Abstract: Fuel additive packages and fuel compositions having environmentally compatible characteristics as defined by European Council Directive 67/548/EEC is disclosed. Such additive packages and compositions may include components selected from non-persistent materials, non-bioaccumulative materials, or non-toxic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed here are integrated methods and systems for producing fuel from biomass. The methods and systems pertain to gasifying a feed derived from biomass fermentate separation residue, such as corn-based distiller's grains, and producing a liquid transportation fuel component, such as aviation turbine fuel, from the gasified feed in a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. At least a portion of the waste heat from the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor is supplied to a thermal process for liquefying, fermenting or distilling a biomass, or to a thermal process for separating or treating a biomass fermentate separation residue.

Abstract: Methods for converting waste litter into a product slate by pyrolysis are described. Waste litter is entrained in a non-reactive gas and delivered to a fluid reactor bed maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause pyrolysis of the poultry litter. The reactor bed consists of a fluidizing medium, such as sand, which is fluidized by the non-reactive gas. Upon pyrolysis of the poultry litter, products such producer gas, biooil, and char are formed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods for making fuels from biomass comprising triglyceride species, whereby the biomass is subjected to partial hydrodeoxygenation and (optionally) catalytic isomerization. The partial-hydrodeoxygenation of the triglyceride species produces a fuel that retains some oxygenates for enhanced lubricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of diesel fuel from feedstocks containing fatty acids, glycerated fatty acids, and glycerin by vacuum distillation followed by esterification. Specifically, the present invention relates to the production of Renewable Diesel having low glycerin, water, and sulfur content. Operation of the distillation system enables production of esters including biodiesel and other biofuels in an economically advantageous manner. The vacuum distillation system is optionally located upstream of an esterification unit or other biodiesel production facility for improvement in production economy.

Abstract: A firewood substitute comprising olive waste and organic binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economic process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from polymeric materials such as, for example, used tires. In a first embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed in biodiesel upon heating to form a product containing between about 10% and about 35% by weight of polymeric material. At least some of the biodiesel is recovered and reused to dissolve/suspend/disperse additional polymeric material to form additional product. After a predetermined number of cycles, the accumulated product is used as a fuel. In a second embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed upon heating in biodiesel to form a mixture containing between about 30% and about 90% by weight of the polymeric material to be used as heavy fuel oil to be burned as is or bulk refined. The present invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the processes described.

Abstract: An all-weather farming house built by assembling segment pieces made of foamed polystyrene as a construction material. The farming house has formed inside a closed space for cultivating plants, and also has a lighting device and an air conditioning device.

Abstract: A plant growing environment control terminal (P) comprises an image data receiving section (1a) for receiving image data on the image of a plant from a plant growing facility (Q), an image display section (1b) for displaying the plant image according to the received image data, a growing environment data receiving section (1c) for receiving growing environment data, and a growing environment data transmitting section (1f) for transmitting the received growing environment data to the plant growing facility (Q). The end user can grow the plant in his (her) own way while checking the growth progress on the image even from a remote place. Therefore, a plant growing environment control terminal (P) effectively producing generally called healing effect is provided.

Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.

Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for rainwater collection, irrigation, and water conservation. This technology is ideal for use when municipal water reservoirs are low and outdoor watering is restricted or altogether banned. The system includes a water holding reservoir mounted vertically and inconspicuously adjacent to a dwelling, a reservoir connector fluidly connecting the water holding reservoir to a gutter to receive rainwater, a water level indicator and volumetric scale, a water spigot for a garden hose, and a cleanout drain. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes a plurality of adjacent water holding reservoirs each being filled by a single reservoir connector fluidly connected to and located between each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs and the gutter, to provide rainwater to each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs from a single point in the gutter.

Abstract: A root watering system has a porous body and an end assembly connected to the porous body. The end assembly has a fluid emitter and integrally defines an inlet passage for directing fluid to the fluid emitter for providing fluid to the porous body. The assembly also may be fitted with an integral valve.

Abstract: An agricultural method is provided for reducing the amount of fertilizer needed to effectively grow various plants as well as reducing fertilizer run-off, therefore minimizing fertilizer contamination of groundwater. A composition and/or material are also provided to facilitate the agricultural method. The material may include a semi-permeable or selectively permeable membrane made out of, for example, activated charcoal. An apparatus is also provided that incorporates the composition and/or material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easily storing, transporting and displaying plant tissue set, comprising a displaying shelf, and at least one plant-tissue-culturing tube, wherein the displaying shelf has concavities at the bottom or hollow designs to hold tubes. The displaying shelf is designed in a stairs shape which makes the bottom of every tube be irradiated by light, so plant tissues can be exposed to enough light. In addition, the whole package can be easily unfolded and refolded into a displaying mold. This present invention provides a way to displaying the growth process of plants, and it is educative and enjoyable.

Abstract: Described is a planter system, comprising: at least one water retaining vessel; a bedding material layer disposed above the at least one water retaining vessel; a structure surrounding the at least one water retaining vessel and the bedding material layer; and at least one fill tube extending from above the bedding material layer, through the bedding material layer, and into the at least one water retaining vessel, through which water is supplied to the at least one water retaining vessel to a predetermined level. Also, a method of making such a planter system having an elevated bedding material layer.

Abstract: A method of assembling an acid gas component reduction system includes coupling at least one acid removal system in flow communication with at least one first synthetic gas (syngas) stream with at least one acid gas component having a first acid gas component concentration. The method also includes coupling at least one integral absorber in flow communication with the at least one acid removal system. The method further includes configuring the at least one integral absorber such that substantially continuous service of the at least one integral absorber facilitates producing a second syngas stream having a second acid gas component concentration that is less than the first acid gas component concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated closing system usable for passages or openings closed by a mobile structure, of the type comprising motor means, acting on said mobile structure, and means for limiting said motor, suitable to deactivate or modify the motion of said motor means in correspondence of the overcoming of a preset threshold value, wherein the system comprises means for temporarily deactivating said means for limiting the motor means, in order to allow, receiving a command, the movement of said mobile structure also in conditions of overcoming of said,threshold value.

Abstract: An automatic folding structure of a revolving wing for an automatic revolving door having a dispersion unfolding structure is provided, in which a thread shaft rotated by an operation motor is longitudinally formed at an upper side of a crossbar crossing an inner body, and a moving member which moves based on a rotation of the thread shaft is engaged at the thread shaft, and the moving member is connected with the moving rod of a slider formed at the revolving wing, and the revolving wing is automatically folded or unfolded based on the movements of the moving member and the slider by rotating the thread shaft with the driving operation of the operation motor, so that the opening and recovering states are variably performed with respect to the revolving wing.

Abstract: [Subject] Whether interruption is present in the connections of automatic door constituting units is detected. [Solution] A plurality of automatic door constituting units (4, 8, 10, 12, 20, 24 and 26) are interconnected in such a manner that they can communicate with each other via a bus (2). The automatic door constituting units include a door controller (4) for controlling opening and closing of a door. The door controller (4) successively calls the other automatic door constituting units one by one via the bus (2), and the other automatic door constituting units send a response to the calling via the bus (2). The door controller (4) judges that the automatic door constituting unit the door controller (4) called is disconnected from the bus (2), when said called automatic door constituting unit does not send a response within a predetermined time after the calling.

Abstract: Furniture or household appliances are disclosed having, according to the invention, at least one swiveling door leaf and at least one door closer or swivel leaf drive for the respective swiveling door leaf. The at least one door closer or swivel leaf drive has a driven shaft which is in an operative connection with the respective swiveling door leaf such that a rotation of the driven shaft causes a swiveling of this swiveling door leaf. This means that the rotation of the driven shaft causes an opening and closing of the swiveling door leaf.

Abstract: A window or door assembly includes a main frame formed from extrusions of rigid plastics material, and the main frame supports at least one movable sash frame also formed from extrusions of rigid plastics material and enclosing a glass or glazing panel. One of the sash frame members supports a first member of a permanent magnet assembly for movement with the sash frame, and the magnet assembly includes a second member supported between an inner wall and an outer wall of an adjacent main frame member. The second member of the magnet assembly is positioned to provide a magnetic attraction with the first member of the magnet assembly and through the inner wall of the main frame member to form a positive weather seal between the sash frame and the main frame when the sash frame and the glazing panel are in a closed position.

Abstract: The aqueous slurry is useful for chemical mechanical polishing a semiconductor substrate having copper interconnects. The slurry contains by weight percent, 0 to 25 oxidizing agent, 0.1 to 50 abrasive particles, 0.001 to 5 polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 0.00002 to 5 multi-component surfactant, the multi-component surfactant having a hydrophobic tail, a nonionic hydrophilic portion and an anionic hydrophilic portion, the hydrophobic tail having 6 to 30 carbon atoms and the nonionic hydrophilic portion having 10 to 300 carbon atoms, 0.001 to 10 inhibitor for decreasing static etch of the copper interconnects, 0 to 5 phosphorus-containing compound for increasing removal rate of the copper interconnects, 0.001 to 10 complexing agent formed during polishing and balance water.

Abstract: This invention relates to coated abrasives, a process for their production, and to coated abrasives for use in abrasive-containing tools.

Abstract: A top portion (12) of the gutter section (10) is formed with a pair of longitudinally extending, relatively spaced apart ridges (20) and with a plurality of openings (22) disposed on, in front of, in between and behind the ridges (20) for draining rainwater into the gutter (10). A front wall (13) extends downwardly from the top portion (12) and a ledge (14) extends generally horizontally form a lower portion 13B of the front wall (13). The distance D between an upper edge (17) of the front wall (13) and the horizontal ledge (14) is relatively short to improve the versatility and appearance of the cover section 10. The aluminum alloy from which the cover section (10) is formed is relatively thin and the openings (22) in the on the cover section top portion (12) are large enough to facilitate drainage, yet small enough to keep debris from accumulating on the cover section (10).

Abstract: A pre-stressed segmented concrete tower for wind power generators is described, and a method for its fabrication, wherein in a pyramidal structure is formed by prefabricated segments, the structure comprising three rounded walls formed with circular segments, and three flat walls, formed with flat segments between the circular walls. One standard curved mold is used for the circular walls, and the flat walls are fabricated horizontally, over templates.

Abstract: A roof-penetrating structure for incorporating into a roof, the structure including a portion extending along one or more sides of the roof-penetrating structure for receiving an edge section of one or more sheets of flashing to provide a weather-proof connection therebetween; said portion including one or more resilient members such that, in use, the insertion of flashing into said portion automatically forces at least one of said one or more resilient members into a configuration in which they are biased against the flashing.

Abstract: An outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy, comprising a fixed supporting structure for a plurality of cross-members which can move longitudinally along guides formed within the fixed structure in order to open and close the awning; each cross-member is rigidly connected to the lower face of a canopy. The canopy comprises a plurality of transverse portions, each of which is delimited by a pair of consecutive cross-members and is associated with a plurality of panels which are exposed to sunlight in order to receive the radiation and convert it into energy of another kind. The awning comprises areas of discontinuity, on each transverse portion, so as to mutually space the panels in order to allow the folding of the canopy; the upper face of the canopy, with the awning in the open configuration, allows the draining of rainwater along preset directions.

Abstract: A building module is disclosed which moves between a collapsed configuration, where it is sized and shaped similarly to a standard shipping container, and an erected configuration where it forms a building of greater space. Braced panels are hinged to form walls in the collapsed configuration and floors or ceilings in the erected configuration. The modules may be connected together to form a single storied or multistoried building.

Abstract: A utility meter shield for protecting the utility meter from the weight of snow, fallen tree limbs and the like. The shield has a plurality of arched support members held in a spaced relationship by transverse cross members. An arched cover spans between the arched members, extending over the upper portions and most of the side portions of the arched members. The legs of the arched members rest on the ground on opposite sides of the utility meter. An optional auxiliary cover is secured to the arched cover extending between the arched cover and the building structure for protecting conduits leading from the utility to the structure. A screen can be secured to the front arched member for further protection.

Abstract: A moving retail space system for buildings comprising a moving housing that operates within a building structure to allow multiple businesses to be at a street level. The moving housing comprises spaces A and A?, and the building structure comprises a basement. A lift assembly moves the moving housing from an initial to a second position, and vice versa. In the initial position a first business operating in space A is at the street level, and a second business operating in space A? is located one floor above the first business. In the second position, the first business operating in space A is in the basement, and the second business operating in space A? is at the street level. At least one locking mechanism laterally secures the moving housing in place. A sealing mechanism prevents objects from falling between the moving housing and the building structure.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an architectural cover for securing to a support surface comprising: a frame defining a perimeter; a panel overlying a portion of the frame to form an exterior side of the cover and an interior side of the cover; the frame further comprising (a) a main body configured to attach to the panel via a fastening means, and (b) a lip defined by a first surface configured to receive a securing means, and a second surface configured to abut the support surface; the lip further comprising an outer edge defining a perimeter of the cover and an inner edge defining an inner perimeter of the frame, the perimeter of the inner edge configured to abut the support surface when the architectural cover is secured to the support surface.

Abstract: A tubular utility pole for supporting a load, adapted for direct burial of a preselected end thereof in a soil material. The pole includes a body having a substantially constant cross-section substantially along a length thereof. The body includes a steel tube with holes therein to permit attachment of the load to the body.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a solar panel mounting structure comprises: a frame and three gears. The frame has a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, and connects to a solar panel; the third opening is aligned with the first opening and the second opening. The first gear has a first bar; the first bar works in the first opening. The second gear has a second bar; the second bar works in the second opening. The third gear has an axle, and locates between the first gear and the second gear and gearing therein; the axle works in the third opening; thereby, the solar panel seesaws when the third gear turns.

Abstract: Removable stand and method for constructing a removable stand. The method comprises constructing a support structure of posts and trusses that are positionable between the posts, and positioning a floor element on the support structure. Herein the floor element comprises a plurality of floor levels positioned behind each other and positioned at a distance in height and/or is the floor element, before it is positioned on the support structure, provided with at least one seat and/or bench and/or is floor element provided with connection means for connecting at least one seat and/or bench thereto.

Abstract: A fenestration product such as a skylight or a window assembly is provided having a frame with a peripheral wall with a light transmitting central region and a plastic dome formed of a light transmitting material mounted to the frame. The plastic dome has a central region which transmits light, a downwardly extending peripheral wall extending about and mounted to the peripheral frame, and an outwardly extending flashing flange for mounting the assembly to a building structure. Various embodiments of the part illustrated include a skylight assembly having a frame formed of a plastic layer formed into an inverted “U” shape cross-section forming an annular channel filled with insulating foam. A sealed, vertically mounted window unit is also disclosed. Other embodiments have an insulating layer of transparent plastic material spaced from the dome forming an enclosed, gas filled insulating region. Methods of forming and installing a fenestration assembly are also described.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening means for preferably fastening a glass pane (12) in a frame structure made of wood or plastic material.

Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a device for fixing thin elements to facades, particularly thin modular elements made of porcelain or other materials to be fixed to ventilated facades, using suspension sections which are intended to be fixed to the elements made of porcelain or other materials. The invention is characterized in that the suspension sections include a tongue which is shaped and dimensioned such that it can be coupled to the horizontal support section that is fixed to the vertical installation surface.

Abstract: A system for mounting a partition, the system including a shoe with a slot for receiving an edge of the partition and an isolator that fits within the slot between the partition and a portion of the slot. A clamp assembly fits within the slot opposite the first isolator. The clamp assembly includes upper and lower blocks and, optionally, a center block. Surfaces of the blocks are angled with respect to each other so that drawing the upper and lower blocks toward each other will urge one of the blocks in one direction and the other block or blocks in the opposite direction. The blocks include engagement surfaces which engage a side wall of the slot and a side of the partition to selectively and releasably hold the partition within the slot.

Abstract: A moisture control system for a straw bale core wall having an air pathway from the foundation of the wall to its bond beam permitting air to be pumped into the wall at the foundation level and up through the core of the wall into a plenum space at the top of the wall and out through one or more vents into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member is provided with at least one stud welded to one or both of the outer plates and extending into the core. The stud may be arc stud welded to the outer plate before formation of the core. Alternatively, the stud may be installed after formation of the core by drilling a hole in one outer plate and friction welding the stud to one or both outer plates.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Abstract: Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealed vacuum thermal insulation panel having a thermal barrier that comprises a core made of thermal insulation material and two panel walls made of a barrier material substantially impermeable to atmospheric gases and water vapors. The two panel walls covers opposite sides of the core. The sealed panel further comprises at least one lateral strip of substantially impermeable to atmospheric gases and water vapor. The lateral strip is adapted to sealably enfold the edges of the obverse side of the two panel walls. Additionally, the sealed panel further comprises at least one sealing strip, each comprising sealing material. The sealing strip is adapted to sealably join the edges to the inner side of the lateral strip.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulated pitched roof system for a sloped deck in which an insulating component is adhered to the sloped deck and the roof tiles are adhered to the insulating component with an adhesive, preferably a polymer adhesive. The insulating component includes a board or sheet material which is adhered to the roof deck. The insulating component is preferably adhered directly to the roof deck with a polymer adhesive. The insulating component preferably includes interlocking sides for forming a water tight connection between adjacently joined insulating components. Additionally, the insulating components include an end lap portion to form an overlapping portion between adjacent rows of insulating components. In a preferred embodiment, the overlapping portion is adhered together to form a unitary insulative and waterproof layer.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular panel, comprising a framework that includes a plurality of lattices, with a lattice of the plurality of lattices comprising a first elongated member and a second elongated member that are spaced apart and juxtapose laterally parallel, forming an axial length of the lattice. Further included is a third member substantially transversally oriented at an angle along the axial length of the lattice, with the third member coupling the first elongated member with the second elongated member to form the lattice, with the plurality of lattices forming the framework. The plurality of lattices are coupled with one another in parallel by a solidified filler material forming a single piece, unitary modular panel.

Abstract: Surface coverings, such as floor coverings, with an interlocking design are described. Methods of making the surface coverings are further described.

Abstract: A system for forming at least one pre-selected protective structure includes a predetermined number of elongated generally U-shaped channel members having a first predetermined length and formed from a first pre-selected material. A predetermined number of corner members having a predetermined shape and formed from a second pre-selected material are provided for connecting adjacent ends of a pair of such predetermined number of elongated generally U-shaped channel members together thereby forming at least a portion of a framework for the pre-selected protective structure. There is a predetermined covering member provided having each of a second predetermined length and a predetermined width and formed from a third pre-selected material and a plurality of resilient members having a third predetermined length engageable within such predetermined number of elongated U-shaped channel members for securing the covering member thereto and thereby forming the at least one pre-selected protective structure.