Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wasp repellent device comprising a suspension member operatively connected to a closed end of a bag. The bag has a skirt extending from the closed end of the bag to a mouth of the bag, with a drawstring fro contracting the mouth of the bag to give the bag the approximate shape of an inverted cone. The exterior of the bag is provided with a striated pattern and, in use, the bag imitates the appearance of a wasp nest.

Abstract: An illuminating device for killing and/or interfering with pests, which includes at least one light emitting diode for producing more than one non-parallel integrated pulse light that is centralized in a narrow wave band. A wavelength of the integrated light is in a range from 584 nm to 618 nm, a frequency thereof is in a range from 514 THZ to 485 THZ, and a view angle thereof is less than 45 degrees. In addition, an illuminating system for killing and/or interfering with pests includes a drive for driving the illuminating device to emit the integrated pulse light. Also, a method for killing and/or interfering with pests is provided. The method utilizes above illuminating device and system to produce a non-continuous, non-parallel integrated pulse light to kill, interfere with or dispel insect pest.

Abstract: System, kit, and method for treating bed bugs or other pests in a room. The system comprises an electric heater that is formed by joining separate parts or sections. A first heater section may comprise a number of electrically energized heater coils and the second section may comprise a fan and a fan motor. The system may also comprise a number of temperature-sensing probes to be installed at locations within the room. The system may also comprise an electronic data recorder to receive and record temperature readings from the temperature-sensing probes. The room may be gradually heated to a temperature that is lethal for bed bugs and other pests. Once the lethal temperature is reached, the room may be heated for a time period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments regarding the production of mixed fatty esters. Disclosed herein are various embodiments regarding the use of mixed alcohol compositions for the production of fatty esters.

Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.

Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and continuous processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam. In one aspect of the invention, the processes comprise at least partially combusting a first carbonaceous feedstock with an oxygen-rich gas stream in an oxygen-blown gasifier, under suitable temperature and pressure, to generate a first gas stream comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and superheated steam; and reacting a second carbonaceous feedstock and the first gas stream in a catalytic gasifier in the presence of a gasification catalyst under suitable temperature and pressure to form a second gas stream comprising a plurality of gaseous products comprising methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to barrier assemblies, and more particularly, to the coupling of a barrier operator to the barrier that the operator is to move. In one embodiment, a barrier operator coupling includes a wedge member that is fixedly attached to an output shaft of the barrier operator. A housing is brought to bear against a wedge member, and an adjustment device is used to maintain the force between the wedge member and the housing.

Abstract: A portable, tactical building door opener which comprises a door opening mechanism comprising: a body; a door opening arm pivotally connected to the body at a first end and having a roller for engaging the surface of the door at a second end; and an actuator for rotating the door opening arm with respect to the body, from a ready position in which the roller is not forced against the surface of the door, to a door-opened position in which the roller is forced against the surface of the door to open the door. The actuator is remotely and manually operable. The device further includes a support for temporarily and removably bracing the door opening mechanism with respect to the door.

Abstract: An operating mechanism which can be used on a right or left opening casement window, includes a crank arm having one end for rotatable connection to one bottom corner of a bottom sash, a row of teeth extending around a major portion of the other end of the crank arm, a worm for rotating the crank arm, and a handle for rotating the worm. By turning the crank arm so that one end of the row of teeth meshes with the worm and connecting the free end of the arm to the appropriate corner of a sash in the open or closed position, the mechanism can be adjusted for a right or left opening window.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening a door (48) from a remote location including a lever assembly (20) and a pulling line (22), the pulling line (22) having attached thereto a door handle engagement (60), the lever assembly (20) including at least a first guide (40) and a second guide (42) for guiding the pulling line (22) and a mounting means (24) for mounting the lever assembly (20)to or adjacent a door (48), the first and second guides (40,42) being positioned such that when the pulling line (22) is prevented from moving through the first guide (40) pulling on the pulling line (22) acts to cause the lever assembly (20) to apply a force to urge the door to open (48). This apparatus allows an operator to gradually open a door or to apply a suitable force if, for example, the door (48) is stuck in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door system, comprising at least one sliding door, wherein a guide rail is provided in the vehicle body in the vicinity of the door opening. A guiding element can be displaced along the guide rail, the element being connected to the sliding door via a retaining arm. The sliding door system has a power conducting unit, which is formed by members connected to each other in an articulated manner for receiving and guiding at least one line, which extends from a stationary connection on a vehicle body to a connecting element. The power conducting unit can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. The guide rail overlaps the power conducting unit at least in some regions.

Abstract: A slider for use in a track having an end stop therein, the slider having a detent therein and including a releasable restrictor having a rib thereon, wherein the releasable restrictor can be held in an active position by an interaction between the rib and the detent, or an inactive position, and wherein the releasable restrictor is automatically reset in its active position when the slider reaches the end stop in the track. More controlled closing of a window sash is thereby possible.

Abstract: A flush-flush horizontal vehicle window assembly is provided that includes a sliding panel with guide pins, formed with a load-bearing shoulder, on sliding panel corners, and a frame defining a window opening. The frame is attached to two fixed panels. Upper/lower tracks are attached above/below the window opening. Each track has a leading and a trailing guide path formed through a surface of the respective tracks, where the pins partially project into the guide paths and where load-bearing shoulder surfaces smoothly and reliably slide on the track surfaces. Each leading guide path is “S” shaped and each trailing guide path is shaped in a perpendicular manner at one end, which causes the sliding panel to smoothly enter and seal the window opening in a flush manner. An aesthetically pleasing flush-flush slider results when the sliding panel is in the plane of the window opening and further in the plane of the outer vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A grinding wheel is manufactured such that (a) any one of particles for an abrasive grain layer and particles for a substrate layer are put into the press-mold die, and other particles are put onto the particles in the press-mold die, and then the substrate layer and the abrasive grain layer are integrally press-molded to form a non-baked grinding chip with an arcuate shape; (b) depressions are formed on the abrasive grain layer of the non-baked grinding chip; (c) the grinding chip on which the depressions are formed is baked; and (d) the plurality of baked-grinding chips are adhered to a core of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides dense silica particles with reduced metal impurities. Specifically, the present invention provides a colloidal silica produced by using an alkyl silicate as a starting material, wherein, with respect to a sample prepared by adding, as an internal standard, 1 wt. % of polydimethylsilane to a dried product of the colloidal silica, a peak area value calculated using a formula of a colloidal silica peak area/a polydimethylsilane peak area is 15 or less, the peak areas being determined by an obtained solid-state 29Si-CP/MAS-NMR spectrum. The present invention further provides a method for producing the colloidal silica.

Abstract: A gutter cover installation for covering a roof eave gutter to prevent debris from entering the gutter includes a main portion of the gutter cover formed with a pattern of openings and an outer edge of the outer side of the gutter cover projecting out and down past an outer wall of the gutter to form a diverter preventing overflow from flowing over the outer surface of the gutter outer wall and thereby avoid staining the same. The gutter cover inner side is held up by segments formed on the inner side of the cover forming a channel which projects down below the main portion and is engaged with a mounting bracket installed within the gutter to be supported thereby. An elastomeric sealing strip is inserted into the channel and projects up and back into engagement with a drip edge or fascia installed at the roof eave.

Abstract: A unitized curtain wall unit is adapted to incorporate power generating elements within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The units can also be adapted to house other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring.

Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.

Abstract: Vertical edges of sheets of glass are held within elongate cylindrical gaskets which are journalled length-wise into and along vertical channels formed within the sides of a vertical post. The channels are semi-circular in horizontal cross section and are sized for a snug mating fit with the gaskets. The gaskets have vertical slots for supporting the edges of the glass. A sheet of glass supported in a slot in the gasket may pivot relative to the post, for example by up to approximately forty-five degrees about its vertical axis of rotation. Thus the vertical channels and gaskets form a vertical hinge by the gaskets, which mounted on the vertical edge of the sheet of glass, having a snug rotatable fit within the corresponding channel.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing floor panels of the type comprising at least a single-piece or multi-piece substrate (3) and a top layer (2) with a pattern (30), characterized in that photographic material (18) is present in the top layer (2) and that said pattern (30) is formed at least partially by performing a photographic process on said photographic material (18).

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade. Electrical power can be more advantageously generated from surface areas of building structures previously untapped for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: A UL compliant power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring—within the façade.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes grounding and isolation elements within the curtain wall unit.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes integrated wiring conduits within an associated curtain wall unit.

Abstract: A stair nosing (1) including a window (3) and an L-shaped member (2) configured to display one or more signs (50) protected by the window (3), the L-shaped member (2) being configured to releasably retain the window (3); said L-shaped member (2) including a first section (4) and a second section (5) respectively configured to form all or part of the tread and the riser of a step once installed; the first section (4) and second section (5) being connected by at least one hinge (67) that extends parallel to the length of the stair nosing (1), said hinge (67) being configured to allow an interior angle formed between the sections (4, 5) to be varied over a preset range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for storing materials on a well site are disclosed. A self erecting storage system includes a trailer and storage bin. A first latching mechanism is coupled to the trailer. A movable arm with a second latching mechanism is also coupled to the trailer. The storage bin has a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be coupled to the first latching mechanism and the second pin may be coupled to the second latching mechanism.

Abstract: A cylindrical structure includes a vertical wall (3) and a bottom wall (2), the bottom wall having a plurality of sectors (4) which are rotated images of each other, each sector including a plurality of adjacent rectangular elements (8), characterized by the fact that the bottom wall has the shape of a regular polygon whereof each side (6) corresponds to one of the sectors, the edges of the rectangular elements of one sector being respectively perpendicular and parallel to the side of the polygon corresponding to the sector.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inside corner framing element for supporting wallboard at the intersection of two adjoining walls made from sheet metal framing members. The inside corner framing element may be characterized as either: (1) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise two times to define a truncated W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip; or (2) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise three times to define a W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for fastening a finishing strip (2) with a support (1) forming a wall leg (4), which support comprises at least one upwardly protruding holding web (8) engaging in a downwardly open groove (9) of the finishing strip (2) for clamping accommodation of the finishing strip. In order to enable securing the finishing strip (2) in the mounting position it is proposed that the support (1) comprises at least one resilient securing tongue (10) with a leg extending approximately parallel to the holding web (8), which securing tongue overlaps a securing stop (12) of the finishing strip (2) which extends transversally to the holding web (8).

Abstract: An annular duct insulation structure includes a substantially rigid annular insulation-retaining insert having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A viscoelastic insulation foam layer is disposed around the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the insert so as to result in a composite insulation structure of the foam layer and the insert. The foam layer is formed of at least one of (A) a compressed open-cell foam layer or (B) a compressed closed-cell foam layer in which at least a portion of the closed cells has been opened, wherein the foam layer has been compressed sufficiently to permit the composite insulation structure to be slipped into an annular duct without substantial friction, and wherein the foam layer decompresses so as to substantially fill a void between an inner surface of the duct and an outer surface of the foam layer of the composite insulation structure.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for a wall is provided herein wherein a first concrete wall component is substantially separated from a second concrete wall component via a rigid plate such that contraction of the first concrete wall component does not create significant stresses in the first or second concrete wall component so as to create cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. Moreover, a compressible material may be disposed between the rigid plate and/or the first and/or second concrete wall component such that expansion of the first concrete wall component compresses the compressible material instead of imposing significant stresses on the first or second concrete wall component so as to be likely to form cracks in the first or second concrete wall component.

Abstract: A roll roofing material is provided in the form of a cylindrical roll that may or may not have an exterior covering thereon, and with transverse members being provided, carried by the cylindrical roll, and which protrude generally outwardly of an exterior cylindrical surface of the roll. The transverse members inhibit rolling of the roll roofing either off a pitched roof. One or more inserts may be provided in a hollow core of the roll, and connectors may attach a strap to these inserts for transporting the same from ground to a rooftop, or otherwise. Protective covers may be provided at opposite ends of the roll roofing, and the protective covers may comprise the transverse members, as may be desired.

Abstract: Buildings and walls are commonly constructed with exterior walls composed of specially treated engineered wood panels, cement panels, fiber cement panels, glass-matt-faced gypsum panels, and gypsum/cellulose sheathing panels. The spaces or edges between these exterior panels are sealed using the disclosed dual-tape-core joint treatment system and method of the present invention. After curing, a color matching acrylic-epoxy scratch coat or elastomeric primer followed by a textured finish coat is sprayed, brushed or rolled on the exterior panels.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a protective device for use with a metal stud. This invention protects in-wall piping, conduit and wiring from inadvertent puncturing by drywall screws during the installation of wall boarding.

Abstract: A metal composite tile includes a first metal sheet, a second metal sheet, a non-metal core disposed between and coupling the first and second metal sheets, and an adhesive disposed on a first side of the first metal sheet. The non-metal core is coupled to a second side of the first metal sheet. The metal composite tile also includes a release paper sheet adhered to the first side of the first metal sheet and covering the adhesive. The release paper sheet is removable from the first metal sheet to expose the adhesive.

Abstract: A bamboo panel assembly includes a rectangular open frame member, a plurality of bamboo strips press-fitted into mounting grooves of the rectangular open frame member in a flush manner and kept in parallel, slide rails affixed to the rectangular open frame member on the same plane and kept in parallel for sliding insertion of a sliding container in between each two adjacent slide rails. An outer frame structure may be attached to the rectangular open frame member to construct a screen panel for making a folding partition screen.

Abstract: A construction kit comprising a plurality of panel elements (1, 2, 3), each one of which has a thickness (t1) and, in the extension plane thereof, an area that comprises a number of mutually equal square part areas (a1), connecting elements (5, 6) for mutual connection of panel elements, and fastening devices (8) for mutual attachment of connecting elements (5, 6) and panel elements, characterized in that, in panel elements (2, 3) having two or more square part areas (a1), nearby edge-parallel part areas (a1) aligned with each other are spaced-apart by a distance (s3) that at least corresponds to the thickness (t1) of the panel element, that the outer edges of the panel elements (1, 2, 3) in the extension plane coincide with the edges of the adjacent square part areas (a1), and that the connecting elements (5, 6) are arranged to hold adjacent interconnected panel elements at a distance along their planes parallel to the extension plane, amounting to the distance (s3) between nearby panel element part areas (a

Abstract: A roof panel seamer which is self-propelled and bidirectional for forming a standing seam joining two adjacent metal roof panels. Two seamers are disclosed, one for forming a 90° seam and the other for forming a 180° seam. Friction wheels, rather than gears, are used to transfer power from the main support body to the auxiliary support body of the seamer. The seamer includes five roll forming stations, the leading three of which are effective for each direction of travel. One of the roll forming stations for each direction of travel in the 90° seamer imparts a curve to the leg being bent.

Abstract: A roof panel seamer which is self-propelled and bidirectional for forming a standing seam joining two adjacent metal roof panels. Two seamers are disclosed, one for forming a 90° seam and the other for forming a 180° seam. Friction wheels, rather than gears, are used to transfer power from the main support body to the auxiliary support body of the seamer. The seamer includes five roll forming stations, the leading three of which are effective for each direction of travel. One of the roll forming stations for each direction of travel in the 90° seamer imparts a curve to the leg being bent. In the 90° seamer, a guide finger is mounted to both ends of one of the main and auxiliary support bodys, with the guide finger being effective to contact the underside of the male portion of the seam and maintain a minimum clearance between the male and female portions as the male and female portions enter the seamer.

Abstract: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three-dimensional cellular light structure formed of continuous wire groups. In the cellular light structure, six orientational helical wire groups are intercrossed each other at 60 degrees or 120 degrees of angles in a three-dimensional space to thereby form a uniform pattern and having a good mechanical property such as strength, rigidity or the like. A method of mass-producing the structure in a cost-effective manner is also disclosed. The three-dimensional cellular light structure has a similar form to the Kagome truss. According to the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional cellular light structure of the present invention, a frame assembly consisting of rectangular frames and connection support bars is used, when the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th-axis helical wires are assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mast (10) for a wind turbine, which mast tapers towards the top and comprises at least two superposed annular mast sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every annular mast section consists of a plurality of prefabricated wall parts (A, B, C, D, E, F), wherein at least a part of which has a curved section, at least the curved sections of prefabricated wall parts in different annular mast sections having at least identical cross-section.

Abstract: Novel structural support framing assemblies and component thereof are described herein for use in residential, commercial, and industrial building construction. Preferred embodiments of the inventive framing assembly include the employment of a variety of structural studs and stud mounts, the studs preferably fabricated of a composite material.

Abstract: A closure frame includes at least one end rail, at least one side rail and a corner joint between ends of the corner and side rails. The corner joint includes a rail insert secured within a first of the rails. A threaded fastener is secured against rotation within the insert and extends from an open end of the first rail into a second of the rails. A nut is disposed within the second rail in threaded engagement with the end of the fastener and clamps the second rail against the open end of the first rail. The corner joint preferably is a butt joint, and a pair of rail inserts preferably are disposed within the end of the first rail so that a pair of threaded fasteners extend into the second rail and are engaged by associated nuts in the second rail. A washer plate preferably is disposed in the second rail beneath the nuts, and a gasket preferably is disposed between the second rail and the open end of the first rail to seal the corner joint.

Abstract: Fastener-receiving components are disclosed for use in a structure fabricated from a curable material (e.g. concrete, other cementitious materials or other curable materials). The fastener-receiving component comprises: one or more fastener-receiving channels, each fastener-receiving channel defined by a pair of longitudinally and inwardly extending sidewalls and comprising one or more break-through elements which extend longitudinally and transversely between the sidewalls for receiving fasteners that penetrate therethrough; and one or more anchor features that define one or more corresponding concavities shaped to receive liquid material when the structure is formed and to prevent outward movement of the fastener-receiving component when the liquid material cures. Kits and methods are provided for using the fastener-receiving components.

Abstract: An improved stackable square tubular column assembly and method of assembly for multi-floor steel-framed buildings in which hollow columns for vertically adjacent floors are joined by a coupler having beam connectors extending outwardly therefrom so that the coupler supports the floor load in shear. The core of the assembly is the coupler having a flat plate extending through horizontal slots in opposing walls of the coupler that divides the coupler into two compartments, each compartment telescopingly receiving the end of a single floor column so that the column load of the upper column is uniformly distributed in compression over the walls of the lower column through the plate.