Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to insecticide-impregnated nets made of textile fibers, which nets have a small mesh size, and their use for the protection against pests.

Abstract: A continuous-loop conveyor, towering upon vertical framework, which allows potted perennial plants and other plants to be transported throughout all stages of maturity in a manner which substantially multiplies yield per acre, allows production to proceed in both natural and artificial light, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which are favorable to plants but unfavorable to humans. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials, which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of covering a potted plant or a floral grouping with a floral sleeve. The sleeve has, in one embodiment, a plurality of randomly positioned overlapping folds disposed in a sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants (P) hydroponically includes a plant substrate material (52, 54, 56) comprising activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without the additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers are usable in bulk or manufactured into slabs (56) or other configurations by any of a variety of non-woven, woven, molding, or other techniques. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers arc made from cellulosic or synthetic carbon fibers, for example, bamboo fibers.

Abstract: In a device for continuously conditioning fed-out natural gas prior to feeding the same to supply lines leading to consumers, comprising a mixing station for producing a burnable gas from natural gas and oxygen, a reactor container for a catalytic combustion of an introduced mixture of burnable gas and natural gas, at least one drying station that is connected downstream of an outlet of the reactor container and has at least one separator, particularly for water, and further comprising at least one expansion fitting for reducing the pressure, it is provided to dispose the reactor container and at least one separator chamber of the separator in an enclosed housing. A mixing chamber, into which a first feed line for fed-out cold natural gas opens, is disposed in the housing between the reactor container and the separator chamber. A transition is provided for the direct entry of the heated natural gas flowing out of the reactor container into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a fluidized-bed combustion furnace 1, a separator 8 for separation into bed material 11 and an exhaust gas, a fluidized-bed gasification furnace 40 into which the bed material 11 is introduced through a downcomer 46 and into which raw material is introduced, a circulation passage for circulating char and the bed material 11 to the combustion furnace 1, a dispersion section 43 extending along a width of a bed-material-introduction-side wall 41 of the gasification furnace 40 to receive the bed material 11 from the downcomer, fluidizing-gas introduction means 47 for blowing fluidizing gas into the dispersion section 43 to fluidize the bed material 11 in the section 43, and a supply section 48 for supplying the bed material 11 in the dispersion section 43 to the fluidized-bed gasification furnace 40 substantially evenly throughout the width on the bed-material-introduction side.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gasification quench chamber dip tube component is disclosed. The dip tube includes an elongate hollow element that has a first intake end and a second discharge end that is located distally opposite the intake end. The second discharge end includes either a plurality of elongate openings that are displaced circumferentially around the hollow element or a plurality of elongate elements displaced circumferentially around the hollow element thereby defining a plurality of elongate spaces therebetween that extend axially from the second discharge end. A quench chamber that employs the dip tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gasification quench chamber is disclosed. The gasification quench chamber includes a reservoir that contains liquid coolant in its lower portion and an exit for the cooled syngas in its upper portion; a dip tube that is configured to introduce a syngas mixture to contact the liquid coolant which produces the cooled syngas; a cooling device configured to further cool the cooled syngas in its upper portion; and a stability device in the lower portion that is configured to mitigate coolant level fluctuation and sloshing. In an embodiment of the quench chamber, the cooling device includes a heat exchanger pipe. A quench chamber and scrubber assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Before being fed into a pipe, particularly a network of pipes for the supply of consumers, gas, preferably natural gas, is continuously conditioned. The pressurized gas is removed from a reservoir, expanded, and heated to a predefined temperature before or after the expansion thereof in that a branched-off partial flow of the fed-out natural gas is mixed with oxygen and the resulting burnable gas is catalytically burned. The fed-out gas is heated with the thermal energy that is produced. For this purpose, a partial exhaust gas flow is branched off from a hot exhaust gas flow released during the catalytic combustion and conducted into a first container together with the cold burnable gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to start-up, operate, and shut down a gasifier and an integrated gasification combined cycle complex with minimal sour gas emissions while additionally reducing the release of contaminants such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen oxides. The process is accomplished by starting up with a sulfur free feedstock and by scrubbing any ventable sour gases free of sulfur contaminants prior to release of any such gases to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A coal processing operation (10) includes in a dense media separation stage (12), subjecting a coal feedstock (18) which includes minerals to dense media separation producing a first coal stream (20) and a second coal stream (22). Coal in the first coal stream (20) is lower in ash and has a lower ash fusion temperature than coal in the second coal stream (22). Coal from the first coal stream (20) is processed in a high temperature coal processing operation (44), and coal from the second coal stream (22) is processed in a medium temperature coal processing operation (16).

Abstract: A configuration contains a coupling mechanism for closing a door of a rack store, the door being guided in particular on rails, and an uncoupling and displacing device for opening and displacing the door. The uncoupling and displacing device has a displaceable driver, with which the coupling mechanism can be moved from a closed position into an open position and the door can be displaced. A closure sensor monitors the closed position of the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for processing documents of value, in particular bank notes, and a method for operating such an apparatus (1). The apparatus (1) includes several processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13), such as for example an input module (2), an operating module (3) and an output module (4). The apparatus (1) is further set up to detect events in the processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13), which require an intervention of an operator. The processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) each have at least one cover (6), which, dependent on such a detected event, is automatically opened without intervention of the operator.

Abstract: Protection has been critical to residential and commercial owners for thousands of years. This is still so, though possibly more so, in today world. Stationary Burglar bars placed over residential and commercial property windows provide a readily visible sign of security. This sign serves both as a deterrent to would-be thieves and an assurance of safety to property owners. As criminal activity has increased, utilization of burglar bars has expanded in cities and towns across the entire United States in response to the ever-increasing threat. Unfortunately, however successful as a security measure, Burglar bars have also proved to be dangerous. First, stationary burglar bars can create death traps or lead to severe injuries for property occupants by blocking escape in the event of a fire. Second, Fire rescue and EMS personnel often encounter obstacles specific to stationary burglar bars that impede their rescue and/or firefighting efforts, as well as threatening their personal safety.

Abstract: Techniques for a door system for sealing an opening between two chambers in a semiconductor processing system are described. A sealing member seals the opening when a door is in a closed position. To selectively open and close the opening, an actuator moves the door. A valve actuator switch provides a first or second pressure to the actuator depending on the pressure inside a first chamber. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors the pressure inside the first chamber.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a door drive for a swing door of a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a rotary post, which is arranged at the vehicle, with at least one pivot arm for arrangement at a door leaf, wherein a motor is arranged in the rotary post and is connected with the rotary post, wherein at least one planetary transmission stage is provided for stepping down the rotational speed of the motor and wherein the pinion cage of the at least one planetary transmission stage comprises a rotary element, particularly a pinion, which is fixable.

Abstract: A window regulator including a drive rod having a linear axis; a runner connected to the drive rod for movement therealong; a window carrier pivotally secured to the runner for supporting a window; and a guide engaged by the window carrier having a radius of curvature such that the window carrier moves the window along a path coincident with the radius of curvature as the runner moves linearly along the drive rod.

Abstract: A device is provided for closing off a window made in a motor vehicle. The device includes a fixed part intended to be attached to the vehicle and at least one movable glazed panel able to move along a sliding axis between a closed position in which it closes off an opening defined in the fixed part and at least one open position in which the opening is at least partially free. The device includes at least one cable attached to the movable panel, a portion of the cable bearing the movable panel, moving parallel to the sliding axis in order to move the movable panel and engaging with a displacement device able to shift the movable panel from a closing plane corresponding to the plane of the fixed part to a sliding plane parallel to the closing plane.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a door assembly (200), comprising, in combination, a door frame (220) suitable for receiving a door panel (210), the door frame (220) having a door jamb (221) at which a door panel (210) is received, the door jamb (221) comprising a lip (222) extending perpendicularly from an end portion of the door jamb, a pivoting member (230) onto which the door panel (210) is pivotally connectable, wherein the pivoting member (230) is attached to the lip (222) of the door jamb (221).

Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a door handle that engages a bell crank to actuate a door release latch. A locking member moves relative to the bell crank, and shifts to a locked position wherein the locking member engages an engagement member to prevent rotation of the bell crank when the door handle assembly experiences an inertial force due to an impact or the like.

Abstract: A removable draft blocker, for blocking drafts by sealing a gap between a bottom surface of a door and an underlying floor surface, includes first and second elongated draft blocking bodies, a base member extending between a bottom of the first draft blocking body and a bottom of the second draft blocking body to join the first and second draft blocking bodies in a spaced apart parallel relationship, and a retaining member disposed between ends of the first and second draft blocking bodies. The draft blocker is adapted to be positioned at the bottom of a door, with the draft blocking bodies on opposite sides of the door, and with the retaining member engaged behind or against a side edge of the door, such that the draft blocker is prevented from moving out of position as the door is opened and closed.

Abstract: An antio-ligative ergonomic type door-knob primarily of the institutional type, essentially serving to defeat the effort of a temporarily mentally-depressed room occupant from succeeding in committing self-hanging via contrived ensnaring by which to secure a cord like hanging-noose. Generic-variant embodiments of my anti-ligative doorknob are set forth, including both a circular and semi-circular ecutcheon-plate for I-shaped V-shaped Y-shaped X-shaped fin-levers, and also a non-finned hemispherical iteration. The novel critical minimum approximate 40-degree anti-ligative principle of my LIFESTAR™ doorknobs reliably prevents a person ensnaring any heretofore problematically hazardous to portion of the door-knob assembly, while my optionally cooperating door latchbolt is formed to a matching critical minimum approximate 40-degree anti-ligative tri-beveled latchbolt as well.

Abstract: A screed corner comprises a screed base including substantially perpendicular nailing flanges and a bead leg extending away from each nailing flange. The bead has a horizontally disposed V-shaped cross section. A separate screed corner component is provided to be secured to arms of the bead and to close a gap in the screed base which is located in a volume comprising an intersection of a projection of each bead leg. The screed corner may be provided in a contour in sheet metal which can be readily bent to form a screed base. The screed corner component may comprise formed sheet metal. The corner component may comprise a sharp corner or may comprise a radius at its periphery. In one further form, the bead may comprise a substantially planar surface extending away from the nailing flange. In another, further form, the screed corner may be molded.

Abstract: A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a strong, safety barrier that can be affixed to the inside of a wood or metal-framed opening at a construction site so as to prevent passage and resulting injury while permitting installation of finished walls and flooring. In particular, the safety barrier consists of a material, in a substantially planar shape, that attaches to the lower, inside area between the rough opening of a passage way in the area of a building that is under construction and not safe for human passage, which when properly installed, will prevent human passage and resultant injury and also provide a written warning of danger, with universally recognized signage.

Abstract: A foundation system is disclosed that is used when building a structure on expansive soils. The foundation system includes a vertical wall that prevents moisture from migrating beyond the vertical wall into the zone of influence under the foundation. The prevention of the moisture migration into the zone of influence precludes damage to the foundation and structure caused by expansive soils.

Abstract: A roof vent system for greenhouses or buildings comprised of a flexible sheet of material permanently attached stationary to a lower member of vent frame and towed by a flexible tube to open or close to upper peak member of said vent by winch assisted tether ropes and closed at building ends of said vent by free flexible material grommeted and tensioned by tether ropes attached to building end walls, producing a continuous flexible window. Flexible torsion hoops provide a support system for flexible sheeting materials and at the same time act as retracting mechanisms as the said vent is being opened. The vent system is longitudinal and transverses a building from end to end functioning to evacuate heat, humidity or other elements. Opening the vent requires releasing the winch locked tethers so that the flexible material which is attached to a pull pipe is free to descend down the slope of the building roof.

Abstract: A screen for a skylight which is mounted on a substantially flat roof and which includes a frame having spaced apart vertical walls extending upwardly from the roof. The screen includes a plurality of longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars secured thereto so as to form a plurality of rectangular openings. The transverse bars having a central portion forming an arch that is adapted to overlie the skylight. The transverse bars also include end portions having a substantially vertical section merging into the central portion and a substantially horizontal end section extending outwardly. The end sections are adapted to act as a foot allowing said screen to rest on and be supported by the roof. The transverse rods also include an intermediate section between the vertical section and the horizontal section that is spaced from the corner formed between the roof and each of the vertical walls of the skylight frame.

Abstract: A window insulation panel and method of constructing the window insulation panels is provided. The window insulation panel includes an exterior insulation panel, an interior insulation panel and a plurality of enclosed chambers disposed therebetween. The plurality of enclosed chambers are filled with aerogel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical attachment system for attaching window film to the window frame, such as a batten, profile clamp or other structural device (referred to generally throughout the application as “attachment device”), which attachment device absorbs energy instead of simply transferring energy to the window frames (as is done in traditional devices). The absorption of energy is accomplished by incorporation of a flex area in the attachment device. The flex area bends or flexes when acted upon by blast loads and effectively eliminates the tearing effect (of the film) that all conventional mechanical attachment systems exhibit.

Abstract: The door jamb of the present invention bears a conventional outward appearance, but underneath lies a unique steel exoskeleton which is machined in order to mount it to the home's frame first, then for the door to be mounted to it. This design element harkens back to the days when any carpenter worth his salt would set about the task of installing a door by first constructing a dimensionally perfect opening for it, then hanging the door within the resulting space. The door jamb of the present invention defines this space with the perfect material for the task, which is steel. It is this steel exoskeleton which keeps the door opening within desired tolerances, regardless of outside temperature. This results in much greater latch and lock engagement, as well as significant energy savings from a properly sealed door.

Abstract: Extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation, the method for extruding such products, and the windows and doors made with such plastic extrusions. The plastic extrusions may additionally include a low heat build-up capstock system comprising an acrylic cap and pigment system that is substantially IR transparent. The extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation are recyclable using conventional plastic extrusion process and are fully weldable in conventional window and door manufacturing.

Abstract: Private renal suites are offered within an in-center facility for out-patient dialysis treatment. A plurality of suites allow for amenities associated with different theme-oriented accommodations, such as resembling a room in a home, an office, or other theme-oriented accommodation, such as a seasonal theme, a sports theme, a child's setting, or a hobby enthusiast theme. Each treatment room is fabricated to replicate the themed setting while allowing the out-patient to be comfortable and relaxed, enjoy the themed atmosphere, or possibly perform work-related tasks during what is otherwise a difficult and stressful procedure.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a void forming and suspension system (10), which generally consists of a plurality of void forming elements (12, 16) arranged to extend over a ground surface (22) upon which the building is to be constructed. As will become more apparent in the following description, the void forming system (10) functions to act as an interface between the ground surface (22) and a concrete slab (20) of the building to be constructed, while the slab is being formed. Once the slab (20) is formed and the wet concrete for forming the slab has hardened, the void forming system degrades to create a cavity into which swelling ground can expand.

Abstract: A flooring system includes multiple polymeric panels that are interlocked into a floor system and then covered with a material such as carpet and artificial turf. A top surface of the polymeric panels includes barbs to hold the material from moving laterally during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam sealing strip (2, 2?, 2?) which is suitable for sealing, for example, a window frame (5) and which is impregnated for delayed elastic recovery, wherein the foam sealing strip (2, 2?, 2?) has, with reference to a cross section, two opposite narrow sides (3, 4) which, in the fitted state, each face the inner side or the outer side of the window frame (5), and wide sides suitable for bearing against the side of the window or soffit (6), wherein, furthermore, in the fully recovered state, at least one edge region of the cross section, which edge region is designed as a vertical region (15), is at a greater height from a base surface (F) provided on the wide side than an adjoining low-lying region in the width direction, wherein the vertical region and the low-lying region run in alignment with a longitudinal direction of the foam sealing strip (2, 2?, 2?) and, in the fully recovered state, a surface profile which is curved in cross section is provided on the surface opposite the ba

Abstract: A reinforced framing member is comprised of a low density polymer base and a reinforcing member disposed within the base. The reinforcing member can be a metal, wood or a high density polymer. The low density polymer base that is reinforced can have a density of from about 6 to about to about 20 lbs. per cu. foot. The reinforcing member can have a density of from about 30 to about 90 lbs. per cu. foot.

Abstract: A PCM heat insulation blanket (10) is positioned in a wall structure of a building for modulating the transfer of heat to and from the controlled internal temperature of the building structure. The PCM heat insulation blanket includes an array of pods (12) with one group of pods 12A containing a first PCM and a second group of pods containing a second PCM 12B having a different phase change temperature than the first group of pods. The pods with different PCMs are substantially uniformly intermixed among each other. The pods are formed of laminated sheets, each of which may include a metal foil that is vapor impermeable and tends to maintain the PCMs in the blanket at approximately the same temperature, and which also functions to reflect radiant heat away from the temperature controlled internal space of the building structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a structural stud and panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed. Devices and methods for forming structural studs and panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor cover system includes a cover panel having a preformed end and a connector strip having a first and second receptacles adapted to receive the preformed end of the cover panel. An inner surface of the receptacle of the connector strip has a portion that is complementary in shape to that of a surface of the preformed end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A door is constructed with a separate member joined to the door edge by a tongue-and-groove coupling and screws so as to be readily removable and replaceable. The separate member sustains the impacts imparted to the door by carts or wagons pushed past the door and can be readily replaced when damaged, thus avoiding replacement of the entire door. A flexible cover snaps over the outer surface of the separate member to add impact resistance and aesthetic appeal. Intumescent strips may be inserted inside or outside of the cover to enhance sealing between the door, and as adjacent door or door frame, thereby improving the fire resistance rating of the door. Accent strips or reveals of contrasting or complementary colors may be incorporated to add to the aesthetic appeal of the door. The door construction is of particular utility in schools, health care facilities and other institutions.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning rods and wire in concrete is disclosed. In some embodiments, the spacer includes first and second saddle portions joined together via a connection mechanism. Spacing members are joined with the first and second saddle portions and first and second outer edges are joined with the spacing members opposite the first and second saddle portions. A conforming fixed centering tab having a centering groove is joined with the first saddle portion at first and second ends. An adjustable and conforming centering flap is joined with the second saddle portion at a first end via a hinge connection and includes a free second end opposite the first end. The centering flap has a length greater than a width of an opening of the second saddle portion. The connection mechanism is joined with the spacing members adjacent the outer edges for pivoting the first and second saddle portions.

Abstract: An anchor for a post tension reinforcement includes an anchor base having at least one wedge receiving bore therein and reinforcing ribs extending from an exterior of the receiving bore. A longitudinal length of the wedge receiving bore, a position of a midpoint of an axial length of the wedge receiving bore with respect to a load bearing basal surface of the anchor base, and a lateral extension and height of the ribs are selected such that a specific weight of the anchor base is at most 0.1 pounds per square inch of load bearing area.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: A rebar installation system that uses rebar drive stations to secure rebar against the inner surface of a coil for securing thereto. The system may increase the ease and speed with which the rebar can be attached while reducing the amount of manpower necessary to complete the project.

Abstract: A building process that offers better qualities in terms of value, structural integrity, and comfort and energy conservation for industrial, commercial and residential building industries. The present invention starts with a single component which is the vertical composite insulated supporting steel member, then the plate, the beam, the floor joist, the roof truss members and the multiple insulation patterns to create the cavities. The entire concept of utilizing the invention is that the design of all of the components and parts, the objectives are focused on to facilitate the prefabrication process and conserve energy.