Abstract: Fuel compositions are provided which comprise synergistic combinations of a biodiesel or biodiesel blend, an antioxidant comprising a mixture of at least one diphenol and at least one sterically hindered phenol, and a cetane improver. The fuel compositions described herein exhibit a unique combination of improved oxidation stability and enhanced ignition quality.

Abstract: Provided herein are blends oils or fatty acids comprising more than 50% medium chain fatty acids, or the fatty acid alkyl esters thereof, and having low melting points. Such blends are useful as a fuel or as a starting material for the production of, for example, a biodiesel. Also provided genetically altered or modified plants, modified such that the amount of medium chain fatty acids generated by the plant are increased. Further provided is a method of predicting the melting point of a blend of fatty acid methyl esters and the use of such a method for identifying blends suitable for use as, for example, a biodiesel.

Abstract: The production of biodiesel is labor and time intensive. A first catalyst and a second catalyst were used for a two step transesterification of used oil to make biodiesel. The ratio of second catalyst and alcohol determines the outcome of good quality biodiesel that meets the ASTM standards. Several experiments were conducted to find optimal second catalyst, second catalyst alcohol ratio, and different times for adding second catalyst and alcohol either in sequence or simultaneously. Potassium hydroxide as a second catalyst and methanol as an alcohol, in a specific ratio calculated based glycerin value dictated the final volume. Specific ratio of catalyst and alcohol, when added together for a short duration lasting for minutes, instead of hours, produced superior quality biodiesel. The biodiesel production was stable and consistent. The production time was reduced considerably. Truncated method of producing biodiesel has tremendous cost and time advantage.

Abstract: Compositions of oxygenated gasolines are disclosed that have reduced vapor pressure compared to those containing a single oxygenate and no RVP reducing compound. Such compositions can be formed at a refinery or at a terminal. Methods of reducing vapor pressure of an oxygenated gasoline are disclosed and methods of reducing vapor pressure constraints upon a refinery in the production of oxygenated gasoline are disclosed. Fundamental properties of RVP reducing compounds are disclosed including IR spectrum analysis. Processes and methods for blending and distributing these fuels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel composition including mixed butanols, such as for example, 2-butanol, iso-butanol and tert-butanol, preferably 2-butanol and tert-butanol is provided. Methods of preparing and using the mixed butanols composition as combustible neat fuels and/or oxygenate fuel constituents in gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, and the like are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs particularly useful for altering agronomic characteristics of plants under nitrogen limiting conditions compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a LNT5 polypeptide.

Abstract: An improved plant container consisting of an interior of recycled polystyrene foam panels enclosed within a metallic wire mesh that is enclosed by an interior and exterior layer of cement is formed by a unique wooden or plastic mold consisting of a solid male and collapsible female mold. This planter is designed to be light weight, allow for improved drainage and/or retention of moisture while allowing for improved air circulation throughout the plants soil, therefore preventing under and over watering of a plant preventing root rot or severe dryness. the planter is specially designed despite its lighter weight to allow for easy transport by means of a built in pallet at its base.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants comprises a rotatable plant-holding member having an axis of rotation that is at an angle from the vertical, for example a horizontal axis. Holding means are provided on the plant-holding member for holding plants for growth in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the plant-holding member. The apparatus includes support means for supporting the plant-holding member for rotation about its axis of rotation and means for rotating the plant-holding member. The plant-holding member may be a disk, cylinder, or helical blade.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for improving aeroponic horticulture growing efficiency by delivering air and atomized liquid nutrient to plant roots in a manner that preserves and encourages root hair growth. The disclosed aeroponic system includes a nozzle for varying the particle size distribution and flow rate of an atomized liquid nutrient. In one embodiment, a significant portion of the atomized liquid droplets are less than 30 microns in size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for aquaculture. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of cultivation areas, a collection area, a pump for returning the culture from the collection areas to at least one of the cultivation areas and a delivery system for providing gases and/or nutrients to the culture. Also disclosed is a method for regulating water temperature of an aquaculture including circulating a culture through a system described herein, and storing the culture in the collection area or at least one of the cultivation areas for at least a portion of a 24 hour period.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, a first end, and a second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube. A media material is insertable into the grow tube wherein the grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: An entrained bed gasifier for operation with particulate or liquid fuels is provided. A reaction chamber defined by a cold screen and a quenching chamber connected to the reaction chamber using a crude gas and slag outlet, wherein at least the cold screen is enclosed by a pressure-resistant pressure mantle. The annular gap between the cold screen and pressure jacket may be filled with a fluid, for example, water or heat transfer oil. A rough pressure equalization between the gasification chamber and the annual gap may be guaranteed using a connection between the annular gap and the quenching chamber or the crude gas line, hence the pressure in the gasification chamber normally remains slightly higher than in the inner water jacket.

Abstract: A downdraft gasifier for producing a gaseous fuel to be used in an engine from a carbonaceous material with a pyrolysis module, a reactor module, and a heat exchanger system that cooperate to produce the gaseous fuel from the carbonaceous material and to extract particulates from the gaseous fuel from the reactor. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchanger coupled to the dryer module that heats the carbonaceous material with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to dry the carbonaceous material; a second heat exchanger coupled to the pyrolysis module that heats the dried carbonaceous material with the exhaust from the engine to pyrolyze the dried carbonaceous material into tar gas and charcoal; and a third heat exchanger coupled to the reactor module that heats air used to combust the tar gas with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to preheat the air.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement is provided with at least one light-barrier fastening device for fastening the light-barrier element on the retaining arrangement, and with at least one first door-fastening device, for fastening the retaining arrangement on an element of a first type of door, and also with at least one second door-fastening device for fastening the retaining arrangement on an element of a second type of door, and/or with a floor-fastening/ground-fastening or wall-fastening device, for fastening the retaining arrangement on the floor/ground or a surrounding wall and/or on an element of an undetermined type of door.

Abstract: A door barrier with pet portal is provided for temporary use and installation with a swing hung door. The door barrier includes a frame positionable within the opening of a door frame, and a flexible barrier extending from the frame that is attachable to a door along an upper and outward edge thereof for extending across the doorway of the door when partially held open. The flexible barrier includes an opening permitting the passage of a pet therethrough.

Abstract: A vertically collapsible weather resistant barrier for an opening, having a plurality of side frames secured along the height of side walls and/or an intermediate post defining the opening. Each side frame has a longitudinal channel along its length facing inward toward the opening. The channel accommodates sheaves extending from the barrier and by which a ceiling mounted pulley system may house and lower the barrier with the side frame. The barrier comprises a plurality of pantograph structures at opposite ends of a plurality of panels. The arms of the pantograph structure closest to the side walls house a locking mechanism thereon facing the side frame at either end of the arm that engages a latch in and a proximate arm to pull them into tight vertical alignment when substantially fully extended.

Abstract: A plastic carrier plate for vehicle door is provided. The plastic carrier plate having: a channel structure molded into the plastic carrier plate, the channel structure having a pair channels integrally molded into the plastic carrier plate, wherein the channels provide structural reinforcement to the plastic carrier plate and the channels intersect each other.

Abstract: A power window apparatus for opening and closing a window glass actuates a window regulator based on power transmitted from the output gear of a motor to the sector gear of a window regulator. A range in which the output gear and the sector gear mesh with each other includes a normal operation range and a low speed operation range. In the normal operation range, the window glass is moved at a normal speed. In the low speed operation range, the window glass is moved at a speed lower than the normal speed from a near-fully closed position to a fully closed position of the window glass.

Abstract: A speed reducer (32) including a gear case (33) is attached in an electric motor, and a pinion is provided to an output shaft (35) protruding from the gear case (33). A base portion (33a) protruding in a diametrical direction is provided to the gear case (33) and a support shaft is mounted to the base portion (33b). A sector gear (42) is fixed to a base end of a lift arm (24), and the sector gear (42) is swingably supported by the support shaft and meshed with the pinion. In addition, a groove portion (42c) in a circular arc shape is provided to the sector gear (42), and a gear cover (51) is fixed to the gear case (33) by a bolt (58) penetrating the groove portion (42c) and a bolt (54) disposed on an outer periphery side than the sector gear (42), and the gear cover (51) covers a mesh portion of the pinion and the sector gear (42) and presses the sector gear (42) toward the gear case (33).

Abstract: In an acceleration and deceleration device which includes at least one energy storage device and a cylinder with at least one piston movably disposed in the cylinder and moved therein by a carrier element and a sliding door including a slidable door panel provided with an acceleration and deceleration device, a second carrier element is provided guiding either the first piston or the second piston for movement in the cylinder so as to control the movement of pistons and of the sliding door neat its end positions.

Abstract: A door panel assembly comprising a double-walled structure for trapping a first insulation; a door frame coupled to the door panel and sized to form an aperture within which the door panel is displaceable between open and closed positions, wherein at least one of the frame edge portions individually cooperate with one of the panel edge portions of the door panel to provide a magnetic coupling when the door panel is in the closed position; a flange disposed between at least one of the panel edge portions of the door panel and at least one of the edge portions of the door frame.

Abstract: An extrusion molded product having a core material, such as a weather strip and a trim, for mounting thereof on a flange around the periphery of an opening of an automobile body, such as a door, a trunk, and a back door comprises a molded product body (1) which includes a core material (3) having a generally U-shaped cross section in a longitudinal direction, a coating layer (2) having holding portions (4) formed inside side portions of the core material (3), and a contact layer (6) consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer composition harder than the holding portions (4) and formed integrally with the holding portions (4) on a surface abutting the flange (5).

Abstract: In a vehicle door structure, a beam member (21) having a S-shaped cross section and extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle body is attached to an inner panel (15), and the upper edge of the inner panel (15) is formed by the beam member (21). Thereby, a crash load of a frontal crash is transmitted in a favorable manner, and energy of a side impact is adequately absorbed without incurring a cost increase or a weight increase owing to the use of the door beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for vertical opening and closing of coke oven doors of horizontal coke oven chambers. The doors are lifted via a chain or a rope into the opened position. The rope or the chain is linked via deflector rollers to an actuating lever. The rope or chain can be pulled horizontally so that the doors are pulled-up vertically via the deflector rollers. The actuating lever is linked to a pull eye which upon actuation of the actuating lever can engage into the gripping cam of a gripping car. The gripping car is driven by a rope tackle and upon actuation of the actuating lever it pulls the door into the opened position. The door can be arrested via a suitable mechanism in its opened position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond tables and PDCs in a manner that facilitates removal of metal-solvent catalyst used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond tables of such PDCs.

Abstract: Composite abrasive bodies, which include abrasive product supports, abrasive particles and cured adhesives bonding the abrasive product supports and the abrasive products, are provided. The cured adhesives may be two-component polyurethane or (meth)acrylate adhesives. In addition, methods for preparing the composite abrasive bodies are also provided.

Abstract: An abrasive article including a material including an abrasive material and a filler material having an average negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) within a range of temperatures between about 70K to about 1500K.

Abstract: A portable set system comprising a plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments defining a frame element for a set, wherein removable display panels are supportively held on the frame element for customized stage use. Preferably, a plurality of frame elements are utilized together to define a stage set, wherein inflatable tubular connector members serve to relate the inflatable tubular support segments together during use.

Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.

Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.

Abstract: The off-site manufacture and on-site assembly of a prefabricated dwelling unit (“Unit”) are described herein. The Unit may be a single stand-alone Unit or an individual Unit within a group of Units such as a duplex or apartment building. The Unit is substantially prefabricated and nests within itself through a configurable design that utilizes a floor framing system. The Unit may also include fold down floor assemblies, moveable walls of 96? height, pre-installed floors and fixtures. The Unit may be configured for a decreased footprint that will fit into a single shipping container along with the other necessary components for completion of the Unit on-site. The Unit may be loaded and unloaded from a single shipping container without substantially limiting the size, shape, or aesthetics of the Unit while being substantially prefabricated.

Abstract: Modular building structures and methods of forming such structures are disclosed. A modular building structure may include a plurality of walls, a ceiling and a landing. The plurality of walls may include a front wall. The ceiling may be positioned at a top portion of each of the plurality of walls and may have a top surface. The landing may be connected to the ceiling by one or more pin assemblies. The one or more pin assemblies are configured to enable the landing to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. An upper surface of the landing may be adjacent to a top surface of the ceiling when the landing is in the retracted position. The landing may extend from the front wall when the landing is in the extended position.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete building module comprises two pre-cast concrete end panels interconnected and interlinked to a pre-cast bridging panel providing a utility channel at at least one corner thereof, the channel aligning with a reinforcement formation on each side edge of each end panel.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the axis of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground fixation device for fixating posts such as lamps, flagpoles, signs and similar substantially vertical objects to a substantially flat ground surface. The ground fixation device comprises an elongated rail extending along the ground surface, at least one fastening device located at said rail and at least one anchoring mechanism located at said rail for entering the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A frame for supporting one or more cells that provide one or more services to a site. The frame includes a plurality of footings disposed on the site and a frame assembly disposed on the footings. The frame assembly includes a plurality of support rails, a plurality of connecting rails extending between and joined to the support rails, and a plurality of locking mechanisms disposed on the frame assembly. Each of the locking mechanisms selectively retains a portion of at least one of the cells to the frame assembly. The footings and the frame assembly contribute to define a service area between a lower surface of the cells and grade of the site. In one embodiment, one or more of the support rails includes one or more through-holes. The through-holes are configured to receive conduits for providing one or more services to and between the one or more cells.

Abstract: A building includes a data center to house computing equipment including computers and servers. The data center stores data. The building also includes a multipurpose center that houses office spaces, conference rooms and meeting rooms. The data center and multipurpose center differ in function but share resources. The data center is expandable using a configuration of a control room, an electrical room and a mechanical room. Additional data center floors adjoin existing structures to increase available space in a linear manner.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a modular deck tile is designed to allow for the easy installation of roof top or balcony decks over existing surfaces, such as rolled roofing, waterproof or impermeable membranes. Advantages include the ability to be installed on a roof top surface without penetrating any waterproof membrane layers and cause leaking. The deck tiles may be made with recycled fiber composite decking or high density foam modular tiles. In another exemplary embodiment, the deck tile comprises an interlocking polyethylene base configured for the attachment of composite products or high density foam to be attached either in variety of shape configurations and in a variety of colors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting system (1) for mounting one or more solar panels (P). The mounting system (1) comprises: a plurality of elongate bearing members (10) adapted to be arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another on a rooftop surface, and in particular on an outer sealing membrane (S) of the rooftop, and a plurality of fastening straps (20, 20?) for fastening the bearing members (10) to the rooftop surface. Each of the bearing members (10) is adapted for mounting a solar panel (P) or a support frame (F) of a solar panel thereon, and each of the fastening straps (20) is adapted to engage one or more of the bearing members (10) and includes a securing region (21) for securing the strap to the rooftop surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for providing a fixing point for an insulated glass unit (3), the device having clamping blocks (22) to mount the device (1) though opposed panes of glass (5, 6) of the unit (3) and a spacer (10) with opposed faces (13, 14). At least one of the opposed faces (13, 14) having an annular groove (17, 18) for carrying sealant to seal against an associated one of the glass panes (5, 6) when the glass panes (5, 6) are tensioned together by the clamping blocks (22).

Abstract: A corner bead for finishing a wallboard corner joint is provided, including a plastic body including a first flange and a second flange, each flange having a rib edge and an opposite free edge. The respective rib edges are joined to form a corner rib defining an angle. A web of face paper covers at least a portion of the body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic cornice member having a plurality of strands and a plurality of cells. The thermoplastic cornice member is extruded by an extruder that forms the shape of the thermoplastic cornice member. The thermoplastic cornice member is then cooled, providing the thermoplastic cornice member with a skin having a higher density than the interior of the thermoplastic cornice member. The strands and the skin give the thermoplastic cornice member a high strength and the skin also enables the thermoplastic cornice member to be painted or sprayed or brushed with adhesive. The adhesive enables the thermoplastic cornice member to be affixed to walls, ceilings, floors, or other panels.

Abstract: Precast structures are formed of precast walls fitted between precast posts extending from cast in place footings, prior to the pouring of a slab. During pouring of the slab, anchors may tie together the panels, posts and slab. Precast concrete, tension fabric or traditional roofing members may be added to form a post and beam construction that spans large open areas providing for flexible manufacturing, storage, hangar, office, schools, institutional, or residential interior design features, due to the structural integrity and cost advantages of structures produced using this method of precast construction.

Abstract: As a temporary drainage equipment, a penetration hole is formed to a floor slab of a building under construction, the penetration hole is provided with a substantially cylindrical funnel portion opened to a floor surface of a room, a connection pipe is communicated to a bottom portion of the funnel portion, and a hose guide pipe is inserted to the lower end portion of the connection pipe. An inner flange portion is provided to the lower end portion of the hose guide pipe so as to be flash with a ceiling surface of the downfloor room.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of panels each formed with a plurality of horizontal rows of simulated building elements, such as hand laid stone separated by simulated lines of mortar. The panels have side marginal edge regions formed with depending hooks and side opening hook receiving slots that are interengageable as an incident to relative lateral movement of the side marginal edge regions during installation, with the rows of simulated building elements in one panel, being drawn into aligned and predetermined spaced relation to the rows of building elements and adjacently mounted panel. The underlying side marginal edge region of each panel is formed with a non-planar undulating surface similar to the mortar lines throughout the panel, and the overlying side marginal edge region of each panel further is formed with a complementary configured undulating surface for tight mounted positioning onto the undulating surface of the underlying side marginal edge region.

Abstract: A process for the production of panels (10) with integrated insulation in particular for the production of buildings, includes the following stages: pouring a concrete that includes natural fibers into a mold M to form an interior surface (12) of the panel, pouring a light hydrophobic concrete, with reinforcements, to form an exterior surface (14) of the panel, adjustment of reinforcements (28) on the edge of each panel to ensure a cottering and adjustment of chain reinforcements (32). Also described are the panels obtained by the process.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A refractory wall is provided. The refractory wall includes a plurality of wall bricks coupled together to define an inner surface of the refractory wall, and a sensor port coupled to the plurality of wall bricks. The sensor port includes an outer wall defining a radial cross-sectional shape of the sensor port and defining a top ridge of the sensor port, an inner wall defining an opening extending through the sensor port, and an end wall extending between the outer wall and the inner wall. The end wall is positioned radially inward a distance from the inner surface. A method for fabricating the refractory wall is also provided.

Abstract: Grid members, namely a runner (10) and wall angle (400) for suspended ceiling grids, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the runner and the wall angle have two web portions (28, 30) and at least one distinct indent portion (62) to define a space between the web portions. An adhesive (56) may be disposed within one or more of the indent portions (62) to adhere the two web portions (28, 30) to each other. Certain embodiments of the runner or wall angle have flange portions (32, 34) that may have indent portions as well. One or more of these indent portions may contain adhesive. Some embodiments of the runner or wall angle have overturned cap portions on the flange portions, and an adhesive may be placed between the overturned cap portions and upwardly facing surfaces of the flange portions.