Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel oil additive comprising A) a copolymer of ethylene and from 13 to 17 mol % of at least one acrylic ester or vinyl ester having a C1-C18-alkyl radical and a melt viscosity V140 of not more than 80 mPas, and B) a comb polymer comprising structural units formed from B1) at least one olefin as monomer 1, which bears at least one C8-C18-alkyl radical on the olefinic double bond, and B2) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid as monomer 2, which bears at least one C8-C16-alkyl radical bonded via an amide and/or imide group, in which the parameter Q Q = ? i ? w 1 ? ? i · n 1 ? i + ? j ? w 2 ? j · n 2 ? j in which w1 is the molar proportion of the individual chain lengths n1 in the alkyl radicals of monomer 1, w2 is the molar proportion of the individual chain lengths n2 in the alkyl radicals of the amide and/or imide groups of monomer 2, n1 are the individual chain lengths in the alkyl radicals of monomer 1, n2 are

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel oil additive comprising A) a copolymer of ethylene and from 18 to 35 mol % of at least one acrylic ester or vinyl ester having a C1-C18-alkyl radical and a degree of branching of less than 5 CH3/100 CH2 groups, and B) a comb polymer comprising structural units formed from B1) at least one olefin as monomer 1, which bears at least one C8-C18-alkyl radical on the olefinic double bond, and B2) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid as monomer 2, which bears at least one C8-C16-alkyl radical bonded via an ester group, in which the parameter Q Q = ? i ? ? w 1 ? i · n 1 ? i + ? j ? ? w 2 ? j · n 2 ? j in which w1 is the molar proportion of the individual chain lengths n1 in the alkyl radicals of monomer 1, w2 is the molar proportion of the individual chain lengths n2 in the alkyl radicals of the ester groups of monomer 2, n1 are the individual chain lengths in the alkyl radicals of monomer 1, n2 are the indiv

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel oil additive capable of effectively improving the quality of fuel oils, which comprises an oil-soluble metal salt of organic acid having the general formula MR, where R is an organic acid radical and the corresponding organic acid is a C1-C40 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, naphthenic acid, aromatic acid or alkylphenol, M is a metal cation and the corresponding metal is an alkali metal, alkali-earth metal, rare-earth metal, transition metal, or the like. The present invention also provides fuel oil products added with the fuel oil additive, including gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene, heavy oil, resid, or the like. The present invention especially provides a gasoline antiknock agent and a gasoline having excellent antiknock property, and this kind of gasoline antiknock agent is characteristic of effectiveness, economy, safety, no environmental pollution, no toxicity to human body, no adverse effect on parts of automobile engine, use convenience, and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.

Abstract: A promotion device for carbon-dioxide assimilation of plant provided with a high-voltage generating portion which boosts voltage of electric current from an A/C power source portion and converts the electric current into direct current, and an electrode portion which impresses only minus potential of the current from the high-voltage generating portion. Potential difference between the minus potential impressed to the electrode portion and an earth is ?2000 to ?6000V. And, the electrode portion is inserted to soil around a root portion of the plant.

Abstract: A plant cover is disclosed that is removably placed over a garden or garden area to prevent access to the garden or garden area by animal or insect pests. The plant cover includes a wire or mesh screen main body having holes of a sufficient size to prevent the undesired animal pest from being able to pass through the holes in the screen. The main body is open on the bottom and sits over the garden or area of the garden to be protected. The plant cover also has a pair of opposed end pieces that are attached to and provide structural support for the main body. The plant cover may also include a handle to allow the plant cover to be easily lifted off of the garden. Ideally, the plant cover, including all its parts and pieces, may fold into a compact unit for storage or transportation and then be unrolled and joined together to make the final plant cover that is useful to protect the garden or garden area.

Abstract: A root barrier for guiding the growth of tree roots is comprised of many distinct developments. The elongated sheet of flexible material has a top horizontal edge, a bottom edge parallel to the top edge, an internal plane and an external plane, and multiple vertical folds extending across the elongated sheet from the top edge to bottom edge. The folds are aligned parallel to one another along the length of the sheet, and each includes two vertical walls connected by a third wall, establishing a distal U-bend or corrugation. The elongated sheet can be sized by scoring, then cutting or snapping one of the bends of the folds. This will result in the corrugations on opposite ends of the sheet fitting tightly within one another, creating a hold that effectively replaces the traditional clip function.

Abstract: A trellis system of the invention comprises a trellis and tool in combination. The trellis includes multiple legs and one or more horizontal supports. The tool includes a tray and a coning tool. The tray is adapted to slidably engage the legs by way of engagement means. The coning tool is adapted to engage the ends of the legs to facilitate shaping the trellis into a conical or pyramidal frame if desired. The trellis system can be used as a plant growth support and/or to hold potted plants. It can be installed into the ground or an existing potted plant. The trellis can be inverted position, the trellis can be used as a frame to build ornamental Christmas trees. The trellis can be a break down type of trellis including at least two horizontal supports and at least three segmented legs, wherein the segmented legs can each be made from two or more extended leg segments.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquids into trees is provided with an injection device having a liquid container and a removable needle. The system positions the needle into the sapwood of the tree. Liquid is injected into the tree through ejector holes in the needle. The ejector holes may be sized to prevent the liquid from reentering the needle once the ejector holes engage tree material. A check valve may be associated with the needle to substantially prevent the liquid from exiting the tree through the needle. The needle may be permanently left in place or removed after the liquid disburses into the tree.

Abstract: A capillary hydration system and method for facilitating the growth of plants are provided. An exemplary system comprises a base having a reservoir for holding nutrient solution, and an insert portion. The insert portion comprises at least one downwardly extending plant receiving depression that is capable of holding growth substrate. The plant receiving depression has at least one capillary opening such that when the capillary opening is in liquid communication with the nutrient solution in the reservoir, nutrient solution is wicked from the reservoir to the growth substrate by capillary action. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the capillary hydration system may further comprise cover, including a cover with a hatch for refilling the nutrient solution without removing the insert portion or the cover, and a nutrient supply level indicator.

Abstract: A capillary hydration system and method for facilitating the growth of plants are provided. An exemplary system comprises a base having a reservoir for holding nutrient solution, and an insert portion. The insert portion comprises at least one downwardly extending plant receiving depression that is capable of holding a growth substrate. The plant receiving depression has at least one capillary opening such that when the capillary opening is in liquid communication with the nutrient solution in the reservoir, nutrient solution is wicked from the reservoir to the growth substrate by capillary action. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the capillary hydration system may further comprise cover, including a cover with a supply component for refilling the nutrient solution without removing the insert portion or the cover, and a nutrient supply level indicator.

Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and process for gas homogenization is disclosed. This has application in the areas of generation of gas and its conversion to electricity in downstream applications. The homogenization system minimizes variance in the gas characteristics (composition, flow, pressure, temperature), thereby rendering a steady stream of gas of consistent quality to the downstream machinery. This homogenization system can be adjusted to optimize the output gas stream for specific end-applications, or to optimize the output gas stream for different input feedstocks. This ensures that overall conversion efficiencies are maximised while keeping the process cost-effective. Such a uniform, steady output gas stream has a wide range of applications in the broad areas of generation of electricity (e.g. using internal combustion engines and combustion turbine engines), chemical synthesis (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for reformulating of an input gas from a gasification reaction into a reformulated gas. More specifically, a gas reformulating system having a gas reformulating chamber, one or more plasma torches, one or more oxygen source(s) inputs and control system is provided thereby allowing for the conversion of an input gas from a gasification reaction into a gas of desired composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for the efficient conversion of carbonaceous feedstock including municipal solid waste into a product gas through gasification. More specifically, a horizontally-oriented gasifier having one or more lateral transfer system for moving material through the gasifier is provided thereby allowing for the horizontal expansion of the gasification process such that there is sequential promotion of feedstock drying, volatization and char-to-ash conversions.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing control apparatus includes an actuator for executing a door opening action and a door closing action by applying a driving force to a vehicle door, non-contact type object detecting means for detecting an object at an apertural area, contact type object detecting means for detecting a contact of the object to the vehicle door and control means for: controlling the actuator to execute the door closing action for the vehicle door with changing a speed of the door closing action for the vehicle, on the basis of a detection result from the non-contact type object detecting means, during the door closing action; and controlling the actuator to stop the door closing action after a stop operation or a reverse operation for the actuator is executed, on the basis of a detection result from the contact type object detecting means, during the door closing action.

Abstract: A chain movement apparatus for slats of transom shutters to regulate the inclined angle of slats located on a frame. The apparatus includes a moving member and a plurality of rotary members. The slats have at least one end fastened to the rotary members. The rotary members are engaged concurrently with the moving member so that movement of the moving member can synchronously drive and turn the rotary members. Therefore users can turn any one of the slats to activate a chain movement for the rest of slats to turn at the same time to enable the users to adjust the inclined angle of the slats as desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cover for a container. The cover includes a moveable member and a motor having armature connected to the moveable member. A sensor generates a sensing signal when motion is detected. A controller is connected to the sensor and the motor. The controller receives the sensing signal from the sensor and activates the motor to move the moveable member from a closed position to an opened position. After a predetermined period of time, the controller deactivates the motor to move the moveable member from the opened position to the closed position.

Abstract: A device for bridging a difference in height between two floor surfaces (1, 3) is described, with said device comprising a profiled cover (4) that is provided with a covering flange (5) which covers the edge of each of the two floor surfaces (1,3), with at least one clamping extension (6) that protrudes downward from the covering flange (5), extends longitudinally with respect to the profiled cover (4), and clamps into and engages with a fixture (7), with said device also comprising a compensating strip (10) located between the covering flange (5) of the profiled cover (4) and the lower of the two floor surfaces (1, 3). In order to create advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that the fixture (7) forms a clamping seat (11) for the compensating strip (10).

Abstract: Superabrasive tools having improved caustic resistance and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. One aspect may include a method of providing caustic resistance along an entire working surface of a superabrasive tool having embedded superabrasive particles. Such a method may include forming a protective layer through reaction between a reactive source and a reactive element in situ along substantially all of the working surface at an interface between the reactive source and a support matrix including the reactive element, and between each of a plurality of superabrasive particles and the support matrix. At least a portion of the reactive source may then be removed to expose the protective layer. In some aspects, the protective layer may be substantially continuous.

Abstract: A semiconductor polishing composition is disclosed. The composition includes fumed silica. The semiconductor polishing composition is an aqueous dispersion solution of fumed silica. Further, the number of particles of fumed silica having a particle diameter of 0.5 ?m or more is 600,000 pieces/ml or less and the number of particles of fumed silica having a particle diameter of 1 ?m or more is 6000 pieces/ml or less.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition particularly useful in polishing tungsten-containing substrates. The composition comprises a tungsten etchant, an inhibitor of tungsten etching, and water, wherein the inhibitor of tungsten polishing is a polymer, copolymer, or polymer blend comprising at least one repeating group comprising at least one nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring or a tertiary or quaternary nitrogen atom.

Abstract: To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor device which make use of this abrasive.

Abstract: A protective roof cover which protects roof tiles and shingles from being torn from a roof during severe weather, such as a hurricane. The roof cover is aesthetically pleasing, durable, waterproof, and within code guidelines. The roof cover can be a variety of colors. The roof cover may be composed of a plurality of sheets of high strength material, wherein one sheet of high strength material is of sufficient length to cover a section said roof, at least one roll bar secured to a building below an overhang and attachable to the high strength material, and at least one wall channel secured to a building below an overhang for receiving the high strength material. Optionally, the roof cover can be a unitary sheet of durable, water proof material. The protective roof cover protects the roof against wind, rain and wind borne debris and other elements associated with storms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for protecting a roof against inclement weather, e.g., a hurricane. In one example, the apparatus includes a panel system including a plurality of overlapping panels, a tie down system and an anchoring system. The apparatus may also include a rope guide that is designed to facilitate guiding of a tie down rope and prevent damage to gutters associated with the roof.

Abstract: The present invention is a roof tarp. The roof tarp is a square or rectangular shaped tarp that has a first and a second face. The tarp has a strip that runs parallel and abuts all edges of the tarp, the strip is between at-least one quarter of an inch and less that two and a half inches in width from each edge of the tarp and is at-least a sixteenth of an inch in height from the first face of the tarp. A covering overlaps the strip.

Abstract: A shower or bath wall liner panel 1 includes panel sections on either side of a fold 4 down the panel, and opposing non-planar formations 7 and 8 integrally formed in the panel on either side of the fold 4 from which after installation of the liner panel one or more or a shelf, soap dish, flannel rail, or a step 10 may be supported within a shower enclosure or above a bath or which form integrally one or more of a shelf or basket, soap dish, flannel rail, or step.

Abstract: The invention refers to a telescoping frame assembly (1) for height adjustment adjacent a wall (23) comprising: bracket structure for structure load mounting; self-blocking telescoping columns for height adjustment; movement of telescoping columns synchronized by mechanical means and/or common control of individual actuators; one telescoping column part being wall-mounted with possible supporting foot; with: a separate main beam (42) of constant circumscribed profile for horizontal arrangement and having means (52, 53) along its length for positioning and fixation of both vertical telescoping columns and horizontal brackets, with freely selectable positions along the main beam (42); telescoping columns (43) as separate units with specific positioning and fixation means (49, 54) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions; and brackets (44) as separate units provided with specific positioning and fixation means (47, 48, 49, 50) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions.

Abstract: An assembly comprising at least two movable panels, each having an elongated profile and at least two pivot connections is provided. The assembly also includes at least two links, each link comprised of at least two pivot connections, each of which is offset from one another both in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the pivots as well as offset from one another along the vector defined by the axis of the pivots itself. The assembly further includes a single fixed member to which the two or more links are pivotally attached. The movable panels are each pivotally attached to at least two of the two or more links. The assembly may take an extended configuration wherein the panels form a continuous surface having a polygonal profile in plan and a stepped profile in elevation. The assembly may take on a retracted configuration such that the panels are essentially stacked over one another to form a compact bundle having an elongated profile.

Abstract: A special high durability, building device and process to construct same. This device is essentially comprised of a base or chassis, an expanded polystyrene foam, structural members (of various materials and shapes) inside the foam and a cementitious material sprayed on the exterior of the foam. The configuration is such that the walls, floor, and roof are rigidly attached to each other yet maintain good flexural strength to resist wind loads and temperature changes. The system is anticipated for mobile and manufactured homes as well as other residential and commercial use. The construction of buildings has the cementitious coating to most surfaces and the structure uses minimal or no non-durable materials such as wood, nails, and screws. This provides resistance to surface damage to walls, rot, and decay.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of steel framing members that are permanently or semi-permanently affixed to one another to create an integral frame that does not have to be completely recreated to perform successive home movements on different sized homes and has sufficient structural integrity and dynamic load support systems to transport a house without causing cracking and breakage of brittle finishes. Multi-tire transportation assemblies support the frame on its bottom side. An integral system of hydraulic jacks that have bending moment capability are affixed to the integral frame to allow the integral frame to be elevated and lowered while remaining stable so that the multi-tire transportation assemblies can either be spun or removed, the integral frame can be leveled, or the integral frame can be elevated and lowered to the required elevation of a foundation or the dock of the manufacturing facility that produces standard size houses.

Abstract: A perimeter foundation wall is constructed from a plurality of modular wall panels. The wall panels include a generally planar exterior wall surface, a side flange on both vertically extending sides of the panel, a top cap, and a base pan. The wall may also include vertical reinforcing studs and brackets on an inner surface of the wall panels. The wall may also have leveling assemblies including threaded rods passing through the base pan.

Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.

Abstract: A combination window assembly, screen, storm shutter and fire escape includes a fixed frame mounted into the building wall. A horizontally movable window frame, screen and storm shutter are positioned in the fixed frame, whereby each can be moved from a position covering an open portion of the frame to a position within a recess. The window assembly is operable, such that a component of the window can be opened when the window assembly is positioned in the open portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire-stop device which is used to protect walls or structures or to produce a protective chamber. The inventive fire-stop device comprises an insulation composition which is covered with a surface coating consisting of a mixture of potassium silicate and fine aluminium particles.

Abstract: Structure and method for assembling a structural frame for use in erecting temporary or permanent structures, which structural frame has a first component having at least one auxiliary elongated web section with an elongated entrance channel opening for allowing insertion into the hollow interior of a coupler component to which is attached a second component. The channel opening defines a wider gap portion through which a coupler component is inserted, and a narrower gap portion that secures the coupler therein attaching the coupler component to an end of the second component. The first and second components are firmly, yet removable, secured together by first inserting the first wider section of the coupler through the wider gap section of the entrance channel opening of the first component, and then sliding the coupler along the hollow interior of the first component until the wider section is located at and within the narrower gap section of the entrance channel opening of the first component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a block-type component that is used as a construction material for walls, e.g., noise barriers and walls of buildings. The component comprises an exterior and an interior, in addition to a three-ply construction including the following layers: an external layer, which consists of stone or concrete and forms the exterior, a central layer of insulating mortar with a high degree of thermal insulation, comprising at least 70% by volume (in relation to the volume of the central layer) of reprocessed, granular polyurethane and cement as the binding agent, and an internal layer that preferably contains cement as the binding agent, the layer forming the interior.

Abstract: An edge closure for installation on a roof structure is fabricated as an integral unit from a non-corrosive, durable material. The edge closure includes an anchoring flange for attachment to the roof structure, an upper flange with an upper longitudinal edge zone, and intermediate panel spanning between the anchoring flange and the upper flange, and a fascia portion integral with the anchoring flange and extending downwardly to a lower longitudinal edge zone. The anchoring flange and upper flange are spaced apart for receiving a thickness of insulative lightweight concrete therebetween. The upper and lower longitudinal edge zones are angled to provide added rigidity and strength to the edge closure.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a footing (21b), wherein the footing (21b) includes a channel (23), and at least one panel (24), wherein the panel (24) is located within said channel (23), wherein the footing (21b) is disposed on a waterproofing membrane (22) which membrane extends along side walls of the footing (21b) and into said channel (23) and wherein the panel (24) has an external waterproofing membrane (25) that is in waterproof engagement with the membrane of the footing (21b) in the channel (23) and wherein the waterproofing membranes (22, 25) comprise an absorptive clay disposed between water permeable layers.

Abstract: One embodiment of a Perimeter foundation panel with a leveler (FIG. 7B) for the use in constructing a foundation wall assembled in plurality to affix a building structure to land. The panels erect on manufactured levelers, which create a freestanding foundation (FIG. 1) wall that adjust vertically before encasement. Formed from a single sheet of material (FIG. 3); cut in a pattern that comprise a top rail (1), bottom rail (2), top rim (5), bottom rim (6), a right tab (3) a left tab (4) and a flat smooth face (7). After fabrication vertical Z braces (14) are rigidly affixed in plurality with-in the cavity of the panel. C brace (16) installing at the inside of tab (3, or 4) of adjoining panel. Constructed within a footer void (24) and cast in-situ.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for covering a roof (501). The apparatus comprises a waterproof membrane (102, 103). The membrane (102, 103) has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof (511, 512). The membrane (102, 103) has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system (508, 509 and 510) configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy connection devices (104, 105 and 106).

Abstract: A method to produce one-piece high-density panel skin (outer part of the door panel) using a specially designed 25 ton mold operated on a 3000 ton injunction molding machine using performance engineering grade poly phenyl impact copolymer as raw material. The two injection molded panels are joined using a custom extruded aluminum frame, with a provision for an improved lock along the whole length and hinges, fitted with specially designed hot plate welded skin holder, subsequently filled with polyurethane for rigidity, strength and high insulation valve. For additional reinforcement for the entry door, 18 gauge CRC steel barrier is embedded in rigid polyurethane core. A door panel produced by the above methods.

Abstract: A simulated stone or brick column which is fabricated by a method which involves providing a hollow closed mold which has an inner face in the form of a reverse image of the desired stone or brick surface. Two casting materials are sequentially introduced into the mold and in each case the mold is rotated about two perpendicular axes so that the casting material coats the inner face of the mold and results in the formation of a hollow column having the external appearance of the desired stone or brick surface. The two casting materials form an outer layer which has a texture and contour which simulate a stone or brick surface, and an inner layer which is adheredt to the outer layer and imparts high strength with minimal weight. A standard mailbox and newspaper tube can be integrally molded within the column.

Abstract: A sill gasket is adapted to seal the frame of a structure against moisture and/or air. The gasket includes a water resistant compressible material having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge and a rear edge provided with an upstanding backdam. The upper surface is downwardly sloped from the backdam toward the front edge. A flexible wicking material has one portion fixed to the upper surface of the compressible material, and another portion extending beyond the front edge and provided with an adhesively-coated lower face covered by a removable release liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing the surface of a board-shaped formwork element. According to the invention , it is provided that a formwork board has a coating that is meltable under the influence of heat, which, after having been damaged, is at first removed in part, the removed part being replaced by a new cover foil that is connected to the remaining coating by welding. Therefore, when repairing the formwork boards, individual defects of the coating or the formwork facing need not be elaborately touched up. Rather, industrially produced foils with a good surface quality can be applied over a large area. The formwork boards or elements thus designed satisfy the operational requirements of price, simple repair that can, if necessary, be fully or partly automated, robustness and surface quality particularly well.

Abstract: A web of roofing material (20) is perforated for segmentation into plural trapezoidal-shaped shingles (22). In view of the perforation (24) of the web (20), the trapezoidal-shaped shingles (22) are pre-configured for use as hip and ridge shingles advantageously having edges pre-shaped to align upon installation to present an essentially straight line of edges of contiguous shingles. The hip and ridge shingles are detachable from the web at the perforation to facilitate use of the shingles on a roofing obliquity (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity Is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.

Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for sealingly enclosing the module compartments.

Abstract: An access tower has two mutually spaced side parts extending from a base part to the top part; and inclined cross parts each extending from one side part to the other. The cross parts are arranged one above another and inclined in opposite senses. The cross parts are rigid and are connected to the side parts. The lower one of two successive oppositely inclined cross parts has its upper end connected to an articulation node to which the lower end of the upper one of said two successive oppositely inclined cross parts is connected. A section of the side part opposite said articulation node, which section extends between the upper end of said upper cross part and the lower end of said lower cross part, is collapsible so that said upper cross part together with the portion of the tower above it can be lowered into a position in which said upper cross part extends substantially parallel to said lower cross part. A releasable locking device is provided to prevent collapse of said collapsible section.

Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for enclosing the module compartments. In one embodiment the cover may be coupled to the module in two different orientations. In one of the orientations connectors may be coupled to an outer surface of the cover. The connectors are useful for joining separate modules together and for providing the assembly with enhanced structural integrity, for example to support heavy loads.