Abstract: The effluent from an acid esterification of free fatty acid with alkanol to produce alkyl ester of fatty acid is contacted with glycerin to remove water and alkanol. The alkanol separated with the glycerin can be recycled to the acid esterification by contacting the glycerin with fatty acid-containing feed being passed to the acid esterification.

Abstract: A diesel fuel based on ethanol is described, which comprises about 60 to about 90% (v/v) ethanol, up to about 20% (v/v) of a linear dialkyl ether with a chain length of about 10 to about 40 as well as mixtures thereof, and 0 to about 30% (v/v) combustion accelerator.

Abstract: A method that can effectively increase the transesterification conversion of oils comprises the following steps of setting a rotating packed bed reactor for performing centrifugal rotation, centrifugally rotating the rotating packed bed to rotate relative to the container by the drive shaft; heating the oils and additives being heated to arrive at a temperature range approximately between 40 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius before entering the rotating packed bed; injecting the oils and the additives; performing the transesterification reaction, wherein the oils and the additives are delivered by a centrifugal force to pass through the stainless steel filler in the packed reaction region; performing the transesterification reaction with a rotation speed range of approximately 300 rpm to 1500 rpm; inducing a phase separation; and collecting the effluent at the outlet of the rotating packed bed reactor.

Abstract: Process for the continuous hydrogenation of triglyceride containing raw materials in a fixed bed reactor system having several catalyst beds arranged in series and comprising hydrogenation catalyst. The raw material feed, hydrogen containing gas and diluting agent are passed together through the catalyst beds at hydrogenation conditions. The raw material feed stream as well as the stream of hydrogen containing gas are divided into an equal number of different partial streams. These are each passed to one catalyst bed in such a manner that the weight ratio of diluting agent to raw material feed is essentially the same at the entrance of all catalyst beds and does not exceed 4:1. The claimed process is preferably conducted at low temperatures and allows the utilization of existing units due to the low recycle ratio. Further, a sufficient excess of hydrogen is used so that no valuable product is lost through decarb-reactions.

Abstract: An aviation fuel composition contains an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. Examples of nano-sized zinc particles include nano-sized metallic zinc particles, nano-sized zinc oxide particles, and nano-sized zinc peroxide particles. The aviation fuel composition can be made by combining an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. The aviation fuel composition can be used to improve combustion in an aircraft engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven chemical reactor are disclosed, including a solar thermal receiver aligned to absorb concentrated solar energy. Some embodiments include a solar driven chemical reactor that has multiple reactor tubes. Some embodiments include one of 1) one or more apertures open to an atmosphere of the Earth or 2) one or more windows, to pass the concentrated solar energy into the solar thermal receiver. This energy impinges on the multiple reactor tubes and cavity walls of the receiver and transfer energy by solar radiation absorption and heat radiation, convection, and conduction. In this way, the energy causes reacting particles to drive the endothermic chemical reaction flowing in the reactor tubes. The design of the multiple reactor tubes and solar thermal receiver can be adapted per a solar flux profile to take advantage of variations in the concentrations of solar flux in the profile.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven bio-refinery that may include a entrained-flow biomass feed system that is feedstock flexible via particle size control of the biomass. Some embodiments include a chemical reactor that receives concentrated solar thermal energy from an array of heliostats. The entrained-flow biomass feed system can use an entrainment carrier gas and supplies a variety of biomass sources fed as particles into the solar-driven chemical reactor. Biomass sources in a raw state or partially torrified state may be used, as long as parameters such as particle size of the biomass are controlled. Additionally, concentrated solar thermal energy can drive gasification of the particles. An on-site fuel synthesis reactor may receive the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products from the gasification reaction use the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products in a hydrocarbon fuel synthesis process to create a liquid hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven chemical plant that manages variations in solar energy are disclosed. Some embodiments include a solar thermal receiver to absorb concentrated solar energy, a solar driven chemical reactor contained within the solar thermal receiver, and an entrained gas biomass feed system that uses an entrainment carrier gas and supplies a variety of biomass sources fed as particles into the solar driven chemical reactor. Inner walls of the solar thermal receiver and the chemical reactor can be made from materials selected to transfer energy. Some embodiments include a control system that may be configured to balance the gasification reaction of biomass particles with the available concentrated solar energy and additional variable parameters including, but not limited to, a fixed range of particle sizes, temperature of the chemical reactor, and residence time of the particles in a reaction zone in the chemical reactor.

Abstract: A method to improve the yield of an acre of a crop having a growing season of less than one year. The method includes the steps of providing an irrigation system for the crop, providing an ecosystem producing algal by-products, and applying the algal by-crop to the crop with irrigation water.

Abstract: A hydraulically-applied mulch matrix comprising non-porous particles, porous particles and mixtures thereof combined with a mechanically and or chemically bonded fiber mulch mixed within a high viscosity slurry to keep the particles in suspension for dispersion onto soil surfaces with mulch spraying equipment for enhanced erosion control and higher level plant establishment.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a kit for assembly of a raised garden bed. The raised garden bed includes panel members, corner connector members, and linear connector members constructed of a polymeric material and adapted to be snapped together into a substantially rigid raised garden bed without the need for special tools or excessive strength. A tongue and groove arrangement is also provided to allow for panel member stacking for increased garden bed height. The components of the kit are constructed and arranged to be packed into a relatively small profile for shipping and transport and are generally light enough to be loaded and unloaded without the need for equipment such as a forklift or pallet jack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant seed under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant seed. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistance imparting plant seed. Alternatively, transgenic plant seeds containing a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein can be planted in soil and a plant can be propagated from the planted seed under conditions effective to impart pathogen resistance to the plant.

Abstract: A hanging planter for germinating seeds to seedlings and growing the seedlings to full size plants where the planter has an opening in its bottom and a retainer plug located within the planter to prevent a layer of soil in the bottom of the planter from falling out when the planter is turned upside down. With the planter upside down, a seed is passed through the opening to the soil in the bottom of the planter and is watered thru the opening in the planter bottom as it grows right side up. While the plant is a seedling the planter is turned from its upside down position to its right side up position and hung above the ground to turn the stalk portion of the seedling from being right side up to being upside side down while the root portion remains located in the planter without having been replanted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus where at least a portion of the apparatus comprises a membrane wall.

Abstract: A process for treating a crude and natural gas stream, which at least comprises the steps of: (a) passing a crude and natural gas stream (10) through an inlet (12) into a stabilization unit (14) to provide a stabilizer content (20); (b) passing an overhead gaseous stream (30) separated from the stabilizer content (20) through a first outlet (16); and (c) passing a bottom stream (40) comprising crude liquid hydrocarbons separated from the stabilizer content (20) and free water through a second outlet (18).

Abstract: An opening-and-closing member drive control apparatus for a vehicle for driving the opening-and-closing member so as to be opened or closed by means of a driving force of a motor after an idling period or an idling section of the motor includes a moving speed detecting member, calculating means for calculating a moving speed changing value, a determining means for determining a sandwiching of an object on the basis of a relationship between the calculated moving speed changing value and a threshold value, a temperature estimating means for estimating a temperature of the motor on the basis of a rotational speed of the motor, detected in the idling period or the idling section, and correcting means for correcting the threshold value so that a determination sensitivity of the sandwiching of the object becomes greater when the estimated temperature of the motor is low than when the estimated temperature of the motor is high.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door having a drive mechanism. The method comprises the activation of a circuit in response to an external stimuli to a switch. This actuates a timer and raises a timing bar. A cable passes across the timing bar and is connected to the switch on one end and to a solenoid on a second end. The cable passes through a top portion of a rocker arm assembly having a one-way bearing. The solenoid is actuated as a result of the raising of the timing bar; and activates the one-way bearing to cause the door to be raised to a pre-set position for a pre-set period of time. To reverse the door, the timer bar is dropped after the lapse of the pre-set period of time. The solenoid is re-activated and reverses the one-way bearing.

Abstract: A sliding window, door or the like (10), including at least two panes (23, 24) which extend in a generally vertical plane and at least one of which is movable generally horizontally, a sill (11) including a channel (17) that extends generally horizontally and within which bottom edge portions of each of the at least two panes (23, 24) are received, a dividing member (20) within the channel (17) which extends between the at least two panes (23, 24). The dividing member (20) extends either in contact with or in close facing relationship with the bottom edge portions of the at least two panes (23, 24).

Abstract: A sliding pivotable door as well as a method for operating a sliding pivotable door with at least one door leaf arrangement, which is accommodated to be pivotable about an associated pivot axis. The door leaf arrangement has a first door leaf, which is pivotable about the pivot axis, and at least one second door leaf is provided, which is linearly guided at the first door leaf and, together with the first door leaf, is pivotable about the pivot axis.

Abstract: In a lid opening/closing apparatus of an electronic device according to the present invention, a lid is supported on a housing through a slide type pivot mechanism, and can reciprocate among a fully closed position, a slide position, and a fully open position. The slide type pivot mechanism comprises: an axis part projecting from the base end part of the lid; an arm plate part formed on the housing; an engagement receiving part formed on the arm plate part and to be engaged with the axis part of the lid; a bearing part formed on the arm plate part and supporting the axis part of the lid rotatably; and a holding part formed on the housing, holding the axis part of the lid between the holding part and the arm plate part, and allowing the axis part to slide. The arm plate part is elastically deformable.

Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.

Abstract: A movable barrier system with a moving-barrier eminent motion notification includes a movable barrier and a movable barrier operator connected to control movement of the movable barrier between a first position and a second position. To reduce user dissatisfaction with the moving-barrier eminent motion notification, communications to the movable barrier operator include information to assist the operator in determining whether to operate the moving-barrier eminent motion notification in combination with moving the door or to specifically command that the moving-barrier eminent motion notification operate or not. The communication may include a signal or input separate from and in addition to a typical command signal or input to the operator.

Abstract: This top hung door assembly (10) for a merchandiser includes a pair of doors 12, 14 each having an upper frame member (20) including a metal reinforcing member (22). An upper track member (16) is provided including depending flange members (36) and (38) each having a roller mounting portion (48). A pair of spaced wheel assemblies (60) is provided including a bracket (50) having a lower portion (54) connected to the upper door frame and an upper portion (52) carrying a pair of rollers (60) received by the roller mounting portion (46). The upper track member (16) includes associate track members (46) having spaced notches (49) to facilitate mounting the doors. Also the flange members have flexible tips (44) facilitating the sealing and mounting of the doors.

Abstract: The purpose of the current invention is to provide a system and method that provides an effective and visually appealing way to board windows and doors.

Abstract: A door trim including a board having a front surface, a rear surface and an optional edge seal wherein the board includes at least one hinge separating a first board section from an adjacent second board section.

Abstract: A belt seal structure for engaging a glass window of an automobile. Included is an inner belt seal and an outer belt seal, both the inner and outer belt seals engageably attached to at least one flange of an automobile door frame. Also included is a plurality of sealing lips connected to and extending away from the inner and outer belt seals, where a surface portion of the sealing lips contact the glass window. The contacting surface portion is covered with the low friction material. Further included is a relief lip of at least one of the sealing lips. The relief lip is located proximate a substantially curved contacting surface portion of the sealing lip, where the low friction material extends to cover a surface of the relief lip.

Abstract: In a polishing composition, the concentration of one of either sodium ions or acetate ions is 10 ppb or less, or the concentrations of sodium ions and acetate ions are 10 ppb or less. The polishing composition preferably contains a water soluble polymer such as hydroxyethylcellulose, an alkali such as ammonia, and abrasive grains such as colloidal silica. The polishing composition is mainly used in polishing of the surfaces of semiconductor wafers such as silicon wafers, especially used in finish polishing of the surfaces of such wafers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a polycrystalline diamond compact comprising a plurality of double-sintered polycrystalline diamond segments. The polycrystalline diamond segments are configured to remain thermally stable at a first temperature. The polycrystalline diamond segments are positioned upon and bonded to a transition layer of single-sintered polycrystalline diamond that is configured to remain thermally stable at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The transition layer is positioned upon and bonded to a substrate. Embodiments of the invention have improved thermally stability, resulting in fewer defects during manufacturing and improved longevity in use.

Abstract: A gutter cover system including a gutter cover and a bracket member having a shaft with a wall end having a curved member with a raised profile, and a swivel end; a tab member extending upwardly from the raised profile and forming an outwardly directed slot; and a lip member affixed to the swivel end configured to be mating received within the lip of a gutter. The gutter cover including a planar panel for positioning on the roof, an arcuate nose, and a lower member with a foot configured for matingly inwardly insertion into the slot; the raised profile structured to facilitate installation of the bracket member and installation of the gutter cover on the bracket member.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor channel assembly including a floor channel, at least one leveling assembly, and a support member which work in conjunction to hold a wall panel in a level, square, and plumb arrangement. Each leveling assembly allows for gross and fine height adjustment, by selectively placing the leveling assembly on one of several sides which correspond to a desired gross height adjustment. Fine adjustment is accomplished by including an adjustable member, such as a threaded member, on the leveling guide.

Abstract: A burial vault base assembly. The assembly includes a front piece, back piece, and first and second side pieces that are connected to one another at a plurality of joints using C-shaped connectors. These pieces form an exterior shell around an interior piece wherein concrete is poured therebetween to form a burial vault base wherein the C-shaped connectors prevent the concrete from breaking at the joints and protruding at the joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement with an earthquake-proof, pole-type or tower-type projecting component (1) of an industrial plant. It preferably relates to an arrangement for the protection of such a component (1) of a plant for generating, distributing or transforming electricity. The invention starts from an arrangement, in which the earthquake-proof component (1) in question is anchored via a foundation in ground or base (4) or is attached via a fastening element (3) to ground or base (4) or to another component of the plant. For earthquake protection according to the invention, only one vertically aligned screw-type spring (2) is disposed between the foundation or the fastening element and the earthquake-proof component (1). This is joined in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner with the foundation or fastening element (3) as well as with the axially lower end of earthquake-proof component (1), whereby the screw-type pressure spring (2) is loaded exclusively vertically and to bending, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck.

Abstract: A step nose is formed having a tread portion and a riser portion, formed initially as a flat strip, the tread portion having a receiving slot formed therein, and the riser portion having a hook formed as part thereof. The tread and riser portions are stretchable with respect to one another so as to enable the hook to interlockingly engage the slot when the tread and riser portions of the flat strip are bent towards one another to thereby form a step nose ready for installation. Machines are further disclosed for forming the flat step nose strip into an assembled state by bending the tread and riser portions and interlocking them together.

Abstract: A modular element (10) for making fixed ladders, made of steel or other suitable material, having a surface (12) and two opposite shaped supports (14, 16), provided with at least one rib developed along the inner face and forming a shelf (36) for bearing a further surface (12).

Abstract: A prefabricated mantle unit has a base (36, 40) and a top plate (44) extending forwardly from the top of the base. A decorative strip (56) is oriented obliquely between the front of the top plate and the bottom of the base, with the lower edge (48) of the strip and the bottom (54) of the base forming a lower channel (50). The top element (22) of the surround (16) and the nailing flange (28) of the window box project above the top edge (24) of the window box, forming a box channel (26). The upward projection (22) of the top element is received within the lower channel (50) of the mantle unit, and a downward projecting portion (54) of the mantle base is received within the box channel (26).

Abstract: A window frame is manufactured as an integral unit comprising a frame body, at least one nailing flange secured to the frame perimeter, and a strip of tape secured to the nailing flanges with the outer portion of the tape extending beyond the outer edge of the flange. In another embodiment, individual nailing flanges are manufactured and delivered on site, including a strip of tape secured to the nailing flange with an outer portion of the tape extending beyond the outer edge of the flange. The installer first secures such pre-taped flanges to the window frame body, before nailing the resulting window frame unit to the wall. With both embodiments, the window frame unit is first fit into the window penetration in the wall, with the nailing flanges and tape overlapping the wall. Each flange is nailed to the wall by folding back the outer, unattached portion of the tape, thereby exposing the nail holes on the flange, and driving nails there though into the wall.

Abstract: A drywall or sheet rock edge clip device that can hold joints of drywall together at the apex of vaulted ceilings or at any other drywall seam at any angle. The device can include tabs and a head or cross member coupled by a stem that fits through the seam or joint and pulls and holds it together. A wire-tie version of the invention can have serrations along the stem and pull up and tighten like a wire-tie. The unused tail section can be broken off by bending it from side to side.

Abstract: A prefabricated corner post (10) and associated method for attachment to an external corner (106) on a building (100). An angled body (12) has adjacent panels (14, 16) that form an inner corner (18) having inner flat surfaces (20, 22) adapted to closely engage the building corner (106), and an outer corner (24) forming an outer flat surface (26) that extends to side edges (28, 30). A nailing flange (32, 34) extends from the inner flat surface of each panel beyond a respective side edge of the outer surface. A trim piece (36) closely conforms to and is slidable vertically along the outer surface between an installation position (38) and a final position (40). Each panel of the body has a through hole (42) from the outer to the inner surface at the final position of the trim piece.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a conduit for the installation of telephone or television cables in the interior of a building. The conduit is adapted to be installed at the corner where a wall meets a ceiling. The conduit comprises a cable receiver, a cover therefore and a moulding to be installed over the cover.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a conduit for the installation of telephone or television cables in the interior of a building. The conduit is adapted to be installed at the corner where a wall meets a ceiling. The conduit comprises a cable receiver, a cover therefore and a moulding to be installed over the cover.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has upper and lower edges, a first substantially vertical rear wall and a second substantially vertical front wall, the substantially parallel side walls extending beyond the second substantially vertical front wall. A first drain groove portion extends across the substantially vertical front wall and aligned with second and third drain groove portions provided on respective facing surfaces of the substantially parallel side walls.

Abstract: Floor panel, more particularly a laminate floor panel, wherein this floor panel comprises a decor, a top layer on the basis of synthetic material, and an underlying substrate (13), whether or not composed of several layers or parts, wherein the floor panel (1), in the surface over which the decor (10) extends, is provided with embossed portions.

Abstract: A weather strip 10 has a trim portion 20 and a hollow seal portion 40. The trim portion 20 is made up of an external sidewall 21, a bottom wall 23 and an internal sidewall 22 to thereby be given a substantially U-shaped cross section. A first flange holding lip 24 is formed on an interior surface of either of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned on an opening side of the trim portion 20, a second flange holding lip 25 is formed on the interior surface of the same sidewall so as to be positioned on a bottom wall side of the trim portion 20, and opposite flange holding lips 26, 27 are formed on an interior surface of the other of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned between the first flange holding lip 24 and the second flange holding lip 25 while extending therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint cover assembly for covering a gap between two floor elements covering a subsurface, the assembly comprising a first molding element comprising an upper section having an exposed surface, the exposed surface comprising a décor, and a foot depending therefrom, wherein the foot has a gripping groove extending towards the exposed surface and being defined by two side walls; and a second molding element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, to be joined to the first molding element, as well as an exposed surface comprising a décor, wherein the lower surface has a groove extending towards the upper surface and being defined by two side walls; characterised in that the joint cover assembly furthermore comprises a track having two upstanding sections, wherein the distance between the upstanding sections corresponds substantially to the width of the foot and also to the distance between a gripping groove's side wall and a proximal side wall of the second molding element's gr

Abstract: A fully insulated timber frame building panel system incorporating wall, ceiling and floor panels of varying dimensions which are made up of vertical timbers 20 and horizontal timbers 34 & 36 sheathed both sides 21 & 22 to create a cavity which is filled with expanding polyurethane insulation 27. Breather membrane 24 is then attached to the external face of the panel and heat reflecting membrane 25 to the internal face. Battens 23 & 38 are applied to the internal face of the panel, which is then sheathed in gypsum based boards 32 to form an air gap 29. Extruded polyurethane insulation 26 is fixed to the panel through the breather membrane 24. External cladding 31 is always fixed to the timber frame to create a cavity 30. This external cladding can be of a variety of materials.

Abstract: An insulating concrete form block adapted to be interlocked with other insulating concrete blocks to form an insulating concrete form for casting concrete. The insulating concrete block including a first foam panel and a second foam panel supported in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a concrete receiving cavity. Each of the first panel and the second panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, and a second end. The top end and the bottom end of each of the first and second panels having an outside row of a plurality of projections and an inside row of a plurality of projections. The projections of the outside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses and the projections of the inside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses with the projections of the outside row being adjacent to the recesses of the inside row and the recesses of the outside row being adjacent projections of the inside row.