Abstract: A spiral conveyor is described. The spiral conveyor provides an extremely open design. The open design creates and defines a very sanitary design. The combination of a cantilever frame construction (with no side frames) and the edge/side driven belting allows for superior access and cleanability. This access and cleanability are of paramount importance to the food market, where sanitation requirements are stringent to maintain food safety by preventing bacteria growth.

Abstract: A pine tar applicator for use on baseball bats, includes a base sheet having a first side and a second side, a pine tar layer coating at least a portion of the first side of the base sheet, a cover sheet overlying and covering the pine tar layer, an adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the second side of the base sheet, and a protective sheet overlying and covering the adhesive layer. In use, the protective sheet is removed and the base sheet is wrapped about the baseball bat with the adhesive contacting the bat. The cover sheet is then removed exposing the pine tar layer.

Abstract: A pine tar applicator for use on baseball bats, includes a base sheet having a first side and a second side, a pine tar layer coating at least a portion of the first side of the base sheet, a cover sheet overlying and covering the pine tar layer, an adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the second side of the base sheet, and a protective sheet overlying and covering the adhesive layer. In use, the protective sheet is removed and the base sheet is wrapped about the baseball bat with the adhesive contacting the bat. The cover sheet is then removed exposing the pine tar layer.

Abstract: An integrated plant that includes a steam explosion process unit and biomass gasifier to generate syngas from biomass is discussed. A steam explosion process unit applies a combination of heat, pressure, and moisture to the biomass to make the biomass into a moist fine particle form. The steam explosion process unit applies steam with a high pressure to heat and pressurize any gases and fluids present inside the biomass to internally blow apart the bulk structure of the biomass via a rapid depressurization of the biomass with the increased moisture content. Those produced moist fine particles of biomass are subsequently fed to a feed section of the biomass gasifier, which reacts the biomass particles in a rapid biomass gasification reaction to produce syngas components.

Abstract: An integrated plant that includes a steam explosion process unit and biomass gasifier to generate syngas from biomass is discussed. A steam explosion process unit applies a combination of heat, pressure, and moisture to the biomass to make the biomass into a moist fine particle form. The steam explosion process unit applies steam with a high pressure to heat and pressurize any gases and fluids present inside the biomass to internally blow apart the bulk structure of the biomass via a rapid depressurization of the biomass with the increased moisture content. Those produced moist fine particles of biomass are subsequently fed to a feed section of the biomass gasifier, which reacts the biomass particles in a rapid biomass gasification reaction to produce syngas components.

Abstract: A collapsible batting cage is provided with a collapsible canopy structure including a collapsible truss framework supporting an overlying canopy and extendable legs depend downwardly from the truss framework. A ball stop is supported by the truss framework, underlies the canopy and is spaced apart therefrom. A ball assembly having a ball is coupled to the collapsible canopy structure so as to present the ball at a batting height and permit contact between the ball and the ball stop when struck.

Abstract: A manufacture and method for applying advertising logos and color schemes to hoses, such as garden hoses and utility hoses. Sports teams, universities, corporations and other entities may be promoted by advertising their logos upon such hoses. The logos may be stamped or printed upon the hose. The logos may be applied via printing and clear-coating, a shrink-wrap sleeve for the hose, or a stretchable fabric sleeve.

Abstract: An animation system is made up of an audio analysis unit, having an audio output and a state change output, and a control unit having an input and an output, the input being constructed to receive a state change indication from the audio analysis unit, the control unit being further constructed to generate compositing command information for individual component elements of an animation frame and send the compositing command information out the output. A method of creating an animation from a set of actions involves receiving a set of signals reflecting the set of actions, outputting a set of compositing commands based upon the set of signals, the set of compositing commands being related to the set of signals by sequences of transition data items, and compositing first images into a first animation using the set of compositing commands and a first graphic database.

Abstract: A flexible trampoline board includes compartments for receiving stiffening elements and weights to more closely approximate the response and feel of a wakeboard, skateboard or snowboard.

Abstract: A system and methods for managing and transacting business in a component-based industry, and especially the Green Industry. The invention includes a database of materials offered by suppliers in the industry, preferably including inventory, pricing, quality, and other specifications related to the materials. The invention allows buyers to enter material information, including specifications, to create a request for quotation (RFQ's), and the invention can analyze the RFQ's and distribute them to appropriate suppliers, thereby streamlining the RFQ process. The invention also preferably includes business management software, which helps automate business operations for the suppliers, and keeps the information in the database current. In addition to RFQ's, the invention also allows buyers to purchase material from suppliers through a virtual storefront interface. The invention also facilitates the creation of virtual trade shows, and auctions of various materials, and can disseminate news and other information.

Abstract: A wind powered generating device comprises a tube cluster, a collector assembly, and a turbine assembly. The collector assemblies utilize sails that can be rotated to direct wind down through an inlet tube to a central outlet tube. The central outlet tube is narrowed at a portion, and a turbine is mounted at this narrowed portion to take advantage of the Venturi effect that accelerates the air as it passes the turbine. This permits reliable and efficient operation in areas that were not formerly considered windy enough to be economically feasible for the deployment of wind powered generating devices. Alternative embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for dealing with violent weather conditions, a first of which allows excess wind to bleed off beneath and between the sails, and a second which collapses and covers the sail with a protective sheath/sock.

Abstract: A wind powered generating device comprises a tube cluster, a collector assembly, and a turbine assembly. The collector assemblies utilize sails that can be rotated in the direction of the wind to direct wind down through an inlet tube to a central outlet tube. The central outlet tube is narrowed at a portion, and a turbine is mounted at this narrowed portion to take advantage of the venturi effect, which accelerates the air as it passes the turbine. This permits reliable and efficient operation in areas that were not formerly windy enough to be economically feasible. Alternative embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for dealing with violent weather conditions, a first of which allows excess wind to bleed off behind and between the sails, and a second which collapses and covers the sails with a protective sheath/sock.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a chemical plant for the production primarily of paraxylene. In particular the process and chemical plant utilize zeolite membranes for enhanced paraxylene production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a chemical plant for the production primarily of paraxylene. In particular the process and chemical plant utilise zeolite membranes for enhanced paraxylene production.

Abstract: A wind powered generating device comprises a tube cluster, a collector assembly, and a turbine assembly. The collector assemblies utilize sails that can be rotated to direct wind down through an inlet tube to a central outlet tube. The central outlet tube is narrowed at a portion, and a turbine is mounted at this narrowed portion to take advantage of the Venturi effect that accelerates the air as it passes the turbine. This permits reliable and efficient operation in areas that were not formerly considered windy enough to be economically feasible for the deployment of wind powered generating devices. Alternative embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for dealing with violent weather conditions, a first of which allows excess wind to bleed off beneath and between the sails, and a second which collapses and covers the sail with a protective sheath/sock.