Abstract: A typical Christmas tree stand has legs made of stamped metal with thumbscrews threaded through the stamped metal, which provides almost no resistance to lateral movement of the thumbscrews. The rotational action of tightening the thumbscrews actually causes the tree trunk to rotate about its axis thus twisting the thumbscrews laterally and loosening the contact of the thumbscrews with the tree trunk thus allowing the tree to lean or fall over. The present invention is a Christmas tree stand adapter ring, hereinafter referred to as adapter ring, having unthreaded screw holes arranged radially to coincide with thumbscrews in the legs and collar of a typical Christmas tree stand. The adapter ring is positioned inside the collar of the typical Christmas tree stand in an orientation that allows the thumbscrews of the Christmas tree stand to pass through the adapter ring and make contact with the Christmas tree trunk.

Abstract: A floral display unit and system is disclosed. The unit comprises a tubular body having an imaginary central axis. In use the imaginary central axis is orientated vertically. Opposite first and second ends are spaced apart along the axis. The first end forms an upper end of the body arranged to receive a floral display and the second end forms a lower end. There are one or more side walls extending between the ends.

Abstract: A irrigation means from the irrigation of a vegetation substrate by capillary action comprises a flat, sheet-like substrate base able to impart water to the vegetation substrate and able to be supplied with water by way of a capillary irrigation structure and the substrate base and the irrigation structure are united as a uniform irrigation mat able to be handled as a single assembly bodily.

Abstract: A lamp for growing plants includes a first set of orange light emitting diodes that have a peak wavelength emission of about 612 nanometers, a second set of red light emitting diodes that have a peak wavelength emission of about 660 nanometers and a third set of blue light emitting diodes that have a peak wavelength emission of about 465 nanometers. The lamp also includes a green light emitting diode that has a wavelength emission that is between 500 and 600 nanometers. The green light emitting diode provides a human observer with an indication of general plant health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant container (13) for the propagation and growth of plants. The plant container (13) comprises at least one section of material, which is configured to define a space having a plant receiving end (27). The at least one section of material has an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface defining a plurality of recesses (19) and a plurality of protuberances (21). Each recess narrows towards an aperture (23), and each recess is defined in part by first (22) and second (24) substantially opposing surfaces such that the recess is asymmetric in form.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a planter that does not need to use a saucer or the like; said planter can be used as a planter after the content thereof is gone; the leakage of the content (soil and the like) at the distribution thereof is eliminated. The planter comprises a planter body including an air space capable of containing a plant cultivating material, wherein said planter body includes at least one drainage opening for draining a solution pored into said air space, said drainage opening being liquid tightly occluded by an occluding member, said occluding member being operatively provided for optionally opening or occluding said drainage opening from the outside of said planter, thereby realizing the planter.

Abstract: A horticultural growing medium is made up of composted bark, a carbon-based fibrous material, a hydrophilic polymer, sea solid, and beneficial bacteria/fungicide. The materials are formed into a solid substrate having structural stability, with both micro and macro interconnecting pores. The addition of a controlled release fertilizer provides for a perfect combination of nutrients, water retention, and pest and fungus control.

Abstract: A method of assembling a spray quench apparatus is provided. The method includes coupling a first end of an exit tube to a quench chamber such that the exit tube end is in flow communication with the quench chamber, coupling at least one spray nozzle to an opposite second end of the exit tube such that water emitted from the spray nozzle fills the exit tube and forms a film of water across an inner surface of the exit tube, coupling a water source to the quench chamber for providing a substantially continuous water film along an inner surface of the quench chamber, and coupling at least one discharge apparatus to the quench chamber for providing water spray into the quench chamber, wherein the water of the water film and water sprays drains into a water sump.

Abstract: A linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock, operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels, has a linear burner distributor with at least two fuel distribution apertures for distribution of fuel, a supply of air, where the fuel and air mix in a linear mixing cavity to form a catalytically combustible mixture, a catalytic burner element, an electric heater in heat transferring relation to at least one of the burner distributor and the catalytic burner element, a catalyst bed, a boiler for boiling and heating the feedstock, and an exhaust heat exchanger effective for pre-heating the supply of air to the burner.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner includes a pressure vessel that encloses at least part of a pre-heater. The pre-heater has an inlet for connection to a source of feed gas and an outlet for delivering the feed gas into the interior of the pressure vessel. An electrical heater element located within the pre-heater increases the temperature of the feed gas as it flows through the pre-heater. An expansion valve reduces the pressure of the feed gas as it flows from the pre-heater so as to initiate condensation. A super heater is at least partially located within the pressure vessel and has an inlet within the interior of the pressure vessel. A filter is in a flow path in the pressure vessel leading from the pre-heater heater to the super heater for removing condensate from the feed gas. An electrical heater element is in the super heater for heating the feed gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and catalyst, with gasification of the particles entrained in the vented steam. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.

Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally a catalyst, with gasification of the free-standing or slurry particulate outputs. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.

Abstract: A sliding door of a motor vehicle is provided as well as a cover device for such a sliding door, that includes, but not limited to at least one guide rail assigned to the inner side of a sliding door leaf that engages with a sliding element. The sliding element is connected to the supporting structure of the vehicle by means of a pivotably mounted pivoted lever. The cover device is configured to substantially separate the guide rail with respect to the vehicle interior, at least in the closed position of the door leaf.

Abstract: A door-mounting system facilitates mounting of one or more closed doors in a fashion which facilitates substantially full-access to the closet. The mounting system includes upper and lower mounting plates which each define first and second guide tracks, with upper and lower pairs of guide members, operatively connecting the associated door to the guide tracks, mounting the door for generally arcuate movement with respect to the door opening. The system includes an arrangement by which the guide members can be selectively positioned to selectively vary the degree to which the door projects through and into the associated closet of the like, thus facilitating use of the present system in those applications which may include a relatively shallow closet or like enclosure.

Abstract: A driving device for a hatch in a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to a stationary structural component, a second fastening element which can be connected to a movable structural component, and a housing tube fixed to the second fastening element and extending toward the first fastening element. A spindle drive includes a threaded spindle and a nut fixed in a spindle tube connected to the first fastening element by a bolt, wherein the spindle can be driven in rotation to move the first fastening element axially relative to the housing tube. An elastomeric decoupling element between the spindle tube and the bolt decouples the spindle drive from the first fastening element in order to damp noise and vibration.

Abstract: The lifting window (15) has a windowpane (17) which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting device and which is guided here by two guide rails (24; 25). In the region of at least one side edge (19), the windowpane (17) is guided, at a point remote from the lifting device, only indirectly by the associated guide rail (24) by means of an adjusting device (38). The adjusting device (38) has a guide strip (39) which interacts with the associated guide rail (24). The guide strip (39) is guided by means of a guide device (41) so as to be moveable at least approximately perpendicularly to the windowpane (17). Said guide strip (39) can be adjusted relative to the windowpane (17) by means of an adjustment device (42) and can be fixed in the desired relative position by means of a fixing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for moving and/or opening and closing at least one drawer, flap, door, or similar. The device comprises at least one-drive unit (9) that is effectively connected to the drawer, flap, door, or similar, at least one control and regulation unit (1) for the at least one drive unit (9), and at least one sensor unit (2) for detecting the direction of rotation and/or the number of rotations of the drive shaft of the drive unit (9), the number and/or the direction of rotation being fed to the control and regulation unit (1). A timer (5) is provided that starts a given interval when rotations of the drive shaft are detected which are not generated by the drive unit (9) while at least one comparing unit (3,4) is provided in which a lower threshold value can be stored for the rotations or partial rotations of the drive shaft detected by the sensor unit (2) within the given interval.

Abstract: A gliding door system employs a latch with a gear and pinion mechanism for smooth opening of a door. A lower door push member is driven with the opening of the latch, so as to urge the door open by pushing at a lower end thereof. The door suitably is carried by adjustable wheels that ride on a rail like member, wherein at a closed position, the rail is slightly depressed, to lower the door slightly at the closed position, to bring lower seals into engagement with seats.

Abstract: A doorway with anti-bubbling sill drain includes spaced vertical side jambs, a head jamb, and a substantially hollow contain-and-drain sill, all of which form a frame. The sill has an outside nosing provided with weep holes and weep doors and a threshold portion that directly underlies a closed door mounted in the frame. A drain insert is mounted within an oblong hole in the threshold portion of the sill for allowing water collected on the threshold portion to drain into the sill and for allowing air within the sill to vent. The drain insert has a top cover, from the end portions of which a pair of drains depend. The tops of the drains are spaced from the underside of the top cover to form drain entrances. An open vent space is formed between the two drains and terminates at its upper extent in drain holes formed through the top cover. When installed, the drains extend down into the interior of the sill with the drain entrances being flush with the floor of the threshold portion.

Abstract: An antiloading composition includes a first organic compound. The compound has a water contact angle criterion that is less than a water contact angle for zinc stearate. The first compound also satisfies at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a coefficient of friction F less than about 0.3, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.3. Another embodiment includes a second organic compound, having a different water contact angle from that of the first organic compound. The composition has a particular water contact angle Wop that is determined, at least in part, by the independent Wog of each compound and the proportion of each compound in the composition. Also, an abrasive product includes the antiloading composition. A method of grinding a substrate is disclosed that includes employing effective amount of an antiloading composition. Further disclosed is a method of selecting an antiloading compound.

Abstract: A particulate material comprising cerium oxide particles having a secondary particle size distribution in a range of 80 nm to 199 nm and a density of at least 6.6 g/cm3.

Abstract: An airbeam is augmented with transverse frames and bracing cables to make a truss-like structure. This feature is adaptable for adding strength to a plain airbeam and to an airbeam forming a structural arch. It can also be incorporated into an inflatable wing.

Abstract: A cover (3) for mounting on a frame structure (1) associated with a manhole, the frame structure (1) having side walls defining a central opening there through, the cover (3) including: a cover member dimensioned to fit the central opening with a bottom surface of the cover member facing towards an interior of the manhole and a top surface (9) of the cover member facing away from the manhole, the cover member being moveable with respect to the frame structure (1) between a closed position, whereby the central opening is covered, and an open position, a lock mechanism for releasably locking the cover member in the closed position, the lock mechanism including one or more locking members (13) engagable with the frame structure (1) to thereby retain the cover in the closed position and a lock actuator connected to the locking members (13) for engaging and disengaging each locking member (13) with the frame structure (1), the lock actuator being accessible from the top surface of the cover member, the lock mechan

Abstract: A rail-mounted movable wall element comprises on the top and/or lower side thereof at least one sealing element displaceable between the traveling and operating positions of the movable wall element with the aid of a powered drive unit. The movable wall motor-driven element is provided with a sealing element. For this purpose, the drive unit is introducible into receiving openings arranged on the faces of the wall body on the top and/or lower side in such a way that it is detachably connected to the sealing element.

Abstract: A portable building has a first side wall 1, a second side wall 2, a pair of end walls 3 and 4, a floor, and overlapping roof parts 5 and 6. The first side wall 1 is able to move in a direction away from the second side wall 2 with the result that space within the building is substantially increased. The building is formed such that as the first side wall 1 moves the overlap between the roof parts 5 and 6 reduces so as to accommodate the increased space within the building. Movement of the first side wall 1 creates substantial wall openings between the first side wall 1 and the end walls 3 and 4. The openings are closed off with doors, a panels, windows, or any combination of these, in each case made to match the wall openings.

Abstract: A connecting device (1) for the shear-force connection of concrete components (20), in particular prefabricated concrete components, comprises: an elongate protective box (2) for fitting in an end face (20?) of the components (20), which comprises a bottom (5) and at least two side walls (6) extending in a longitudinal direction of the bottom; at least one flexible reinforcing loop element (3) which can be accommodated in the protective box (2) and can be moved out of the latter; characterized in that the bottom (5) has a bottom profiling with groups of bottom projections (7) and bottom depressions (7?) alternating in the longitudinal direction, wherein each group has at least one bottom projection (7) or at least one bottom depression (7?).

Abstract: A disabling tab (100) for disabling an anti-disengagement or safety catch (80) such as on a connector (20) of a pedestal for elevated floors having mating internally and externally threaded components is disclosed. The safety catch (80) is a pivoted wedge shaped block defined at the lower end of an externally threaded component which defines a ramped portion (84) extending to a buttress end (86) facing the start of the external thread. In the internally threaded components, one thread also defines a buttress end (92). When the components are screwed together, the ramp (84) of the safety catch deflects inwards and passes the buttress end (92). When the components are unscrewed, the end (86) of the catch abuts the end (92) of the thread preventing the components from being unscrewed.

Abstract: A window frame for use in a window assembly with a sash, the sash having a top rail, a bottom rail, and a first and a second stile extending therebetween. The window frame includes a head member, a sill member, and a jamb extending between the head member and the sill member. The jamb defines a first slot that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the jamb and is adapted to receive a first weatherstrip. The first slot is disposed adjacent a corner of the first stile and angled with respect to a front surface and a side surface of the first stile.

Abstract: A window frame for use with a window assembly with a sash slidably mounted in the window frame, the sash having a top rail, a bottom rail, and a first and a second stile extending therebetween. The window frame includes a head member, a sill member defining a first channel for receiving the bottom rail of the sash when the sash is in a closed position and a trough extending along a bottom of the channel. A pair of jambs extends between opposing ends of the head member and the sill member. The trough is adapted to allow water to pass to a first interior volume of the sill member such that the water is directed to an exterior side of the sill member.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Abstract: An airloop wall system with durable water-tightness performance is disclosed. The system comprises a base anchor member secured to a top surface of a first floor slab, a base track connected to the base anchor, a base flashing for repelling moisture, a first ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of the first floor slab, a first ceiling track connected to the first ceiling anchor member, a slab edge panel attached to the base track and the first ceiling track, a second ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of a second floor slab, a second ceiling track connected to the second ceiling anchor member, a panel sill frame attached to the base track, a panel head frame attached to the second ceiling track, two jamb frames, and a panel secured between the frames. Corners of the frames are miter-matched such that air spaces inside form an airloop.

Abstract: A construction block for use in the construction of elemental structures, including a body having a bottom surface, a top surface, end surfaces, an outer surface which forms part of an outer surface of a structure and an inner face. At least one formation on or in at least the inner face and/or at least one of the end faces receives and retains at least one insulating element. The insulating element provides thermal insulation for the structure formed from such construction blocks.

Abstract: A building form that uses two building panels made of a rigid board and a form filler and supported by light gauge framing members and integrating two adjacent building panel molds forming a ribbed chamber into which concrete can be poured. The building panels when jointed together form a depression within the mold panel for a concrete rib when concrete is poured over the building panels. In addition, each of the building panels when separated by another fire resistant board thereby forming a space between the panel molds forming a wider forming mold which becomes an integral part of the building panel. The separated building panels also allow for mechanical mean to be distributed. Additional forming means can be added for a wider and deeper forming structure. Several different transverse support beams can be used to increase the panel mold structural strength.

Abstract: An insulation system includes a panel having a major surface, a layer of fibrous insulating material and at least one securing clip affixed to the panel and securing the insulation layer to the major surface. Each clip includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a head, two diametrically-opposed resilient latching elements projecting from the head and a first locking shoulder extending at least partially between the latching elements. Each latching element includes a latching shoulder adjacent a distal end opposite the head.

Abstract: A fastening system for rectangular slab-like panels having two long edges and two short edges and including retaining profiles arranged on the edges, of which oppositely arranged retaining profiles match one another in such a way that identical panels can be connected to one another. The retaining profiles in a connected state produce a form fit in a direction which extends perpendicularly to a laying plane in which the panels are to be laid, and/or produce a form fit in a direction which lies in the laying plane and extends perpendicularly to the connected edges. The retaining profiles have on the long edges and/or on the short edges at least one surface which interacts with a complementary surface when the retaining profiles are connected to one another.

Abstract: A deployable structure comprising a plurality of pairs of hingeably connected members, a first hinge element; and a second hinge element; wherein the two members of each pair of hingeably connected members are connected to the first and the second hinge elements respectively; and wherein the first hinge element is capable of being stabilized for facilitating stabilization of the deployable structure into a deployed state.

Abstract: A support bar for spanning a pair of metal studs is attached to the studs by gripping fasteners formed at the ends of the support bar or attached to a horizontal support beam by a gripping fastener at one end. The gripping fastener is formed out of the support bar in the form of a first loop that extends from the first end of the bar and lies in a first plane, substantially perpendicular to the rod, with a second loop extending from the first loop lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first loop. In a second embodiment, the gripping fastener is formed out of the bar as a series of slots in the bar, perpendicular to the central axis, for a short distance along its length, at the ends. The slots are sized to fit the thickness of the metal stud.

Abstract: Brackets and systems thereof are provided. Brackets include a web, a first flange, and a second flange. The first flange extends from the web and has an end portion from which a resilient arm extends inwardly towards the web at an incline. The second flange extends from the web opposed and generally parallel to the first flange, and includes a first end, a first extension extending from the first end outwardly from the web and generally parallel to the second flange, the first extension having a second end, and a second extension extending from the second end generally parallel to the first extension. The first extension and the second extension define a guideway for slidably receiving an object. Systems include brackets of the present invention coupling an object to a stud.

Abstract: A defect in a horizontal or vertical seam at the edge of a roof membrane is detected by applying a DC voltage between the roof deck a probe in the form of a flexible wetted sponge and wiping the sponge probe over the seams. The current to the probe is detected and indicated to the operator so that the operator may determine a maximum current at the defect. The receiver provides an audible signal emitter to the operator and includes a calibration circuit arranged to automatically maintain, despite changes in voltage applied between the roof deck and the peripheral conductor, a “0” set calibration point so as to indicate at the calibration point when zero difference in voltage is detected. Conductors can be applied to the membrane to define an area to be tested within the conductors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for replacing components, including doors, may include measuring devices, measurement processing steps, component cutting steps, painting and installation steps. Components to be replaced, such as doors, may be measured while still installed and the measurements directed to dimensions and components of the door frame rather than the dimensions of the door.

Abstract: A pneumatic shingle removing machine, actuated by a linear cylinder, for the purpose of removing shingles from a roof. The machine includes a pneumatic cylinder connected to the deflector shield which moves the attached ripper teeth forward under the shingles while the operator immobilizes the frame by standing on the foot hold down with ratchet teeth on the bottom. On the reverse stroke of the cylinder, the operator removes his foot from the hold down allowing the frame to ratchet forward for the next stroke. An air valve is attached to the T-Handle and hoses are connected to the pneumatic cylinder for the purpose of directing air pressure for forward and reverse motion. The deflector shield rolls the shingles up and forward as the machine is manipulated forward down the roof. The ripper teeth are angled down to stay under the shingles, and two stabilizer rods held in the tubes, permanently affixed to the frame, with linear bearings, maintain level stability.

Abstract: A fixing system including at least one upright, preferably in extruded aluminum, with special orientable brackets suitable for being restrained to the same upright, particularly suitable for the construction of structural facades of the hanging type, whether these provides rotule supports for the holding of perforated slabs or panes of glass or whether they have point-type supports with a ball joint for the holding of non-perforated slabs or panels of glass.

Abstract: A crimping device for crimping a cap around a flange of a container is provided. The crimping device comprises a disc having a first disc member and a second disc member adjacent the first disc member, wherein the second disc member extends outwardly beyond the first disc member and has a hardness lesser than that of the container and a motion device for producing a relative movement between the disc and the flange of the container so as to effect crimping of the cap around the flange.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A unit for filling first containers (6), fed discontinuously, with a predetermined number of objects (3) of smaller dimensions than the first containers, said second objects (3) being fed to said unit (1) continuously by a feeder (2), said unit comprising conveyor means (12, 13, 30, 31, 50) for conveying said objects (3) into said container (6), interceptor means (31, 32) for said objects (3) to enable or prevent entry of said objects into said container, and means (40, 41) for counting the number of said objects (3) inserted into said first container (6), said interceptor means (31, 32) being associated with said conveyor means.

Abstract: A packing material is made of a thin plastic bag with compressible beads inside, and with the pressure inside the bag being sufficiently less than the ambient pressure outside the bag to keep the beads in a non-free-flowing state, the packing material being generally flat, with a generally constant cross-sectional thickness and having at least one trough of lesser cross-sectional thickness to serve as a bend line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo shipping crate having a base, four sides and a top cap, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel form four sides of the crate. Each panel has a first, a second and a third subpanel. The first subpanel of the first panel is positioned to overlap the third subpanel of the second panel, and the second subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The first subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions, and the third subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The top cap has four flaps, each of the four flaps are rotatable to a position superjacent a subpanel.

Abstract: A method and wrapping unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes, and which include: feeding the group of cigarettes along a path; feeding a sheet of wrapping perpendicularly to the path of the group of cigarettes; feeding a tubular spindle along the path of the group of cigarettes to intercept the sheet of wrapping and fold the sheet of wrapping into a U about the tubular spindle; and feeding the group of cigarettes through the tubular spindle to slide the sheet of wrapping off the tubular spindle and apply the U-folded sheet of wrapping to the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A method for producing a ready-to-distribute distribution assembly comprising a data carrier in a single production line is disclosed. The method includes providing a foldable cover panel having a basin for receiving a data carrier, inserting a data carrier, folding the cover panel, sealing the cover panel, and printing identification information on the cover panel.