Abstract: The fresh flower bouquet system provides cost-effective production of fresh floral bouquets, forming bouquets with symmetrical spacing of individual stems and maintaining the flowers in water and a cut flower hydrating solution without the use of floral foam. The system includes a plastic or metal cap having a grid of holes defined therein, a plastic or glass vase or other container, and a tie-down system, e.g., an elastic or rubber band wrapped around the stems, for bundling the stems together in the container below the cap. When the closure or cap is snapped or threaded on to the container, a secured, self-contained floral bouquet having maximum shelf life because of continuous hydration is formed.

Abstract: A container for consumables such as cosmetics, hair and skin care products, foods, small appliances, optical disks and other consumables may be made of a biodegradable material having incorporated therein seeds of plants suitable for germination. The seeds may be selected for hardiness, attractiveness of the seed, plant or name, climate, likelihood of germination and other attributes. The seeds may be incorporated in a secondary space in the container, or embedded in the material of the container either wholly or partially, or in one or more layers of a multi-layer container. The container material may be natural or artificial plastic, cardboard, paper, fabric, or any other biodegradable material. The container may incorporate fertilizer, germination agents, agents to speed breakdown of the container. Different varieties of seeds may be used in the container, and for pleasing aesthetic effect, the seeds may be visible thru partially or wholly transparent material.

Abstract: A method for producing methane (69) from a carbonaceous (22) material includes conveying pulverized carbonaceous material (28) entrained in an inert carrier fluid, such as carbon dioxide (36), into a reactor (34). The reactor (34) includes a vortex region (72) for receiving hydrogen gas (38) and imparting a swirling motion to the hydrogen gas (38). The pulverized carbonaceous material (28) is exposed to the swirling stream of hydrogen gas (38) in a first reaction zone (114) within the reactor (34) to form an exit gas (40) that includes methane (69). Remaining unreacted carbonaceous material (28) is further exposed to the hydrogen gas (38) in a second, low velocity, reaction zone (120). The methane rich exit gas (40) is subsequently extracted from the reactor (34) for further processing.

Abstract: A gasifier (1) for the gasification of biomass and waste to produce combustible effluent, comprising: a fuel valve (22) for loading solid fuel (11) into a first oxidation zone (8); a first throat (2) defining the lower edge of the first oxidation zone (8); a second throat (4) defining the lower edge of a second oxidation zone (14); a reduction zone (5) linking the first oxidation zone (8) to the second oxidation zone (14) and ; two oppositely located (at the reduction zone) vortex discharge pipes (18) for the combustible effluent wherein in the first oxidation zone the gas flow is in the same direction as fuel flow and in the second oxidation zone the gas flow is in the opposite direction to the fuel flow; a method for the gasification of biomass and waste to produce a combustible effluent using the gasifier, comprising the steps of: partially oxidising a biomass fuel in the first oxidation zone (8) to produce char; reducing the char in the reduction zone (5) to form ash; further oxidising any char residue

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining combustion gases of high calorific value, wherein carbonaceous materials are allotermically gasified in a fluidized layer containing solid particles, using a gaseous gasifying agent and by supply of heat, and the gases thus produced are separated from the solid particles and withdrawn. Said method is characterized in that the solid particles are indirectly heated in a first descending bed and supplied to a second ascending fluidized bed in which the fluidized layer is formed and gasification takes place for the greatest part. The method further relates to an apparatus for performing said method.

Abstract: An electric motor driven barrier operator includes spaced apart frame plates for supporting the motor, an intermediate drive shaft and an operator final output shaft. The motor output shaft, intermediate shaft and final output shaft are mounted on bearings at fixed centers on the frame plates and the motor and intermediate shaft are interconnected by a stretchable flexible drive belt reeved over respective drive pulleys mounted on the motor output shaft and the intermediate shaft. The drive belt may be mounted on the pulleys and replaced without adjusting the position of the motor output shaft, the intermediate shaft or the operator output shaft.

Abstract: A 4-bar linkage assembly overcomes the space constraints of window assemblies having so-called “Euro-Groove” hardware mounting systems in which opposing mounting channels are formed in sash and frame members of the window assembly. A base portion of a vent bar of the linkage assembly fits within the sash channel, and an offset portion forms a stop against one end of the sash channel for locating the linkage assembly within a window sash. A track member attaches the linkage assembly to the frame channel. A fixed connection between the base portion and the offset portion projects between overhanging rails of the sash channel for supporting the offset portion. A spacer supports intermediate linkages of the assembly above sidewalls of the sash channel for operating the linkage assembly within a remaining clearance space between the sash and frame channels.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door shell, a window and a window actuation mechanism to open and close the window. The window actuation mechanism is designed to tilt the window on a pivot point located approximately at one end of an edge of the window. The door shell does not receive the window in an open position. A large volume of space can therefore be freed up within the door shell for fittings. The entire the door shell may be regarded as a dry space. The sealing of the door shell is thus simplified.

Abstract: A clothes dryer door assembly with a viewing window is adapted to be reversibly mounted to a clothes dryer cabinet and has an inner door assembly supporting an inner window and an outer door assembly supporting an outer window. The inner door assembly removably carries a hinge and the outer door assembly is removably secured with the inner door assembly. In order to reverse the door, the outer door assembly is removed from the inner door assembly and rotated 180 degrees. The hinge is removed from the inner door assembly and re-positioned 180 degrees on the inner door assembly. The outer door assembly is then reattached to the inner door assembly. This reversing of the door assembly of the present invention does not require complete disassembly of either of the inner or outer door assemblies.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel, thereby mounting the caps to the panel. The caps include ratcheting members to provide a mating fit with the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.

Abstract: Improved barrier liner panels for a motor vehicle door assembly that either include a non-adhesive sealing element integrally formed therewith or engaging structures that engage the peripheral edge of an opening formed in a door panel. The integrally formed sealing element is compressible so as to seal against a door panel when pressed between an inner trim panel and a door panel. The engaging structure cooperate with beads of adhesive to hold the barrier lines to a door panel during the assembly of a door assembly and to form a seal against the door panels.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for forming engaging structures in vehicle door panels which engaging structures have base portions and over-hanging or under cut edges. The molding apparatus includes an engaging structure mold base for forming the base portion of a molded engaging structure and a movable tip coupled to the engaging structure mold base for movement between a first position for forming an over-hanging or under cut in the molded engaging structure and a second position for releasing the molded engaging structure from the molding apparatus.

Abstract: Barrier liner panels for a motor vehicle door assembly that include engaging structures that engage the peripheral edge of an opening formed in a door panel.

Abstract: Barrier panels for motor vehicle door assemblies that include self aligning structures that are received in at least one opening provided in the inboard surface of a door panel. The self aligning structures can include a combination of alignment structures that are provided with engaging structure, alignment structures that are not provided with engaging structures, alignment bosses, two-way locating bosses and/or four-way locating bosses. The self aligning structures can be received in a single common opening or recess provided in a door panel or more that one or separate openings or recesses provided in a door panel.

Abstract: A door for a motor vehicle of the type without frame for the side window is provided with a device for controlling a slight movement of the window from and into its completely raised position upon opening and closing of the door. Said device comprises shape-memory actuating means.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article having a reinforced vulcanized fiber backing with an abrasive layer affixed thereto and methods of making and using the same. The reinforced vulcanized fiber backing contains a reinforcing material that comprises a reaction product of a curable material.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article having a reinforced vulcanized fiber backing with an abrasive layer affixed thereto and methods of making and using the same. The reinforced vulcanized fiber backing has a backsize that comprises a reaction product of components selected from the group consisting of curable latex emulsions, phenolic resins, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.

Abstract: A design layout kit including a plurality of furniture or appliance patterns, wherein each of the patterns defines a 2-dimensional image corresponding to a life-size piece of furniture, appliance, or garage item. The patterns can be used to plan the layout of such items in a selected floor area. In one embodiment, the design layout kit takes the form of an article of manufacture including: a package; a plurality of foldable sheets contained in the package, wherein each of the sheets defines a 2-dimensional shape corresponding to a life-size household piece of furniture, item found in a garage, or item found in an office; and information printed on the package, wherein the information describes how the foldable sheets can be laid out on a selected floor area and used to plan or determine what life-size furniture or other objects can be accommodated in the selected floor area.

Abstract: A flashing strip is defined by at least a pair of interlocking flashing segments. Each of the segments has first and second intersecting legs, the first legs of each of the segments are brought into abutment and interlocked either by folding over into inter-engagement or by providing an embossment in each of the upper legs which are then, upon deforming of one of the first legs, and folding it over the upper edge of the second leg and mating the embossments together. Preferably, a gap is provided between the second legs of the first and second segments to define a gap for inserting a shingle therewithin.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular building unit comprising a shell formed from side wall lattice frameworks connected together by cross-beams at floor and ceiling height and end wall lattice frameworks secured to the ends of the resulting structure. The wall lattice frameworks are constructed at a first site where each is formed from an array of mutually parallel spaced structural uprights made from cold-formed structural steel sections, secured together by horizontal or diagonal cross-braces also made from cold-formed structural steel sections. The wall lattice frameworks are build up into the shell at a second site where each of the cross-beams, made from a cold-formed structural steel C-section, is connected to the wall lattice frameworks by being sleeved into or around lateral spur members extending from the wall lattice frameworks prior to being welded thereto.

Abstract: A kit for forming a hollow block assembly to be used to construct a wall, the kit consisting of two face panels and a plurality of fasteners, each face panel comprising a plurality of spaced apart flanges extending perpendicularly from and attached to each panel so that a hollow block structure is assembled when the flanges of the face panels are connected together, directly or indirectly, by the fasteners.

Abstract: A ground anchor which is suitable for anchoring a winch in the extrication of an ATV or other vehicle from mud or other loose soil is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the ground anchor includes a generally elongated anchor stake, a stake slot provided in the anchor stake, an elongated stabilizing arm pivotally attached to the anchor stake and extendable from the stake slot and an attachment arm pivotally attached to the stabilizing arm and slidably engaging the stake slot.

Abstract: A structure of a sounding device primarily includes a plurality of holding chambers dug on a floor tile and are kept a distance from an opposite surface of the floor tile. A sounding device and a button circuit are located in the holding chambers, and the sounding device can give off sound upon pressing the button. Upon laying the floor tile, the surface of the aforementioned device is faced down on ground, so as to isolate children or people with a contact surface of the aforementioned device.

Abstract: A modular floor tile incorporating various features intended to improve the performance of each tile and a system of tiles. Each tile has a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter having a sectional thickness and at least one side (in the case of a curvilinear form and a plurality of sides in the case of a rectilinear form), and further includes lateral engaging snap-lock receivers and inserts located at the perimeter of a tile to reduce the incidence of unintended tile separation when assembled into a system; perimeter positioned lands and grooves oriented to prevent fluid migration to a supporting substrate and enhance linkage between tiles when assembled into a system; and under-tile support columns joined by arches at the bottom surface to improve under-tile air flow properties while maintaining sufficient structural support. The floor tiles may further include a biocide.

Abstract: A support mat, such as a mat suitable for supporting heavy construction equipment, includes a plurality of billets fastened together, each of the billets being made of a plurality of individual wood laminations adhesively bonded to each other. The billets comprise a plurality of vertically oriented individual wood laminations. The plurality of individual wood laminations has wide faces oriented parallel to a direction of a load applied to the support mat. Each billet has outboard laminations and the wide faces of the outboard laminations of each billet define a wide face of the billet. An expansion pad is disposed between the wide faces of adjacent billets.

Abstract: A window sill includes a metal form having inner and outer surfaces and a shape defining an inner space. The window sill also includes a foam material region positioned in the inner space so that an upper surface of the foam material region is adjacent to and forms a seal with the inner surface of the metal form. The window sill further includes a window assembly for holding a pane of glass. The window sill is positioned on and forms a seal with the outer surface of the metal form.

Abstract: A window kit composed of molded components contains all the parts necessary to install a finished window in an window opening of a building, particularly a pre-fabricated structure. The kit includes a one piece outside frame, a one piece inside frame and a panel spanning the frames. The inside frame and the outside frame have cooperating fasteners to secure the frames together with the panel and the edges of the building opening between them. The panel has complementary apertures to the cooperating fasteners to secure the panel in the frames.

Abstract: The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass.

Abstract: A cylindrical tube of extendable length, the tube having open ends. A first, second and third transverse flanges fastened at one or both of the opposing ends of the tube. The first flange is integral with the tube and sandwiched between the second and the third flanges. A ring is coextensive with the first flange and covers part of the open end of the tube. A heat expansive material is placed within the tube for expansion during fire to cover spaces between utility conduits and the inside wall of the tube.

Abstract: A wire bolt comprising an elongated section of wire rope with a section of threaded stud attached to each end is disclosed for use in reinforcing concrete structures. Part of the wire rope portion is coated with a substance to prevent that portion from bonding with the concrete. The threaded rod portion can be attached within the concrete by epoxy or attached to the concrete by appropriate mechanical means. The wire bolt can be attached to a concrete building structure during initial construction of a structure or retrofit into existing structures. Wire bolts should be installed in areas susceptible to shear or bending failure and serve to prevent the concrete sections from separating in a seismic event.

Abstract: A wall system or structure includes a lintel supported wall and footings for locating the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend upwardly from each footing for directly engaging an end of the wall and for securing a post to the footing, which post includes a slot for engaging the vertical edge of the wall. A plate resting on each footing may be used to support an end of the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend vertically from within the lintel upwardly into the wall.

Abstract: A box lintel includes a hollow form defining an inner space. A foam material region is positioned in the inner space and adjacent to the hollow form so that the foam material region occupies a portion of the inner space and defines a volume for receiving masonry material. The amount of the foam material region positioned in the inner space is chosen to provide the box lintel with a desired weight.

Abstract: A wall table device includes a platform for supporting items atop a wall coupled to two stabilizing members extending downward on either side of the wall. The stabilizing members may be positioned to accommodate walls of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated wall, ceiling and roof panels for use in building construction have a metal framework, metal interior bracing as needed and may include internal electrical, water and gas supply conduits enabling simple and efficient building construction. A method for manufacturing the pre-fabricated building panels includes constructing a metal panel framework with internal structural bracing and placing the framework in a machine having relatively moveable foam containment plates. Polyurethane foam panel filler material having efficient thermal insulating quality is injected into the panel frame between the foam containment plates and expands during curing to fill the voids within the panel frame and define parallel exterior and interior panel surfaces.

Abstract: A simulated product comprised of a piece of wood having upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface having a plurality of indentations formed therein, and a finishing coating on the upper surface, the finishing coating having a colour to resemble a brick material. A molding of a simulated concrete material may be placed intermediate adjacent brick products.

Abstract: A portable floor made of interlocking modules and the process of assembling. Each module consists of rectangular panels, between each panel is a gap that provides for the drainage of liquids and small debris. Supporting the panels are four vertical sides of a base attached to the outer edges of the panels. The base also has a hollow structure with an interior wall that reinforces the module. Two consecutive sides have male connectors, the remaining two sides have female connectors. The male connectors are aligned directly opposite the female connectors. The connectors are used to connect adjoining modules. Connectors are uniformly spaced for alignment. The sides of the modules raise the panels above the ground. The bottom surfaces contain supports and support ends which provide rigidity and support.

Abstract: A wall materials bracket comprises a base piece 11, a catching piece 12, a spacing piece 13 and a holding piece 14, and further includes a leaning means for leaning an insulation put on the catching piece 12 against a wall substrate. For example, the leaning means is constructed with the upper half 111 of the upper part 110 of the base piece 11, a slope 113 in the lower half 112 of the upper part 110, and a cavity 132 and bosses (133) in the upper part 130 of the spacing piece 13.

Abstract: A self-aligning roofing shingle with a shingle body defining a top edge, and at least two spaced locating features proximate the top edge of the shingle body, each locating feature defined by a projection and an indentation, wherein a projection of one shingle in a first course of shingle locates in an indentation of a mating shingle in an adjacent course of shingles.

Abstract: A multiple-layer laminated shingle and a method of making the shingle are provided, in which at least one adhesive of high temperature resistance is applied for securing the shingle layers together, to reduce reliance on a roofer having to fasten (via nails, staples or the like) through a narrow headlap zone of a posterior shingle layer in order to secure the posterior shingle layer to a roof, such that a vertically wide portion of the headlap area of the anterior shingle layer is presented to the roofer as a nailing zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an architectural brick capable of significantly enhancing adiabatic and soundproof effects in such a manner that a foam resin material is filled between an inner wall and an outer wall. An adhering force between o foam resin material and an inner wall/outer wall is excellent. A structural strength of a building is enhanced. A high quality building can be constructed with the bricks of the present invention. In an architectural brick used for building a wall of a building, an inner wall 10 and an outer wall 20 formed of a reinforced structure are spaced apart by a certain distance. A foam resin material 30 is filled between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 20. The inner wall 20 and the outer wall 30 are integrally adhered by a foam resin material 30. A protrusion 31 protruded from a surrounding portion more than the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 20 is provided in the foam resin material 30.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint structure of iron framework capable of enhancing workability and strength. The joint structure of iron framework 1 is a joint structure of iron framework for connecting a hollow rectangular steel beam 4 to a hollow rectangular steel column 2 via a coupling member 3.

Abstract: A floor structure includes a plurality of parallel steel frames disposed in an upright manner, a plurality of transverse connecting reinforcing steels mounted on the steel frames, and a plurality of wires wound around each of the transverse connecting reinforcing steels and each of the steel frames to connect the transverse connecting reinforcing steels with the steel frames. Thus, the steel frames, the transverse connecting reinforcing steels and the concrete are integrally combined with each other, and each of the steel frames has a height equal to the thickness of the concrete, thereby greatly reinforcing the strength of the whole floor structure.

Abstract: A trellis panel and method of manufacture is described. The trellis panel is comprised of a rigid sheet of wood formed from wood particles or chips or straw and/or plant material glued together and treated to form a weather resistant sheet. The sheet has a substantially uniform thickness. A plurality of openings are disposed throughout the sheet. Preferably, but not exclusively, the sheet is formed from treated oriented strand board (OSB). The holes are formed in the board by a die-cutting device which has a die surface configured to cut a plurality of these openings throughout the sheet.

Abstract: A glass run is fixed on a channel of a doorframe, which includes a garnish for decorating a vehicle interior. The glass run includes an extruded portion and a molded corner portion. The molded corner portion connects two extruded portions. The molded corner portion includes a cover lip, which covers a gap between the garnish and the doorframe, and an insert lip, which is inserted into the gap. The cover lip is discontinuously formed with the insert lip.

Abstract: A corner piece has two or more arcuate legs extending along different directions which meet at an intersection. Each leg has an exposed edge facing away from the intersection, and at least one leg has a shoulder between the respective exposed edge and the intersection. The shoulder faces away from the intersection and a gusset extends from the exposed edge of the leg with the shoulder towards and beyond the shoulder.

Abstract: A one piece web stiffener that may be easily and quickly installed between the upper and lower flanges of a joist without having to slide the web stiffener in from and end of the joist is disclosed. One embodiment of the web stiffener includes a web and a pair of protruding flanges. Opposing upper and lower corners are provided at angles to enable the web stiffener to be inserted between returns formed on the upper and lower flanges of the joist and then rotated to fit relatively tightly between the upper and lower flanges of the joist. In other embodiments, one corner is radiused and an opposing corner is angled. Other embodiments include radiuses on two diagonal corners or radiused ends to enable the web stiffeners to be inserted between the upper and lower flanges of a joist and then rotated into a final web stiffening position wherein it can be attached to the joist web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a floor comprising the steps of preparing one or more floor structures comprising an upper surface arranged in parallel to a lower surface; and one or more channels disposed vertically between the upper and lower surfaces and longitudinally extending along the upper and lower surfaces, each of the one or more channels having a top and a bottom; preparing a foundation; attaching a sill plate to the foundation; placing one or more floor structures on top of the rimboard and attaching the floor structure to the sill plate and foundation.

Abstract: Mold- and moisture-resistant gypsum boards and methods for making them are disclosed. The boards comprise a gypsum core overlayed with facing sheets (e.g., multi-ply paper). One or preferably both of these sheets is impregnated with a thermoset resin (e.g., a phenol-formaldehyde resin) in an amount effective to (i) allow water vapor passage through the facing sheet when the thermoset resin is in its uncured state and (ii) provide mold and moisture resistance to the facing sheet when the thermoset resin is in its cured state. Advantageously, the method of manufacturing such gypsum boards requires little or no modification of existing manufacturing lines, due to the ability of the thermoset resin to cure during the normal gypsum core drying process, without significantly interfering with this process.

Abstract: A wall system for a structure including elongate furring strips having a multiplicity of transversely oriented air passages. The elongate furring strips are arranged on a first envelope layer of a wall and covered with a second envelope layer. The furring strips space the first and second envelope layers apart, forming a plurality of enclosed cavities or air spaces. The cavities are in fluid communication with each other through the air passages in the furring strips, and may be in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere. Air is thusly enabled to circulate from the outdoors through substantially all portions of the cavities, promoting drying of the first and second envelope layers, which may be sheathing and finish siding.