Abstract: An apparatus for trapping live bait and storing the captured bait for later use. The bait trap is submerged in water and small bait creatures enter through a funnel-shaped entrance that gradually tapers to a small opening, which prevents escape once bait has entered the trap. Strategic placement of the small opening and drain holes allow the trap to be used as a storage bucket once bait is captured. Access and transportation are provided by a top-mounted door and carrying handle.

Abstract: An insect monitoring and trapping device is provided according to the invention. The device includes a base and a lid for covering the base, and is constructed to provide a trap interior and an insect opening for insects to access the trap interior. The device includes a heating device provided within the trap interior for attracting insects, and an adhesive surface provided within the trap for trapping insects.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides an apparatus for trapping insects for purposes of monitoring insect load and in some cases studying the captured insects, and methods for using the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for trapping insects once they emerge from the soil, such as corn rootworm beetles and related insects, and methods for assembling and using the same. The apparatus comprises a frame having an open bottom and a removable top panel having at least one plant slot configured to receive a plant and a capture chamber opening configured to receive a capture chamber; a flexible sealing structure configured to seal the plant slot on the top panel; and a securing mechanism configured to secure the flexible sealing structure such that a seal is created about the plant to prevent the egress of the insects about the plant.

Abstract: A low toxicity fuel and lubricant for two-stroke engines includes a fuel component that is based on ethanol and includes 2-25% volatile hydrocarbon fractions, and a lubricant component based on an oil that is soluble in ethanol, for example castor oil.

Abstract: A process for producing bio-diesel is described in which a consolidator in the form of a hydrocyclone is located between the processor or reactor and a separator to improve the efficiency of the overall formation of bio-diesel. The present of the consolidator in which the major constituents of the bio-diesel is in one part or in one flow both within the consolidator and the by-products are in another part of flowpath within the consolidator acts to condition the mixture from the processor so that more efficient separation can take place in the separator thereby reducing the time taken to achieve separation of the bio-diesel component from the by-product.

Abstract: A method for production of fuel pellets from a biological material, preferably saw dust, wood or similar, where the method comprises the following steps: supplying the material to a drying step (1) and dry the material to a relative humidity from 40-65 weight-percent to 30-45 weight-percent; supplying the material from the dryer step (1), optionally via an intermediate storage step (2), to a reactor step (3, 3?) and heat the material to 200-300° C. by supply of steam; keeping the material in the reactor at the achieved temperature in sufficient time to soften the material; reducing the pressure of the reactor step (3,3?) in at least two steps, in order to defibrate the material and release of lignin, and supply the material from the reactor step (3,3?) to an additional drying step (5), optionally via an intermediate storage step (4), and optionally pelletizing of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant protection device for protecting plants from low temperatures and which comprises the following characteristics: an inflatable, double-walled film sleeve (1), which forms in the inflated state an intrinsically rigid construction and has an interior volume adjusted to the size of the pot plant, and a base plate (3) which can be connected to the film sleeve (1) by a connecting device (2a, 2b), the base plate (3) being made of a cold-insulated material.

Abstract: A landscape edging member for use in defining borders of walks, patios, driveways and the like, is provided with edge lips on one side of a base wall, which serve as stops when one of the landscape edging members is inverted and nested with another landscape edging member, to prevent lateral shifting of the nested landscape edging members when they are placed in a stack or bundle. The lips of the nested landscape edging members overlap portions of the vertical walls of the other one of the two nested landscape edging members, which form an inverted pair of landscape edging members. The lips are high enough from the base wall to prevent lateral shifting of the nested pair when a stack of the landscape edging members are shipped.

Abstract: A hand-held floral bouquet holder is presented. The hand-held floral bouquet holder comprises a handle, a collar, a body connected to the handle and the collar, the body configured to define a volume, a removable material positioned in the volume, a cage arranged such that an edge of the cage contacts the collar; and a cage locking arrangement configured to lock the cage to the collar.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A watering system for controllably dampening the growth medium supporting a potted plant. The system includes a housing arranged to surround the lower portion of the pot as it is suspended from the top of the housing by a holder plate. The holder plate includes major and minor apertures for receiving the pot and a water meter that measures the level of water within a reservoir (catch basin) defined at the bottom of the housing. Moisture is controllably transported from the reservoir into the growth medium by means of a wick whose opposed ends are submerged in the reservoir and inserted into the growth medium by means of an elongated insertion tool.

Abstract: A pot (1) with steam-recovering self-irrigation is disclosed, comprising at least one vessel adapted to contain mould or another organic substance for an implant of at least one plant, at least one cover equipped with at least one opening for making this plant go out therefrom, the cover defining at least one descending slanted surface arranged above the mould. A process for using a pot (1) with steam-recovering self-irrigation is further disclosed.

Abstract: A vertical plant support includes a wall having a panel and an anchor layer, and a matrix of tubes being connected to the wall. The anchor layer is located intermediate the panel and the matrix of tubes. The panel can be liquid impermeable and the anchor layer can be liquid permeable.

Abstract: A plant watering apparatus has a container (1) filled with a suitable growth medium (2) and is attached to a foliage support plate (3) by a bar (4) operatively coupled with a spring loaded water control valve (6). Decreasing weight of the container opens the valve to feed water to container. The plate (3) is supported by a wall or ceiling bracket (10) by means of suspension rods (11). Plants (12) are added through holes (14) in the plate (3) and the plant root ball (13) is embedded within the medium (2) with the plant foliage overlying the plate (3). When sufficient water is present in the container 1 the spring loaded valve 6 will be closed. As the medium (2) in the container dries out the weight will reduce and the valve will commence opening. The foliage is supported by the plate (3) and foliage growth will not significantly add to the weight of the container and thus will not affect the operating point of the valve over extended periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling a hydroponic installation which measures various sensors, controls electrical devices, and provides a rich user interface through a standard web browser accessible anywhere on the Internet. Network connectivity allows the operator to manage the system remotely, as well as view recent and historical data through web pages. Digital cameras, of the kind typically used with PCs, provide visual feedback. The apparatus can notify the operator in the case of certain predetermined conditions, using a variety of messaging methods, including email, SMS or MMS page. The operator can remotely initiate control through reply messages. An industry-standard expansion bus provides the ability to attach external devices for additional functionality. Network access can be provided by Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a nearby cell phone with Bluetooth.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a gas leak in a gas distribution system or part thereof, and comprising: (a) a gas inlet connected to a gas-consuming peripheral (10); (b) a means (50) of detecting gas flow rate, which is situated downstream of and close to said inlet; (c) a variable-volume buffer chamber (11), coupled to said distribution system downstream of the detection means (50); (d) a valve (6) controlled by a control means (6A) for leaving or not leaving the gas free to pass from the gas source or supply to the buffer chamber (11) according to the amount of gas present therein; and (e) a means (8) capable of emitting a leak signal when the detection means (50) detects a gas flow rate higher than a predetermined value when the control means (6A) is interrupting the supply of gas to the buffer chamber (11).

Abstract: A sash window assembly includes: a window frame having upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame members; and at least one sash guided by the vertical frame members and supported to be openable and closable by being slid vertically. The sash has: latch devices provided respectively at left and right ends in an upper end portion of the sash; an upper frame element having first passage holes formed in a top surface thereof and through which respective operating members of the respective latch devices are exposed toward an indoor space; a lower frame element; left and right vertical frame elements, each having a second passage hole formed in a depth-direction surface of the vertical frame element and through which a fastening section of the latch device is passed; and a face material provided inside the upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame elements.

Abstract: There is provided a garage door comprising a front panel including a plurality of front panel members. Each front panel member defines panel member front and rear surfaces. The garage door also includes a plurality of frame assemblies. Each frame assembly is connected to a panel member rear surface. Each frame assembly includes a pair of rails and a plurality of stiles. Each rail includes a rail inner surface. The rail inner surfaces are disposed in opposed relation to each other. Each stile includes opposing end surfaces and a opposing stile inner surfaces. Each stile end surface is attached to a rail to form a plurality of frame opening peripheries. The garage door additionally includes a plurality of fasteners connect the frame assemblies to the front panel members. Pivot members are connected to adjacent ones of the plurality of frame assemblies to enable pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: A power feeding apparatus for a slidable structural body includes a link arm which is provided on one of the slidable structural body and a fixed structural body so as to be pivotally moved in a harness surplus length-absorbing direction of a wire harness, a harness holding member which is provided on a distal end side of the link arm so as to be pivotally moved in a harness pulling direction of the wire harness, and a harness fixing portion provided on the other of the slidable structural body and the fixed structural body, and wire harness is installed to extend from the harness holding member to the harness fixing portion.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for connecting a glass panel to a window regulator has a liner for gripping opposing sides of the glass panel and a holder, connectable to the window regulator, having a channel for seating the liner. At least one of the liner and the holder channel has sloping walls so that the gripping pressure of the holder and liner against the glass panel increases the deeper the liner sits in the holder channel. The liner includes an array of sloping teeth and the holder includes an array of sloping teeth, the liner teeth and holder teeth inter-engaging one another to form a ratcheting mechanism that enables the liner to travel in only one direction, deeper into holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivotable, multi-coil spring counterbalance, and method for using the same, which allows the user to readily attach a desired number of coil springs having chosen forces to a counterbalance connector attached to a vertically movable member, thereby providing an offset for at least a portion of the weight thereof.

Abstract: A window assembly for sealingly attaching a window glass (16) to a frame of a motor vehicle door (6), includes a sealing assembly in combination with a window glass. The sealing assembly comprises a sealing, trimming or guiding strip (30) comprising a length of extruded material, a polypropylene or the like part (58) which is joined to the window glass (16) at an edge of the window glass (16), and a moulded material (60, 160), which is joined to the polypropylene or the like part (58) and connected to said sealing strip (30). The moulded material (60, 160) is preferably made of TPE. The strip (30) is preferably made of EPDM. The moulded material (60, 160) is moulded in a mould with the polypropylene or the like part (58), which has previously been moulded onto the window glass (16), and the strip (30) to mould onto and thereby connect to these parts.

Abstract: The polishing compound for semiconductor wafer of the present invention contains colloidal silica composed of silica particles to which tetraethylammonium is fixed, and concentration of silica particles dispersed in water is between 0.5 to 50 weight %. Concentration of tetraethylammonium contained in silica particles to which tetraethylammonium is fixed is desirable to be in the range from 5×10?4 to 2.5×10?2 as indicated by molar ratio of tetraethylammonium/silica.

Abstract: A gutter shield for separating debris from water entering a gutter, the shield being intended for installation over a conventional longitudinally extending gutter that is mounted outboard from and below a longitudinally extending roof edge. The gutter shield includes a longitudinally extending length of planar stock material that is perforated by a plurality of intermittent, longitudinally extending slots, each slot being at the outboard edge of a tab that ramps downward and outward from a top surface of the stock material; and a longitudinally extending ridge extending downward from an underside of the shield for the purpose of breaking up water sheeting along the underside of the shield. The tab is elongated in ways that discourage sheeting while encouraging flow rate by entraining. Capillary action in opposition to water sheeting on the top surface of the shield is encouraging by gradually and smoothly curving the bend at an inboard bent edge of the tab.

Abstract: The post assembly comprises a pair of juxtaposed and spaced apart post sections, the facing sides of which are provided internally with a longitudinal groove, the longitudinal grooves ] being arranged in alignment with one another and forming in co-operation, in their respective positions, a recess for receiving a longitudinal support rack member for supporting overhanging removable elements.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling components in a tower of a wind energy turbine includes a platform comprising a connector with a movable cap for coupling the platform to a vertically adjacent structural element of the tower.

Abstract: A retractable wall system for a structure such as a building includes a torque tube and a kinetic wall member that is secured to the torque tube. A shaft that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is secured to the structure so that rotation with respect to the structure is precluded. A drive mechanism that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is constructed and arranged to selectively change a rotational position of the shaft with respect to the torque tube so that the wall member may be moved with respect to the structure. An electronic control system may be provided for monitoring and controlling movement of the kinetic wall member with respect to the structure. The electronic control system may be integrated with other control systems of the structure, such as the electronic control system of the structure's HVAC system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements suspended at running rails. In order to provide a mobile partitioning wall, which is designed to be simple to manufacture and to mount and to be universally applicable, and offers simple and variable possibilities to be optionally completed with add-on parts, the wall elements are formed without supporting frame, and mounting elements are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides of the wall elements.

Abstract: A modular shade system with solar tracking panels includes a series of generally North-South oriented, spaced apart torque tubes, each torque tube having an axis, a series of panels mounted to at least some of the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows of panels along the torque tubes, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. The system also includes a shade structure, positioned at a selected location between selected ones of the torque tubes and above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region thereunder, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first mounting assembly mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the axis of each torque tube and a second mounting assembly supporting the shade structure at the selected location. The system further comprises a tilting assembly selectively rotating each torque tube about its axis.

Abstract: A single, self-contained housing core configured for containerization is provided. The housing core includes a first section having a floor and a first portion of walls. A second section is connected with the first section to define at least one cavity. The second section includes a ceiling and a second portion of the walls. The second section also includes a reservoir. Deployment items are disposed with the first and second sections. Implants are disposed within the first and second sections. Loose items are disposed with the first and second sections. Methods and systems of constructing a dwelling unit including the housing core and transporting the housing core via intermodal transport are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building that is self-contained within a standard shipping container, wherein the pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure using a cam-based component connector.

Abstract: A self-checking anchor bolt suspension assembly includes an array of suspension segments each including equally sized openings distributed in a spaced relationship therein for engaging in suspension resilient tubular caps provided with annular tapered cavities communicating through annular apertures at the lower ends thereof. The aperture size and the cavity taper are selected so that the threaded shank of an anchor bolt of only a singular dimensional increment is receivable and resiliently grasped therein and the caps are each color coded in accordance with the shank size of the bolt. In this manner the color coding provides a quick visual assurance that only the properly sized anchor bolts are deployed for immersion into the poured concrete.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling for earthquake prone locations, a line of seismic main beam connections of the invention between main beams separates the ceiling into segments that move independently of each other during a quake, to limit a build-up in ceiling momentum. A slotted fishplate in the connection is set to keep the beam ends stable about a gap before a quake, and slidably connected about the gap during a quake.

Abstract: A drain system for draining water from a lanai floor to eliminate rainwater build-up on lanai floors and speed-up draining time on such floors. The device is attached to the edge of the Lanai floor and acts as a scupper.

Abstract: A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming.

Abstract: A shutter panel and an installation including a shutter panel in an architectural opening. The shutter panel has mitered corners without exposed end grain. The shutter panel is connected directly to structures defining the architectural opening.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A Basement Finishing System that consists of an Acoustic Suspended Ceiling; Vinyl Laminated Outside Corners; Vinyl Laminated Inside Corners; Extruded Polystyrene Insulation; Vinyl Laminated Substrate; Baseboard Molding; Crown Molding; Pre-Wired Electrical Chases for Outlets and Switches; Laminate Flooring; and Recessed Lighting. The walls composition is made from a “sandwich panel” that measures 4×8? by 3?. The wall is made of a ½ inch sheet of Aquaboard brand Fiberock from USG on the front side which is laminated with a vinyl finish followed by a 2? layer of extruded polystyrene insulation placed between another sheet of ½ inch Aquaboard. The wall component is then held in place with a wall suspension system that enables quick installation by affixing an upper channel to the ceiling rafters which then connect to a bracket on the back of the wall and which then rests in a floor track.

Abstract: A wire tray stock includes a first and second wire tray modules extending along a length of the wire tray stock and being integrally connected to one another. A cross-cut zone extends transverse to the wire tray stock between the modules. The cross-cut zone has a width defined by the distance between adjacent end cross wires of the first and second tray modules. The width is less than first distance intervals between intermediate cross wires of the first and second wire tray modules so that the first and second wire tray modules are individually discernible from each other and can be detached from the wire tray stock by cutting through one or more selected cross-cut zones.

Abstract: A modular building capable of being readily assembled and disassembled comprising rectangular base and roof frames each formed by two longitudinal beams and two lateral beams, the roof frame having a smaller periphery than the base frame. Four columns extend between corners of the base and roof frames, these columns being set back within the periphery of the base frame while having a periphery matching that of the roof frame. The building includes a floor panel having an outer periphery matching the periphery of the roof frame and being dimensioned to rest on inner edge portions of the base frame beams, a roof panel for resting on the roof frame and having an outer periphery at least as large as that of the base frame, and side and end wall panels dimensioned to fit between the base frame beams and the roof panel.

Abstract: A floor covering system is described comprising at least two layers in which one of the layers is a base layer made from a multitude of interlocking base elements having a multitude of raised hollow tubes with tapering sides on the upper surface and the other layer is a top covering layer, preferably made from a vinyl material, preferably having a simulated wooden appearance, to which is adhered a fabric backing layer having a multitude of loops. In use the base elements are placed on a floor with the tubes uppermost and the top covering layer with the loops lowermost placed on the base elements such that the loops engage around the tapering side surfaces of the tubes to releasably attach the two layers together so that when required, such as for example, when the top covering layer is worn, the top covering layer can be removed from the base layer without having to also remove the base layer thereby allowing the floor covering layer to be readily replaced with a new floor covering layer.

Abstract: A barrier membrane for use in building construction may be manufactured by forming a polymeric film coating on release paper or film; or on nonwoven textiles, paper, fiberglass, or other structural substrate to improve tensile strength. Alternatively, the film may be fully or partially formed and then bonded to a structural substrate. A porous film coating or laminate may be formed using PVDF, PVC, and various polyolefins. A typical membrane may be less than 100 mil thick and greater than 50% porous, and may have a hydrostatic head while retaining gas permeability. Some embodiments may contain active ingredients to combat bacterial or fungal growth, repel insects, or absorb environmental pathogens. The active ingredients may be applied after the porous film is manufactured or may be incorporated during the film manufacturing process.

Abstract: An architectural concrete structure and a wall system formed with a plurality of architectural concrete structure wherein each block has first and second cement sections spaced apart and joined together with steel reinforcing bars and tubular members filled with cement. The first and second sections have parallel outer wall surfaces and inner wall surfaces which taper outwardly in an upward direction. Foam insulation is secured to each of the tapering wall surfaces, which insulation members define a tapered passageway extending through the length of the structure.

Abstract: A mate line closure and aesthetic structural embellishment for structures, included modular buildings. A pair of elongated modular elements, forming part of a modular unit, are provided, having junction ends proximate one another when assembled as the modular unit. A key joins the modular elements at the junction ends, the key forming a finished union with opposite side plates and a bottom plate. The modular unit is installed in portions in a building, such as at a mate line, and is preferably secured to an under support installed before the elements of the modular unit are then installed.

Abstract: A simulated brick panel is made by applying a first layer of mortar on a base panel, applying a second layer of mortar over the first mortar layer, and then cutting grooves in the second layer to expose the first layer of mortar to view. The first layer of mortar is chosen to have a color of mortar and the second layer of mortar is chosen to have a color of brick so that the grooves will effect a simulation of mortar lines between bricks. A tool especially adapted for cutting the grooves is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings and floors. At least one firestop block is positioned in the holes or gaps formed by the wall and a fluted metal deck of the ceiling or floor. The walls can be gypsum walls, which may have a metal track at the top or bottom, or could be block walls made of concrete or similar material. The firestop blocks are made of fire resistant material such as hydratable cement or intumescent materials. A flexible or flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as elastomeric sealant or silicone, or hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the space between the firestop block and the hole or gap, as a sealant or filler.

Abstract: Agglomerate tile structures and ceiling tile structures: The agglomerate tile structures can be of a single layer having an intermixed granular base medium comprised of one or more subcomponent materials (e.g., powdered, crushed, chips, and/or other broken pieces of varying sized particles, of quartz, granite, limestone, marble, glass, ceramic, semiprecious stones, etc.), plus a binder material and a PCM component; or the agglomerate tile structures can be of multiple layers, such as having an outer wear-layer substantially absent of PCM component—this outer wear-layer being bonded or otherwise incorporated with a second layer comprised of a binder material and a PCM component, substantially absent of the granular base medium.

Abstract: A construction set and method for assembling a Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU) requires a plurality of flat panels that include male (M) and female (F) connectors located on their respective peripheries. The entire RHU can then be assembled using a single, hand-operated tool to engage a selected M with a selected F. First the floor is established and leveled. Next, starting at a corner, the walls are erected around the floor. Finally, the roof is created. A same, hand-operated tool is used for each task.

Abstract: A plank is provided that has opposing first and second ends extending along a width of the plank, opposing first and second longitudinal sides extending along a length of the plank, and opposing top and bottom surfaces. The plank can have a tongue edge at the first end and a groove edge at the second end. The tongue edge can be detachably lockable into the groove edge of an adjacent, identical plank. Surface covering systems having a plurality of the planks connected together are also provided.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower includes an induction brazed joint coupling a first wind tower section and a second wind tower section.