Abstract: The present invention is a modular support for vine plants and tomato plants. It comprises a solid, cylindrical base with holes to accept posts and associate tier rings. A cover may also be provided to transform the base into a miniature hot house. Notches may be formed in the rim of the base to accommodate irrigation systems and stake ends may be provided for the posts to allow immediate securement of the posts to the ground rather than the base. The solid base contains water, mulch and other beneficial compounds for the plants and helps block the spread of weeds immediately around the plant. As the plant grows, additional tiers may be added to the support to increase its size. The parts are preferably made of a durable plastic so as to support larger plants and increase longevity of the support.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: Compounds and methods that release 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-trifluoromethylcyclopropene, and other substituted cyclopropenes are disclosed. The compounds and methods overcome present limitations for storage, transportation, and application of the cyclopropene containing compounds by using light, including sunlight, and/or heat as the primary release trigger. Additional products released include innocuous gases and value added aryl-group compounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed.

Abstract: The new art of the present invention is use of calcium magnesium acetate to affect broadleaf weeds, as a result of exposure. The method enhances the speed of effectiveness of elimination of certain broadleaf weeds. The non toxic substance can help protect the environment. The optional method of using a binding liquid to cause a better adhering of the granular form of calcium magnesium acetate to the leaves of an unwanted plant in lawn grasses and less rolling off of the grains when applied to the leaves. Grinding to smaller micron grains even as small as dust and then applying to the leaves to affect unwanted weeds wherein by reduction of weight which the standard sized grains add to the leaf, the grinding helps limit grain roll off and weight added to the leaf. The optional method of converting the calcium magnesium grains to a liquid form, then applying to the broadleaf weed, is an option.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress and/or reducing the consequence of abiotic stress in a plant or part thereof comprising contacting a plant or part thereof with a composition comprising an effective amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The combination of a container and a growing medium for a plant. The container is made to simulate the appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle. The growing medium is provided in the receptacle.

Abstract: A water supply and wetness adjustment flowerpot assembly comprises a lower base having a plurality of supporting legs protruding from a lower side of a bottom of the lower base for supporting the lower base; an upper side of the lower base having a plurality of longitudinal and transversal trenches so as to form with a plurality of flowerpot bodies; each flowerpot body having an approximate rectangular shape; a plurality of flowerpot bodies can be arranged at one base in order for planting glasses or flowers; and a water absorption frame formed by a plurality of intersecting longitudinal and transversal strips which can be made individually or integrally; the water absorption frame being made of water absorption material; in assembly, the water absorption frame being placed in the notches of the flowerpot bodies for absorbing water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a stackable planter support apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a planter support apparatus adapted for stacking upon the rim of an additional planter. In one embodiment of the present invention, a stackable planter support comprises a horizontal platform for supporting the weight of a first planter, and a plurality of leg supports extending from a bottom surface of the platform, a distal end of each of the leg supports having a notch for receiving the rim of a second planter.

Abstract: A collapsible rack and row self watering planter and rain water collection system consists of a fully enclosed frame of columns and rows of planters used to grow crops or plants on a small or large scale. Each row of planters consists of at least one horizontal wick tube spanning the distal length of said row, whereby each planter of said row is individually irrigated by means of a plurality of rubber wick hoses which in turn are fed from the horizontal wick tube. Rain channels and gutters are built along the perimeter of said unit to catch and store rain water in the poly mesh storage reservoir. A solar panel sits aside or atop the unit to gather solar energy and in addition, when mounted atop said frame, provides shading for the planters. A plurality of wind turbines are mounted along the main frame atop, or beside the unit and act to gather wind energy. Both solar and wind energy are stored in battery units or sent to nearby power grids.

Abstract: A semi-automated crop production system, the system comprising a growing module which has an opening access for insertion of a grid with a plurality of cells, wherein the growing module further has a self-contained lighting system and fan unit, wherein the growing module can slidably be inserted into a shell.

Abstract: A nursery container includes a container body and a grip-and-hold arrangement. The container body has at least one sidewall having a top edge portion and defining a nursery compartment within the container body, and a bottom panel. The grip-and-hold arrangement is formed at the top edge portion of the sidewall of the container body, and comprises a reinforcing rim integrally and outwardly extended from the top edge portion of the sidewall, wherein the reinforcing rim has a curved sectional shape formed along an entire length of the reinforcing rim so as to evenly distribute externally applied force along the reinforcing rim without substantial stress concentration, wherein a user is allowed to effectively grip on the reinforcing rim to carry an entire structure of the nursery container without significant risk of breakage at the reinforcing rim.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed that relate to a biopolymer medium for growing plants. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer growth medium comprises or consists essentially of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture of them. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a biopolymer growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for cultivating biological material, comprising a solid inert substrate, a growth medium and biological material arranged in or on the substrate, wherein the container is substantially closed, wherein the volume of the container is sterile and wherein the biological material comprises sowing material, and to a method and the use of the container for cultivating biological material.

Abstract: A hydroponic system for providing a controlled environment to grow plants comprises an apparatus for growing plants hydroponically. The apparatus comprises a container defining a roughly annular trough or cavity for holding nutrient fluid, and a plate member received on the container supporting a plurality of baskets holding root portions of plants therein such that the baskets are accommodated in the trough for communication with the nutrient fluid. The baskets are adapted to rotate about axes thereof A nutrient feeding mechanism comprises a feeding pump configured within a nutrient fluid storing reservoir tank and adapted to deliver nutrient fluid via a supply tube to the container. The apparatus comprises a light, a roof mounted on a support for supporting the container above a surface, and a plurality of door panels movably configured between the roof and the container. Air feeding means is provided to feed air to a chamber defined by the base, roof and doors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a low tar, renewable fuel gas from biomass and using it in other energy conversion devices, many of which were designed for use with gaseous and liquid fossil fuels. An automated, downdraft gasifier incorporates extensive air injection into the char bed to maintain the conditions that promote the destruction of residual tars. The resulting fuel gas and entrained char and ash are cooled in a special heat exchanger, and then continuously cleaned in a filter prior to usage in standalone as well as networked power systems.

Abstract: A versatile door has a latch side removeable from the door body. When the latch side is removed, one or more door panels may be removed from the door body. Panels may be removed for refinishing, repair or replacement. Other panel types such as panels with message boards, illumination or openings can customize a door for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: An RF (radio frequency)-remote control, retrofitted, self-contained, automatic window opener is provided for casement windows or the like which includes a housing having a DC motor therein which has a power shaft extending therefrom. The DC motor is powered by a battery source contained within the housing. The power shaft of the DC motor is selectively removably secured to the drive shaft of a conventional casement window opener mechanism so that the DC motor may rotate the drive shaft in either direction to open or close the sash of the casement window. The window opener of this invention is mounted within a housing which has anti-rotation members selectively adjustably extending therefrom which engage the window frame to prevent rotation of the unit when the motor is activated.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, includes a domestic-appliance door which has at least one front operating panel and an internal door element. A seal is arranged at least in one area between the operating panel and the internal door element and includes a sealing element and a sealing bed, with the sealing element and the sealing bed forming a one-piece structural unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling a closing process of a vehicle wing moving from a known start position into an end position representing as closed, position of the vehicle wing and a corresponding closing system for performing the method, When the start position is reached, the closing process of the vehicle wing is started for a prescribed short first time period, and then interrupted for a prescribed second time period in order to warn users or third parties of the imminent closing process of the vehicle wino:.

Abstract: An overhead door for closing a building opening has load distributing support trusses extending along spaced vertical members of the door or door frame. Each support truss is secured to a respective door vertical member to extend transverse to the door in a generally downward direction when the door is in an overhead, open position. The trusses are substantially V-shaped. Each truss has first and second rails extending from respective ends of the truss to an apex. One or more trusses may be side trusses secured to vertical members defining opposite sides of the door. Each side truss has a pivot mount configured for pivotal connection to one end of a hydraulic ram for opening and closing the door.

Abstract: A window regulator apparatus for a vehicle includes a wire adapted to be connected to a window panel movably supported by a vehicle door, a base plate adapted to be fixed to a panel of the vehicle door and having an elongated shape, the base plate extending along a vertical movement direction of the window panel on a different surface from a surface on which the window panel moves in the vertical movement direction, a pair of pulleys rotatably supported by upper and lower ends of the base plate and arranging the wire at the panel, a drum rotatably supported by an intermediate portion of the base plate, and a stopper member supported by the base plate and adjustably positioned in the vertical movement direction, the stopper member being contactable with the window panel.

Abstract: An abrasive article includes an abrasive layer having an array of protrusions. The abrasive layer has a thickness not greater than about 500 mils. The abrasive article is free of a backing layer.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a fluorinated nanodiamond dispersion liquid, including a purification step of mixing a fluorinated nanodiamond with an alcohol having a carbon number of 4 or fewer, then conducting an ultrasonic treatment to produce a suspension, and subjecting the obtained suspension to a classification treatment by centrifugation to produce a dispersion liquid of fluorinated nanodiamond; a drying step to prepare a dry fluorinated nanodiamond by removing the alcohol from the dispersion liquid of fluorinated nanodiamond that is obtained by the purification step; and a redispersion step to prepare the fluorinated nanodiamond dispersion liquid by mixing the dry fluorinated nanodiamond that is obtained by the drying step, with an aprotic polar solvent and then conducting an ultrasonic treatment.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermally stable cutting element that includes disposing at least a portion of a polycrystalline abrasive body containing a catalyzing material to be leached into a leaching agent; and subjecting the polycrystalline abrasive object to an elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. Thermally stable cutting elements and systems and other methods for forming thermally stable cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic retractable hatch guard provides enhanced safety and security to hatch openings and comprises retractable assistive handrails and a retractable access step that retracts to fit within a hatch opening and beneath a hatch cover and automatically extends upwards and beyond the hatch opening.

Abstract: A habitable structure formed by a container having walls, the container walls having openings and cement or concrete surrounding the container walls, the cement or concrete is adhered, fixed or anchored to the container walls through said openings.

Abstract: An attachment member formed from sheet material configured to connect a wall to a curved roof of a building structure. The attachment member includes at least two segments: a first segment having a flat center portion and a pair of walls extending perpendicular to the center portion in cross section, the pair of walls defining a recess oriented in a direction perpendicular to the center portion, wherein the recess is adapted to accommodate a portion of a wall of a building structure; and a second segment extending from one of the walls of the first segment, the second segment being oriented in a same plane as the flat center portion of the first segment in cross section, the second segment including a longitudinal rib, the longitudinal rib protruding in cross section from the second segment, the longitudinal rib being adapted to mate with a rib of a curved building panel. Building structures made using such attachment members and an attachment member forming system are also described.

Abstract: An eaves protector is provided that includes a soffit receiver and a soffit/fascia lock which are fastened to the eaves. A fascia plate and a soffit are engaged to the soffit receiver and the fascia/soffit lock. An optional fascia drip guard may be positioned above the fascia place to provide additional protection against the infiltration of water into the eaves and improve the appearance of the system. Some versions of the eaves protector require no fasteners to keep the soffit and fascia plate in place. Versions of the fascia/soffit lock and the soffit receiver are provided that can be simply and inexpensively manufactured from single pieces of folded material, such as sheet metal or vinyl. In a particular version of the eaves protector, the fascia drip guard, fascia/soffit lock, and soffit receiver may be manufactured to standard dimensions that will fit any building; the soffit and the fascia plate may be made of single sheets of easily worked material that can be custom-cut on site.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A tool designed using a support beam that attaches to the block foundation wall with brackets. A plurality of support screws can be adjusted laterally as needed to line up with the floor joists. Once the support screws are properly placed, they can be manually turned lifting the flooring system as warranted. This invention provides an alternative to disruptive repairs when rot is discovered. The design spans the affected area creating a bridge of support lifting the weight off the rotted area allowing repairs or replacement. The brackets, length of bridge and individual lifting mechanisms operate to level out the flooring in the living area of a home.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved component for apparatus for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Also disclosed are apparatus composed of the disclosed component. Yet further disclosed are related methods of use for the component and the apparatus composed of the same.

Abstract: The present invention, according to a first aspect thereof, relates to a computer room (1) which is surrounded by a lower floor (3), at least one side wall (2) and a roof (4), further comprising a climate control device and an air-permeating load-bearing floor (6) disposed above the lower floor, on which, in use, computer equipment is disposed. Separation means (12) are provided for the separation from each other of a riser channel for hot air above the computer equipment on the one hand and a return channel for air being carried back from the top of the computer room to the space under the load-bearing floor on the other hand. The surface area of the return channel of a cross-section of the computer room amounts to at least 5% of the surface area of the riser channel of the same cross-section.

Abstract: An ice dam remediation apparatus comprises a photovoltaic cell panel DC power source (9) directly connected electrically to a low-voltage electrical heat tape or wire cable (8). The heat tape or wire cable (8) is arranged near the eave (6) of a rooftop (2) in an orientation that will create a plurality of runoff channels or tunnels (11) through the ice or snow covering the roof. The channels or tunnels (11) are oriented along the dip of the rooftop, thus permitting water to drain off the edge (6) of the rooftop (2) instead of freezing and contributing to the formation of an ice dam along the edge (6) of the rooftop (2). Preferably, the photovoltaic cell (9) is situated on a sunny roof surface (3), so as to provide maximum power to the heat tape or wire cable (8), which is situated on a shady portion (2) of the roof, where ice dam formation is most likely.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Abstract: A solar roofing panel includes at least one photovoltaic device, including a front structure and a rear structure, and at least one solar collector capable of delivering hot water, including a front structure and a rear structure. The respective front structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector include glass substrates forming a cover that has an upper face, to face an external environment, and an opposed inner face, the respective rear structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector being placed beneath the cover, facing the inner face. The glass substrates have no metal frames and are joined together, or are separated by other transition glass substrates, so as to form a uniform unitary glass cover.

Abstract: A method of converting a traditional staircase into a dual-use staircase, for reducing the stepping height and knee stress in stairs climbing and descending, comprises: providing a plurality of lifting modules and a plurality of extending modules; connecting the plurality of lifting and extending modules in pairs to the original steps respectively; and optionally connecting a plurality of dividers in between said lifting and extending modules respectively. The dual-use staircase structure reduces the step rise by half, while keeping the total run about the same. It allows healthy people to walk in a full-step domain, while allowing people with knee concerns to walk on a half-step domain. The dual-use staircase may include dividers with lateral openings to facilitate reverse turning halfway during ascending or descending of the staircase.

Abstract: A skylight to be integrated in a covering structure made of insulated sheets comprises at least one top fretted panel (20) extruded in plastic material and at least one bottom alveolar panel (30) extruded in plastic material, firmly integrally joined by interposing a continuous or discontinuous layer, of adhesive material (40), wherein the layer of adhesive material (40) is prearranged on at least one of the top (20) and bottom (30) panels on a surface facing the opposite panel. A method for producing the skylight to be integrated in a covering structure with insulated panels is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A structural support member is provided. The structural support member includes a tensioning mechanism for applying a preload to a beam member of the structural support member. The tensioning mechanism acting on a loading pin causing the beam member to bend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the fabrication of a support plate as well as a support plate for a floor, wall, or ceiling construction, in particular a slab-lined wall or floor construction to be used for achieving decoupling between a ground (31) and a surface lining (37) to be affixed to the support plate (10) which has a foil-like plate (11) made of plastic material and provided with a plurality of chambers (12) that are constituted by recesses (14) with respect to a plane of the foil-like plate (11), the outer end faces (21) of which form a first plate side and on the opposite side a second plate side (26) is provided, the recesses (14) being configured for receiving a hardening contact means (34), such as mortar or adhesive, designed for providing a contact layer for the surface lining (37) to be applied, and with a woven or non-woven fabric (23) disposed on the first plate side (22), with an adhesion-strengthening layer (27) made of a web-like material being applied at least on one plate side (2

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a form that includes a wall having a first surface and a second, opposing, material-receiving surface. The form further includes a slot extending substantially across the wall and between the first surface and the second surface. Furthermore, the form includes a first waler attached to the first side of the wall directly above or directly below the slot, the first waler including a plurality of openings spaced across the length of the first waler. The openings are each configured to receive an inserted wedge bolt.

Abstract: An overhead panel assembly for coupling to a drop ceiling includes a support channel and a clip coupling the support channel to a grid member of the drop ceiling. The overhead panel assembly further includes a vertical panel received over and coupled to the support member with a plurality of binding members. A plurality of clips, support channels, and vertical panels may be positioned in series along a drop ceiling to form a decorative soffit, valance, display, or other structure.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a buttlap portion and a headlap portion is provided. The roofing shingle includes a coated mat having a roofing mat coated with an organic-based coating material. The coated mat has a width that extends entirely through the buttlap portion and does not extend more than 20% into the headlap portion of the roofing shingle. A water impermeable sheet is adjacent to the coated mat. The sheet has a width that extends from a head edge through at least 80% of the headlap portion and does not extend to a butt edge of the roofing shingle. A nail zone region is formed at an overlap of the coated mat and the water impermeable sheet. The nail zone region is marked by a dissimilar material.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace is for connection between two connecting plates of a framework, and includes a restraining unit and an axial member. The axial member includes a middle section surrounded by the restraining unit, two first coupling sections, and two second coupling sections. The first coupling sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal end portions of the middle section. Each first coupling section has a portion exposed from a respective one of longitudinal ends of the restraining unit, and is formed with a first coupling groove for engaging a respective one of the connecting plates. The second coupling sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to the opposite longitudinal ends of the middle section. Each second coupling section has a portion exposed from a respective one of the longitudinal end portions of the restraining unit, and is formed with a second coupling groove for engaging a respective one of the connecting plates.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

Abstract: In an anchor for use in a lightweight construction panel having upper and lower cover plates with a support core disposed therebetween, which anchor comprises a cylinder body including a cement container with rupture areas and having engagement elements which, upon insertion of a displacement body into the cylinder body, spread the engagement elements outwardly below the upper cover plate and push liquid cement out of the cement container into the areas of the upper and the lower cover plates, the displacement body is coupled to the cylinder body for rotation therewith and the cylinder body has a bottom with broaching elements for cleaning the contact area of the lower bottom plate in front of the anchor upon rotation of the displacement body during anchor installation.

Abstract: In an anchor for use in a construction panel which includes upper and lower cover plates, wherein the anchor includes a cylinder body, a displacement body and a cement container provided with desired rupture locations and installed in the cylinder body and the cylinder body is provided with engagement elements for extending behind the upper cover plate, the cement container includes at least two chambers separated by an intermediate wall and is provided with an upper and a lower opening each closed by a thin-walled rupturable foil, with the intermediate wall being also rupturable by the displacement member upon movement thereof into the cylinder body.

Abstract: A pitch pocket assembly for sealing an aperture in a roof includes a first member and a plurality of flashing members. The first member includes a wall portion and a plurality of flashing portions. The plurality of flashing portions extend from and are substantially perpendicular to the wall portion proximate at least one deformation zone. The plurality of flashing members are each attached to the first member. Each of the flashing members at least partially overlaps at least one of the flashing portions. The wall portion of the first member is bendable along each of the deformation zones to form a pitch pocket having the flashing members at least partially overlapping the flashing portions of the first member.