Abstract: A method of forming a biodiesel product and a heterogeneous catalyst system used to form said product that has a high tolerance for the presence of water and free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil feedstock is disclosed. This catalyst system may simultaneously catalyze both the esterification of FAA and the transesterification of triglycerides present in the oil feedstock. The catalyst system is comprised of a mixture of zinc oxide and a second metal oxide. The zinc oxide includes a mixture of amorphous zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanocrystals, the zinc nanocrystals having a mean grain size between about 20 and 80 nanometers with at least one of the nanocrystals including a mesopore having a diameter of about 5 to 15 nanometers. Preferably, the second metal oxide is a lanthanum oxide, the lanthanum oxide being selected as one from the group of La2CO5, LaOOH, and combinations or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Cerium or other metal oxide is used with bio-derived fuels to reduce coking and to clean up combustion chamber surfaces.

Abstract: A fire log includes a single fire log cut in a specific design to enable easy ignition and sustenance of a self-contained campfire. The single log is designed to stand vertically and may range from twenty-four to seventy-two inches in height depending on diameter. In most instances, four vertical, diametrical cuts are made in the log forming eight pie-slice segments. The cuts extend from the top surface of the log downward toward the base of the log. The vertical cuts stop short of the entire length of the log leaving approximately 25% of the length uncut. The uncut portion forms the base of the log. One of the segments is cut horizontally at its lower end adjacent the top of the base so that the segment can be removed from the log for air flow control.

Abstract: The method of growing a fungal fruiting body requires exposing a mycelium of a desired organism type to environmental conditions sufficient to induce fruiting of fungal primordium in the organism type followed by enclosing the fungal primordium within a mold of a designated shape representing a near net shape volume of a desired final product. The fungal primordium is allowed to grow and fill the mold to form a mass of fungal tissue equivalent in shape to the designated shape of the mold after which the mass of fungal tissue is removed from the mold and dried.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of growing plants, comprising the step of allowing a seedling, tissue culture or plantlet to develop into a plant, wherein during early ontogeny of said plant an increase in the rate of respiration and/or protein turnover due to oxidative stress is prevented.

Abstract: A conical container that is stable includes a cup adapted to contain liquid and/or one or more selected item(s) and a frustoconical skirt depending therefrom. The container may further include a plurality of removable and interchangeable inserts operable with the cup and/or one or more tray operable with the skirt. The container may advantageously be used as a vase for an arrangement of fresh cut flowers, and may optionally be converted for use with one or more additional selected item.

Abstract: A substrate for plants comprises at least two connected layers, one layer of which comprises a porous polyester material, and the other layer of which comprises another porous material. The water-retaining properties of this layer are better than those of the porous polyester material. The layer of porous polyester material may comprise polyester fibres, preferably polyester fibres which are entangled and/or arranged arbitrarily.

Abstract: A vertically-integrated greenhouse for growing plants in suspended trays. The design is particularly well-suited for installation in a double-skin façade of a building, or in an interior atrium, lobby, or similar structure. In addition to producing food, plants can reduce building maintenance costs by providing shade, air treatment, and evaporative cooling to building occupants. The vertically-integrated greenhouse involves the use of a dynamic movable array of plant trays as a mechanical shading device. The spacings and arrangements of the trays in the tray suspension system can be adjusted on both a diurnal basis and a seasonal basis to maximize plant light capture and building shading, thereby maximizing crop yield and building energy savings, or for esthetic considerations.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas, particularly carbon dioxide, uses, in some forms, a reactor, such as a plasma gasification reactor (PGR), to chemically reduce sequestered carbon dioxide with high heat in a carbonaceous bed to form gaseous products then used above the bed to convert biomass to lighter hydrocarbons, as well as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In some arrangements the sequestered carbon dioxide supplied to a reactor is derived from a power plant's exhaust. The gaseous products of a reactor may be supplied to an additional reactor for processing to form liquid fuels or may be supplied as gas fuel to an electric power plant or otherwise combusted. Where the output of the CO2 conversion and the biomass conversion is converted to liquid fuels, such as ethanol, such fuels may be either applied as transportation fuels or used to generate electric power, among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reprocessing of the combustion products, carbon dioxide and water, to generate renewable synthetic fuels and motor fuels by means of electrical energy, involving, according to the invention, mixing hydrogen, produced from water, preferably water vapor, by electrolysis, and carbon dioxide up to a molar ratio of 1 to 3.5 to obtain a carbon dioxide-hydrogen mixture, pre-heating said mixture in a high temperature recuperator and then heating it to 800 to 5,000° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary lock which is used to control the passage of people and comprises a locking unit that can be blocked and unblocked, can be rotated about an inclined rotational axis, and comprises preferably three blocking arms (2) which can successively, in progressive steps, be brought from a position blocking the passage of a person into a position freeing the passage of a person. In the event of a breakdown or danger, the unhindered passage of any number of people is enabled by locking a respective blocking arm (2) on a bearing plate (4) carrying the blocking arms (2) in an articulated manner (4), by means of a locking element (7) engaging in an opening (8). In the event of a breakdown, the locking element (7) of the blocking arm (2) located in the blocking position is mechanically released from the engagement in the opening (8), and an eccentric force applied to the blocking arm (2) pivots the same out of the normal position thereof into the release position thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window lift system of a vehicle door with a first component, wherein the first component is designed for the fixation at a window, wherein the first component can be inserted with the window into a first position in the vehicle door, and with a second component, wherein the second component can be attached to the vehicle door in a detachable manner, wherein the second component is movable from the second position to the first position, and wherein the first component can be connected with the second component in the first position. In other aspects, the invention relates to a method for mounting of the lifter, a first component, and a second component. The invention further relates to a tool for mounting of the lifter.

Abstract: A motorised drive system for a louvre assembly of the type containing a surround frame, a pair of spaced apart operating bars positioned within the surround frame and where movement of the operating bars causes rotation of the louvres, the drive system comprising a motor adapted to be positioned within the surround frame, the motor operationally driving a drive shaft which is substantially horizontal when the drive system is fitted within the surround frame, a mounting member which is attached for rotation with the drive shaft, at least two spaced apart attachment points on the mounting member, a first link arm, a second link arm and a third link arm, the first link arm being attached to one of the attachment points and to one said operating bar, the second link arm being attached to another of the attachment points, the third link arm being pivotally attached to the second link arm and to the other operating bar.

Abstract: A latch including a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a bolt therebetween. A plurality of tabs may extend from the base, the plurality of tabs extending outwardly beyond the side walls when the side walls are operably coupled with the at least a portion of the second housing portion. One or more retention structures may be provided on the outer portion of the housing to inhibit longitudinal movement of the latch assembly within a recess in a window sash when the latch is installed in the recess.

Abstract: A platform screen door system includes a fixed driving panel and at least one door leaf slidable relative to the fixed driving panel. Further included is a telescopic guide including a fixed guide mounted on the fixed driving panel, a moving guide mounted on the at least one door leaf, and a moving intermediate guide mounted on the fixed guide. Also included is a drive means for slidably moving the at least one door leaf from a closed position to an opened position wherein the at least one door leaf overlaps the fixed driving panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for slidable devices such as sliding gates or sliding doors. In order to render possible a compact and nevertheless stable construction of the device (1), it is provided according to the invention that the device (1) has a supporting or retaining device (2) and a shorter runner rail (3) as well as a longer runner rail (4), wherein rolling elements (5) and/or sliding elements are provided on the supporting or retaining element (2), via which rolling elements and/or sliding elements the shorter runner rail (3) can be moved, and wherein further rolling elements (6) and/or sliding elements are provided on the shorter runner rail (3) and optionally on the supporting or retaining element (2), via which further rolling elements and/or sliding elements the longer runner rail (4) can be moved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing the gap (14) between two adjacent hatch covers (10) located at least at approximately the same height, having at least ferromagnetic hatch cover edges (13), wherein a flat flexible strip (1; 1?) is placed across the entire gap (14), wherein the width (Bs) and the length (Ls) of the strip are larger than the width (Bz) and the length (Lz) of the gap (14) and the longitudinal edges (3; 3?) protruding the width (Bz) of the gap (14) of which are placed on the adjacent hatch cover edges (13) in a plane manner under magnetic force.

Abstract: A water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure configured to enclose a plurality of electronic components is provided. The enclosure comprises a base having a channel, a first L-shaped door rotatably attached to a first side edge of the base, a second L-shaped door rotatably attached to a second side edge of the base, a door-to-door seal abutted to a flange on the first L-shaped door, and a compressible base-seal inserted into the channel. The compressible base-seal and the door-to-door seal form a three-surface seal when the first L-shaped door and the second L-shaped door are closed.

Abstract: A water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure configured to enclose at least one electronic module is provided. The water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure includes a base having a channel, a first L-shaped door rotatably attached to a first edge of the base, a second L-shaped door rotatably attached to a second edge of the base, a flange seal attached to a first flange on the first L-shaped door, and a compressible base-seal inserted into the channel. The compressible base-seal and the flange seal form an enclosure seal when the first L-shaped door and the second L-shaped door are closed.

Abstract: Producing and using very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits comprising various fused aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives, fused aluminum oxide-zirconium oxide co-fusions with or without other oxide additives, or sintered sol gel aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives where the ceramic abrasive grains are preferably made by crushing bubbles of the material.

Abstract: A polishing composition and making method thereof is provided, in which a plurality of abrasive particles, organic resins, and an initiator are mixed and stirred into slurry. These abrasive particles are dispersed uniformly in the slurry. Then, the slurry is poured into a mold with a predefined shape. The slurry is formed into the polishing composition in the corresponding predefined shape. Thus, the polishing composition contains higher concentration of abrasive particles which can quickly polish a substrate, and the surface of the substrate will not easily be scratched from the polishing composition.

Abstract: Abrasive compacts, in particular ultrahard polycrystalline abrasive compacts, are made under high pressure/high temperature conditions and are characterized in that they include a coarser grained fraction of ultrahard particles distributed non-percolatively throughout a finer grained fraction of ultrahard particles, which may be regarded as a finer grained ultrahard particle matrix, in such a way that the individual coarser grains are largely isolated from one another. It therefore performs as a matrix of highly wear resistant finer grained material interspersed with larger grains, offering a structure that has advantageous wear and impact performance over the behaviours of the two components individually or otherwise combined.

Abstract: The system and method of securing a single ply membrane to a roof deck or structure described herein is of a system that utilizes sections of cable that are completely protected or surrounded by the single ply membrane. There may be a set of perimeter cables or interior cables that secure the membrane according to the needs of the building and the necessary specifications on the roof. The cables are secured at their endpoints and, possibly, additional fasteners may be provided along their lengths. Flashing of the cables provides that they be completely protected from the elements, as are most fasteners in flat or low slope roofing systems.

Abstract: An integrated advertising and building structure includes a housing having a top wall and at least one side wall, a door in the housing for accessing an interior space in the housing and a display device carried on the housing.

Abstract: A device for dividing off areas of a space, with at least one ceiling rail and/or floor rail and/or wall rail which has at least two rail parts and with at least one web of film or fabric which can be connected to the ceiling rail and/or floor rail and/or wall rail, and at least the first rail part and at least the second rail part of a rail, which second rail part is adjacent to the first rail part, can be connected to one another and can be fixed in their position relative to one another. It is provided that adjacent rail parts can be connected positively and/or nonpositively to one another simply by mutual superpositioning of the rail parts in the lengthwise direction of the rail and by subsequently pressing the overlapping rail parts together in the transverse direction of the rails.

Abstract: Bower, characterized in that the truss is provided with a roof frame (6) over part of its width, under which are provided two rollers (10A and 10B) extending in the longitudinal direction of the bower, and on which is wound a cloth which can be laterally unwound over the remaining part of the truss and which can be further guided downward over a return pulley (14A, 14B) at the top far end of the posts (3A-3B) up to the foot of the posts (3A-3B).

Abstract: The invention is for an improved security shelter for small personal transportation vehicles. The invention features lockable, weatherproof storage for such vehicles as motorcycles, bicycles, four wheelers, and Segways®. It is lightweight and can be efficiently manufactured. Vents are optimally located to allow the release of vapor and heat. A lid is hinged to the top such that it can be easily raised or lowered by the user for the purpose of parking a vehicle. Moreover, strategic placement of structural molded ridges and structural flanges in the various components of the invention adds to the overall stability and rigidity of the apparatus.

Abstract: A prefabricated storm shelters that can be easily repositioned and assembled while providing safe, secure shelter before, during and after a catastrophic event are described, as well as a method to mfr. them.

Abstract: A module for building structure includes a moment frame, a set of four top corner pieces, and a set of two or more composite panels. The moment frame is comprised of beams and columns jointed to form a top, a bottom and four sides. Each top corner piece is located at a corner of the top of the moment frame. The set of two or more composite panels is attached to the bottom of the moment frame to provide a sub-floor of the building structure. A first composite panel, of the set, is adapted to transfer a load to a second abutting composite panel of the set, in response to a deflection of the moment frame. Each composite panel is comprised of a core element encased in a metal frame, which includes two face sheets, two end cap pieces, and two side pieces.

Abstract: A roofing joint includes a union member that joins two sandwich panels. An edge portion of the sandwich panels is cut and removed, e.g., by a miter cut. The edge portion is generally cut based on the pitch of the roof for the structure. The roof joint is formed by aligning the union member between the edges of the panels. Thus, the panel cores are in contact with opposing surfaces of the union member, such that the cores of panels are in physical contact with the union member. In one embodiment, the union member extends above the surface of the roofing joint (e.g., extends above the first outer surface of the panels). In another embodiment, the union member extends below the surface of the second outer surface of the panels. A bonding material is injected or otherwise adhered to areas of intersection for the first and second panels and the union member to protect the joint from environmental elements (e.g., water penetration, snow, hail, etc.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a building board or structural unit, especially a structural, wall, paneling or support unit or the like with a multi-layer structure, preferably based on wood or wooden materials, which is formed with two cover layers that are spatially separated from each other and placed parallel to each other and at least one core layer placed between them and joined to them, characterized in that between two if necessary multilayer cover layers (3, 4) each with a planar layer material, preferably from the wood and wooden material group, as well additionally as metals, textile and fiber materials, cardboard, papers plastics, fiber-reinforced plastics, mineral-based construction materials and rock, an at least single-layer slanted-fiber core layer (5) is placed, which is formed from a material having unitary structuring, preferably formed from wood or wood plastic, whereby the fibers form an angle (+) to the longitudinal direction of the two cover layers (3, 4) between +25 to 80° and/or an angle (?

Abstract: A grate panel with upright brace structures is provided and characterized by: a plurality of upright brace structures vertically aligned and centrally disposed inside a plurality of side panels of the grate panel, and transversely spaced apart from one another at an appropriate distance; a plurality of reinforcing panels disposed between, and welded to, the upright brace structures; and the plurality of side panels configured to surround the upright brace structures and the reinforcing panels by being welded thereto. Thus, the grate panel is equipped with corrugated upright brace structures to provide such advantages as high-strength support, ease of construction, and low production costs.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Terraced structured land joint and assembly system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of self-interlocking joints, each providing monolithic anchors for a plurality of compression and tension members. Tension members reside within compression members. Compression/tension members are linked between joints by couplers, defining structured land including planar space frames, horizontal truss members, and vertical truss members. Structural forces are transferred through the joints into horizontal and vertical truss members, with resultant loads transferred to the ground.

Abstract: A high density storage facility including a storage area is described. Storage racks may be provided in the storage facility, and may be divided from top to bottom into slots. The slots may extend the width of the racks and be accessible for inserting and removing objects into and from the racks. The racks may be disposed in rows within the storage area and include a mechanism for rolling the racks along the storage area. The storage area may include a wall disposed substantially parallel to a widthwise side of the storage area. Doors may be disposed along the length of the wall, for providing access to the width ends of the racks. The racks may be installed upon rollably movable carriages along the width of the storage area for providing access to the width ends of the carriage racks from the doors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substrate and the application. In particular, this invention discloses a substrate which has at least one contact structure at least on one side and at least one contact structure at least on one surface of the substrate. The substrate includes a thermal insulation material comprising at least two materials selecting from a thermal energy reflecting material, a homogeneous foam material, a heterogeneous foam material, a skin material, a skeleton structured material, an electromagnetic wave shielding material. The substrate may be used to construct various articles with different features of energy saving, decoration and protection as well as simple installation for various applications.

Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together have little movement along their x, y or z axis.

Abstract: There is described a stair system insertable into a pool having a top edge surface and bottom surface, comprising a stair portion defining steps and risers each having a fixed height, the stair portion having a support portion projecting from an uppermost one of the risers and adapted to be seated against the top edge surface of the pool, and a ballasted booster positioned below the stair portion at any one of given locations in the bottom of the stair portion and lying against the bottom surface of the pool. The stair system has a height adjustable by the position of the booster with respect to the bottom of the stair portion as a function of the height between the top edge surface and the bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A stair making apparatus is disclosed. The stair making apparatus comprising a bench adapted to support a plurality of members and a beam; a stop fixture connected to the bench, the stop fixture having a plurality of stops for individually engaging each of the plurality of members; and one or more fasteners connected with the bench, the one or more fasteners configured to cooperate with the plurality of stops to brace the beam and the plurality of members in a form of a stair stringer.

Abstract: A headed loop anchor (10) comprising a “U” shaped section having parallel spaced legs (11 and 12) and a looped adjoining section (13), the free ends (14 and 15) having heads (16 and 17). The headed loop anchor is formed by bending and then forging the head from the legs so the anchor is an integral unit. In use, the headed loop anchors are positioned in parallel spaced relation so that the looped sections (13) project from a slab so that a suitable connector may be used to hook over the loop sections (13) in order to connect adjacent concrete sections together.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A heat-formation method for creating a composite, layered structural panel which possesses at least one selected area of elevated densification and reinforcement including (a) providing a pre-heat-formed, layered expanse of compressible, heat-formable, composite sheet material having a reception face and a starter thickness T1, (b) establishing a pre-formation assembly of materials by placing on a selected area of the reception face an already heat-formed and densified island of essentially the same layered composite sheet material which defines the expanse, with such island having a thickness T2 which is less than T1, (c) employing heat and pressure, consolidating and compressing the expanse and the island to form, in an embedment region in the panel, an embedded-island, finished panel having an allover uniform thickness T3 which is less than T1, and wherein the region associated with the island has an embedment thickness T4 which is equal to or less than T2, and an effective density which is elevated in rel

Abstract: An insulating concrete form can be used to form the walls of a structure when filled with concrete. An outer surface of the insulating concrete form can be formed into one or more patterns. The patterns may simulate popular finishes such as brick, natural stone, and stucco. In some cases, the exterior of the insulating concrete form is coated with a protective, conformal coating, such as a rubberized acrylic coating or an elastomeric paint.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for making high quality, mold resistant, water proof building products. The composition from which these products are formed is a mixture of various polyethylene or polypropylene materials, in conjunction with fillers which may comprise recycled rubber products such as ethylene propylene-diene monomers, and styrene butadiene rubber, or mineral fillers to achieve a different feel and texture to the formulation without compromising the integrity of the product. This is achieved by altering the melt and amount of the high and/or low density polyethylene or polypropylene in the mix to end up with the correct material integrity. Colorants may be additionally be added to the mixture prior to final molding. This composition allows for products to be made that resemble traditional building products, but with a higher performance level that are also recyclable in their entirety.

Abstract: A structural element is disclosed that is shaped as at least one of a plank, a post, and a board. The structural element comprises a fiber reinforced ceramic cement body having at least an outer layer having a hardness and ductility suitable for receiving and holding a nail. Also disclosed is a structural element having a body at least partially shaped as at least one of a plank, a post, and a board. The body comprises at least an internal layer comprising fiber reinforced ceramic cement, and at least an external layer comprising a material suitable for receiving and holding a nail.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form (ICF) panel reinforcement is disclosed. The ICF comprises a main panel, a reinforcement on the main panel for stiffening the main panel, a spacer retention element integrated in the reinforcement for securing a spacer to the panel, and a first opposing panel opposite the main panel and having a first opposing spacer retention element integrated therein for securing the spacer to the first opposing panel. The ICF panel reinforcement is particularly useful at high stress locations in ICF systems, such as at T-wall intersections.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a mud-plastered house, which is built by performing the steps of: mounting connectors doubly inside and outside pillars for connecting the pillars forming a framework of the house so as to form a wall body; and filling spaces formed between the connectors with clay filler, thereby providing solidity. The mud-plastered house has the wall body formed by performing the steps of: mounting connectors doubly centering pillars forming a basic frame of the house; filling spaces formed between the connectors with clay filler consisting of clay and sawdust; coating a clay composition on the surface of the connectors; covering a net type mesh on the clay composition; and coating clay paint on the mesh.

Abstract: A preassembled suspended ceiling grid module comprising a plurality of parallel main tees and a plurality of cross tees, the main and cross tees each having horizontal flanges extended to both sides of a central plane, the cross tees being joined at their ends to the main tees with end connections that enable the module to be folded in a plane corresponding to an eventual ceiling plane in a zigzag pattern, such that the cross tees lie in directions generally parallel to the main tees with the cross tees connected on a side of a particular main tee being folded in a common direction relative to their end connection, and where connected to an adjacent main tee being folded in an opposite direction relative to their end connections with said adjacent tee.

Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.