Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized biodiesel fuel compositions, which compositions comprise a biodiesel fuel, for example the methyl esters of the fatty acids of rapeseed or soy oil, and one or more additives selected from the group consisting of the 3-arylbenzofuranones and the hindered amine light stabilizers, and optionally, one or more hindered phenolic antioxidants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a Mannich reaction product and a reaction to create a Mannich reaction product prepared from an amino alcohol, a high molecular, weight hydroxy aromatic compound, and an aldehyde. Compositions comprising a hydrocarbon fuel and the reaction product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for producing solid fuel may comprise a base material in the form of at least one of biomaterial waste and one or more agricultural crops. The base material is combined with at least one additive, wherein the combination of the base material and the at least one additive has at least one property that is different than that of the base material. The combination of the base material and the at least one additive is processed to form the solid fuel.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses processes for treating, producing, or producing and treating biodiesel. Products produced with the various processes of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for drying coal using microwave energy to achieve a controlled aggregate moisture content target range without starting combustion or degrading the coking qualities of the coal. Coal feed stock is first separated into fine grade coal and one or more larger grades. The fine grade coal is loaded onto a conveyor as a bed of fixed depth. The fine grade coal is conveyed continuously through a microwave-energized heating chamber for drying. The fine grade coal is dried sufficiently so that when it is combined with the larger grade coals, the moisture content of the aggregate is within a target moisture content range. By volumetrically and uniformly heating the coal, the microwave heating chamber boils away the water without heating the coal itself above about 90° C. In this way, the coal does not combust or oxidize, and its coking qualities are retained.

Abstract: Modular garden environmental apparatus and methods including apparatus to limit weed growth to nearby one or more plants, protecting the plants from insects and animals, providing additional thermal retention, automatically maintaining a desired soil moisture control near the plants, providing a method of fertilizer delivery and providing vertically offset regions for plants.

Abstract: A method of altering the level of at least one phytochemical in a plant cell comprising chlorophyll or in plant tissue comprising chlorophyll by irradiating the said plant cell or plant tissue with light of at least one wavelength selected from the range of wavelengths of from 400 nm to 700 nm, use of wavelengths of light selected from said range for altering the level of phytochemicals in plant tissue, harvested plant parts comprising altered levels of phytochemicals, and apparatuses for generating plant tissue having altered levels of phytochemicals therein.

Abstract: A novel portable garden box for use in growing plants, comprises a fence and a tub, where the fence is attached to fence posts that are insertable into the tub. The tub includes a tub lip, four walls, a bottom, postholes for receiving the fence posts and drain holes for providing drainage. The tub is fillable with soil under conditions that provide a suitable growing environment. The garden box, when fully assembled with the fence installed on the tub, provides barrier protection from small animals and the like. The garden box of the present invention is preferably constructed with a substantially square tub that is optimizeable for shipping and packaging purposes and for alignment of the garden boxes in various arrays by the end user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction device that includes a reaction device main body that includes a first reaction unit and a second reaction unit, a container to house the reaction device main body and a first region that corresponds to at least the first reaction unit and a second region that corresponds to the second reaction unit, the first and second regions being provided to the container or internal side of the container. The first reaction unit is set to a temperature higher than that of the second reaction unit, and the first region has a higher reflectivity than that of the second region, with respect to heat ray that is radiated from the reaction device main body.

Abstract: [OBJECT] A hydrogen generator is provided which includes a lightweight, small-heat-capacity, high-performance gas mixer and is good in hydrogen generating efficiency and response. [MEANS OF SOLVING] A hydrogen generator comprising: a mixed gas passage (9) configured to flow a mixed gas containing two or more components; first and second passages configured to branch off, at their leading ends, from the mixed gas passage and join to each other at their trailing ends; first turning means (45a) to (45d) formed in the first passage to turn the mixed gas flowing in the first passage in a first direction; second turning means (46a) to (46d) formed in the second passage to turn the mixed gas flowing in the second passage in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a hydrogen generating section configured to generate hydrogen by causing a chemical reaction of the mixed gas which flows out from the joined trailing ends of the first and second passages.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogen generation method comprising the step of bringing, in the presence of water, ammonia borane represented by the chemical formula: NH3BH3 into contact with (1) a catalyst comprising as an active ingredient at least one member selected from the group consisting of metal catalysts and metal compound catalysts; (2) a solid acid; or (3) carbon dioxide. The method of the invention can generate hydrogen gas for use as fuel for fuel cells, etc., under controllable conditions without heating a starting material at high-temperature, and moreover can efficiently generate hydrogen gas at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel and an oxidant, atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant, catalytically reacting the fuel oxidant mixture, providing an ignition source for initiating the catalytic reaction, positioning a heat exchanger in proximity with the catalytic bed, and producing steam which can be fed back into the system thereby eliminating the need for a vaporizer. A hydrocarbon fuel can be mixed with oxygen, as a constituent of air, preferably forming a fuel rich fuel air mixture that passes through a catalytic reactor having an ultra-short channel length metal monolith substrate.

Abstract: Method and system for producing synthesis gas by partial oxidation of a carbonaceous stream, wherein the partial oxidation is controlled using an oxygen to carbon ratio (O/C ratio). A carbonaceous stream and an oxygen containing stream is fed into a gasification reactor at a selected O/C ratio, where it is at least partially oxidized. A gaseous product stream is thereby obtained, which at least contains synthesis gas, CO2 and possibly CH4. The content of CO2 in the product stream is determined, and compared with a pre-determined content thereby possibly obtaining a difference value between the determined content and the pre-determined content. The O/C ratio in step is adjusted based on the difference value.

Abstract: A closing system for moving a sealing system between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration includes first and second inner control members and first and second outer control members. The sealing system connects a panel to a frame and includes an anchor disposed between first and second opposing docking collars. The first and second inner control members are respectively connected to the first and second docking collars, and the first and second outer control members are respectively disposed proximate to the first and second inner control members.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: A window lift mechanism includes a worm/worm gear transmission with an improved transmission housing having a worm gear shaft formed in-situ as well as a pinion gear formed as a unitary member with the worm gear in order to reduce the number of components and improve the assembly process.

Abstract: A carrier for a window regular. The regulator includes a vertical rail defining a vertical track, a glass carrier adapted to receive a lower edge of the window glass and mounted for vertical sliding movement along the track and a cable having an upper end terminating in an enlarged head and a lower end terminating in an enlarged head, the carrier having a lower receptacle proximate the lower region of the carrier receiving the head of the upper cable end with the upper cable end extending vertically upwardly therefrom, whereby upward pulling movement on the upper cable end moves the carrier upwardly along the track, and an upper receptacle proximate an upper region of the carrier receiving the head of the lower cable end with the lower cable end extending vertically downwardly therefrom, whereby downward pulling movement on the lower cable end moves the carrier downwardly along the track.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly for a vehicle door includes a front rail, a rear rail, and a motor that is used to control movement of a window panel relative to the front and rear rails. The motor is mounted to an upper rail end of one of the front and rear rails. This frees up a significant amount of packaging space within the vehicle door. Further, the window regulator assembly can be easily installed within the vehicle door by vertically inserting the window regulator assembly as a complete unit into the vehicle door.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly includes a cursor that is guided by a window lift rail within a vehicle door module. The cursor includes structure for supporting a window panel, and is movable between a full up position and a full down position. The cursor includes a dampener that dampens impact as the cursor moves to the full down position by compressing a portion of the dampener against the window lift rail during impact.

Abstract: A combined seal activation system positioned within a panel for use with a combination of the panel and a frame includes a first seal activation system and a second seal activation system. The panel pivots relative to the frame. The first seal activation system activates a first sealing system positioned within the frame, and the second seal activation system activates a second sealing system positioned within the frame. The first seal activation system is positioned adjacent a first side of the panel, and the second seal activation system is positioned adjacent a second side of the panel different than the first side of the panel. The first and second seal activation systems having an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A combined sealing system and seal activation system for use with a double door/window system having a first panel and a second panel includes a first sealing system and a first seal activation system. The first sealing system is positioned within a meeting stile of the first panel, and the first seal activation system activates the first sealing system. The first sealing activation system is also positioned within a meeting stile of the second panel and includes a movable member configured to engage the first sealing system. The first sealing system includes a movable member, and movable member of the first sealing system is caused to move towards the second panel by the first sealing system being engaged by the movable member of the first seal activation system moving towards the first panel. The first panel and the second panel separately pivot relative to a frame surrounding the double door/window system.

Abstract: A hinge is provided for connecting a swing door to an adjacent support structure. The hinge includes a first attachment structure for being mounted to either the door or the adjacent support structure and has a partially cylindrical channel defining a longitudinal pivot axis. A second attachment structure is mounted to the other of the door and adjacent support structure, and has a longitudinally extending mounting arm projecting into the partially cylindrical channel of the first attachment structure. A bushing (1) is mounted on the arm of the second attachment structure, (2) is disposed in the partially cylindrical channel of the first attachment structure, and (3) has a partially cylindrical exterior surface which (a) is defined around the pivot axis for engaging the partially cylindrical channel of the first attachment structure, and (b) has a surface hardness that is less than the surface hardness of the partially cylindrical channel.

Abstract: A door sill restrictor for preventing the entry of foreign matter such as water and airborne particulates into a building is shown and described. The door sill restrictor is one selected from a foam member and a sponge member. In one exemplary door assembly, the door sill restrictor is disposed in a space defined by a door and the sill.

Abstract: Method of making an abrasive article (e.g., an abrasive wheels or a honing stick), a cutting tool or a cutting tool insert comprising glass-ceramic abrasive particles in a ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A highly wear resistant sintered, hot pressed, or otherwise compacted ceramic composite material is described, consisting of two discrete phases of the form AlxMgyB14 where x and y?1 or like hard, orthorhombic compounds, and TiB2 or like Group IVB transition metal di-borides, and with an unexpectedly high content of transition metal di-boride in the range from 40 to 90 percent (28 to 85 volume percent).

Abstract: A silo storage unit is created to enable an owner to conveniently store and dispense any number of materials. In one implementation, the storage silo is configured to store and dispense a heating fuel material. The silo storage unit may be implemented as a temporary installation or a year-round installation. Also, the silo storage unit includes a storage chamber configured with at least one outlet aperture, an inlet aperture. The storage chamber is formed with at least one attachment point configured to secure a facade cover to the silo storage unit. The facade cover may be formed from a cloth material, plastic material or any other number of materials. Further the facade cover may be configured as a holiday implementation, a housing element implementation, or a non-intrusive implementation. In the non-intrusive implementation, the facade cover may be configured to with artificial branches or leaves.

Abstract: An HVAC air handling enclosure is comprised of individual panel assemblies each of which are fabricated from two panels or skins that are held together by double-sided adhesive tape. Adjacent panel assemblies are connected by a metal tongue-and-groove joint that relies on that same tape as a thermal break at the joint. After assembly, the thermal break and the tongue and groove elements of the joint are completely hidden from view. Moreover, the joint includes an internal cavity that can take up surplus sealant that may ooze out from within the tongue-and-groove joint during assembly, whereby the surplus sealant also remains hidden.

Abstract: The invention provides an igloo-shaped structure formed from a plurality of rectangular shaped blocks having a rim and a trough molded therein. The rim has pins adjacent the corners of the blocks that engage apertures or holes fastening plates. Each fastening plate has four holes to enable it to snap together four blocks. Subsequent rows of blocks may have smaller dimensions so that the assembly curves inward forming the familiar domed shape of an igloo. Curved trapezoidal shaped blocks, also held together with fastening plates, are used to cap off the dome.

Abstract: Systems for assembling and supporting roofing members on a roof structure are described. An exemplary system includes at least one batten extending along a portion of the roof structure. The batten includes receiving portions for removably securing hanger devices along the batten. Related methods for support and assembly are also described.

Abstract: A jointing element (40) is disclosed for supporting a plurality of cladding panels (10) relative to a building frame (11), the panels having slots (18) extending along the edges thereof, the jointing element including:—an elongate support member (20) substantially H shaped in cross-section and having a longer inner flange for fastening to the building or building frame, the inner flange being connected by a web to a shorter outer flange to form an elongate recess on each side of the web for receiving sealing means (30) therein; whereby when a cladding panel is supported relative to the building or building frame by the jointing element, the outer flange is received in the slot along the edge of the cladding panel and the sealing means cooperates with the panel to substantially seal the space behind the cladding panel against the ingress of moisture.

Abstract: A seismically isolated structure and a method of constructing same provide a rigid diaphragm, a plurality of footings each positioned at least partially under the rigid diaphragm, and a plurality of base isolation devices each positioned between a footing and the rigid diaphragm, wherein the rigid diaphragm was constructed in situ above the footings generally below its final elevation. A barrier is positioned between the rigid diaphragm and at least the footings to prevent bonding between the rigid diaphragm and the footings. The barrier, which may be structural or chemical or a combination thereof, may also span between the footings if appropriate.

Abstract: A hurricane panel to protect a fragile portion of a building is disclosed, which includes an impact resistant multilayer panel having first and second (e.g., upper and lower) edges which are generally parallel to one another; and first and second (e.g., upper and lower) panel retaining members each configured for attachment to a building exterior, wherein the first and second edges of the multilayer panel are removably secured by the first and second panel retaining members, respectively, such that the multilayer panel is configured to be removably retained over a fragile portion of a building.

Abstract: A support system includes a plurality of spaced apart cross members, a plurality of decking members supported on the cross members and extending perpendicular to the cross members to form a support surface, and retainers securing the decking members to the cross members. The retainers limit movement of the decking members relative to the cross members in a direction away from the cross members. The cross members, the decking members, and the retainers are formed as separate components. The decking members are secured to the retainers. The retainers are secured to the cross members with a snap fit connection.

Abstract: A hinged roof vent panel is provided which includes a combination of hinged ridges that allow the panel to be cut and folded to form an insulation block which inhibits the flow of loosefill insulation which may block soffit vents and which provides suitable ventilation to inhibit condensation during cold periods and to allow acceptable airflow during warm periods. The vent panel is typically thermoformed from a thin sheet of extruded polystyrene foam into the shape described and claimed. The panel is relatively planar and stackable so that a large number of panels may be packaged together for shipping.

Abstract: A hinged roof vent panel is provided which includes a combination of hinged ridges that allow the panel to be cut and folded to form an insulation block which inhibits the flow of loosefill insulation which may block soffit vents and which provides suitable ventilation to inhibit condensation during cold periods and to allow acceptable airflow during warm periods. The vent panel is typically thermoformed from a thin sheet of extruded polystyrene foam into the shape described and claimed. The panel is relatively planar and stackable so that a large number of panels may be packaged together for shipping.

Abstract: The invention is a composition comprising: a) one or more film forming resins having at least one functional group capable of polymerization; b) one or more reactive diluents capable of reacting with the film forming resin; c) one or more silicon, titanium, zirconium, aluminum or metal containing compounds capable of promoting adhesion of the composition to glass; d) one or more fillers capable of imparting abrasion resistance to the composition when cured; and e) one or more compounds which is reactive with the film forming resin which also contains at least one acidic moiety. The composition of the invention is useful as a frit on the window of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for applying the coatings to glass and a method for bonding the coated glass to a structure or substrate, for instance, a building.

Abstract: A combined sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame includes a first sealing system and a second sealing system. The first sealing system connects a first surface of the panel to a first surface of the frame, and the second sealing system connects a second surface of the panel to a second surface of the frame. The combined sealing system has an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the panel moves relative to the frame along a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first or second surfaces of the frame. In the locked configuration, each of the first and second sealing systems separately prevent movement of the panel relative to the frame along the plane.

Abstract: Trim components incorporating a nail flange and/or one or more siding receiving spaces/slots. A single-piece corner trim component of board construction defining a seamless outer surface and a pair of siding receiving spaces/slots. A method of manufacturing a single-piece corner trim component by forming first and second siding receiving spaces along first and second edges, respectively, of an inner surface of a board, the first and second siding receiving spaces being substantially parallel to each other; forming a substantially V-shaped groove in the inner surface of the board, the V-shaped groove is disposed substantially parallel to each of the first and second siding receiving spaces and is defined by a first slanted edge, a second slanted edge and a skin disposed between the vertex of the V-shaped groove and an outer surface of the board, and joining together the first and second slanted edges so that the skin defines a seamless outer corner.

Abstract: A drywall trim application device that can hold a large role of drywall flex corner trim material and, as the material is being dispensed, pre-crease or form the material for use on an inside or outside corner, or any angle within the range of the trim material, apply a mastic material (drywall mud, adhesive or any other bonding medium) to the flex trim material, and cut the material at any desired length automatically. Measurements may be either input by hand or down loaded from an electronic measurement tool into this device. This invention can generally store multiple measurements such as length and angles, measure the length of flex trim material as it is dispensed from the device, crease the material, apply predetermined amount of mastic, and automatically cut the flex trim material to each length previously input.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers' selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer's stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to wearer's at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer.

Abstract: A collar positionable about a panel penetrating member for sealing therearound and particularly for firestopping therearound which prevents the flow of smoke and may include an intumescent component for expansion during exposure to heat. A collar assembly is usable with members penetrating various types of panels including walls, ceilings and floors. The sealing member of the assembly includes frangible zones with removable sections which are mated to the construction of the mounting strap. The mounting strap includes engagement prongs and multiple engagement apertures securable with respect to one another in various relative positions for use with respect to panel penetrating members of various standardized sizes. The engagement of the prongs in various apertures is mated with the frangible zones on the sealing member for effective sealing around panel penetrating members of standardized sizes such as 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch and 4½ inch and others.

Abstract: An easy-to-install and remove flooring system comprises three components: 1) a plurality of rolled-out liners, 2) a plurality of tiles, particularly resilient tiles, and 3) an adhesive adhering the tile to the liner. A grid pattern matching the size of the tiles is printed on the liner to enable easy centering and balancing of the tile in the room. The edge portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapped. At least some of the tiles are adhered to two of the liners.

Abstract: A method and structure for providing a resilient seal system in the gap or joint between adjacent construction panels utilizing a foaming expansive elastic closed-cell liquid-impermeable sealant, a backer rod and a seal. The foaming expansive elastic closed-cell liquid-impermeable sealant is first introduced to the gap or joint between the adjacent construction panels. A seal is introduced into or over the gap after the foaming expansive elastic closed-cell liquid-impermeable sealant has sufficiently cured. In alternative embodiment a backer rod is located intermediate the sealant and seal as a spacing member.

Abstract: An assembly of wall panels particularly suitable for protection against wind blown debris or an explosion includes a bent strap connecting an air gap between adjacent wall panels with the bent strap capable of flexing due to a sudden external force.

Abstract: A reusable laminated plywood board, specifically engineered for forming the edges of poured concrete slabs and tilt-up walls, uses in each layer a patchwork quadrangular sheets made of solid fragments of a wood species characterized by a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system incorporating at least one single sided release cross bar assembly. The cross bar assembly includes first and second end support assemblies. Detachment or adjustable positioning of the cross bar assembly is made by a user engaging a locking element in a first one of the end support assemblies and moving a cross bar of the cross bar assembly linearly, telescopically slidably into a second one of the end support assemblies. This causes a release of tension provided by a biasing element in the second end support assembly, thus enabling the entire cross bar assembly to be removed from the side rails. The single biasing element in the second cross bar assembly provides a constant tension on latching elements mounted in each of the first and second end support assemblies, which maintain each of the assemblies in locking engagement with the side rails.

Abstract: A securing device has a base with two longitudinal sides, an extended tongue, a rib, two buffers and at least one pin. The extended tongue is formed on one of the longitudinal sides on the top surface and has a first mounting slit defined in the inner surface of the extended tongue. The rib is formed on the top surface of the base to form a receiving recess between the extended tongue and the rib. The rib is aligned with the extended tongue and has a second mounting slit. The at least one hole is defined in the base at the other longitudinal side. The two buffers are respectively mounted in the first mounting slit and the second slit. The at least one pin is mounted respectively in the at least one hole. With the two buffers, the noise caused from piecing the floor plates will be reduced.

Abstract: A wall system, particularly for thin stone or thin brick veneer walls, has a plurality of stones or bricks with grooves running along the upper and lower edges and a plurality of clips for linking the stones or bricks. One type of clip having one or more connecting flanges links an upper stone or brick to a lower stone or brick with the one or more connecting flanges housed within the groove in the lower edge of the upper stone or brick and within the groove in the upper edge of the lower stone or brick. The one or more connecting flanges of the clip depend from one or more base flanges of the clip and have a width just equal to the distance from the rear face to the groove of the upper and lower stones or bricks. The one or more base flanges of the clip depend from a support flange of the clip. The support flange has one or more apertures for accepting a screw or nail for fastening the clip to a structural wall.

Abstract: An interlocking modular building block system for mortarless cavity wall construction having blocks configured such that upon grouting, the cavity is solidly filled in a unified mass. Four block configurations are provided, namely runner, half, corner, and end block units. The runner has a length two times its width, and the other blocks have the same width and length as the width of the runner. Common to all blocks is a pair of parallel offset solid walls forming the outside and inside walls while creating vertical and horizontal positive and negative alignment features. The offset walls also form flat horizontal and vertical surfaces where successive units meet upon alignment. These walls are connected by one or more transverse membranes, with the exception of the corner block, where the walls are joined end to end at right angles.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel comprising a plurality of stud members of varying length generally parallel to each other possessing first terminal ends and second terminal ends; a truss frame comprising three brace members wherein one or more of said brace members comprises expansion-contraction members slideably attached to said first or second terminal ends of said stud members; and said truss panel comprises at least one reinforcement member secured between at least two of said stud members, or between one of said stud members and one of said brace members.