Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous system for determining items of information representative of the movement of an articulated chain (CA—1, CA—2, CA—3) comprising at least two solid elements (ES1—1, ES2—1, ES1—2, ES2—2, ES3—2, ES1—3, ES2—3, ES3—3, ES4—3) and at least one articulation (ART1—1, ART1—2, ART2—2, ART1—3, ART2—3, ART3—3) connecting said two elements. The system comprises at least two devices (DISP1—1, DISP2—1, DISP1—2, DISP2—2, DISP3—2, DISP1—3, DISP2—3, DISP3—3, DISP4—3) for measuring inter-device distances, mounted fixedly on two distinct elements of said articulated chain and suitable for transmitting the measurements made.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating an absolute encoder apparatus comprising a scale having features defining absolute position information in at least one measuring dimension, and a readhead configured to read the features. The method comprises: obtaining at least one representation of at least some of the features defining absolute position information; analysing the at least one representation to determine at least one parameter indicative of the quality of the representation; and providing an output indicative of the relative setup of the scale and readhead based at least in part on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved continuous vertical feed pistachio nut dryer that has an inner compartment defined by bulkhead walls formed of smooth and seamless outer walls of perforated sheet stock, and has an infeed chamber with a batch hopper used in conjunction with an auger to provide a structure configured to operate in a batch fill mode wherein the inner compartment is filled evenly along the length of the dryer.

Abstract: A laundry drying machine (1) includes a casing (2) containing a rotatable drum (4) for holding the laundry (5) to dry, and a drying air circuit (6) for conveying a drying air flow towards the inside of the drum (6) and from it to the outside. At least one filter (12) is provided for intercepting the fluff dragged out of the laundry (5) by the drying air flow. Vibrating means (19) are adapted to cause the filter (12) to vibrate, so as to drop down the fluff from the filter (12). The filter (12) is selectively positionable between an operational position in which the filter (12) is arranged in a seat (11) intercepting the drying air circuit (6), and an extracted position in which the filter (12) is removed from the seat (11), outside the drying air circuit (6). The vibrating means includes an exciter, associated to the casing (2), and an exciter-responsive element, associated to the filter (12).

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.

Abstract: A drying system includes a fluidized bed dryer and fluidizing gas loop. The system is a closed loop so that fluidizing gas used to dry particulate matter can be reconditioned and recycled to fluidize and dry additional particulate matter. The fluidizing gas is reconditioned by removing fine particulates and water vapor. The drying system includes oxygen control features to prevent oxygen from entering the system. A method for drying particulate matter includes fluidizing the particulate matter in a dryer with a fluidizing gas, heating the particulate matter to remove water, removing water vapor and fluidizing gas from the dryer, removing fines and water vapor from the fluidizing gas, recirculating the fluidizing gas to the dryer to fluidize additional particulate matter and removing dried particulate matter from the dryer. A modular drying system reduces the amount of construction necessary at the installation site.

Abstract: A heat activated fabric treatment composition comprising: a)at least 1% by weight of one or more quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials, b) at least 1% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, such that components a) and b) comprise at least 30% by weight of the composition, c)at least 20% by weight of a fatty component selected from fatty acids having a melting point of at least 40° C., fatty alcohols having a melting point of at least 40° C. and mixtures thereof, d)from 5 to 30% by weight water. The composition is provided in a dispensing device which, in use, is attached to the internal panel of a tumble dryer.

Abstract: A condensation dryer is provided which has a heat pump in which a coolant circulates; a compressor; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the coolant; and a controller. The controller has a first comparator to compare the temperature of the coolant with an upper limiting temperature of the coolant; a switch to switch the compressor off if the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the upper limiting temperature and to switch the compressor on after each compressor disconnection. A counter ascertains the number of occurrences at which the compressor is switched off. The counter is incremented by 1 each time the compressor is switched off. A second comparator compares the number of occurrences with a prespecified limiting number and evaluates the difference between the number of occurrences and the prespecified limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state.

Abstract: A method for making a shoe outsole comprises placing rubber against a coating of cured rubber cement on a segment of fabric, heating the rubber to a temperature below the melting points of the cured rubber cement and the rubber, but high enough to render the cured rubber cement and the rubber tackily adherent to each other and vulcanizing the rubber, thereby to adhere the segment of fabric to the rubber, and cooling the vulcanized rubber to form an outsole having an exposed ground-contacting surface that includes the segment of fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a piece of exercise footwear that simulates an uphill exercise or a downhill exercise that includes a continuous curved flat or concave sole with a front portion and a back portion that can be in continuous contact or not with an exercising surface while a user is exercising on an exercising surface and an inflatably adjustable bladder assembly with an inflatable sole portion and an inflatable heel portion. The exercise footwear also includes a control valve to allow inflation of the inflatable sole portion and the inflatable heel portion to allow a supplemental uphill or downhill simulation while performing the exercises and a transfer valve that transfers pressure and fluid interchangeably between the inflatable heel portion and the inflatable sole portion. A front pad insert and a heel pad insert can also be utilized and the inflatable adjustable bladder assembly can also be removed.

Abstract: A panel for use as quarter panel or quarter liner comprises a panel body formed of various layers of material pressed into a generally flat state. It also comprises a generally uniform outer surface for the panel body, the outer surface being flat in a malleolus region when the panel body is in the flat state. One or more concavities are defined in the inner surface of the panel body in the flat state and positioned in the malleolus region so as to received at least one malleolus of a wearer when the panel body is formed from the flat state into a boot shape. A method for forming a quarter panel or liner of a boot is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functional shoe including support housings inserted into a receipt hole formed on a mid sole of a sole and provided with a screw formed on the inner surfaces thereof, an arch support provided with a head formed integrally with the upper end thereof and inserted into any one of the support housings through screw connection such that the height of the arch support may be adjusted vertically, a plurality of recesses formed on the upper surface of the sole, and acupressure protrusions inserted into the plurality of recesses. The functional shoe facilitates strengthening of function of a specific portion of user's body and blood circulation, promotes discharge of waste to improve circulation troubles, and improves acupressure efficiency. Further, the functional shoe enables a user to perform three-step walking, thereby reducing user's fatigue. Moreover, the functional shoe lowers the price of a shoe product, thus being economical.

Abstract: Wellness footwear that promotes proper gait and strong feet is provided. The footwear can include a sole. The footwear can also include a securing upper arranged with the sole and configured to securely hold a foot of a user on a footbed so as to substantially prevent lateral movement of the foot with respect to the footbed and allow one or more of a big toe and remaining toes of the user to be at least partially uncovered and exposed. A toe aligner structure can be arranged between the securing upper and the sole and configured to extend between the big toe and remaining toes of the user so as to direct a force against the big toe in a direction away from the remaining toes during standing, walking, running, swimming, and other movements when muscles of the foot are in use.

Abstract: A molded or plastic composite snowshoe is formed of two assembled sections, in a way that imparts flexibility to the snowshoe, allowing some degree of torsional twisting or warping flexibility so that the snowshoe adapts to uneven terrain. In a principal embodiment the molded snowshoe is divided into forward and aft sections along a line slightly behind the nose area and near the pivot axis in the case of a pitch-pivoting binding. Joints between sections are in narrow rims at left and right, at opposed sides of a large central opening for the crampon/binding and boot. The joints are designed to securely hold the forward and aft molded sections together but to allow a degree of torsion between them when needed. Steel structural traction rails extend across the joints but are constructed and secured to the snowshoe sections in a manner that preserves the desired flexibility.

Abstract: The snowshoe has a hinge member for mounting a harness to the snowshoe's frame, the hinge member having a rigid pivot rod for extending between first and second side segments of the frame and comprising opposite first and second end portions, the pivot rod for pivotally receiving the harness. The hinge member also includes a first rigid rod attachment mount having a first frame socket for pivotal attachment to the frame first side segment so as to be pivotable about the frame first side segment, and a first rod socket wherein the rigid pivot rod first end portion is pivotally mounted, the first rod socket being spaced apart from the first frame socket so as to allow the pivot rod to pivot about an axis which is generally parallel to and spaced from the first frame socket.

Abstract: A shoe includes a vamp, an insole, a flexible pad, a spike set, a mediate part and an outsole part. The flexible pad includes multiple slits and the spikes of the spike set are inserted into the slits. The combination of the flexible pad 11 and the spike set are connected to the mediate part and the insole is connected to the top of the combination by way of injection molding. The vamp is connected to the mediate part and the outsole part is connected to the mediate part and the mediate part by way of injection molding. The flexible pad and the spike set protrude out from the underside of the outsole part.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly includes a mount assembly operatively connected to an associated vehicle, a plow blade assembly pivotally connected to the mount assembly, and a cylinder with a first end pivotally connected to the mount assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the plow blade assembly. The cylinder can include at least one resilient member. The resilient member exerts a force in a first direction when the plow blade assembly is in a first angled position, and the resilient member exerts a force in a second direction when the plow blade assembly is in a second angled position.

Abstract: A steam brush of the present invention, it relates to a household appliance equipped with an electric heater. The steam brush of the present invention, the inside of its housing is disposed with a water tank, a water pump and an electric heating plate, a switch disposed on said housing is respectively connected to the external power line and the electric heating plate; wherein said housing is cylinder-shaped, a steam outlet surface is disposed on the top surface of said housing; a base seat detachably supports said housing. The steam outlet surface of the steam brush can be far away from the desktop, so it is relatively safe. Said steam brush can expand its functions, which can be applied as indoor humidifier, electric iron or cosmetic tool for facial steaming, it is multi-use.

Abstract: The water-supply mechanism of the boiler in the garment steamer of the present utility, it relates to a water-supply assembly of a steamer.

Abstract: A flexible and rigid thin hoop to be inserted into wet pants, shirts, or other appropriate clothing for the purposes of reducing or eliminating wrinkles. This invention reduces the use of electricity by old methods such as ironing or professional pressing, and reduces the risk of injury by burns. The preferred method of use eliminates the step of using a drier, thus further saving electricity and time in laundry activities. Additionally, improved timing or ease of use may be found through reduction of warm up time for heating elements within irons or assembly of iron boards.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A beverage bottle identification system includes a set of identification tags, wherein each identification tag is formed in a hollow approximately conical shape configured to be secured along the neck of an associated beverage bottle, further wherein each of the identification tags in the set is visually distinguishable from the other identification tags in the set. In addition, the system may include a display stand including a plurality of identification tag holders adapted to store one or more sets of identification tags. At least one of the identification tag holders may include a portion shaped approximately like the neck of the associated beverage bottle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved billboard system and method of use thereof. One or more vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) are mounted onto the top portions of posts supporting new or previously constructed billboards. The vertical axis wind turbines, which are configured to rotate regardless of the direction of the wind, generate electrical power that is used to provide the power needs of lighting display elements (lights, screens, etc.) found on the billboard. The turbines are also used to charge batteries that may later be used to supply power to the billboard during periods when the turbines do not generate sufficient power or when one or more of the turbines are not operational. Surplus power not used to power the display elements or charge the batteries may be transmitted to the utility power grid. The billboard system may be monitored and controlled from a remote location via a communications network.

Abstract: A sign sash is placed around a corner of an existing political campaign or other sign and conveys an additional message. A strip of paper is scored down the middle and folded over to form front and back sign sash portions. The front and back portions are connected at their edges and at least one bears a display. A sign corner can be inserted between the front and back portions and the sign sash allowed to rest on the sign and display the graphic across the surface of the sign. The sign sash is made of rigid card-stock and adhesive and/or fasteners connect the front and back portions. A fastener can secure the sheet to the sign corner or another object. The sign sash is useful for varying sign messages and for adding to the message as events change, for instance to thank supporters after a vote is concluded.

Abstract: A hanging file folder having fold-up label features can be comprised of a sheet of flat, foldable material having two doubled over ends. A first hanger member can be disposed within one of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to a hanging file drawer rail. A second hanger member can be disposed within the other of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to the hanging file drawer rail. A plurality of tab members formed of the flat, foldable material can be attached to at least one of the doubled-over ends and have pairs of ears extending to the sides of the tab members. The tab members can be positioned to be extended beyond an edge of the doubled over end to which they are attached by folding the tab members and inserting the ears into pairs of slots formed in the doubled over ends.

Abstract: A follower for a firearm magazine includes a base part, a guide, a cartridge engaging part, and a slide stop actuating structure. The base part provides a lower surface against which the magazine spring acts, and the guide provides a guide surface extending transverse to a base plane defined by the base part. The cartridge engaging part provides a spring action within the follower itself to augment the force of the magazine spring. The slide stop actuating structure is located at a front end of the base part and provides an inclined engagement surface that extends upwardly from the front end of the base part to a front edge of the follower. This upwardly angled surface forms an engagement surface to reliably engage a slide stop lug of a firearm to actuate the firearm's slide lock mechanism when the magazine is empty.

Abstract: An ammunition clip is described that includes a front end wall, a back end wall, two opposing sidewalls operably engaged with the front end wall and the back end wall to define an enclosure. The sidewalls each include a top section defining a first circumference for the enclosure, a lower section defining a second circumference for the enclosure that is larger than the first circumference, and a transition section between the top section and the lower section. The transition section includes a plurality of offset angled members opposite one another defining the transition between the top section and the lower section. A first guide extends inward into the enclosure from the front end wall substantially orthogonal thereto and a second guide extends inward into the enclosure from the back end wall substantially orthogonal thereto. A guided member is configured to travel within the enclosure in a substantially planar fashion and includes slots at each end thereof for engagement with respective said guides.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine including a housing having a first end and an opposing second end for carrying stacked cartridges, a follower plate reciprocally movable within the housing, a spring retainer reciprocally movable within the housing and having an extension tab extending therefrom toward the second end, and a biasing member carried by the housing between the follower plate and the spring retainer. The biasing member biases the follower plate toward the first end and biases the spring retainer toward the second end. A bottom plate closes the second end of the housing and retains the spring retainer within the housing. The bottom plate includes an opening extending therethrough permitting passage of the extension tab therethrough in reciprocal directions.

Abstract: A removable trigger guard for a rifle. The removable trigger guard includes a first arm that is disposed between a magazine and a grip of the firearm, a body portion disposed along an upper portion of the grip, and a second arm portion that is disposed along a lower surface of the rifle and between the grip and the magazine. The first arm includes a ball bearing and a detent pin that engage a yoke of the magazine. The body portion includes another ball bearing that snap fits into engagement with a yoke formed in the magazine. The second arm includes an opening that receives a trigger that protrudes from the lower surface. The removable trigger guard can be installed by hand without tools and can be removed with the use of the tip of an ammunition cartridge.

Abstract: A low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of a firearm which includes a lock case shaped to be received in a cartridge chamber of the firearm and a rod assembly having both a central rod configured to interengage with the lock case and a muzzle sleeve attached to the central rod in an rotational engagement such that the muzzle sleeve rotates relative to the central rod. The low visibility gun lock further including a key form within the muzzle sleeve which is fixed relative to the central rod which allows a key configured to pass through the muzzle sleeve to engage and rotate the key form without rotating the muzzle sleeve.

Abstract: Firearm grips and firearm grip construction stets are disclosed. An example firearm grip includes a plastic grip portion includes a first lateral side defining a plurality of first ribs and a first recess and a second lateral side defining a plurality of second ribs and a second recess. The firearm grip also includes a first grip shell having a plurality of edges to slidably engage under one or more of the first ribs. The first grip shell includes a first lug that is received by the first recess to hold the first grip shell in place. The firearm grip also includes a second grip shell having a plurality of edges to slidably engage under one or more of the second ribs. The second grip shell includes a second lug that is received by the second recess to hold the second grip shell in place. The firearm grip also includes a grip back coupled to the grip portion with a tongue and groove connection and a transverse pin extending therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a tool that can be configured for use as the grip of a firearm. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a handle part and a tooling part coupled to the handle part. The tooling part can be configured to receive one or more end effectors. The handle part can comprise one or more elongated sections on which are disposed a handle body, where in one construction the elongated sections are interleaved in a manner that permits the handle body to move amongst a plurality of working configurations.

Abstract: A removable butt stock with a curved and rounded butt plate for use in the tactical fighting position is disclosed. The removable butt stock has a single orientation two position release lever for ease of adjustment and removable of the butt stock from the buffer tube of the tactical weapon, ribs incorporated into the receiver bore to reduce drag during insertion of the buffer tube, and anti-rattle springs to securely attach the butt stock to the buffer tube. The body of the butt stock has an angled cheek weld to allow the user to comfortably align the eye on the weapon in the tactical firing position. The butt stock also includes two storage tubes with cam caps designed to be easily removable by twisting in a cam motion up the beveled mouth of the storage tube.

Abstract: A rifle barrel for a gas-operated rifle includes a metallic liner with a longitudinal bore and a transverse gas port through the liner to the bore intermediate along a length of the liner. A thermally conductive sleeve circumscribes the liner substantially along the length of the liner. A composite wrap circumscribes the sleeve substantially along a length of the sleeve. The composite wrap is separated from the gas port.

Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.

Abstract: A rail clamp mount that may be quickly and easily firmly secured to a rail, such as a rail carried by a gun, and that may be quickly and easily released from the rail. A preferred embodiment comprises a mount base including a first rail-engaging surface; a generally U-shaped, somewhat elastic clamping member carried by the mount base and including two second rail-engaging surfaces at the ends of the legs of the U, and a third second rail-engaging surface at the end of the center section of the clamping member between the legs of the U, the second rail-engaging surfaces being opposed to and transversely spaced from the first rail-engaging surface; a cam mechanism mounting the clamping member to the mount base for imparting transverse movement to the clamping member when actuated; and an actuator for the cam mechanism including a throw handle.

Abstract: An adjustable support for a firearm includes an extension shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial locations between the distal end and the proximal end. A housing assembly is configured to house the extension shaft and defines a reference datum. At least one locking member is operatively associated with the housing assembly and is configured selectively engage the engagement features. An actuator is operatively associated with the housing assembly such that translation of the actuator relative to the central axis moves the locking members into and out of engagement with the engagement features on the extension shaft. Rotation of the actuator relative about the central axis moves the distal end of the extension shaft away from the housing assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a gun mounting kit for quickly and easily mounting a gun in a position favorable for cleaning the gun. It is understood that guns may include mounting rails, such as a Picatinny-style rail or other similar mounting structures. The gun mounting kit includes a clamping unit that is sized and configured to clamp onto the mounting rail of the gun to secure the gun for cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the aimed shooting of a sniper and the observation of a spotter. At the same time that a sniper directly checks the shape of the target using a sighting telescope, a spotter observes the surroundings of the target using an observatory telescope. The sniper deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. The spotter deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. Two types of images can be selectively transmitted, or can be combined with each other using a multiplexer and transmitted to a shooting controller in a multi-screen division form. A commanding office can identify a precise target and make a decision pertaining to shooting.

Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly has a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of said base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing line comprising a composite yarn having a core-sheath structure, where the composite yarn comprises a core part having a core yarn containing a short fiber and a sheath part having a sheath yarn containing a long fiber; the long fiber in the sheath part and the short fiber in the core part are intertangled with each other; and the core yarn and the sheath yarn are integrated with use of an adhesive resin. The fishing line of the present invention has a robust core-sheath structure which prevents nude yarn or nep from being developed, excellent operability, adjustable specific gravity, excellent tensile strength, high weatherability and water resistance, low water content, low elongation rate, and low probability of unravelling constituent fibers at a cut site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a polyolefin fiber. The process comprises the steps of providing at least one polyolefin tape; twisting or folding the at least one polyolefin tape longitudinally to obtain a precursor fiber and exposing the precursor fiber under tension to a temperature within the melting point range of the polyolefin for a time sufficient to at least partly two or more parts of the precursor fiber. The invention also relates to the fiber obtainable thereby.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of converting a lignin material into a liquid product and the liquid product obtainable by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of steryl glycoside in an oil or fat (e.g. a biofuel substrate) and/or a biofuel, the method comprising admixing one or more enzymes with an oil or fat comprising steryl glycoside; such that said one or more enzymes degrades the steryl glycoside. The one or more enzymes is preferably an enzyme which is capable of hydrolysing the glycosidic bond in a steryl glycoside. Suitably the enzyme may be a glycosidase enzyme and/or a ?-glucosidase and/or an amyloglucosidase.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons comprising the steps of (i) hydrogenating furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural or a mixture of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to provide furfuryl alcohol, 2,5-furandimethanol or a mixture of furfuryl alcohol and 2,5-furandimethanol; (ii) oligomerizing the alcohol or mixture of alcohols of step (i) in the presence of an acidic catalyst to provide a carbon-carbon coupled oligomer; and (iii) hydrogenating the oligomer of step (ii) is provided. The hydrocarbons are useful as fuel blending components. Processes for controlling the oligomerization of alcohol or mixture of alcohols to optimise the production of oligomers suitable for conversion to hydrocarbons useful as kerosene and diesel components are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recycling coal ash, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for recycling coal ash, in which the apparatus for recycling coal ash comprises an unburned coal ash recovery unit and a lightweight aggregate manufacturing unit and is provided in an existing thermoelectric power plant and in which coal ash which is generated in the thermoelectric power plant is completely recycled for specific purposes using the coal ash recycling apparatus. According to the invention, the surrounding environment can be prevented from being contaminated during the transportation of waste to a recycling factory and transportation expenses can be reduced. Moreover, coal ash is completely recycled for specific uses, such that unburned carbon contained in the coal ash can be used. Also, coal ash can be recycled even as concrete admixtures having strict standards.

Abstract: A device and method for growing vegetation. The device and method can be used for repairing a divot in a grass lawn. The device includes a packet having a water-soluble film surface that contains a mixture of soil and seeds. An example device includes a water-containing device in the packet. When the packet is placed on the ground, such as the divot, and subjected to water, the film dissolves so that the mixture comes into contact with the ground and the seeds can begin to germinate and grow.

Abstract: A line system for a maple syrup production system, where the lateral lines have an inside diameter greater than 5/16? nominal and less than or equal to ¾? and the lateral line fitting and mainline fitting have a nominal inside diameter of greater than 0.225? and less than or equal to 0.70?. Further, the line system has drop lines with an inside diameter greater than 5/16? nominal and less than or equal to ¾? and the spout fitting has a nominal inside diameter of greater than 0.225? and less than or equal to 0.70?. The increased inside diameters of the drop lines, lateral lines, spout fittings, lateral line fittings and mainline fittings dramatically improves the flow of air and sap from the taphole and through the line system.