion having a generally conical pointed upper end and a pair of outwardly flared lower ends.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a finish polishing pad and the polishing pad which allow formation of a stable film and enables polishing with fewer polishing scratches. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving a composition for forming polyurethane resin film containing a polyurethane resin and an additive(s) in a solvent capable of dissolving the resin; removing an insoluble component(s) to make the content of the insoluble component(s) in the solution less than 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the composition; adding a poor solvent to the solution from which the insoluble component(s) has(have) been removed, followed by mixing, the amount of the poor solvent added being calculated according to a defined Formula 1; and forming a film from the mixture solution on the film formation substrate by a wet coagulation method, to thereby form the polyurethane resin film.

Abstract: A shaped abrasive particle having a major surface-to-side surface grinding orientation percent difference (MSGPD) of at least about 40%.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an abrasive wire formed by abrasive particles held on a central core by a binder comprises depositing abrasive particles on the central core, each particle comprising a magnetic material that has a relative permeability greater than 50 and that represents at least 1% of the volume of the abrasive particle, and depositing binder on the central core to keep the abrasive particles attached to it. The core has south poles and north poles alternating along either its circumference or its length.

Abstract: A multipurpose hall equipped with a set of beams supporting seats (1) bearing independent load-bearing units (3) equipped with a group of seats (4) which can be arranged in a stepped configuration or a flat configuration, characterised in that it comprises means for tilting the groups of seats (4) which for each of the load-bearing units (3) comprises at least one pantograph mechanism (9) comprising a fixed support (10) of one piece with the load-bearing beam (1) and a movable support (11) of one piece with the load-bearing unit (3) and the group of seats, as well as a control linkage whereby the group of seats (4) can be moved between a deployed position and a retracted position by rotation around the fixed support (10).

Abstract: An innovative insulated perimeter curb positioned along the perimeter of a roof, a deck, or other like platform structure is disclosed herein. The insulated perimeter curb is generally comprised of an upwardly facing U-shaped sheet metal receiving track fastened along the perimeter of the roof or deck. The receiving track includes a bottom web and a pair of spaced apart and upwardly extending sidewalls. The receiving track retains and holds a composite beam. In addition, a sheet metal cap (e.g., flat stock or C-shaped stud) is generally positioned on top of the composite beam. The innovative perimeter curb enables (i) the quick and integral construction of a temporary safety rail system, (ii) the construction of a concealed gutter system, and (iii) the construction of a cantilevered curb.

Abstract: An office work system that comprises a beam assembly that includes a first horizontal frame member having an upper surface and an upwardly opening first channel that extends along a length of the first horizontal frame member, a work surface having an upper surface, and a work surface support assembly that engages the first channel and is positionable along a length of the beam, and adjustably supports the work surface at a plurality of vertical heights relative to the first horizontal frame member, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical heights positions the upper surface of the work surface above the upper surface of the first horizontal frame member.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounting baffle system including vertical panels. In one embodiment, the system includes a suspension bar mountable from a ceiling or other overhead structure and a vertical panel mountable to the suspension bar. The suspension bar includes a plurality of mounting segments spaced axially along the bar. To mount the panels to the suspension bar, the panel includes a hook element which may be disposed proximate to a top of the panel. The hook is configured to detachably engage a mounting segment to secure the panel to the suspension bar. In one embodiment, the hook element is associated with a recurved mounting slot integrally formed in the panel which receives the mounting segment of the suspension bar. The mounting segment is movable through the slot to hook the panel to the suspension bar.

Abstract: A storage unit which is substantially water proof is provided. The storage unit may comprise a shell having lower edges which mate into a groove formed in a top surface of a base to provide a substantially waterproof barrier therebetween. The junction between the lower edge of the side walls and the first groove may be sealed with a water proof sealant. A front side wall of the shell may have an aperture therethrough to allow users to move items into and out of the storage unit. A door may be attached to the storage unit to prevent water from entering into the storage unit through the aperture. Moreover, a lower edge of the door body may be inserted into a second groove formed in the top surface of the base to prevent water from entering into the storage unit from under the door.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall module may include framing members and one or more insulations members. The insulation member may have pre-incisions, as made by a hot-wire, defining service fitting accommodations. The service fitting accommodations are accessible on the inside face of the insulation. The service fitting accommodations may be either or both of vertically or laterally extending, and are located in the same places in each module, the vertical locations being next to the studs, to which service fittings may typically be mounted, the lateral accommodations being at heights typical of switches and wall outlets. The insulation members may be supplied with tabs filling the accommodations. The tabs may be snapped out as required. The insulation members may have stud channels that are shallower than the studs, such that an air gap is established between the insulation and the internal gypsum board covering.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The platform includes a concrete slab having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and a structural grid pattern of reinforcing bar within the concrete slab. The concrete slab further includes a shear connector opening on a side surface of a side of the concrete slab. The shear connector opening is a recess on the side surface of the concrete slab. The platform further includes an integrated attachment assembly within the shear connector opening on the side of the concrete slab. The integrated attachment assembly includes a shear connector rebar including an extension of continuous reinforcing bar extending out of the shear connector opening and back into the shear connector opening. The shear connector rebar and the shear connector opening form a closed loop.

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.