Abstract: A process has been developed for producing diesel boiling range fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal fats and oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating i.e. decarboxylating, decarbonylating, and hydrodeoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction useful as a diesel boiling range fuel. A sulfur containing component is added to drive the conversion preferentially through carbonylation and carbonylation with reduced hydrodeoxygenation. If desired, the hydrocarbon fraction can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties.

Abstract: A fuel or fuel blendstock comprising ethanol, ethyl ethers, olefins, and alkanes. In some embodiments, the fuel or fuel blendstock of claim 1, wherein the fuel or fuel blendstock may have an octane number greater than 92 (RON+MON)/2). In other embodiments, the fuel or fuel blendstock may have a Reid vapor pressure less than 7.2 psi. Also disclosed is a process for the production of a fuel, the process including: contacting ethanol and at least one gasoline fraction including alkanes and olefins in the presence of a catalyst to form a fuel mixture including ethyl ethers, alkanes, unreacted olefins, and unreacted ethanol; and recovering the fuel mixture for use as a gasoline or gasoline blendstock without separation of the ethanol from the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition suitable for use in an internal combustion engine is provided containing (a) from 50 to 90 % v/v of a C1-C4 alcohol; (b) from 10 to 50 % v/v of a Fischer-Tropsch derived naphtha; and optionally (c) up to 10 % v/v of a C3-C6 hydrocarbon component. A process for preparing a liquid fuel composition and a method of operating an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of solubilizing coal. The method includes providing coal and providing an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a mixture of an oxoacid of phosphorus and an alcohol. A blend of the coal, the oxoacid ester of phosphorus or the mixture of the oxoacid of phosphorus and alcohol is formed. The blend is then treated under conditions effective to solubilize the coal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tree stand that includes a flexible water reservoir as an integral part of the stand. The stand comprises a collar that is attached to first ends of a plurality of upper legs. The plurality of upper legs are attached at their second ends to first ends of a corresponding plurality of lower legs. The plurality of lower legs are attached at their second ends to a base section. Attached to an inner perimeter of the collar is the water reservoir. Located inside of the water reservoir, and attached to the base section, is a tree receiver.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand, a method for affixing a Christmas tree to a Christmas tree stand, and a drill bit for forming a groove in the bottom of a Christmas tree are provided. The Christmas tree stand includes a base having a male member extending upwardly therefrom with at least a portion of the male member received in the groove in the bottom of the Christmas tree. Preferably an insert in the form of a cylinder is received within the groove. Upon the receipt of the male member in the groove, the Christmas tree is stabilized on the base.

Abstract: A robotic ocean farm includes a plant support means such as a grid, with a submersible towing system incorporating means for navigation of the support grid in the open ocean, and means for positioning of the support grid in a first surfaced position for sunlight exposure of the plants and a second submerged position for nutrient gathering by the plants. The submersible towing system incorporates one or more tow boats connected to a forward periphery of the grid, each of the tow boats incorporating a propulsion system for navigation of the grid and maintaining lateral tension in the forward periphery of the grid. Additionally, one or more reaction boats are connected to an aft periphery of the grid. Each of the reaction boats incorporates a propulsion system for maintaining lateral tension in the aft periphery of the grid and reacting in concert with the tow boats to maintain longitudinal tension in the grid.

Abstract: A garage door has pivotally connected door panels, with each of the door panels including an outer skin having an outer surface. The outer skin has a metal, such as steel, having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An overlay element, such as a decorative element, is coupled to the outer surface of at least one of the outer skins. The overlay element includes a fiber-reinforced thermoset material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. In one specific embodiment, the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion are substantially equal. In one embodiment, the overlay element includes a pultruded fiber-reinforced thermoset material. In yet another aspect, the overlay element is adhesively coupled to the outer surface. Adhesive coupling may, for example, include a hot-melt adhesive, a two-part glue, or double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: An operator system for an aperture member, such as a window or a door, having a fixed frame and a movable element such as a movable sash, the operator system being designed for operating the movable elements associated with the aperture member, e.g. for opening and closing of the aperture, and the aperture member having such operator system.

Abstract: The invention is a lifter plate for a window regulator adapted for the insertion of a window glass. The lift plate includes a main body portion adapted for translational movement by the window regulator. A flange jaw is spaced apart from the main body portion and connected to the main body portion by a flexible joint interconnecting the body portion and the flange jaw. The flexible joint is integrally formed as part of the lifter plate and is shaped in an undulating waveform pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rail system for a horizontally sliding door or window having a construction casing; and at least one slideable panel. The system includes, at least one track from which or on which the panel slides. Each track includes, at least two track segments whose length is shorter than the width of the slideable panel(s). The track further includes a track segment fastening mechanism for allowing the track segments to be removed and re-inserted into the construction casing; and a spacer disposed between adjacent track segments. The total length of each spacer and one of each of its adjacent track segments is greater than the width of the slideable panel(s).

Abstract: A single or double hung window assembly has a rectangular main frame supporting at least one rectangular sash frame for vertical sliding movement, and each frame has members formed from extrusions including rigid plastics material. A horizontal upper sash rail or member is reinforced by an elongated and continuous metal stiffening channel having a width substantially greater than its height and defining a longitudinally extending and upwardly facing undercut cavity. End portions of the stiffening channel support retractable sliding tilt latch bolts each having a snap-fit connection to a corresponding actuator slidably mounted on the upper sash rail. A sash lock member is also mounted on the upper sash rail and is secured to the stiffening channel. A pre-assembly of the stiffening channel and latch bolts is inserted through an opening in a vertical sash frame member, and stiffening channels are also inserted into other sash frame members.

Abstract: Disclosed are abrasive particles, a method for manufacturing the abrasive particles, and a method for manufacturing a Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) slurry. The method for manufacturing abrasive particles for the CMP slurry includes preparing a raw material precursor, drying the raw material precursor, and calcining the dried raw material precursor using a calcination furnace where a gas atmosphere having relatively less oxygen in comparison with an air atmosphere is created.

Abstract: An event structure uses at least one storage container as a principal support component. The event structure can include a plurality of storage containers that support a functional component. In one possible embodiment, the functional component is a ramp surface. The functional component can alternatively be a seating system, a stage surface, or a climbing wall system to name a few.

Abstract: A device for reducing clogging of a gutter comprises a housing which fits in a gutter over the downspout. The device contains a motor-driven grinder mechanism which grinds up waterborne leaves and other debris passing through the housing, preferably as they exit through the outlet of the housing to the downspout. Preferably, the device also includes a plunger mechanism which helps push water and debris in the housing through the grinder mechanism. Also, preferable the device includes a water sensor and a debris sensor for operating the motor only when both water and debris are present.

Abstract: A panel with a bracket is used to install a component to a wallboard. The panel is inserted into an opening to a wallboard, and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is taped and spackled so that the wallboard and panel appear to be a single object. When the component is fully coupled to the bracket, the front of the component is slightly recessed from the front of the panel. A component cover could then be inserted into the newly created recess so that the component appears to be completely flush with the wallboard.

Abstract: A prefabricated building structure having a collapsible roof and adapted to be transported by a road carrier vehicle is described. The prefabricated building structure is provided with at least opposed parallel load bearing side walls. A roof section having a plurality of spaced roof rafters is pivotally connected by one or more pivot connections to a respective one of a top plate of each of the load bearing side walls. The roof sections are interconnectable to one another when the roof sections are disposed angularly upwards to form a raised pitch roof structure. A leverage beam is connectable to one of the rafters of each roof section and is securable to a cable which is secured to a pulley whereby to permit the roof sections to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: According to the invention, a building with an endwall overhang is disclosed. The building may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.

Abstract: A metal truss comprises elongated top chord members connected to each other at their ends. A first elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members adjacent the free ends of the top chord members. A second elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members, or directly to the first bottom chord member via spacers, such that the second bottom chord member is spaced below the first bottom chord member. At least one web member is positioned between and interconnecting at least one top chord member and the first bottom chord member. One end of the web member is connected to the at least one top chord member and the other end of the web member is connected to the first bottom chord member.

Abstract: Window assemblies that include window casings are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a window assembly includes a window casing that is assembled with a window frame by clips. Each clip is compressed between the window casing and the window frame as the window casing is moved toward an installed position. The clips expand at the installed position to retain the window casing to the window frame at the installed position. Another exemplary embodiment of a window assembly includes a window casing with a top member and side members that are connected by mitered mating surfaces and provide the appearance that the top member and the side members are butt jointed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frame member for forming an opening through an insulating concrete form wall having opposed first and second forms. The frame member comprises an elongate member dimensioned to extend between the opposed forms. The elongate member is composed of a natural fiber plastic composite material having an opening forming surface and a wall forming surface and a pair of longitudinal retention fins extending from the wall forming surface. Each of the retention fins has a distal lip portion wherein the lip portions cooperate to form a hollow between the lip portions and the wall forming surface. Also disclosed is a frame for forming an opening through an insulating concrete form wall comprising at least three frame members and at least two corner connectors for connecting said frame members. The corner connectors comprise a bracket insertable into the hollows.

Abstract: A hurricane panel configured to cover a building opening that is made of a geocomposite having an impermeable core and surrounded by both sides with batting, and anchoring means for attachment to a building.

Abstract: An improved concrete form duct chair and method of forming concrete structures. The concrete form duct chair has a generally flat polymer or steel body with several pre-stressing strand duct sized apertures passing through the body, as well as four or more alignment legs projecting from the body, the alignment legs and body dimensioned and configured to extend for a total width approximately equal to such cross sectional width of such concrete form and thus hold the concrete form duct chair in position against the walls of the form. Concrete access apertures passing through the body allow concrete to pass therethrough during pouring operations. A method embodiment of the invention teaches pouring of concrete structures with pre-stressing ducts passing therethrough using the device of the invention to retain the pre-stressing ducts in alignment within the concrete form.

Abstract: A structure and method of construction for a building, includes a core wall structure, a plurality of support walls attached to the core wall structure and cantilevered from the core wall structure, a plurality of floor structures arranged vertically and attached to the core wall structure so that each floor structure of the plurality of floor structures is supported from below by a first set of the plurality of support walls and from above by a second set of the plurality of support walls, a position of the second set of the plurality of support walls radially offset from a position of the first set of the plurality of support walls, and a plurality of openings in the core wall, wherein at least one opening is provided between any two successive floor structures and alternating openings in a vertical direction are arranged to align along an angle of vertical offset.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: A modular wall panel have a wall face, a top cap, a bottom pan and two side framing studs at the perimeter sides extending vertically from the bottom pan to the top cap are all constructed integrally. The side framing studs also define a surface for at attaching finishing strips that extend from the base pan to the top cap. A foundation wall is constructed from a plurality of modular wall panels. The wall panels may also have interior vertical reinforcing studs with surfaces for attaching finishing strips at regular intervals. The panels may include a support column for a cross wall beam or for a support beam over a door frame opening.

Abstract: A modular building panel assembly is provided having a first member and a second member. The first member has an inter-engageable marginal portion. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the first member includes inter-engagement means and a pair of spaced apart flanges. The flanges define a channel. The second member has an inter-engageable marginal portion. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the second member includes inter-engagement means. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the second member is receivable between the flanges of the first member. The inter-engagement means of one of said first member or said second member is a plurality of spaced-apart female engagement means. The inter-engagement means of another of said first member or said second member is a plurality of resilient, spaced-apart, male engagement means.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for protecting a coupling that is disposable within a concrete structure. In one aspect, a cap for engaging a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. The cap includes a body having an engagement portion and a back portion, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage the coupling of the cement coupler bar. Additionally, the cap includes a flexible tail having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the back portion of the body. In another aspect, a method of using a protective cap with a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. In a further aspect, a coupler bar assembly for use in reinforcing a cement structure is provided.

Abstract: A spacer panel is incorporated into building walls to drain accumulated moisture from the wall structure. The spacer panel is formed with spacer members that project on opposing sides of a central planar web member. Each spacer member is formed independently and has a planar portion extending around the spacer member to provide a location for the insertion of apertures to allow moisture to pass from one side of the panel to the other. Each spacer member includes a planar surface that facilitates an application of adhesive for attachment of a barrier member thereto. The spacer members can be oriented in a herringbone pattern alternating on opposing sides of the central web member. The spacer members can be formed as a circular projection extending on one side of the central web with a truncated conical member projecting to the opposing side of the central web from the circular projection.

Abstract: A seamless wall finishing system has a plurality of wall panels which are spaced apart from an exterior wall. The spacing creates an air gap which provides an airflow passage between the exterior wall and the second surface of the wall panels. The wall panels have a mold resistant non-organic thread or yarn wall covering which is adhered to a central portion of a first surface of each of the wall panels so as to define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels such that when a first of the plurality of wall panels is mounted adjacent a second of the plurality of wall panels a vertically extending seam is created which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.

Abstract: A composite masonry building block (1) that has an inner core (20) of lighter density than an outer face and includes upper most protrusions (4, 73) and matching lowermost cavities (5, 76) to have an interlocking arrangement with other like blocks. Also disclosed is an inner lighter density material which includes an expanded plastic such as polystyrene with a cement binder. The upper (2) surface of the block (1) may include a plurality of protrusions and lower (3) may have a plurality of cavities (5). The arrangement of the protrusions (4) in relation to the upper surface (2) and the arrangement of cavities (5) in relation to lower surface (3) are such that the protrusions (4) will locate within and interlock with the consistently aligned and placed cavities of the adjacent block.

Abstract: Floor covering, made of floor elements, which, at least at two opposite sides, comprise a male and a female coupling part, which allow that two of such floor elements can be interconnected at the respective sides at the respective sides by pushing one of these floor elements with the associated male coupling part, by means of a downward movement, home into the female coupling part of the other floor element, wherein at least one of said coupling parts, either the male coupling part or the female coupling part, is made as least partially in a filled synthetic material composite, such as extruded wood.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: Pedestrian trafficable skid-resistant flexible articles are described. These articles include a flexible substrate having a non-skid coating comprising polymer units that degrade upon exposure to light and/or heat, preferably via chain scission. These articles may be applied to trafficable surfaces such as roof and floors. Articles in the form of roof underlayments having a skid-resistant surface are described in particular.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting formwork panels in wall construction comprises a pair of rails for supporting the lower edges of a pair of formwork panels. Spacers fixed to the floor engage the rails to maintain them parallel to one another a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: A system for tiling roofs employs rows of full-width tiles extending across a surface, each row of tiles interspersed with ? or other unconventional width tiles in an irregular, pseudo-random pattern that allows for proper drainage and also has a distinctive appearance.

Abstract: Reinforced wood flooring for truck trailers and containers and methods for making and using the same. A reinforced wood flooring may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable underlay may be attached to the bottom surface of the wood member with a discontinuous layer of adhesive.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.

Abstract: A prefabricated, monolithic, structural building panel of box-like configuration includes face, side and end members, all constructed of fiber reinforced concrete, the panel having a plurality of internal truss members, also constructed of fiber reinforced concrete, extending angularly between the panel face members. Forms for the casting of the structural components making up the panel are fabricated from a light weight, insulative material that is left in place within the panel after casting to provide heat and sound insulation.

Abstract: Devices for joining structural infrastructure and methods of making and using such devices are set forth herein. According to one embodiment, a device for joining structural infrastructure includes first and second flanges and a clip extending from the second flange away from the first flange. The first flange is adapted to be fastened to a first building support member using at least one fastener, and the second flange extends generally perpendicular from the first flange. The clip has an upper end and a wall; the clip upper end couples the clip wall to the second flange. The clip is adapted to secure the device to a second building support member by maintaining a portion of the second building support member between the clip wall and the second flange.

Abstract: To regulate the size of proposed residential construction in a community: establish a BULK FACTOR including a ratio of the volume of one of new construction; an extant residence and an addition thereto; an extant residence and an accessory building or buildings; or an extant residence, an addition thereto, and an accessory building or buildings, to the area of a specific lot. Thereafter, limit the size of the one proposed construction to a bulk factor no greater that the established BULK FACTOR.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to treat a termite infestation on building, where that building comprises a structure and a foundation, where the foundation comprises an exposed portion in contact with soil and extending upwardly to the structure, and wherein one or more termite tunnels are disposed on that exposed portion. The method removes any existing termite tunnels from the exposed portion of the foundation. The method further disposes a polymeric material horizontally on the exposed portion of the foundation, and over any former termite tunnel locations, where that polymeric material comprises a surface roughness Amplitude Parameter Ra of 32 microinches or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying and mechanically connecting panels in rows parallel to one another. The method includes forming a super panel comprising a first plurality of panels in a first panel row, to be newly laid, the super panel being formed by connecting together second pairs of locking elements in adjacent panels of the first panel row. The method also includes connecting the super panel to a second plurality of panels in an already laid second panel row by working in sections, beginning at an end of the super panel, by utilizing a torsional flexibility of the super panel to engage the first pair of locking elements. During the connecting, the first plurality of panels do not move relative to each other along the second pair of edges.

Abstract: A foam filling member having a foaming base material in sheet form which is simplified in structure so that it can be formed into a predetermined shape corresponding to a shape of a space of a structure with an improved working efficiency and can also be placed in a space of the structure with an improved working efficiency, without any need of the sticking to a wall surface of a partition wall defining the space of the structure. Incisions 4, 5, 6, 7, cut in partway along a thickness direction of the foaming base material 2 along a bending portion and cuts 9, 10 passing through in the thickness direction are formed in the foaming base material 2. By simply bending or folding the foaming base material 2 along the incisions 4, 5, 6, 7 and the cuts 9, 10, the foam filling member 1 can be formed in a three-dimensional shape corresponding to an interior space of a pillar and thus can be set in place in the interior space.

Abstract: A composite a deck system having a deck component and a concrete component. The deck component of the present invention includes deck sections, each having a longitudinally-extending rib with spaced apart sidewalls connected to a top wall. At the opposing ends of the sidewalls can be included side edges or webs having upturned flanges with an opening or openings along the flanges that are dimensioned to facilitate composite action between the deck sections and the concrete. The system includes a first deck section, as described, adjacent to a second deck section, wherein the side edges of the first and second deck sections are in juxtaposed relation. These deck sections can be combined with concrete to form a composite deck.

Abstract: A window insulator is provided. The window insulator may comprise a plurality of layers, with each layer performing a desired function. A thermal insulation layer may be provided. A reflective layer may be provided and coupled to the thermal insulation layer. The window insulator may also include a surface coupling layer. The surface coupling layer may be coupled to at least one of the reflective layer or the thermal insulation layer.

Abstract: In order to produce tobacco bags from sheet material having a pocket and a fold-over flap and a tape as closure means, the tape is applied (as are possibly further applications) to a continuous sheet-material web (22) for producing the bags by transversely directed severing cuts. The procedure here is such that the sheet-material web (22) is provided in the first instance, by folding, with a continuous web leg and then with transversely directed connecting seams in the region of the web leg, and thereafter the tape is applied to the sheet-material web prepared in this way. Bags (10) provided with a tape are then severed from the sheet-material web. The tapes are applied to the sheet-material web (22) in the region of an application station (30). Following this, the bags (10) are severed in a severing station (27).

Abstract: In a packaging machine, typically a cellophaner for overwrapping packets of cigarettes, each of the packets is enveloped by a wrapping unit in a heat shrinkable wrapper presenting at least two opposite faces disposed parallel one with another. The machine also comprises a unit by which heat is applied to the wrappers, equipped with a pair of belt conveyors that present two branches, facing one another and set in motion in such a way as to transport the packets by gripping the two opposite faces of each wrapper, and at least one heating head associated with each transport branch; the heating heads are faced with a leaf of lamellar graphite bonded to the head on one side and offered in direct contact on the other to the respective branch of the corresponding belt conveyor, so as to minimize friction between the belt and the head.