Abstract: The present invention is a hydroponics system with a grotube for drip and ebb and flow methods of plant nourishment. The present invention includes at least one main body with at least one port or grow station. Nutrient fluid is circulated from a reservoir via a pump into the main body through an inlet pipe. The inlet pipe is placed above or below a plant root ball. The fluid then exits the main body via a drain pipe and then returns to the reservoir. The height of the pipe determines the level of nutrient fluid. Plants are grown in removable strainers, contacting the nutrient fluid, with little or no solid growth medium. A removable plate atop the saddle reduces moisture loss from the main body, and inhibits rainfall from entering the main body when used outdoors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing synthesis gas comprising CO and H2. The system comprises a first gasification reactor and a second gasification reactor. The first one has an inlet for a first oxygen containing stream, an inlet for a first carbonaceous stream, and an outlet for raw synthesis gas produced in the first gasification reactor. The second one has an inlet for a second oxygen containing stream, an inlet for a second carbonaceous stream, and an outlet for raw synthesis gas produced in the second gasification reactor. A source of an oxygen containing stream is selectively connected to the inlet for the first oxygen containing stream of the first gasification reactor and to the inlet for the second oxygen containing stream of the second gasification reactor via a distributor.

Abstract: Double-hung window actuators exhibiting one or more of several beneficial features are disclosed. They can include bidirectional linear drive mechanisms sized to fit at least partially inside channels defined at least in part by the jamb runs of a movable sash. These drive mechanisms can be built around a right mounting support of adequate stiffness to support the mechanism independent of external support. Sash pin interfaces can interact with sash pins on the window. Actuation load sensors can detect changes in loading of the actuators, and an edge sensor can be electrically connected to the drive mechanisms. The actuators can be housed in a housing that includes a window apron for mounting below the window.

Abstract: An arrangement in a swing door apparatus for the detection of door position, which swing door apparatus comprises an operation shaft, the turning of which follows the door movements. The detection of door position is arranged to be provided by potentiometric means or the like, which have at least substantially identical characteristic curves and which are arranged operatively dependent on the turning angle of said operation shaft.

Abstract: Injection molded casement window frames completely ready for assembly into windows with the frames for swinging sash windows formed for mounting of all necessary hardware. Also hardware which mates with such frames and casement window assembled with such frames and hardware.

Abstract: There is provided a door hole seal installed between an inner panel 1 and a door trim 2 of an automobile door, a part of which is provided with a slit mechanism 15 through which a wire harness 3 is pulled out, wherein said slit mechanism 15 is prepared by: watertightly installing at least an upper end of a sub-seal 30 on an outer-cabin side of a main seal 20; providing a first slit 21 on said main seal 20 in a horizontal direction; and providing a second slit 31 on the sub-seal 30 at a lower position than the first slit 21 in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A storage compartment comprises a container defining an access aperture closable by a closure that can be sealed to the container around the aperture and that can be opened by relative movement between the container and the closure in a lateral direction with respect to the aperture, the container having a first sealing loop around the aperture and the closure having a second sealing loop co-operable by alignment with the first sealing loop to maintain a seal when the closure closes the aperture. The sealing loops are moved into and out of mutual alignment by said relative movement between the container and the closure and at least one of the sealing loops includes magnetic means for attracting the other of the sealing loops to maintain a seal when the sealing loops are mutually aligned.

Abstract: An abrasive product includes a plurality of abrasive particles and a resin cured with a polythiol group. A method of preparing the abrasive product includes contacting the plurality of abrasive particles with a curable composition that includes a resin and a polythiol group, and curing the curable composition to produce the abrasive product. A method of abrading a work surface includes applying an abrasive product to a work surface in an abrading motion to remove a portion of the work surface. A curable composition includes a formaldehyde resin and a polythiol group. A formaldehyde resin is crosslinked by a polythiol group. A method of crosslinking the formaldehyde resin includes reacting the polythiol group with the formaldehyde resin.

Abstract: A composition for planarizing or polishing a surface comprising (a) a liquid carrier, and (b) solids comprising about 0.1 to about 10% by weight clay abrasive particles, and about 0.1% to about 50% by weight CeO2 particles, based on the total weight of solids in the composition, said clay and CeO2 abrasive particles having a particle size such that at least 90% of the particles (by number), when slurried in water, have a particle size in the range of about 10 nm to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: A built structure having an upward facing surface; the built structure supporting a first image and a second image; the upward facing surface overlaid by the first image in the form of first indicia; the first image arranged for visibility from overflying craft; and wherein revenue is derived from the upward facing surface; and wherein the revenue is a function of a cone of legibility; the cone describing an inverted conical section of a sphere whose generator is equal to the distance of resolution of the smallest discrete detail of the image; the second image in the form of a substantially vertically oriented sign having second indicia thereon adapted for viewing from ground level and for which separate signage rights can be negotiated; the upwardly facing surface mechanically associated with both the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A playground apparatus comprising at least three separate elongated plank extending in a generally horizontally spaced end-to-end relationship, at least one pivotal support member for pivotally supporting each of the elongated plank in vertically spaced relationship above a support surface for vertical pivotal movement of opposite ends of the elongated planks, and at least two resiliently flexible living hinges each providing a void-free connection between adjacent ends of the elongated planks to eliminate a pinch point while providing for simultaneous vertical movement of said elongated planks.

Abstract: A scaffolding shelter having at least one wall and at least partially enclosing a scaffolding made of scaffolding sections. The scaffolding shelter comprises a plurality of self-supporting wall panels, each wall panel defining edges and being adapted to form at least a portion of a wall of the scaffolding shelter; and connectors adapted to provide engagement of the wall panels side by side, and one atop another; whereby the width and the height of the wall is adaptable by adjoining and superposing the wall panels side by side and one above another, respectively.

Abstract: A venting system that is incorporated into the roof and/or wall allows the same to provide continuous air flow to ventilate the roofs and walls and prevent condensation build up and ultimate water damage to the structure. The channeled venting system is incorporated into the roof and/or wall sheathing and thereby is not prone to blockage by improper or amateur insulation installations.

Abstract: A venting system that is incorporated into the roof and/or wall allows the same to provide continuous air flow to ventilate the roofs and walls and prevent condensation build up and ultimate water damage to the structure. The venting system is adapted to allow air flow around air flow obstacles contained within the walls or roofs, such as, for example roof joists, and/or floor and ceiling supports in walls. The venting system can provide air flow around in wall obstacles by channeling in air from the outside or carrying air around the obstacle from within the wall or roof itself. The channeled venting system can be incorporated into the roof and/or wall sheathing and thereby is not prone to blockage by improper or amateur insulation installations.

Abstract: The intrusion of insects into a home or similar building is controlled by utilizing insect controlling plastic materials in the construction of the building. The insect controlling plastic building materials are manufactured by first blending one or more plastic resins with one or more insect controlling chemical agents to form a blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material. The blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material is then utilized to manufacture plastic films, sheets, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, insulating foams, flooring materials, wall covering materials, and the like utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A template for use in constructing shear panels in the construction trade, and its method of use permitting precise positioning of nails or other fasteners in attaching shear panels to other construction members, thus facilitating and accelerating the framing of building structures.

Abstract: A jack rafter connector comprises a first part (70) insertable in a first hollow roof beam (7) and a second part (90) for attachment to the side of a second roof beam (4), said parts being mutually engageable to connect the first and second roof beams, one of which constitutes a jack rafter.

Abstract: A connector for joining frame members of a window assembly is provided. Each frame member has a channel to receive the connector. The connector comprises a pair of spaced longitudinal members and a pair of transverse members attached to the longitudinal members to form a frame. The frame has a front wall and a rear wall. The connector has at least one flexible finger extending from one of the longitudinal members towards the other longitudinal member, wherein a clearance exists between a free end of the finger and the other longitudinal member.

Abstract: A transparent assembly locatable in a building surface having a rebate is described. The assembly has a transparent panel and one or more high tensile strength flexible material reinforcement pieces extending laterally from the panel to provide non-rigid attachment of the assembly to a subframe and/or wall, wherein the attachment allows movement of the assembly within the rebate. By direct but non-rigid attachment of the transparent assembly, generally a window, to the subframe and/or wall, any weakness in the impact-resistance of the assembly because of weakness and/or damage to the frame is avoided. The non-rigid nature of the attachment allows it to absorb much of the blast loading. This allows a large load on the transparent assembly to be supported by the subframe and/or wall. The present invention also provides a number of ballistic-resistant and blast-resistant assemblies providing protection against much higher levels of protection from high velocity weapons and explosives.

Abstract: The “HIDE A PIPE” is an improved ornamental product to fit over vent pipes, with representation of unlimited themes to enhance and brighten a morose house roof that could match any fantasy, coping with technical plumbing requirements.

Abstract: A composite wall tie structure is disclosed for supporting or anchoring building materials to a building structure. The composite wall tie has a vertical leg for affixation to a building structure and a horizontal leg for placement in the mortar between courses of building materials. The horizontal portion of the wall tie has bristle-like protuberances and/or perforations thereon for anchoring the leg within mortar. The materials of construction of the wall tie are preferably selected from composites that are moisture impermeable and corrosion resistant. The wall tie system may also comprise a mounting and alignment bracket attached to the vertical legs of multiple wall ties at regular horizontal intervals to accommodate the secure attachment of wall ties to wall studs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a house or light commercial building built on a building site including a foundation system having a foundation and a sill plate; a wall system attached to the foundation system, the wall system having a plurality of studs, an exterior sheathing, and a top plate for each story of the building; a floor system attached to the foundation system and the wall system, the floor system having a plurality of floor joists and a sub-floor for each story of the building; and a roof system attached to the wall system of the top story, the roof system having a plurality of roof rafters and a roof sheathing.

Abstract: A polymer siding panel for mounting on a wall surface that in one embodiment includes at least two horizontal adjacent sections and a plurality of decorative elements integrally formed with the said panel and disposed in at least one row. The panel may also include an upwardly facing channel formed on a rear side of the siding panel opposite the front face; and at least two splicing members. The splicing members may be transparent or translucent and manufactured from a polymer that is the same or different than the polymer of the siding panel, and one of the splicing members may be welded to and joining the sections to one another. The other splicing member can be welded to one of the sections at a side edge opposite the side edge adjoining the other section. The other splicing member may extend beyond the respective side edge. The upwardly facing channel can have a vertical leg and a bottom leg, and one of the side edges includes a notch in the vertical leg.

Abstract: A panel or multi-panel structure in which each of the panels includes a pair of spaced substantially planar sheets connected with one another by connection members and a foam core.

Abstract: An architectural finish attachment assembly (100 and 700) formed in accordance with the present invention for coupling an architectural finish (102) to a building structure (104). The architectural finish attachment assembly includes a base structure (110 and 710) having a first surface (124 and 752) adapted to engage the building structure and a second surface (126 and 753) disposed opposite the first surface and a spike (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, and 714) extending outward at an incline from the second surface, the spike adapted to impale the architectural finish for removably coupling the architectural finish to the building structure.

Abstract: A demountable and remountable wall assembly for partitioning room space between an overhead and a floor, the major elements of which are reusable. The assembly provides one or two walls, at lease one of which has an outer fastener-free surface. Additionally, the fastener-free surface may be made substantially smooth and seamless. The walls are arranged in planar congruence, separated by internal spacers or studs, and vertically positioned between the overhead and floor of the room space to be partitioned. Removable tracks or spacers at the top and bottom of the wall assembly serves to interface the wall assembly with the floor and ceiling of the space. The walls are constructed of either finished or unfinished wall panels (e.g., fabric covered or sheet rock panels) which are incorporated into the assembly using a combination of removable fasteners and releasable adhesives. The finished or exposed area of a wall surface includes no fasteners.

Abstract: An internal stiffening member of varying configurations in which the stiffening elements support the skin using a compression-only load path is dislcosed. In the preferred embodiment, the stiffening element has a peripheral edge that is adapted to be press fit into contact with the skin. The stiffening member may be held in place by various retention devices. Another configuration is a slip-in rib having a flange with a peripheral channel in which a filler material is disposed. The rib is inserted into an assembled structural box beam, and the filler material is used to fill any gaps between the slip-in rib and the interior surface of the structural box beam. The filler material is preferably an expandable material, such as an expandable foam-type material. However, in situations where a slip-in rib forms a primary structural rib, the filler material is preferably a structural adhesive or liquid shim material.

Abstract: A wall frame assembly including a stud and track member, the stud having an elongated body and two depending sidewalls with inward indented channels. The track having a track body and two opposed depending flanges, the depending flange having a projection that is configured to mate with the indented channel in a complementary nesting arrangement to secure the stud frame member to the track frame member.

Abstract: A wall stud includes a steel member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and having at least first, second and third sides, the first and second sides being opposite one another. The wall stud also includes a first foam member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The first foam member is affixed to the first side of the steel member. The wall stud also includes a second foam member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The second foam member is affixed to the second side of the steel member. The wall stud also has a ridged cap affixed to a side of the first foam member opposite the steel member.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, either of the Class C type, or provided from sugar beet waste lime, are combined with either ground or pulverized wood and/or chips, or with fine sand, having a small amount of Portland cement added thereto, moisturized, and then either extruded or compressed in a press into the configuration of a block. A fire retardant, and an insecticide, may be added to the composition, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: A framework for a facade is constructed from adjacently arranged flat facade elements such as glass panes, decorative panels or the like and comprises profiled supports. The profiled supports are formed from retaining bars which are parallel to the facade surface and from webs which are approximately perpendicular to the facade surface. The retaining bars and the webs are essentially flat material strips. At least one web has a projection which is provided as a single piece with the web and which projects into an insertion opening in a retaining bar. A retaining device is provided on the projection for fixing the facade element and has at least one pin-shaped or bolt-shaped part. This part is arranged in such a manner that it is secured on the projection of the web by the retaining bar.

Abstract: A decorative panel, method of manufacture and installation on a surface of a room is described. The decorative panel is formed from a material that can shaped having a decorative portion, two female mounting portions and two male portions. The female portions have punched holes for fastening the panels directly to a surface, and the male portions of an adjacent panel are position into the female portions to partially hold the adjacent panel and to obscure from view the punched holes and fastening hardware. The panel design and installation method allows the decorative panels to be attached directly to a building material such as sheet rock without any intervening supporting structure.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a novel powerful wall hanger for supporting different objects. Particularly, the invention concerns a hanger that is used in gypsum board and similar walls and that's provides a stable and safe holder of variable weights.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top and bottom, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interlocking tile is used to form a floor with adjacent tiles each tile preferably has four sides with first interlocks on the first and second sides and second interlocks on the third and fourth side. The tile can interlock with adjacent tiles as long as the interlocking sides are parallel. The tiles can interlock even when they are aligned with one another in only one direction.

Abstract: Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row.

Abstract: A method for identifying modeling characteristics of items of foliage on a piece of real property so that the property's foliage can be accurately modeled on a site model portion of an architectural model. The characteristics determined for each item of foliage is its location (in longitude and latitude within the property), type (evergreen tree, deciduous tree, shrub), and height. The determinations of characteristics are carried out via automated analysis (including spectral analysis) of satellite imagery or aerial imagery of the selected piece of real property. The height information and type information is used to select appropriate miniature foliage to model each identified foliage item, and the location information is used to place the selected miniature foliage accurately on the site model.

Abstract: A node connector in a double layer grid-type of space frame preferably is an extrusion which includes an open-ended tubular portion for snugly at least substantially encircling a frame chord member of desired cross-sectional configuration which is disposable in the passage. The node connector has fixed external elements which extend along the connector parallel to the passage. Those elements define facing parallel flat surfaces arranged in at least two pairs of such surfaces. The surfaces of each pair lie equidistantly from a center plane between them. Each center plane is parallel to the passage axis and preferably includes the passage axis. Each pair of facing flat surfaces of the node connector can cooperate closely with opposite flat surfaces at the end of each of other frames framing member placed between the facing surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting sections of a drilling rig substructure is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique structural connector in which sections of a drilling rig substructure can be connected together without the use of pins or pin-type connectors. The structural connector of the present invention utilizes specially-shaped fixed members connected to, and extending through, support plates that are attached to sections of a drilling rig substructure that mate with specially-shaped mating lugs that are mounted on mating lug plates that are attached to separate sections of the drilling rig substructure. When the sections of the drilling rig substructure to be connected are positioned together, the specially-shaped mating lugs engage the specially-shaped fixed members and form a high strength structural connection between the sections of the drilling rig substructure.

Abstract: A rebar support is provided through an arm-type apparatus, which may have a plurality of dimensions for different concrete constructions. A tube in the apparatus is slid over an upright support such as a grade stake to hold the apparatus in place. Multiple instances of the apparatus may thus be placed over multiple stakes to hold rebar in the correct position for the grid pattern required to strengthen the concrete in a particular structure. Rebar may then be quickly and securely snapped into notches on the apparatus without tying or extensive training of personnel. In an embodiment different designs of the apparatus are provided with notches designed to fit rebar of different diameters. In another embodiment snap-out tabs in the notches are used so that one design of the apparatus may be employed with rebar with different dimensions. The apparatus may be Y-shaped to further strengthen the arms.

Abstract: An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is provided for use with associated insulation and substrate layers of a building. The system includes primary and secondary water resistant barriers on first and second surfaces of the associated insulation layer. The secondary water resistant barrier includes a single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel and adhesively securing the second surface of the associated insulation layer to the associated substrate layer. The system is usable with a plurality of associated insulation layers disposed in abutment, the single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel extending from the first insulation panel to the second insulation panel and being adapted to conduct fluid therethrough. Further, a hand tool for working the adhesive and sealing layer is provided.

Abstract: A composite panel system has a plurality of planar joiner panels joined along longitudinal side edges arranged to interlock when axial tensile and compressive forces are exerted in the plane of the joiner panels and when out-of-plane bending stresses are exerted on the joiner panels. In a method of forming the joiner panels, a phenolic resin core material is fed into a hopper and pushed out onto a moving conveyor formed by a layer of material that forms a bottom face skin. The core material is covered with an upper face skin and fed into a pultrusion die.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fireproof glazing unit including at least two spaced-apart transparent substrates, with a transparent fireproof layer disposed between the substrate. A transparent TiO2 layer, which reduces the incidence of UV radiation onto the fireproof layer, is disposed on at least one side of the fireproof layer.

Abstract: An inflatable web, and method and apparatus for inflating the web, which generally includes two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers of predetermined length, each of the chambers having at least one change in width over their length; an inflation port located at a proximal end of each chamber, the inflation ports being formed by intermittent seals between the sheets; and longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of the sheets that extend beyond the inflation ports and intermittent seals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising a clip machine having at least one interchangeable first closure tool which to close clips around a packaging case of tubular or bag shape is movable relative to a second closure tool, and a clip supply. The first closure tool and the clip supply each have a respective identification. The clip machine has a first sensor device which is adapted to identify the identification of the clip supply and output a corresponding clip information signal, a second sensor device which is adapted to identify the identification of the first closure tool and output a corresponding closure tool information signal, and a control having a signal input coupled to the first and the second sensor devices and an evaluation means which is adapted to evaluate the clip information signal and the closure tool information signal and to output a compatibility signal. The invention further concerns a method of operating such a clip machine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling food product drafts into packages. A supply of open top containers are arranged in rows and carried by an elongated web of film and are movable by the web into a fill station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface arranged above the fill station and having an end region extendable to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts into the containers of the first row by circulation of the conveying surface. The conveying surface is retractable, or extendable, to reposition the end to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts carried on the conveying surface into the containers of the second row and each subsequent row. A tamping apparatus is carried by the conveyor to retract or extend with the conveying surface end.

Abstract: A multi-substrate sheet for forming an at least partially open mesh fabric bag using a form, fill and seal machine and a bag formed of this sheet are provided. The sheet includes at least one strip formed of an open mesh polymeric fabric and at least one strip formed of a polymeric film. The fabric and film strips are secured to one another to form a web that can be formed into a roll and utilized with a form, fill and seal machine. The bag resulting from the processing of the web by the machine includes a substantial open mesh fabric portion to provide adequate ventilation to the product positioned within the bag and a printable film portion.

Abstract: Method and system for making a series of material-filled packets in which a plurality of labels are formed on a liner with only a part of each label being attached to the liner, a quantity of material is placed by a dispensing device onto the part of each label attached to the liner, an unattached part of each label is folded over the material by a folding device, and the unattached part of each label is attached to the attached part of the label to seal the material therebetween by an attachment and/or sealing device. A series of material-filled packets connected together by the liner is thereby formed.