Abstract: A modular roofing tray made of biodegradable material and impregnated with a biological inoculum to enhance the overall health and welfare of the vegetation planted within.

Abstract: Adjustable overflow for insertion into a tub-like container, comprising a foot member having a base with a discharge aperture and a cylindrical tube portion with an axial passageway communicating with the discharge aperture, a tubular adjusting member being rotatably mounted on or in the tube portion and the tube portion being provided with a first adjustment opening and the adjusting member being provided with a second adjustment opening, the adjustment openings being arranged such that, in a first turning position of the adjusting member relative to the tube portion, the first and second adjustment openings overlap at least partially and define a (first) overflow level, and wherein, in a second turning position of the adjusting member, the first and second adjustment openings do not overlap, and close the overflow.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: A flower pot cover in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping. The flower pot cover includes a base portion defining a receiving space receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, the base portion has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: An optimized gasification/vitrification processing system having a gasification unit which converts organic materials to a hydrogen rich gas and ash in communication with a joule heated vitrification unit which converts the ash formed in the gasification unit into glass, and a plasma which converts elemental carbon and products of incomplete combustion formed in the gasification unit into a hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A catalytic secondary reforming process, for the production of synthesis gas, comprises the successive steps of: feeding a first gas flow comprising hydrocarbons and a second gas flow comprising oxygen into a reforming reactor, at least one of such gas flows being fed into the reactor in a predetermined feed direction substantially parallel, preferably coaxial, to a longitudinal axis of the reactor, mixing the gas flows in the reactor, with substantially simultaneous oxidation of the hydrocarbons of the first gas flow by the oxygen of the second flow.

Abstract: The inventive flexible curtain rapid door comprises a structure consisting of two posts and a transverse element for guiding a flexible curtain and electromechanical means supported by said structure for displacing the curtain between open and closed positions, wherein the flexible curtain (2) comprises a weight and sealing element (13). According to the invention, the door comprises obstacle detecting means which are carried at least partially by an reinforcing element, are adjacent to the weight and sealing element (13) and are disposed upstream thereof on the curtain closing path between the reinforcing element and the weight and sealing element (13) and said obstacle detecting means are integrated inside the lower part of the curtain (2).

Abstract: A drive unit is provided for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an outer tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to one of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The drive unit also includes an inner tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to the other of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The inner tube is telescopically engaged with the outer tube. The inner tube is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer tube. An actuator is operative for actuating the inner tube relative to the outer tube between the retracted position and the extended position and causing movement of the liftgate between closed and open positions, respectively. The motor drive is housed within the outer tube. A biasing member is connected between the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: An automated window system including an energy accumulation means, and a window opening/closing mechanism associated with the energy accumulation means wherein the energy accumulation means releases at least a portion of the energy stored therein upon demand to the window opening/closing mechanism to open and/or close the window.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising: a unit which is mountable and removable at an electronic apparatus main body; a locking component; a mounted component which is mounted at the unit; a stopper member which is mounted at the unit and impedes removal of the mounted component from the unit; a first engaged portion which is provided at one of the unit and the stopper member; and a first engaging portion which is provided at the other of the unit and the stopper member, the first engaging portion engaging with the first engaged portion when the stopper member is mounted at the unit and impeding removal of the stopper member from the unit, being operable for releasing the engagement with the first engaged portion, and being inoperable in a state in which the unit is mounted at the electronic apparatus main body, is provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to an automatic door assembly with a door arm comprising at least two rectilinearly movable sections.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A power window system for a motor vehicle operated by a linear electric motor. In one form, a dual linear motor window actuator system includes left and right guidetracks which guide a window, and left and right linear motors connected to the guidetracks. In a second form, a single linear motor window actuator system includes left and right guidetracks which guide a window; a drive bar connected to the window; and a linear motor operatively interconnected with the drive bar. A solenoid operated window stop provides fixed positioning of the window except during actuation of the linear motor.

Abstract: A smoke proof door jamb is disclosed for sealing the door against the ingress of smoke from a fire external to the room. In addition, the door jamb also has an identification sticker attached thereto so that firefighters can locate a particular room during a fire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door assembly which has a lower door assembly and an upper door assembly, and the upper door assembly and a lower door assembly can be connected. In addition, the upper door assembly is at least partially made of composite materials. Thus, the upper door assembly can be completely constructed with composite materials or it can be constructed of a hybrid material which consists of composite materials and steel. Furthermore, the door assembly can have trim molding integrated into the upper door assembly during the molding process. In the alternative, the door assembly could have an upper door assembly where attachment areas are molded into the upper door assembly which will allow for trim molding to be easily attached to the upper door assembly.

Abstract: Brackets mounted to the corners of a garage door improve the strength of a garage structure in the event of an earthquake. As the garage sways during the earthquake, the door frame contacts the brackets mounted at the upper corners of the door. The brackets transfer shear forces from the frame to the door. Additional brackets mounted at the bottom corners of the door contact the lower portions of the frame and stop the horizontal movement of the garage door. By using the door to transfer the shear forces, the strength of the garage door frame is substantially improved.

Abstract: A system for dividing a workspace includes a wall designed to divide the workspace into a workspace and an area outside of the workspace. The wall includes a variety of features and may be at least partially formed from a construction element including a sheet of metal configured to be self supporting and a layer of cushioning material configured to encase the sheet of metal to form a composite construction element that is free of sharp edges. The composite construction element is configured to be mounted to a wall having a top, bottom, and two sides configured to divide an area into a workspace and an area outside of the workspace. Furthermore, the wall may be formed a meltable material that can be melted and smoothed to at least reduce an appearance of unsmooth portions within the wall and, when positioned proximate to another wall, can be melted and smoothed to at least reduce the appearance of seams between the wall and the another wall.

Abstract: A removable pool enclosure panel (26) having a panel frame (10) which surrounds a predetermined material, such as screen (6) currently used in conjunction with pool enclosures, and a means for removably fastening (25) the panel frame (10) within a predetermined section (7) of a pool enclosure frame (1). The means for fastening (25) the panel (26) within a pool enclosure section (7) is preferably at least one rod (12) mounted within a spring (13) and having a finger pull ring (11) and/or at least one dowel (24) insertable into holes (23) in interconnected bars (4) or (5) of the pool enclosure (1).

Abstract: The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. The floor tiles may include small steps in a surface structure to increase traction. The floor tiles may also or alternatively include diagonal cross ribs to block the passage of debris and break liquid surface tension. The modular tiles may be injection molded. The floor tiles may also provide multiple layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems. The floor tiles may provide multiple layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems.

Abstract: The disclosed technology enables manufacturers to efficiently design and manufacture structural wall panels, floor panels and roof panels from cold-formed steel for use in residential and commercial construction. The panels are individual components that can be installed at a building site to form a structure that includes walls, floor and a roof. Structures may be manufactured in a manufacturing facility and delivered to a construction site for installation.

Abstract: There is provided an arch assembly comprising a pair of opposing vertical jamb members each including internal and external surfaces and a top surface at distal ends thereof. The external surfaces thereof preferably abut opposing parallel sides of a door frame. An arch jamb is interposed between the vertical jamb members. The arch jamb defines a curvature, opposing connective ends, and an upper surface. The connective ends each include a leg interface defining first and second vertical faces, and a horizontal face interposed therebetween. The first vertical face is configured to mate with the interior surface of the respective vertical jamb member. The horizontal face is configured to mate with the top surface of the respective vertical jamb member. The second vertical face is configured to engage the respective opposing parallel side of the door frame. The engagement of the leg interface provides structural stability of the arch jamb.

Abstract: A collapsible structural member has been provided in which substantially identical modules made up of metal or plastic are threaded on a tensioning member such as a cable and are movable relative to each other in the collapsed condition of the beam and are brought together into a condition where adjacent modules are locked together to form a rigid construction when the beam is in its erected operating condition. The beam is changed from its erected condition to its collapsed condition by relaxing the tensioning member or cable.

Abstract: Method of building a direct smelting plant comprising a metal smelting vessel (11) and ancillary plant components such as the components of a hot air supply station (24), an offgas treatment station (32), a solids feed station (41), a hot metal desulphurization station (47) and hot metal and slag launders extending from the smelting vessel (11). The ring track (53) of a ringer crane (51) is installed in front of location at which vessel (11) is to be installed. Crane boom (54) is laid out along elongate stretch of the building site which becomes a corridor (60) between major ancillary components when plant is fully erected. Boom (54) is connected to crane carriage (52) and hoisted to provide high lift capacity over a ground area embracing proposed site of vessel (11) and ancillary components. Prefabricated components are then lifted by crane (51) into appropriate position for final installation.

Abstract: A hook assembly that has particular application for hanging bananas. The hook assembly includes an elongated base portion. A bolt is mounted to one end of the base portion and a hook is mounted to an opposite end of the base portion. The bolt is inserted through a hole in a bottom panel of a kitchen cupboard so that it extends therethrough. A nut is threaded to the end of the bolt extending through the bottom panel to secure the hook assembly to the cupboard. In one embodiment, the nut is a T-shaped nut including spikes that dig into the bottom panel to hold the hook assembly in place.

Abstract: Isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: A stair tread having a width of 10, 11 or 12 inches. The tread length varies from 32 inches up to 60 inches in length. The thickness of the tread will usually be 2¼ or 3 inches thick, with a draft of ¼ inch and exposed edges having a ? inch radius. A significant reduction in weight is obtained by forming two rows of recesses in a bottom surface of the stair tread. On a tread having a thickness of 2¼ inches, the depth of the recesses is 1¼ inches deep. On a tread having a thickness of 3 inches, the recesses have a depth of 2 inches. Therefore, the depth of the recesses will be at least 50% of the thickness of the tread.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-sheet unit with a spacer frame having at least three sides, at least three corners, a first sheet supporting surface and an opposite second sheet supporting surface. The spacer frame includes a spacer stock member having a first end, an opposite second end, the at least three sides and at least two corners of the at least three corners; a corner key comprising a bendable elongated body having a first end in the first end of the spacer stock member, an opposite second end in the second end of the spacer stock member to provide one of the corners of the at least three corners of the spacer frame, and a cut out between the ends of the corner key, the ends of the corner key bendable relative to one another to decrease the spacing of the cut out; a first sheet secured to the first sheet supporting surface by a first moisture and/or gas impervious layer, and a second sheet secured to the second sheet supporting surface by a second moisture and/or gas impervious layer.

Abstract: A window assembly including a permanent frame portion, a removable frame portion, and a glazing panel sandwiched between. The frame portions are easily installed and include integral releasable connectors accessible using a thin tool inserted into a groove between the two frame portions. The removable frame portion can be removed from the permanent frame portion using a thin tool. With the removable frame portion removed, the insulated glass panel may be easily replaced.

Abstract: There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building.

Abstract: A prestressed, strong foam glass tile for use in construction. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention are capable of withstanding relatively large prestressing as a result of their relatively high compression strength. These prestressed, foam glass tiles will absorb and/or withstand more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces than traditional foam glass tiles. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can be prestressed over 1000 psi (lb./sq. in.), and more preferably over 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and even more preferably over 5,000 psi. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention may be included as part of a prestressed assembly. Said prestressed assembly may be comprised of two metal members, one or more prestressed foam glass tiles, and a tension member such as a tension bolt and/or wires.

Abstract: An inorganic composite is formed from a solution of KH2PO4 mixed with H2O, which is then mixed with a metal oxide and a filler material. The mixture of the solution with the metal oxide and filler material forms a flowable slurry. Fibers are then introduced into the slurry. The fibers chemically or mechanically bond with the slurry. The slurry is then cured to form a composite with fibers bonded with the inorganic cement matrix.

Abstract: The decorative curtain hanger device is in an omega-shaped configuration that securely suspends one or more panels such as a shower curtain and a liner on a hanging fixture such as a curtain rod. The decorative curtain hanger shape allows quick and easy attachment and detachment of the curtains as well as simple and speedy engagement and disengagement of the hanging fixture. Additionally, the ornamental device allows decorative stickers to be attached as well as allowing the sticker of be exchange without the need to replace the entire curtain hanging device to accomplish a decoration change. Similarly, the style and shape of the ornamental device can be changed without the need to replace the entire curtain hanging device.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening up to four adjacent slab corners to a support wall or ceiling. The device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a number of slabs. A locking disk having a quadrant notch is rotatively mounted orthogonally to the surface of the slabs, and engages or disengages slots cap in the thickness of the slabs according to the angular orientation of the disk. The device is capped by a decorative rosette having an appendage projecting loop bracket shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a bud vase. The device is particularly indicated for fastening slabs used to cover adjacent funerary crypts.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching an automotive surface component, such as a carpet and/or trim, to a primary surface on an automotive panel forming a wall of an automotive structural member, such as a rocker panel. The automotive panel has a space therebehind and holes therethrough. Plug portions of plug fastener assemblies having hollow bodies are pressed through the holes prior to filling the space behind the panel with foam. Fastener insert portions of the plug fastener assemblies for retaining carpet and/or other automotive surface components, such as trim strips, are inserted into the hollow bodies of the plug portions. Cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the plug portions in the panel and cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the fastener insert portions in the hollow bodies of the plug portions. While the use described is for rockers in automotive vehicles, the plug fastener arrangement is usable as fasteners for other purposes.

Abstract: A barrier partition made up of a plurality of uniquely configured individual panels that can be readily interconnected in a manner to provide a sturdy and secure barrier. The individual panels that make up the partition can be quickly and inexpensively fabricated and can readily be installed by unskilled workmen using conventional tools.

Abstract: A device for applying drywall compound to a length of corner bead. The device comprises a trough for holding a quantity of drywall compound and an opening at the bottom of the trough through which a length of corner bead may be inserted. A removable block is located near an opening in the trough having a plurality of grooves located therein for preventing excess drywall compound from adhering to the bead while allowing sufficient compound to remain with the bead. A flange attached to the top of the trough is adapted to be attached to a bucket, the bucket having a portion of the bottom removed, to provide drywall compound to the trough.

Abstract: Elevated platforms of variable size are fabricated from pre-cast planar construction blocks. The platforms may be used to support pre-cast structures or prefabricated units. The platform comprises a plurality of support blocks which include haunches to support drop-in beams of variable length. The platforms are supported by pre-cast pedestal block foundation elements which may be installed on the surface, buried, or partially buried. The platforms may also be supported by pile cap blocks or nested assemblies of pile cap blocks which are grouted over conventional piles. The modular elements may include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing MEP ports for providing utilities through the platform or structure.

Abstract: A concrete wall fabrication system includes an endless track, mold carriers movably supported on the endless track for carrying a respective set of formworks for molding concrete into multiple concrete walls at a time, a concrete spouting unit set above the endless track and controlled to discharge a predetermined amount of concrete into each mold carrier, a vibrator unit set above the endless track and operable to vibrate the concrete in each mold carrier, and finished product collector unit set near one side of the endless track for collecting the finished concrete walls from each mold carrier for packing.

Abstract: A composition comprised of asphalt and filler, wherein said filler is comprised of particles that comprise an inorganic core and a coating disposed on said core, and wherein at least about 60 weight percent of said particles are smaller than about 212 microns.

Abstract: A metal reshore post for concrete forming systems is described. The reshore post includes an end plate to which is releasably attached a leaf spring. Clips formed in the leaf spring engage corresponding notches in the end plate. The spring retains the reshore post in its upright position during installation and prevents the reshore post from falling over upon release of the load.

Abstract: An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a first flange leg to be secured to the duct and a second flange leg with a sealing member preferably of flexibly resilient foam which could be intumescent attached to a surface of the second leg such that when the first flange leg is secured to the duct the second flange leg can be urged against the structural panel extending therearound with the sealing member positioned between the structural panel and the second flange leg and sealing the annulus.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for facilitating the proper installation and ease of inspection therefor of a sheathed building structure having a sheathing system comprising diverse sheathing units to be used for roofing and sidewalls thereof which incorporates a visual signaling system to ensure proper panel selection and installation.

Abstract: A one-piece open bottom fiber reinforced precast concrete arch unit is buried in compacted soil and has an arcuate top wall portion integrally connecting arcuate side wall portions. The fiber reinforced wall portions have a configuration which provides ductility and flexure strength for effectively utilizing the surrounding compacted soil to resist deflection of the unit in response to a load and to redistribute stresses in the unit. Each of the side wall portions of the unit has a reducing wall thickness towards its bottom and has a radius of curvature greater than the rise of the unit and at least twice the radius of curvature of the top wall portion. A fiber reinforced end arch unit includes an integrally precast and fiber reinforced vertical collar connected to fiber reinforced wing walls by bolts extending through the collar and into anchor nuts embedded in the wing walls.

Abstract: Expansion joint cover for preventing moisture and debris from entering through a gap in a roof cover or a gap between a roof cover and a wall by providing a bellows-shaped device positioned into the gap and covering the gap with a flexible membrane which extends away from the bellows and covers a substantial portion around the bellows allowing contraction/expansion of the bellows for preventing entry of moisture and debris into the underlying structure.

Abstract: An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a primary angular flange leg to be secured to the duct and a secondary angular flange leg approximately perpendicularly oriented relative thereto. Each flange includes a sealing member of flexible intumescent paper positionable therealong to facilitate firestopping therebetween. The sealing member preferably including two panels at an obtuse angle with respect to one another and being flexible to become approximately perpendicular with respect to one another responsive to securement of the angular flange to the duct and the surrounding structural panel. One or more uniquely designed corner brackets can be included for mounting the adjacently positioned angular flanges with respect to one another selectively.

Abstract: In various aspects the present application provides flooring materials and methods of making the same wherein the flooring material comprises an adhesion surface for attaching the flooring material to a substrate and an opposing bearing surface, wherein a cross-section of the flooring material has substantially the same composition along an axis from the bearing surface to the adhesion surface.

Abstract: An air chamber for the housing of air handling components including an interior shell surrounded by an exterior shell, the shells being separated by materials of relatively low thermal conductivity. The interior shell is peripherally mounted on an interior base. The interior base is disposed within an exterior base that supports the exterior shell. A structural thermal insulation material is disposed interstitially between the interior and exterior bases and the interior base and interior shell are thermally isolated from the exterior base and exterior shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly that relates to a roof assembly comprising, at least one first waterproof membrane for covering a building roof and a stiff member sealed within at least one second waterproof membrane. The stiff member being substantially aligned with a perimeter of the building roof, and the first waterproof membrane being sealedly attached to the second waterproof membrane. The stiff member being attached to a structure of the building by a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A panel mounting system for mounting ceiling and other panels is disclosed, wherein a bracket attached to the ceiling or other surface interlocks loosely but positively with a bracket attached to the panel, such that the position of the panel on the mounting surface can be adjusted before the panel is finally tacked down. In a ceiling panel application, the bracket supports the weight of the panel while allowing for adjustment of the panel, thus facilitating installation of the panel.

Abstract: A mounting member (10) for mounting a wallboard panel (14) to framing (12) comprises an elongated sheet member having parallel first and second opposite edge portions (16, 18) a central portion (24) and first and second angled portions (20, 22). The first angled portion (20) connects the first edge portion (16) to the central portion (24). The second angled portion (22) connects the second edge portion (18) to the central portion (24). The first angled portion (20) extends at an acute angle from the first edge portion (16) and at an acute angle to the second edge portion (18). The second angled portion (22) extends at an acute angle to the central portion (24) and at an acute angle to the second edge portion (18). The first edge portion (16) is adapted to be connected to the framing members (12) and the second edge portion is adapted to be contacted by wallboard panel (14) and receive fasteners (36) extending through the wallboard panel (14) and into the second edge portion (18).