Abstract: The present invention relates to acrylic block polymers, either block copolymers or homopolymers, synthesized by a controlled free-radical process, and their use as low temperature flow modifiers in bio-derived fuel compositions. They are especially useful in modifying the low temperature flow behavior in bio-derived fuels. The acrylic polymers are especially useful as cold filter plugging control additives in bio-derived fuels.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a machine that includes a stationary casing and a cylindrical rotor located substantially within the stationary casing, the rotor defining a longitudinal axis, the rotor adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis; the machine defining a reaction zone within the machine and a separation zone within the machine, the reaction zone fluidly coupled to the separation zone.

Abstract: A method for producing biodiesel. The method involves providing a waste fat feedstock, pretreating the feedstock, a first glycerolysis fatty acid reduction reaction where the subsequent water vapor is removed by a vacuum, a second transesterification reaction wherein the fatty acid feedstock is reacted with methanol or suitable alcohol in very slight excess to form methyl or alkyl esters and glycerin, a separation recovery process to separate glycerol from methyl esters, a methanol recovery flash process, and a methyl ester flash process to yield pure methyl or alkyl ester biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for modifying the volatility of petroleum prior to ethanol addition. The methods can include (a) providing (i) a supply of gasoline, (ii) an ethanol standard, and (iii) a supply of butane; (b) analyzing the volatility of a sample formed by mixing the gasoline and ethanol standard; (c) calculating from the volatility a ratio of butane that can be blended into the sample without causing the sample to pass the one or more fixed volatility limits; and (d) blending butane from the butane supply with gasoline from the gasoline supply at or below the ratio calculated in step (c).

Abstract: The invention provides A blend of FT derived diesel, crude derived diesel, and CFPP improving additive, wherein the FT diesel is from 1 vol % to 50 vol % of the blend, said blend having a CFPP of below ?18° C. The invention extends to use of FT diesel as a blendcomponent for a compression ignition fuel blend, said blend including the FT diesel, a crude derived diesel fuel and a CFPP improver additive, wherein the FT diesel is from 1 vol % to 50 vol % of the blend, which blend has a CFPP of below ?20° C.

Abstract: The invention teaches that hydrocarbon compositions may be improved in terms of their stability reserve and in terms of their combustion efficiency, by co-use of a conductivity improver. There is optionally present a combustion improver selected from an iron compound, a manganese compound, a calcium compound and a cerium compound; and/or an organic compound selected from a bicyclic monoterpene, a substituted bicyclic monoterpene, adamantane, a substituted or unsubstituted bicyclic tetraterpene, and propylene carbonate.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: A tree slide facilitating movement of a Christmas tree via sliding along a support surface without damage to the surface is described. The tree slide includes a central region of substantially planar extent and an arcuate perimeter which surrounds and extends from the central region. The arcuate perimeter forms a cavity along one side of the tree slide. In some embodiments, a rim is provided which extends from the arcuate perimeter opposite of the central region. In other embodiments, the tree slide could also include a cover, composed of a stretchable and conformable material, which conceals a tree stand and the tree slide.

Abstract: A solar illuminated planter consists of a base of plastic or of a metallic substance that is attached to a vertical light post which is directly attached. The planter is fitted unto the base with the vertical post rising upward in the center of the interior of the planter. The vertical post is then fitted with an outer tubing of various sizes, the space created between the post and the outer tubing comprising a container for storing liquids. This outer tube is capped by plastic or metallic covering. Along the perimeter of the cap is a plurality of openings fitted with rubber hosing and encapsulating a wicking material which is netted at either end of the rubber hosing to transport moisture from the storage container to the planter.

Abstract: A plant hydration pallet tray for supporting, hydrating, transporting and displaying several potted plants in a commercial/retail environment, has a generally rectangular base and side walls form a generally cubic structure for supporting plants in pots or containers and providing controlled drainage of water from the potted plants and from the tray to maintain optimum hydration of the plants on the tray.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided that maximizes mass and energy conversion efficiencies in an integrated thermochemical process for the conversion of fossil fuel or renewable biomass to synthesis gas. The system combines gasification, catalytic conversion of gas to liquid, electricity generation, steam and chilled water generation with a system controller to maximize the conversion efficiency from syngas to merchantable products over the efficiency of syngas alone burned as a fuel. A clean synthesis gas stream is introduced into a catalytic reactor that utilizes specially formulated catalysts to generate liquid fuel from CO and H2 while concentrating CH4 and other combustible, but non-reactive gases in the syngas product stream. The methane rich stream is introduced into an engine for the production of electricity and heat while the unreacted CO and H2 can be recycled to produce additional liquid fuel. Excess heat can be used for other co-located processes and facilities.

Abstract: A throat plug for a gasifier vessel includes at least one first cavity being receptive to at least one device located in the at least one first cavity, and at least one second cavity being receptive to a fuel injector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fireproof door, which comprises a fire-protection glass and a support means for supporting the fire-protection glass, and the support means comprising an elastic member in contact with both surfaces of an edge portion of the fire-protection glass, a reinforcing frame for supporting the elastic member, and a fixing plate fixed to a support and corresponding to both surfaces of the reinforcing frame. The fireproof door of the present invention has a grade A fireproof performance.

Abstract: A virtual guard gate for a gated community has at least one camera positioned proximate an entrance gate of the gated community. A monitoring station monitor is provided for displaying images captured by the at least one camera located in an off site monitoring station. Receivers are located in a plurality of homes of the gated community for receiving the images captured by the at least one camera. An access device is located in the monitoring station and in each house within the gated community. The access device is used for opening the entrance gate when the images have been verified by one of an individual in the monitoring station or in one of the homes.

Abstract: A doorprop for restricting the movement of a door within a doorway. The door includes a first door face surface and a first door side surface. The doorway includes a hinge jamb having a door edge abutting surface, a door side abutting surface, a jamb trim surface, and a hinge jamb edge. The stop includes a contoured body defined by an upper surface, a lower surface, a door face surface, a door contacting surface, a first door transition surface, a jamb face surface, a jamb trim edge surface, a jamb trim face surface, and a second transition surface. The door contacting surface is selectively in contact with the first door side surface.

Abstract: A rotating control mechanism of the shutter louver is disposed at a louver and includes an anchor, a bush, and a screw. The anchor has an opening end and a closed end, so as to form a first separating portion and a second separating portion respectively corresponding to a major axis in a radial direction of the louver. The bush has a cylinder portion neighboring to the frame and embedded in the counterbored hole of the frame, and an annular flange attached to the frame and the louver and/or the opening end of the anchor with both sides respectively. The screw passes through the counterbored hole and the bush in sequence to lock the anchor, such that the anchor moves towards the major axis direction of the louver and stops at a screw on an inner surface of the axial hole, so as to prevent the louver from cracking.

Abstract: A door operator is provided for operating a door leaf of a door, in particular of a swing leaf door or of a sliding door, having at least one structural member made from a plastic material. The at least one of the structural member is made from at least one of a flame-resistant material and self-extinguishing plastic material.

Abstract: A driver device for a panel to be moved along a travel path is disclosed. The driver device has a driver member, which is adapted to be stationarily mounted to a member guided along the travel path. Furthermore, the driver device has a spring element, which is mounted to the guided member and is propped up at a side of the panel to be moved facing the guided member. At least with regard to a direction of the pre-tensioning of the spring element, the driver member is loosely coupled to the panel to be moved. The spring element is pre-tensioned such as to press the guided member and the driver member away from each other.

Abstract: A profile system for a sliding door (10) with a surrounding frame (14) and a door panel (19). According to the invention, provision is made for the frame (14) to have a profile (30) and at least one strip (20, 21, 22, 23), for the strip (20, 21, 22, 23) to consist of a derived timber product, for the strip (20, 21, 22, 23) to have a slot (26) which is arranged on a side (31) of the strip (20, 21, 22, 23) which faces the door panel (19), for the profile (30) to be inserted into the slot (26) and retentively connected to the strip (20, 21, 22, 23), for the profile (30) to have a U-shaped section (35), wherein the U-shaped section (35) is constructed in its width so that it corresponds to the width of the slot (26) of the strip (20, 21, 22, 23), and for the door panel (19) to be inserted into the profile (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the ultrasound welding of a first (100) and a second component (108), the first component having a recess (102) for accommodating first (112) and second projections (114) of the second component, comprising the following steps: positioning the first and second components in such a way that the first and second projections project into the recess and touch a bottom (104, 104?) of the recess, transmitting an ultrasound vibration for generating a relative movement between the first and second components, the bottom being pressed against the first and second projections so that the first projection (112) is deformed in a first direction while the second projection (114) is deformed into a second direction that is counter to the first direction, at least one first welding connection (130, 104) being formed between the first projection and the bottom and a second welding connection (132, 104) being formed between the second projection and the bottom.

Abstract: An inflatable frame using, in each beam of the structure twinned tubes or otherwise multiple adjacent parallel tubes in each beam. The frame may be used for a sport ball arresting structure for supporting a mesh netting to enclose a player using full-swing, full power hitting of a sport ball into the mesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll forming apparatus for making a half-round gutter profile, to a corresponding method, and to a half-round gutter profile (1). The roll forming apparatus includes second adjustment means (34), arranged in the apparatus frame (12) in the vicinity of the exit end (14) and in cooperation with the first adjustment means (33) to eliminate the non-desired tendency of the gutter profile (1) to twist about the center of torsion toward the more powerfully bent front wall (5) provided with a first fold (6) and a second fold (9). In the method, at the end of the manufacturing phases, there is eliminated the non-desired tendency of the gutter profile (2) to twist about the center of torsion toward the more powerfully bent front wall (5) provided with a first fold (6) and a second fold (9). In the half-round gutter profile (1), the second fold (9) is U-shaped to improve the torsional and flexural rigidity of the gutter profile (2).

Abstract: A track that can be mounted to, or integrated into, a permanent wall or a partition system wall, and accessory components that are mountable in the track in either one of two orientations. In particular, the accessory component is inserted into the opening of a channel of the track with a first side of the accessory component resting upon a fulcrum surface that is formed in the track. The accessory component is then pivoted about the fulcrum surface allowing a first engagement portion, such as a protrusion formed inside the channel of the track, to engage with a second engagement portion, such as a groove formed in the accessory component. The accessory component has opposing sides with engagement portions formed therein that are engageable with the protrusion formed in the track. Thus, the accessory component can be turned over and inserted in a second, opposite orientation with the first side facing upward.

Abstract: A shoothouse with a shoothouse cleanout with the shoothouse having an upper bullet retaining member that can remain on the shoothouse wall and a lower shoothouse cleanout that can be quickly removed from the shoothouse wall to enable one to remove accumulated bullet residue from a bullet collection chamber behind the shoothouse cleanout.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a modular shelter that is suited for use as a safety chamber in an underground working environment. The shelter includes at least two wall units connected along a substantially sealed seam, a base unit that extends substantially throughout a floor plan of the shelter, and a roll cage that surrounds an outer extent of the shelter above the floor plan. The shelter may be configured to maintain a pressurized state in a closed condition. Each of the at least two wall units may share a substantially common shape and substantially common dimension, and may form a part of a wall, ceiling, and floor of the shelter. The shelter can also include various atmospheric control, circulation, and purge systems, and exterior and soft seal doors to assist in maintaining a livable atmosphere in the safety chamber.

Abstract: Vibration or acoustic sound control is achieved using an elastic layer of thermal or insulation material in which a plurality of discrete masses are distributed throughout. The elastic layer may be installed as a pre-formed layer, or be blown into position within a structure where vibration or acoustic sound control is required.

Abstract: A pet door panel or module is configured to include a pocket window opening having an open side portion to permit a ventilation screen to be slid into the pocket on centrally located tracks to provide ventilation means, and to further permit dual panel storm window means to be slid into the pocket via tracks on either side of the centrally located track to enclose the screen between the window panes to prevent air from flowing through the window opening to protect from foul weather and insulate from cold outside temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for efficiently securing solar panels on a roof surface that does not require penetration of the roof membrane. Supports for the solar panels are designed with a small footprint with sufficient spacing to allow free drainage between the supports. A simple, low-cost attachment member or clip can be integrated with each support to attach the panel to the support, and in some instances the clip (or its mount on the support) can also be used to lift the support to the roof. The panels can include one or more rails that can slide through a loosened clip, but be held securely in place by a tightened clip. The panels can be installed initially with the clips grasping the rails loosely and once the supports and rails are in their final positions, the clips can be fully tightened to form a rigid solar panel array.

Abstract: The solar energy-collecting architectural enclosure panel includes outer and inner plates which are mutually facing and joined by a leak-tight joint along a closed perimeter separated at a distance from perimetric edges of the panel. The outer and inner plates include within the closed perimeter hollow conformations to form a circuit for a heat-carrying fluid with an inlet and an outlet. Adjacent to opposite longitudinal edges of the outer plate there are first longitudinal stiffening configurations and adjacent to opposite longitudinal edges of the inner plate there are second longitudinal stiffening configurations configured to rest on transverse elements of a structure. The outer and inner plates are furthermore joined by a mechanical connection in expected maximum bending stress areas adjacent to the opposite longitudinal edges of the outer and inner plates.

Abstract: A window assembly according to various embodiments includes a frame, a sash, an insulating unit (e.g., one or more glass panels), a glass stop, an elongated frame insulating element slidably disposed on an inner surface of the frame, an elongated sash insulating element slidably disposed on an outer surface of the sash, and an elongated inner sash insulating element slidably disposed on an inner surface of the sash. The elongated frame insulating element, the elongated sash insulating element, and the elongated inner sash insulating element each define a plurality of chambers that extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each element. These chambers reduce the size of the space between the frame and sash and the size of the space between the sash, the insulating unit, and the glass stop, which results in smaller convection currents within these spaces and a more thermally efficient window assembly.

Abstract: An element (2) is presented, in particular a plate-like element, for the thermal insulation of a building, which element is provided for attachment to an exterior wall (1) of a building on the outside. The element (2) thereby has ducts (3), which can be used as ventilation ducts. The ducts (3) are surrounded by the element (3) on all sides apart from in edge areas. The element (2) is characterized in that the ducts (3) extend in individual areas of the element (2) to an edge of the element (2) such that when the element (2) is attached to the exterior wall (1) at desired locations connections (4) of the ducts to the exterior wall (1) are formed, through which air can flow into the building or can be guided out of the building.

Abstract: A siding panel product is provided comprising a first polymeric siding panel having a butt end and a top end, a front surface comprising a plurality of front faces defined between the top and butt ends and separated by at least one shoulder surface to define a stepped contour, and a rear surface. An insulation backing is coupled to the rear surface of the siding panel. The insulation backing comprises at least first and second insulation members coupled to the rear surface of said siding panel. The first insulation member has a bottom edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour and the second insulation member has a top edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour.

Abstract: An outside corner patch for TPO roofing is formed from a circular piece of TPO membrane material being vacuum formed to define an array of flutes that extend from the center of the piece toward its edges. The flutes form ridges and valleys that generally are shaped as conical sections with the apex of the conical sections located at the center of the patch. The number and size of the flutes is optimized in such a way that, when the flutes are stretched flat, the patch conforms to and fits flat against the surfaces of an outside corner formed by the intersection of a roof deck with an upward protrusion from the roof. The TPO outside corner patch is applied over the corner and thermally welded to surrounding TPO membranes on the roof deck and the protrusion to form a watertight seal at the outside corner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of MDF or HDF for the production of a floor panel which comprises a core of MDF or HDF, a backing and, if appropriate, a protective layer, the decorative layer otherwise usual in the case of laminate floor coverings preferably being dispensed with. Furthermore, the present invention relates to floor panels which are produced with the use according to the invention of MDF or HDF, and floor coverings which comprise the floor panels according to the invention.

Abstract: A bracket system for assembling playground equipment includes a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. The at least two horizontal frame brackets fix at least one horizontal frame beam to the at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at the second points; the horizontal frame brackets and the vertical frame brackets interconnect. The swing bracket fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The at least two ladder brackets connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.

Abstract: In an anchor installation in a lightweight construction panel including first and second cover plates with a support core structure disposed between the cover plates, wherein the anchor is installed in a bore so as to extend at least through the first cover plate and the support core to the second support plate, the anchor includes engagement structures for engagement with at least the first cover plate and the support core and also cement containing balloons which are crushed upon insertion of the anchor thereby releasing the cement which solidifies forming a firm connection between the anchor and the first and second cover plates and the support core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door facing formed from a polymeric composite material. The door facing has a first major surface intended to be interiorly disposed and a second major surface intended to be exteriorly disposed. At least a portion of the first major surface is to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses during door assembly. The first major surface has a textured pattern in the portion to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses. The textured pattern includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending into the first major surface and minimizing thermal and mechanical stresses. A door formed with the disclosed polymeric door facing and a method of forming a door facing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glazing unit (VIGU) comprises first and second panes of transparent material, first and second anchors, a plurality of filaments, a plurality of stand-off elements, and seals. The first and second panes of transparent material have edges and inner and outer faces, are disposed with their inner faces substantially opposing one another, and are separated by a gap having a predetermined height. The first and second anchors are disposed at opposite edges of one pane of the VIGU. Each filament is attached at one end to the first anchor and at the other end to the second anchor, and the filaments are collectively disposed between the panes substantially parallel to one another. The stand-off elements are affixed to each filament at predetermined positions along the filament, and have a height substantially equal to the predetermined height of the gap such that the each stand-off element touches the inner surfaces of both panes.

Abstract: A dental package and a method of making such dental package for holding flowable dental material. The method comprising the steps of providing a container having an opening and providing first portion of a flowable dental material in the container. Further the method comprises hardening a predetermined second portion of the flowable dental material to form a a closure that closes the opening. The invention provides for improved manufacturing and for facilitating the use of the package.

Abstract: A bell machine (10) for the packaging of products with a thermoshrinkable monofolding film consists of a series of moulded modular elements (16,17,18,19,20,21), made of a plastic material and which can be assembled with each other by-means of removable coupling means.

Abstract: A web packaging system provides easy access and changing of forming plug tooling.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated packaging apparatus utilizing a rotating assembly of elongated slats containing cavities to receive discrete pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. Quantities of discrete products such as tablets, capsules, or gels are deposited into the hopper of the apparatus. The apparatus then dispenses the discrete products into containers moving on a conveyor system such that each container receives a predetermined quality and quantity of pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. While operating at high speed, the apparatus inspects, counts, identifies and analyzes each product deposited into the containers and maintains electronic records describing the status of each product. In the event any errors occur the apparatus produces various alerts to inform the operator. The presence of foreign products or objects may cause the apparatus to instantly stop the entire system including peripheral equipment.

Abstract: A contact system for a horse back rider allows a rider to maintain contact between their boot and the stirrup of a saddle while riding. The rider wears magnetic footwear such as a riding boot with an affixed magnet. The stirrup has a contact patch that includes a plate of ferrous metal or another magnet oriented such that it attracts the magnetic footwear. The contact patch is positioned such that it will be proximate to the magnet in the footwear when riding. During normal riding maneuvers, magnetic attractive forces between the footwear and the contact patch will maintain contact between the rider's feet and the stirrup. However, if the rider falls, the magnetic attractive forces do not bind the rider's feet to the stirrup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition including a first base polymer (A) containing at least a thermoplastic polymer, a second base polymer (B) containing at least a thermoplastic polymer and not having compatibility with the first base polymer (A), and an additive (C) containing at least a substance not having compatibility with any of the first base polymer (A) and the second base polymer (B), the additive (C) being in the form of liquid or slurry at the lower of a pyrolysis temperature of the first base polymer (A) and a pyrolysis temperature of the second base polymer (B). (A), (B) and (C) are phase-separated from each other, and interfaces each located between two of phases of (A), (B) and (C) contacting each other form three-dimensional continuous parallel interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing plant material from a vine. The apparatus generally comprises a support frame, a pair of counter-rotating wheels, and a vine stripping component. In an embodiment, the vine stripping component includes interchangeable threaded stripping dies. In an additional embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated in a mobile harvesting unit. The invention further includes a method for removing plant material from vines.

Abstract: Picking arrangement for picking at least one fruit (36) located on an elongate stem (33) of a plant (34), has a holder (3), that can be moved along the ground (9), and having an elongate picking gap (30), which is provided on the holder (3), bounded by lateral edges (31) and through which the stem (33) can be guided. The fruit (36) is separated off along the edges (31) in the process, wherein the picking gap (30) is oriented such that the step (33) can be fed to the picking gap (30) with its longitudinal axis oriented parallel, or essentially parallel, to the longitudinal axis of the picking gap (30).

Abstract: A recovered waste processing arrangement is fitted in an independently movable power tool for maintaining the environment. The power tool includes at least one processing unit provided with a processing device. The processing unit is connected to the frame of the power tool. The arrangement includes: a chamber connected to the processing unit for receiving recovered waste from the processing device; a discharge aperture connected to the chamber; a transport duct, the first end of which is connected to a discharge aperture; a collecting tank connected to the power tool frame and to the second end of the transport duct; a first blower arranged between the processing unit chamber and the collecting tank, via which air and recovered waste carried along with air are sucked through the transport duct from the processing unit and blown into the collecting tank; and a second blower connected to the chamber by an air duct.

Abstract: A haymaking implement for displacing crop lying on the ground has a rotor and at least one tine arm, wherein the tine arm is pivotable with respect to the rotor about an associated pivot axis, for movement between a gripping position for gripping and taking along crop lying on the ground and a release position for releasing the crop. The tine arm has an outer arm portion carrying a plurality of tines, wherein each tine comprises a tine point for contact with the crop. In the gripping position, an innermost tine point positioned relatively closest to the rotor axis is located on or in front of the pivot axis with respect to the direction of rotation (R), while an outermost tine point positioned relatively distant from the rotor axis is located behind the pivot axis.

Abstract: A large square baler is equipped with a plunger drive incorporating a flywheel configured as a fan which creates a flow of air within a housing disposed about the flywheel. A duct arrangement is coupled between the housing and a knotter table housing so that air is directed across and maintains a plurality of knotters located at the knotter table free of debris.