Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel capable of controlling the combustion reaction during homogeneous charge compression auto-ignition combustion to improve the engine thermal efficiency. The fuel satisfies specified characteristic requirements relating to: (1) the total content of C5 to C10 normal paraffins; (2) the total content of C6 to C11 aromatic hydrocarbons; (3) the content of olefinic hydrocarbons; (4) the content of oxygenates; (5) the research octane number; (6) the initial boiling point and end point in distillation characteristics; (7) the averaged maximum pressure rise rate of the fuel over continuous 400 cycles; and (8) the averaged IMEP of the fuel over continuous 400 cycles.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquefied petroleum gas fuel for LP gas fuel cells for being fed to a fuel cell system through spontaneous vaporization, which fuel has a C2 hydrocarbon compound content of 3 vol. % or less, a C4 hydrocarbon compound content of 3 vol. % or less, a total sulfur content of 10 ppm by mass or less, a carbonyl sulfide content in terms of sulfur content of 2 ppm by mass or less, a methyl mercaptan content in terms of sulfur content of 3 ppm by mass or less, a content of sulfur compounds having a boiling point equal to or higher than that of dimethyl disulfide in terms of sulfur content of 2 ppm by mass or less, a methanol content of 50 ppm by mass or less, and a water content of 50 ppm by mass or less, the balance being a C3 hydrocarbon compounds.

Abstract: Additive applied to liquid fuels for internal combustion engines, represented by a solution in the liquid fuels such as kerosene; aviation kerosene, automotive gasoline, Diesel oil; Bio Diesel oil among others application field. This field is where this additive is anchored in the anhydrous ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) component, which associated to a isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O) component, and also to the decahydronaphthalene (C10H18) component, becomes soluble to each of these fuels, ensuring thus that the same transmit less pollutant material to the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic fireplace log and a process for making a synthetic fireplace log which is adapted to utilize wood derivative materials, such as wood chips, sawdust or virtually any wood-based product, such as paper and cardboard. The wood derivative materials are molded into a desired shape and held together with a non-petroleum based binder to form a synthetic fireplace log. In order to increase the flammability of the log, the synthetic fireplace log may optionally be sprayed or soaked with either a petroleum or non-petroleum-based flammability agent. Even though a petroleum-based flammability agent is used for soaking and/or spraying the synthetic log, the off-gassing is minimized since the petroleum-based spray is burned off relatively quickly. In other embodiments of the invention, a non-petroleum-based flammability agent is utilized. Suitable non-petroleum-based flammability agents include, for example, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, granola oil, and lard.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out algae intensive-cultivation while conducting an environmental control most suitable for growth of algae in an artificial environment including dissolved gas, light, temperature, nutrient source and sanitary atmosphere; and a method of intensive cultivation therewith.

Abstract: The present method transfers carbon dioxide in increased concentrations using perfluorodecalin for growth of algae in a photobioreactor. First, a perfluorodecalin solution is provided and mixed with a biological growth medium and a surfactant. The biological growth medium, perfluorodecalin solution, and surfactant mixture are then emulsified by circulation in a high-pressure emulsifier. The emulsified biological growth medium, perfluorodecalin solution, and surfactant mixture are then added to a photobioreactor containing algae capable of photosynthetically utilizing carbon dioxide. After adding carbon dioxide to the photobioreactor, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the perfluorodecalin solution at a higher concentration than in the growth medium.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention provides a collapsible plant shelter. A plurality of flexible panels is joined to form a supportive structure. Each panel is formed from a flexible material coupled, directly or indirectly, to a flexible frame member. At least a portion of the flexible material is preferably at least partially fluid impervious and not completely opaque, so as to provide a greenhouse effect to the interior of the shelter. A top flexible panel may also be provided, coupled to a top portion of at least two of the side panels. A selectively closeable access portal may be provided through one or more of the side panels. A portal flap may be at least partially releasable from the side panel material, such as by way of a zipper.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to top dressing vehicles for coating, mixing, and dispensing compositions of top dressing materials comprising agriculturally active ingredients (A.I.s). More particularly, these inventions relate to apparatus for spraying liquid formulations comprising active ingredients A.I.s onto top dressing materials prior to and during delivering top dressing applications. Further, these inventions relate to applying liquids comprising A.I.s to top dressing materials at a point-of-application. Even further, these inventions relate to delivering treated top dressing, specifically, to broadcast spreading of top dressing comprising sand and agriculturally active ingredients as moist and dry compositions.

Abstract: A system and method for rotating multiple plants through light on a continual basis and feeding plants while they are rotated. This system is able to provide the plants with food and water at levels inputted into its control panel. The water which runs through the system can be re-circulated and used by the plants. The system aerates the water in the re-circulation chamber before it is put back onto the plants. This system also has the capabilities to test the pH and nutrient level of the growing media which can include but is not limited to one or more of the following: spun rock, clay pellets, soil, or any other hydroponic growing media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: An automatic watering system for a plant growing in a growth medium, wherein the system comprises a water storage reservoir substantially filled with water and an air-tight closure that substantially seals a fill aperture. Water flows out of a reservoir drain opening through a water drain conduit and air in a water feed reservoir escapes through an air return conduit and into the water storage reservoir until a float valve seals the lower end of the air return conduit. Water thereafter flows into a growth medium through water feed apertures until the water level in a water feed reservoir drops below a water drain conduit and air is allowed to escape into the water storage reservoir therethrough. Thereafter the pressure differential between the water storage reservoir and the water feed reservoir is equalized, releasing the float valve to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting an interconnectable plant tray to a complementary plant tray are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention include an interconnectable plant tray comprising a tray having one or more sides and one or more storage receptacles. The tray further includes a connection region positioned along at least one of the sides for connecting the tray to a complementary tray, the connection region including a first portion and a second portion, the portions being separated by a notch. The tray also has one or more coupling members located along the first portion of the connection region, and one or more coupling receptacles for receiving coupling members of the complementary tray, the one or more coupling receptacles being located within the second portion of the connection region. In particular embodiments, the complementary tray is substantially identical to the interconnectable tray.

Abstract: A countertop gardening appliance can include a base sized and dimensioned to fit on a countertop, a vessel removably supported by the base, the vessel defining a closed lower portion for storing a liquid, and an open upper portion, a gas diffuser located in the vessel, a gas pump located within the base, a conduit connecting the gas pump to the gas diffuser, a one-way valve in fluid communication with the conduit, a growing surface covering the open upper portion of the vessel, the growing surface including a receptacle adapted to receive a seed cartridge, a liquid level gauge indicating a level of the liquid in the vessel, a hood supported above the growing surface by a support arm connected to the base, the hood including an artificial light source, and a controller located within the base, the controller adapted to activate the artificial light source and the gas pump on predetermined time cycles.

Abstract: Combustion fuel stream supply systems for use with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to receive a mixed gas stream and, while producing a product hydrogen stream therefrom, intermittently discharge a byproduct stream. The byproduct stream, when available, may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. A combustion fuel stream supply system selectively supplies an auxiliary fuel stream when a byproduct stream is not discharged or otherwise does not have a predetermined combustion fuel value sufficient, when combusted, to maintain the hydrogen-producing region within a desired temperature range. The one or more streams supplied to the heating assembly have a combined combustion fuel value at least as great as the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing syngas and power therefrom are provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone operated at a temperature from 550° C. to 1,050° C. to provide a syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged in a first zone from the syngas to a condensate to provide steam. Heat can also be indirectly exchanged in a second zone from the syngas to the steam to provide superheated steam. Heat can then be indirectly exchanged in a third zone from the syngas to provide a cooled syngas and the condensate for the first zone. At least a portion of the superheated steam can be directly supplied to one or more steam turbines to produce power.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and apparatus for the pyrolysis or torrefaction of a carbon-containing feedstock before it is converted to syngas. In some embodiments, biomass is first pretreated by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, followed by devolatilization and/or steam reforming to produce syngas. Various mixtures of such pretreated biomass, combined with fresh biomass, can be employed to produce syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: A system and method for producing syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and apparatus for the pyrolysis or torrefaction of a carbon-containing feedstock before it is converted to syngas. In some embodiments, biomass is first pretreated by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, followed by devolatilization and/or steam reforming to produce syngas. Various mixtures of such pretreated biomass, combined with fresh biomass, can be employed to produce syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-containing product gas (4) from a glycerol-containing feedstock (1). A product gas (4) is produced from the glycerol-containing feedstock (1) by separation of undesirable substances (V) and the pyrolysis of glycerol (P).

Abstract: An article for securing a window film to a window frame includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end, a first portion having a first attachment surface extending from the first end to the second end, a connecting portion extending outwardly from the first portion opposite the first attachment surface, and a second portion joined with the end of the connecting portion opposite the first portion. Methods of anchoring an applied window film to a window frame using the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is provided for opening and closing a basement door leaf. The device may include a motor and a piston for pushing the door leaf open and pulling the door leaf closed in response to activation by an input device. A sensor device is provided for detecting a person's foot on a stair leading to a basement. The sensor device may cause the opening of the basement door leaf.

Abstract: A power closing latch device for a door or lid in a vehicle, which device comprises a claw, a pawl and a striker. The pawl meshes with a safety recess and a lock recess of the claw in a safety position and a locked position. The striker is provided in a groove and rotates together with the claw, at closing of the door or lid. A spring is provided acting on the claw, which spring keeps the claw in the safety position, when the door or lid is partially closed. An electric motor rotates the claw between the safety position and the closed position. An additional spring acting on the claw, which additional spring exert a counterforce on the claw to prevent the claw to stop in an undefined position, between the safety position and the closed position during a power closing process. A method for power closing of a door or lid of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a child safety barrier (1) may be activated by a foot pedal (6) which can only be operated when an auxiliary lock (8) has been activated. The auxiliary lock (8) is formed by a mechanical unit, which has an electrical receiver (8a) which, when receiving an electrical signal, e.g. an electromagnetic signal from a transmitter (9), can activate the auxiliary lock (8), following which the foot pedal (6) may be activated. The transmitter (9) may be incorporated in a remote control unit of the hand-held type, or it may be mounted on a wall, where an adult can activate the transmitter, e.g. by an elbow. The transmitter may also be a unit which continuously transmits electromagnetic signals which activate the auxiliary lock when they are interrupted.

Abstract: A combined sealing system for connecting a first panel having a sash to a frame includes first, second, and third sealing systems. The first panel is within and movable relative to the frame, comprising: The first sealing system is configured to engage a first portion of the sash with a first portion of the frame. The second sealing system is configured to engage a second portion of the sash with a second portion of the frame. The third sealing system is configured to engage a meeting rail of the first panel with a meeting rail of a second panel within the frame. The first panel is movable between at least an open position and a completely closed position. Prior to the first panel being in the completely closed position, engagement of the first sealing system begins and drives engagement of at least one of the second and third sealing systems.

Abstract: A door operating apparatus includes a motor bracket that covers a driving shaft of a driving motor; an output shaft that is disposed from the motor bracket toward the supporting bracket so as to be orthogonal to an extending direction of the driving shaft; a first rotational element that is linked with the driving shaft, and disposed on the output shaft; a second rotational element that is linked with a door operating mechanism, and disposed between the first rotational element and the supporting bracket on the output shaft; and a clutch unit including a clutch driving section that supports a rotation of the output shaft. When the first rotational element and the second rotational element are engaged by driving of the clutch driving section, the door operating mechanism is actuated by the driving force.

Abstract: A triple layer folding door includes an inner layer door, an outer layer door, a middle layer door provided therebetween, and a sliding arrangement, which comprises: a left and right pulley mounted on a both end portion of the middle layer door respectively, a left belt winding on the left pulley, wherein a first end of the left belt extending to the right end portion of the inner layer door from the left pulley and a second end of the left belt extending to the right end portion of the outer layer door from the left pulley, and a right belt winding on the right pulley, wherein a first end of the right belt extending to the left end portion of the inner layer door and a second end of the right belt extending to the left end portion of the outer layer door.

Abstract: A narrow door opener which has a capability of being mounted in a small space between the end of a door roll of, for example, a curtain door and any impediment spaced therefrom. The door opener has on its flank a waisted region to accommodate a mounting bracket below the axle axis of the door roll to be opened thereby. The flank to flank distance (not counting door roll engagement features) is less than 200 mm and preferably less than 100 mm.

Abstract: A device for operating a vertical window, which is laterally displaceably mounted between an upper and a lower horizontal guide rail, has a handle, which is pivotally connected to a vertical frame part positioned at one lateral edge of the window, and a link element, which is hinged on a first and a second hinge axis and connected to the handle and, respectively, to a lower guide member which is positioned at said lateral edge of the window and arranged to engage the lower guide rail to guide the window on this. The handle and the link element are arranged to press, as the handle pivots from a starting position in one direction, said lower guide member downwards from an upper position so as to tilt the window to a tilted position.

Abstract: This inventive concept discloses a door assembly comprising a custom-built doorframe housing a main door, which main door rotates within the doorframe by a major pivotal means. A spring-loaded leaf door is attached, by a minor pivotal means, within a cutout excised from the leading edge of the main door. As the main door rotates about its pivotal axis, the door is restrained from closing with full force upon human fingers or any other object that may be proximate the door jamb, or inner doorframe area. The pivoting, or trailing, edge of the main door is abutted against elastomeric material affixed to the inner rear surface of the doorframe, thereby serving to prevent the insertion of fingers into what otherwise would be a hazardous gap. The optimal embodiment of this inventive concept features a doorframe having upper and lower ball bearing assemblies for containment and stable support of the main door pivotal means.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly (10) having at least a fixed vision panel (12), a frame member (14), and at least one guide member (16) integrally molded from a thermoplastic material, preferably a polycarbonate material, such that the resulting window assembly (10) is suitable for installation as a modular unit in an opening in a vehicle body.

Abstract: A weatherstrip is adapted for use on an associated vehicle. It includes a body, preferably an extruded body, and has a gripping portion for securing the body to the vehicle. A retaining leg flexibly extends from the body, and a retaining shoulder is spaced from the leg. A separately molded outer shell has a retaining portion dimensioned for receipt between the retaining leg and the body. In addition, a shoulder of the retaining portion is dimensioned for operative engagement with the retaining shoulder of the body. In this manner, the shoulders of the shell and body snap-fit over one another and the shell is secured to the body.

Abstract: Abrasive tools and techniques are disclosed that can cut hard, brittle materials to relatively precise dimensions. The tools, which can include a hybrid bond of metal or metal alloy and a resin matrix together with fine abrasive grits, can be employed, for example, in mirror finish cutting applications, thereby enabling ‘1×’ or ‘single-pass’ multi-function abrasive processes. The specific selection of resin and metal or metal alloy types is such that the tool is sufficiently brittle for the purpose of manufacture and durability, but ductile enough to withstand the grinding and handling stresses (an exemplary hybrid bond includes bronze and polyimide). Numerous tool types and applications will be apparent in light of this disclosure, including abrasive products for electronic device manufacturing such as thin 1A8 blades (single blade or multi-blade configuration).

Abstract: An inundation prevention for electric power equipment, which has transformers or terminals with a casing and is located on a stand provided on the roadside or underground, using pneumatic pressure, includes an inundation detecting unit for determining whether or not the electric power equipment is inundated and a pressure generating unit for supplying compressed gas to the inside of a limited around the electric power equipment according to a determination result of the inundation detecting unit, so as to raise the pressure in the limited space.

Abstract: A roof support structure for a flexible roof for a greenhouse is disclosed. The roof support structure comprises an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion. At least the adjustable roof retention portion is movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions, when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions, is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position.

Abstract: A closure rail may be secured along a ridge, hip, or eave of a roof to receive and secure panels in a roofing system. A closure rail may be made from a sheet of metal, folded or creased to create a cover, expanse, extension, flange, and hinge. The hinge may connect adjoining sides of the cover and expanse to allow the cover to close down on and secure an end of a panel. The extension may elevate the flange above the height of a rib on the panel to facilitate attachment of a ridge or hip cap or flashing. Multiple covers, separated by notches, may attach to an expanse, thereby allowing one closure rail to secure multiple panels. A closure rail may be used instead of “Z” closures. Such a method may allow for securing the closure rail to the roof before the panels.

Abstract: A precast under floor air delivery construction is provided which includes a plurality of precast concrete system having an upper base floor surface and a lower surface, a plurality of floor panel support means bearing directly to the upper base floor surface capable of an under floor air delivery between the floor panels and the upper surface, a plurality of access floor panels connected to the support means, and a fire protection barrier applied between the concrete slabs.

Abstract: An improved steel anchor device that is capable of simultaneously securing a plurality of items. The apparatus comprises a nail head for driving the apparatus into the ground, a central steel rod with a tapered end that easily extends into the ground, and a plurality of steel barbs attached to the steel rod, extended upward, oriented on opposite sides of the steel rod, spaced equally for securing the device in the ground. Two steel loops offset from each other and attached to the steel rod under the nail head for securing or anchoring other objects to the steel anchor device while in the ground.

Abstract: A sheet of high-strength shear wall sheathing with preformed fastener holes (10) is disclosed as a steel sheet (12) with uniformly spaced fastener holes (14) dispersed along the boundary of the sheet. Such a sheet can readily be handled and quickly attached to the framework of buildings for the purpose of bracing wall structures in a single wall sheathing procedure.

Abstract: The water drain is a hollow body defining a drainage aperture. The hollow body is adapted for installation in a screen base channel in a lanai, verandah, or screened porch. The hollow body is preferably a flat tube made of plastic, and has a mounting flange around the periphery of one end of the tube. A web or divider wall may bifurcate the hollow body from front to back, adding strength to the walls of the tube. A cap fits over the drainage aperture to limit fluid flow therethrough. The water drain may alternatively be made of aluminum or other corrosion-resistant metal.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for protecting windows from storm damage. The system can be easily installed from the inside of the windows without requiring access to the window from the outside. The system eliminates the need for ladders and various fastening devices which are typically used to install plywood over windows to protect from flying debris.

Abstract: A window cladding assembly that fits on the inside of an awning or casement type window unit to cover from view the frame of the window unit and the perimeter of the window unit sash

Abstract: A first description of a flooring system includes; a corrugated member containing metal and having ribs and valleys; a panel flooring member positioned over the ribs; and a fastener attaching the flooring member to one of the ribs. Each rib has a maximum transverse width of three inches, and each valley has a maximum top transverse width of three inches with such valley-to-rib width ratio having a range from 1.0 to 3.5. A second description of a flooring system includes a panel flooring member and a corrugated member similar to those of the first flooring system, but without the dimensional specifications of the ribs and valleys of the first flooring system, and includes a screw attaching the flooring member to the rib, wherein the screw has a pair of upper wings and a pair of lesser-protruding lower wings. Methods are disclosed for installing the described flooring systems.

Abstract: The log house construction element of the present invention provides a means to increase the thermal insulation and/or modify the appearance of a log house with an element adapted to be received by recesses formed by adjacent logs of the walls. The log house construction element may be installed on the external side and on the internal side of the walls of a log house. Furthermore, a space may be left between the wall and the log house construction element allowing wiring, cabling and other equipments to be dissimulated in the wall.

Abstract: A design concept has now been developed that provides for a multi-unit housing having a number of design and construction advantages. In a type 5 (IBC) structure, a multi-story building is constructed over a single foundation. The building is constructed so that pairs of residential units are positioned in a generally back-to-back configuration separated by a non-load bearing unit separation wall. This unit separation wall may be easily moved or positioned after the shell of the building has been constructed so as to customize the size of an individual unit. A central drive lane is positioned on the ground level of the building under the upper floors of the structure. The central drive lane provides access to individual private garages which open onto the central drive lane, and the garages can provide access to a ground floor vestibule. Other living areas are positioned on the floors above the ground floor.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of constructing walls or fence systems from panels. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing such walls or fence systems wherein a back face of one panel connects to a back face of another panel and further wherein the front faces of the panels have a desirable texture and further wherein a concrete footing of the wall or fence system is poured after courses of panels have been stacked one upon the other.

Abstract: It is a constructive system that improves, facilitates and reduces costs in the construction of houses and buildings of one or more stories, through a new type of electro-welded steel structures pile up; through a new type of smart concrete blocks, that assembles one to each other with mortars, (mortars are blind view), because it always place to the interior of the blocks, which are linked to pillars through steel clips, whose role is make perpendicular and align; through a new type galvanized steel profiles to build roofs, which are joined to each other through connectors that allow them to easily take any degree of slope, and, through a new type of structural aluminum molds, which are used to build pillars, beams and slabs of reinforced concrete. Its main advantages are: 1. Reduces 43.22% the direct cost of construction (materials and workmanship direct) from each house basic (foundation, structure, concrete floor, metallic structure of the roof, and walls) 2. Increases 50% worker productivity 3.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced cement flooring sheet (1) that is suitable for use in wet area flooring, is lower in density than conventional compressed fibre cement wet area flooring, and is nailable. The flooring sheet (1) includes connecting means (2) on longitudinal edges permitting the sheet to be interlockingly engaged with adjacent sheets to form a substantially coplanar support surface, suitable for use in wet areas.

Abstract: An easily removable chamfer strip for use in concrete setting. The chamfer strip has a vinyl release coat or wrapping on one side and double-sided tape or glue on the other. The chamfer strip temporarily affixes to a concrete form to allow the concrete to set, yet can be easily removed thereafter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor, wall or ceiling panel (2) or strip, which is designed for placing on and/or fastening to a floor, a wall or a ceiling of a room. According to the invention, the panel or the strip has at least one active component with an air pollutant- and/or odorous substance-reducing action.