Abstract: An emissions control system including a fluidized bed apparatus containing a reactive sorbent material is disclosed for gaseous and non-gaseous contaminated emissions. The reactive sorbent material may be CZTS, CZTS-Alloy, or a CZTS-Mixture sorbent material. The fluidized bed apparatus is configured with one or more closed loop sorbent recycling subsystems. The sorbent recycling subsystems include the capability to separate sorbents from each other, separate contaminates from sorbents for disposal and/or recycling, clean and/or rejuvenate sorbents for return to the fluidized bed apparatus, dispose of spent and exhausted sorbents, and replace the spent and exhausted sorbents with new sorbent to maintain consistent sorbent function in the fluidized bed apparatus. Monitoring sensors provide information useful in a method for establishing and maintaining consistent process parameter controls.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, conditioning, and/or rejuvenating carbon-based sorbents is disclosed where a chemical cleaning process is used to separate contaminants from the sorbent. The contaminants can be disposed of or recycled for industrial uses. The cleaned and/or rejuvenated carbon-based sorbent is recycled back into a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed apparatus for later use. Spent carbon-based sorbent can be routed for appropriate disposal. The carbon-based sorbents include, but are not limited to, activated carbon sorbent and biochar sorbent. Optionally, the sorbents can be processed through the system prior to exposure to contaminated emissions to enhance and increase the porosity of the outer surface of the sorbents.

Abstract: An emissions control system including a fluidized bed apparatus containing a reactive sorbent material is disclosed for gaseous and non-gaseous contaminated emissions. The reactive sorbent material may be CZTS, CZTS-Alloy, or a carbon-based sorbent material. The fluidized bed apparatus is configured with one or more closed loop sorbent recycling subsystems. The sorbent recycling subsystems include the capability to separate sorbents from each other, separate contaminates from sorbents for disposal and/or recycling, clean and/or rejuvenate sorbents for return to the fluidized bed apparatus, dispose of spent and exhausted sorbents, and replace the spent and exhausted sorbents with new sorbent to maintain consistent sorbent function in the fluidized bed apparatus. Monitoring sensors provide information useful in a method for establishing and maintaining consistent process parameter controls.

Abstract: An enlarged head fastener device and method for manufacturing the same is described. The enlarged head fastener device includes a shank and a head. The head extends outwardly from the shank in a transverse plane to define a head periphery. The head has an anterior side and a posterior side. The anterior side includes a bearing surface and a convergent transition portion that reinforces the head. The convergent transition portion extends between a large end adjacent the bearing surface to a small end adjacent the shank. At least one ridge formation projects from the anterior side of the head providing additional reinforcement. The ridge formation extends continuously between an outboard end positioned on the anterior side of the head adjacent the head periphery and an inboard end positioned on the shank. The head may be centered or offset relative to the shank.

Abstract: A vent apparatus (100) includes a housing (102), a plunger (104) and a biasing mechanism (104). The plunger (104) has a first portion (104a), a second portion (104b) and a stem portion (104s) connecting the first portion (104a) and the second portion (104b). Further, a neck portion (104n) is provided near the second portion (104b). The biasing mechanism (104) is adapted to move the plunger (104) from an open position, where the first portion (104a) of the plunger (104) is at least partially away from the housing (102), and a closed position, where the first portion (104a) is entirely received inside the housing (102).

Abstract: A pallet comprising upper and lower platforms connected by a plurality of blocks. The upper platform includes a plurality of upper platform pedestals and the lower platform includes a plurality of lower platform pedestals. The lower platform pedestals are aligned with the upper platform pedestals such that the lower platform pedestals and the upper platform pedestals extend towards one another. The plurality of blocks interlockingly engage with and extend between the upper and lower platform pedestals to connect the upper and lower platforms. Each block includes an upper recess and a lower recess. The upper recess matches the shape of and receives one of the upper platform pedestals. The lower recess matches the shape of and receives one of the lower platform pedestals. The upper platform, the lower platform, and the plurality of blocks are made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: An improved fastener for securing a first building component to a second building component is provided. The fastener includes a head, a shank, and a tip. The shank is connected to the head and extends along a longitudinal axis to the tip. The shank includes an upper shank portion, a lower shank portion, and a transition zone. The upper shank portion is located adjacent to the head. The lower shank portion is spaced from the upper shank portion and is located adjacent to the tip. The transition zone is positioned longitudinally between the upper shank portion and the lower shank portion. The transition zone is longitudinally spaced from the head by a pre-determined distance. The pre-determined distance is associated with a thickness of the first building component such that the transition zone is aligned with a joint between the first and second building components.

Abstract: A compression indentation fastener device is described comprising a shank and a head. The head extends outwardly from an end of the shank in a transverse plane to define a head periphery. The head has an anterior side and a posterior side. The anterior side includes an exposed area extending between the shank and the head periphery. The anterior side includes a relief portion in the form of a depression. The relief portion is open at the anterior side of the head such that the relief portion receives a volume of substrate material when the exposed area of the head impacts the substrate material. The head may be integral with the shank or the head may be comprised of discrete head portions that mate with one another. Additionally, the head may be centered on the end of the shank or offset relative to the shank.

Abstract: A polymeric fastener for use in the construction industry for fastening wood and other basic materials together. The polymeric fastener can be formed in the basic shape of a nail and/or a staple-like fastener. Preferred embodiments of the polymeric fastener include a hardened binder embedded with a filler and/or a core for adequate strength as required for use with a delivery device powered by pneumatics, hydraulics, or other mechanical systems.

Abstract: An anchor bolt fastener assembly with specialized connection capabilities and features for attaching building components to concrete slabs, walls, ceilings, and/or structural surfaces. Compression force can be established and maintained over time using a compression washer in combination with a specialized fastener stud that is designed to exploit the compression washer benefits. Methods of using exemplary embodiments include installing the anchor bolt fastener assembly relatively flush with the surface of the concrete slurry by direct insertion in the slurry using a specialized threaded anchor bolt float. Once the slurry hardens, the anchor bolt and anchor bolt float embedded in the concrete slurry cooperate with the specialized fastener stud to secure the building component to the concrete.

Abstract: An emissions control system including a fluidized bed apparatus containing a reactive sorbent material is disclosed for gaseous and non-gaseous contaminated emissions. The reactive sorbent material may be CZTS, CZTS-Alloy, or a CZTS-Mixture sorbent material. The fluidized bed apparatus is configured with one or more closed loop sorbent recycling subsystems. The sorbent recycling subsystems include the capability to separate sorbents from each other, separate contaminates from sorbents for disposal and/or recycling, clean and/or rejuvenate sorbents for return to the fluidized bed apparatus, dispose of spent and exhausted sorbents, and replace the spent and exhausted sorbents with new sorbent to maintain consistent sorbent function in the fluidized bed apparatus. Monitoring sensors provide information useful in a method for establishing and maintaining consistent process parameter controls.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, conditioning, and/or rejuvenating carbon-based sorbents is disclosed where a chemical cleaning process is used to separate contaminants from the sorbent. The contaminants can be disposed of or recycled for industrial uses. The cleaned and/or rejuvenated carbon-based sorbent is recycled back into a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed apparatus for later use. Spent carbon-based sorbent can be routed for appropriate disposal. The carbon-based sorbents include, but are not limited to, activated carbon sorbent and biochar sorbent. Optionally, the sorbents can be processed through the system prior to exposure to contaminated emissions to enhance and increase the porosity of the outer surface of the sorbents.

Abstract: An emissions control system including a fluidized bed apparatus containing a reactive sorbent material is disclosed for gaseous and non-gaseous contaminated emissions. The reactive sorbent material may be CZTS, CZTS-Alloy, or a carbon-based sorbent material. The fluidized bed apparatus is configured with one or more closed loop sorbent recycling subsystems. The sorbent recycling subsystems include the capability to separate sorbents from each other, separate contaminates from sorbents for disposal and/or recycling, clean and/or rejuvenate sorbents for return to the fluidized bed apparatus, dispose of spent and exhausted sorbents, and replace the spent and exhausted sorbents with new sorbent to maintain consistent sorbent function in the fluidized bed apparatus. Monitoring sensors provide information useful in a method for establishing and maintaining consistent process parameter controls.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from emissions including the use of a matrix for selecting application specific copper, zinc, tin, sulfide (CZTS) sorbent compounds. The CZTS sorbent compound is a reactive material that removes contaminates from gaseous and/or non-gaseous emissions. The CZTS sorbent compound becomes a broad-spectrum reactive material with enhanced properties when alloyed specifically with precise elements targeting specified contaminates present in application specific emissions. The matrix disclosed herein defines which enhancement element is best suited for application specific compounding. The method may include testing the contaminated emissions and then routing the emissions through one or more specific filters based on pairing contaminates with filters containing corresponding CZTS sorbent compounds.

Abstract: A self-sealing fastener for reducing leaks between the self-sealing fastener and a substrate. The self-sealing fastener includes a shank that extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The shank has an outer surface. The self-sealing fastener also includes a head that extends radially outwardly from the first end of the shank. The head has an underside surface that is adjacent to the first end of the shank and a topside surface opposite the underside surface. A mastic sealant is disposed on at least one of the outer surface of the shank and the underside surface of the head to provide a water-tight seal between the self-sealing fastener and the substrate after the self-sealing fastener is installed in the substrate.

Abstract: An enlarged head fastener device and method for manufacturing the same is described. The enlarged head fastener device includes a shank and a head. The head extends outwardly from the shank in a transverse plane to define a head periphery. The head has an anterior side and a posterior side. The anterior side includes a bearing surface and a convergent transition portion that reinforces the head. The convergent transition portion extends between a large end adjacent the bearing surface to a small end adjacent the shank. At least one ridge formation projects from the anterior side of the head providing additional reinforcement. The ridge formation extends continuously between an outboard end positioned on the anterior side of the head adjacent the head periphery and an inboard end positioned on the shank. The head maybe centered or offset relative to the shank.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from emissions including a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed device featuring a method for tilting and/or agitation. The system includes numerous component devices such as, but not limited to, an influent source, a fluidized bed device, a post filter device, and an effluent discharge, each of which are able to be isolated, integrated, bypassed, and/or reconfigured for application specific emissions requirements. The filter media is a mass of reactive material disposed within the fluidized bed which is in intimate contact with the emissions as they pass through the fluidized bed. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal which chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the system. Methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from emissions is provided with a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed device integrated into the system. The system includes numerous component devices such as, but not limited to, an influent source, a fluidized bed device, a post filter device, and an effluent discharge. The system may also include one or more application specific pre-filter and/or post filter devices. The fluidized bed is constructed with a specific length to diameter ratio for optimum restrictive flow through a specialized filter media. The filter media is a mass of reactive material disposed within the fluidized bed which is in intimate contact with the emissions, as the emissions pass through the fluidized bed. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal which chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the system. Methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from emissions including the use of a matrix for selecting application specific copper, zinc, tin, sulfide (CZTS) sorbent compounds. The CZTS sorbent compound is a reactive material that removes contaminates from gaseous and/or non-gaseous emissions. The CZTS sorbent compound becomes a broad-spectrum reactive material with enhanced properties when alloyed specifically with precise elements targeting specified contaminates present in application specific emissions. The matrix disclosed herein defines which enhancement element is best suited for application specific compounding. The method may include testing the contaminated emissions and then routing the emissions through one or more specific filters based on pairing contaminates with filters containing corresponding CZTS sorbent compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from emissions is provided with a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed device integrated into the system. The system includes numerous component devices such as, but not limited to, an influent source, a fluidized bed device, a post filter device, and an effluent discharge. The system may also include one or more application specific pre-filter and/or post filter devices. The fluidized bed is constructed with a specific length to diameter ratio for optimum restrictive flow through a specialized filter media. The filter media is a mass of reactive material disposed within the fluidized bed which is in intimate contact with the emissions, as the emissions pass through the fluidized bed. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal which chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the system. Methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided.