Abstract: The fishing weight comprises a hydrodynamically torpedo shaped body, having fins to impart hydrodynamic stability. The torpedo body has a constant circular cross section and a rounded nose and an aft end which is downwardly and rearwardly tapered to intersect and blend with the fins and sinks quickly to a desired fishing depth. A suitable fishing gear attachment means is placed above the centre of gravity of the fishing weight which permits the weight to be towed by the boat and also permits fishing gear to be attached thereto by suitable means to extend rearwardly of the weight, which when struck by a fish creates an automatic hook setting action.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing and removing ticks from the skin of mammals which includes an aerosol canister. An environmentally safe refrigerant HFO-1234yf is carried within the aerosol canister. A mechanism is for dispensing the environmentally safe refrigerant from the aerosol canister directly onto a tick to immobilize and kill the tick. Another mechanism is for safely removing the dead tick from the skin of a mammal.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely.

Abstract: The objective is to obtain fuel having high combustion calorie and superior handleability from a crude glycerin or a fatty acid mixture that have been discarded as industrial waste products. Disclosed is a fuel comprising a water-insolublized fatty acid substance obtained by water-insolubilizing a fatty acid that is contained in a crude glycerin or fatty acid mixtures that are produced as by-products in the process of producing a biofuel from an animal/plant-derived fat/oil. The water-insolublized fatty acid substance is preferably a water-insoluble fatty acid salt, particularly preferably a salt of a fatty acid with a divalent or trivalent metal ion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for producing a diesel range material having improved cold flow properties are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a waxy diesel range feedstock, producing an intermediary product stream containing a predetermined amount of oxygenated organocompounds from the waxy diesel range feedstock, and contacting the intermediary product stream with a dewaxing catalyst under process conditions at which the oxygenated organocompounds chemically interact with the dewaxing catalyst to convert a portion of the n-paraffins within the intermediary product stream to iso-paraffins while minimizing cracking of the diesel range material.

Abstract: Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R5 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.

Abstract: A compound having formula (I) wherein G represents at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C1-C12 alkoxy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuels and/or fuel additives comprising butanol and pentanol. In particular, the fuels and/or fuel additives comprise from about 45 vol. % to about 90 vol. % of butanol and from about 10% to about 55% of pentanol, based on the total volume of the fuels or the fuel additive. Also disclosed herein are fuel compositions comprising fuels or fuel additives, which comprise from about 45 vol. % to about 90 vol. % of butanol and from about 10% to about 55% of pentanol. The fuels and/or fuel additives may also comprise minor amounts of methanol, ethnaol, propanol, hexanol, heptanol, and/or octanol.

Abstract: A fire log is provided which is comprised of a mixture of ground mature sweet corn kernels and water. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground corn cobs and water. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground sweet corn cobs and chopped or ground sweet corn stalks mixed with water. A fourth embodiment of the fire log is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, water and conventional combustible petroleum materials such as used in conventional fire logs. The mixture is pressed, formed or extruded to form cylindrical fire logs or block fire logs.

Abstract: A method is provided which can efficiently remove conidia and microbe or the like of a phytopathogen from air and does not cause generation of ozone originated from discharge or so, thereby preventing occurrence of a plant disease without damaging a plant. There are also provided a flying organism removing apparatus and a plant protecting apparatus which can adequately capture flyable organisms, such as spores of a phytopathogen and/or small vermin, by applying an electrostatic field to the flyable organisms. An electrostatic field generated by dielectric polarization is applied to flyable organisms.

Abstract: A reflective netting material suitable for providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting, is knitted, woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or combination thereof formed from a resin comprising at least one white pigment such that the monofilament, yarn, or tape reflects at least 30% solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% or 5% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment a collapsible, expandable, configurable plant apparatus comprises a plurality of panels having a planar configuration with an upper edge, a base edge, side edge one (17), side edge two (18), and at least one lower limb (13), to accommodate use by a plant for support. The lower limb (13) supports the frame in a vertical orientation to the ground. The upper edge connects to the side edges (17 and 18), and the base edge connects to the side edges (17 and 18). Side edges (17 and 18) pivotally connect to one another having the end side edge (17) of the first panel and the end side edge (18) of the last panel of the plant support left unattached. The panels move individually to configure from a compact storage state to extend out to create support for a plant when in expanded state and a closed state. Such that the apparatus can accommodate use by a plant for support within and alongside the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic cover crop plants which after harvest degrade the hemicellulose and cellulose therein to fermentable sugars which can further be fermented to ethanol or other products. In particular, the transgenic plants comprise cellulase, hemicellulase and optionally ligninase genes from microbes operably linked to a DNA encoding a signal peptide which targets the fusion polypeptide produced therefrom to an organelle of the plant, in particular, the chloroplasts. When the transgenic plants are harvested, the plants are ground to release the hemicellulase and cellulase which then degrade the hemicellulose and cellulose of the transgenic plants to produce the fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

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 configurable wall is disclosed. In an example, the configurable wall includes a first hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to portray a material of manufacture which is substantially different than a material with which the first hollow-formed module is manufactured. The wall also includes a second hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to compliment the outer layer of the first hollow-formed module. The wall also includes an interconnect to secure the first module and the second module together.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a backing sheet comprising a pH neutral material. The backing sheet is configured for supporting at least one plant in a hydroponics system. A plurality of protrusions comprises a pH neutral material. The plurality of protrusions is joined to the backing sheet. The plurality of protrusions is configured for extending away from a surface of the backing sheet for supporting the roots of the at least one plant in which the at least one plant is supported in a growing position and damage to the at least one plant is mitigated during removal of the roots from the protrusions.

Abstract: An aeroponic plant growing system is provided that enhances plant growth by spraying plant roots with a recaptured, ultra-violet purified, and replenishable nutrient solution while simultaneously illuminating plant leaves with power-saving and heat reducing, LED lamps. A rotating platform is also provided that rotates plant holding pods to stimulate the plants and also provide a constant controllable application of water, light, and nutrients.

Abstract: A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.

Abstract: A process of catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon fuel, such as diesel, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce a partially-oxidized reaction product, such as a hydrogen-containing fuel gas, with simultaneous in-situ coke removal. The process involves feeding a hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidant to a reactor in a fuel-rich feed ratio; reacting the fuel and oxidant for a fuel-rich cycle-time so as to produce a partially-oxidized reaction product; varying the fuel feed, or the oxidant feed, or both feeds to produce a fuel-lean feed to the reactor; maintaining the fuel-lean feed for a fuel-lean cycle-time sufficient to reduce coke deposits while maintaining a substantially constant yield of partially-oxidized reaction product; and alternating between the fuel-rich and fuel-lean operating cycles.

Abstract: A revolving door lock having outer walls defining in-between said walls a passageway, comprising at the extremities of the passageway a first revolving door and a second revolving door that embody an entrance and an exit of the door lock, wherein each of the first revolving door and the second revolving door is provided with shell-walls shaped as parts of a cylinder-wall and wherein the revolving doors each have door-wings that are rotatable between said shell-walls such that during rotation extremities of said door-wings are movable adjacent to said shell-walls.

Abstract: The invention, in certain embodiments, specifies an actuation method for an electric window winder (10) of a front window (1) of a vehicle (3) without a B-pillar and with a moveable rear window (2), which actuation method allows all the windows to be closed in a particularly rapid and reliable manner. According to the method, provision is made for the front window (1) to be closed by the window winder (10), taking into consideration a trapping-prevention means (25). Furthermore, a closing condition is checked during the actuation method. If, on account of this closing condition, it can be assumed that trapping prevention-related reversing of the front window (1) has been caused by a collision with the rear window (2), the front window (1) is closed again after the trapping prevention-related reversing operation.

Abstract: The present invention a specially designed child safety device that effectively blocks entrance into rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and garages that normally contain dangerous items. Constructed of a durable heavy duty plastic and, in another embodiment, aluminum, this versatile product is configured to fit virtually any doorway, with dimensions of approximately twenty seven inches in height and twenty eight and one half inches in width. The unit features an accordion like extension for wider doorways. The base of the unit is basically rectangular in shape, and used to brace the latch to the inside of the drawer or cabinet. Unique to the Child Proof Entry System is a high tensile, coiled spring located in the interior of the base, which allows for turning the unit to a locked position. Extending from the base is an elongated tubular stem containing the latch mechanism that secures the door in place.

Abstract: Method for operating an actuator for manoeuvring a windable mobile element of a home automation appliance, the mobile element being able to be displaced between two extreme positions, the method comprising a first step for definition of a first angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a first docking area and a second step for definition of a second angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a second docking area, the first and second angular speed setpoints being different.

Abstract: A sunroof is adapted to cover openings A obtained in a structure S, including a roof structure 1 and at least one or more covering portions 2, which are adapted to coat at least one portion of the opening A; at least one cam mechanism, at least one lever mechanism and at least one actuator 3, co-operating with one another, which are adapted to move at least one covering portion 2. The sunroof can perform at least one overturning movement of the at least one covering portion, so as to uncover a portion of the opening A equal to the area of the at least one covering portion 2.

Abstract: The moving mechanism has a first stationary-side gear part and a second stationary-side gear part provided on a support body side; a movable-side gear part and a pinion gear provided on a supported part of a movable body; and a guide device positioned so that the movable-side gear part engages with the first stationary-side gear part and the pinion gear engages with the second stationary-side gear part. The first stationary-side gear part is formed along an arc of a virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this virtual circle; the second stationary-side gear part is provided adjacent to this first stationary-side gear part on the center side of the aforementioned virtual circle, is formed along an arc of a separate virtual circle from this virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this separate virtual circle.

Abstract: A system to enable operators of extrusion facilities to eliminate the error of installing the incorrect weatherseal in an extrusion or profile. The operators extruding the profiles are provided a list by the fabricator of what weatherseal is to be inserted by placing indicia on the backing of the weatherseal, as by printing the die or profile number on the actual backing of the weatherseal, thereby providing improved weatherseals having unique indicia. The indicia designates the profile which will receive the die. The indicia correlates weatherseal with the profile/die number to confirm that the proper weatherseal is being used. To confirm the correct weatherseal is being used for the profile being produced, all the operator has to do is look at the back of the weatherseal.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to refrigerator/freezer doors that include three substantially parallel, spaced apart glass substrates that effectively form two insulating glass units (IGUs), and/or methods of making the same. The substrates in the two IGUs have one or more surfaces coated with a low emissivity coating and also have one or more other surfaces coated with an antireflective coating. In certain example embodiments, one or more of the substrates may be low-iron substrates. For instance, certain example embodiments may include a center substrate that has an antireflective coating disposed on both major surfaces, whereas the outer substrates have low-E coatings disposed on inner surfaces thereof. Advantageously, certain example embodiments combine high energy efficiency with high light transmission.

Abstract: A cubic boron nitride sintered substrate has a coating with lower and upper layers. The upper layer has an average layer thickness of 0.5 to 3.0 ?m and is formed from a compound of a compositional formula M?, where M represents one or more of Ti, V, Zr, Nb, Mo, Al, Si, and ? is one or more of C, N, B and O. The lower layer has an average thickness of 0.5 to 3.0 ?m and has alternated first and second thin layers. The first thin layer is formed from a compound with compositional formula (Ti(1-x)Lx)?, where L is one or more of Al, B and Si, and ? is C or N, or both. The second thin layer is formed with compositional formula (Al(1-y)Jy)?, where J represents one or more of Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb and Mo, and ? is C or N, or both.

Abstract: A structure which is transformable by inflation from a collapsed condition for storage to an erect condition for use has an inflatable tubular framework and at least one flexible web attached to and extending between two or more regions of the framework. The inflatable framework is formed by at least one inner inflatable tubular element (A, B) of flexible, elastic, air-impermeable material and having an inflation valve (13,15) accommodated within an outer sleeve arrangement of a material which is flexible but substantially non-elastic and restrained therein upon inflation. The outer sleeve arrangement is configured to include at least one branch point and/or at least one abrupt bend and the configuration of the inner tubular element or elements (A, B) corresponds to that (branch points (a, b) and abrupt bends (z)) so that the inner tube or tubes will substantially fill the outer sleeve arrangement upon inflation.

Abstract: A system for protecting a building is disclosed. The building may stand on the ground surface, and may have a roof. The system comprises a mesh positionable over the roof of the building. The mesh includes a number of edge portions. A frame is secured to the edge portions of the mesh. The frame is composed of a number of elongate rigid members extending along the edge portions of the mesh. The system further includes a number of connectors. Each connector has a first end portion securable to the frame, and a second end portion removably securable to the ground surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a retractable enclosure that includes a sequence of upright arches, such that the arches are substantially parallel and such that the two ends of each upright arch are disposed on a base. The arches are configured to leave a gap between adjacent arches. The retractable enclosure also includes a plurality of extendable covers attached to the arches such that at least one extendable cover is disposed between adjacent arches and such that each extendable cover can assume an extended state and a retracted state. The gap between adjacent arches can be mostly closed when the at least one extendible cover therebetween is in its extended state.

Abstract: A building panel and a building formed therefrom, where the building includes a plurality of building panels arranged to form a cylindrical shape, where each panel comprises a single, or monolithic, glass piece, where each glass piece is substantially rectangular and includes two opposing long sides extending in a height direction and two opposing short sides extending substantially in a width direction, and where each glass piece forms an identical circular arc when viewed from either of the two opposing short sides.

Abstract: A access floor assembly (10) having a plurality of floor panels (20), and a plurality of pedestals (12) for supporting the floor panels (20) above a sub-floor, and stringers (14), wherein the pedestals (12) and stringers (14) further comprise retaining means (30, 36) for retaining service items and other support structures for retaining service items, suspended above the sub-floor.

Abstract: A multiple panel glazing unit including at least two glass spacer bars (2) of toughened glass each having, optionally, opposite sides that are chamfered towards a common end surface (8) and which are sealed to the glass panels (22, 24) of multiple panel glazing unit by a transparent or translucent sealant (38). The use of toughened glass spacers allows the manufacture of multiple panel glazing units to meet given operating requirements, e.g. the ability to withstand externally applied forces such as varying differential air pressure of a given magnitude across the unit, with a smaller inter-glazing panel spacing than if glass spacers that are not toughened are used.

Abstract: A system and a method for a reinforced concrete slab are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of column strips of a predefined thickness positioned on a plurality of columns, a plurality of transitional strips positioned adjacent to the plurality of column strips, whereby a thickness of the plurality of transitional strips comparatively less than the predefined thickness of the plurality of column strips, a central panel bound by the plurality of transitional strips, whereby the thickness of the central panel comparatively less than the thickness of the plurality of transitional strips and a plurality of column steps positioned in between the plurality of columns and the plurality of column strips.

Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.

Abstract: A modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal supported tiled decks for use as platforms, plinths, benches, seats, tables, planters and other accessories which utilize standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. Standard floor tiles can be used through the use of an enabling component called a “frame”. Tiles fit in the frames. The system also uses square or rectangular box shaped modules which fit under or in the frames. A frame holds the modules together in a horizontal plane and supports additional modules in a vertical plane. The completed accessories appear to be built-in and to be a part of the deck but they can be easily relocated or expanded both horizontally and vertically. The accessories can be used on any deck, patio, rooftop or recreational surface.

Abstract: Building by assembly structures and paths enable protection from and withstand time, natural and man-made damage. The structures and paths are highly effective and efficient with respect to materials, construction and environmental impact.

Abstract: A groutless tile system including groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes a substrate, a durable surface disposed within a groove defined by the substrate, the durable surface having bottom surface, and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate. The first coupling member comprises a first bendable portion and a groove, the groove having an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom surface of the durable surface is substantially coplanar with a point between the upper and lower surfaces of the groove. To provide for various mechanical benefits, one or more surfaces of the groutless tile can be encapsulated in one or more polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of prefabricated compound masonry units and methods of producing the same. One embodiment of a prefabricated compound masonry unit comprises at least one course comprising a plurality of blocks mortared to form a layer, the at least one course having a top surface and a bottom surface each having a first side and a second side. Longitudinal tension reinforcement is provided along at least a portion of a length of the at least one course and held with bonding material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of prefabricated compound masonry units and methods of producing the same. One embodiment of a prefabricated compound masonry unit comprises at least one course comprising a plurality of blocks mortared to form a layer, the at least one course having a top surface and a bottom surface each having a first side and a second side. Longitudinal tension reinforcement is provided along at least a portion of a length of the at least one course and held with bonding material.

Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes a pair of roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.

Abstract: A structure (10, 10?, 10?, 10??) for producing beams, comprising a lower mesh element (11) and an upper mesh element (12), said two mesh elements (11, 12) being arranged parallel, spaced apart and connected by at least one counteraction strut element (60, 80), at least two L-shaped side connection groups (14, 14?) arranged along opposite sides of said two mesh elements (11, 12) and at least one central connection group (13, 13?, 70, 15, 16) arranged between said at least two side connection elements (14, 14?).

Abstract: A flashing assembly comprising a base plate, flashing, flashing adapter and O-ring is disclosed. The flashing assembly components fit tightly together, creating a waterproof seal. The flashing assembly has no exposed rubber pieces, which prevents erosion and extends the life of the assembly. The waterproofing and durability of the disclosed flashing assembly make it ideal for enclosing electrical wires and running plumbing needs through the roof or wall membrane. The disclosed flashing assembly is capable of attaching to a number of products, including, but not limited to junction boxes, combiners, and service panels.

Abstract: A machine (10) for cutting a rebate edge (30) in a building panel (24) has a cutting wheel (12) which can be connected to a source of power for rotating the cutting wheel. There is a planar plate (14) that has a flat surface (16) located parallel to the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) can allow a planar portion of the panel (24) to be slid thereover so that an edge of the panel can engage the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) is spaced apart from the cutting wheel (12) by a distance so that, in use, the cutting wheel causes the removal of a portion of the edge so as to form a rebate edge (30) of the panel. Ideally, building panel (24) is a plasterboard panel which has an edge formed by a core encased between two surface layers.

Abstract: Fluted core sandwich panels are joined together to form a composite structure. Variations in panel ends are accommodated by a core stiffener insert installed in a joint between ends of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an effective manufactured insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The radiant insulating and venting assembly is comprised of an upper layer of a synthetic roof underlayment style partially flexible material that is moisture resistant. The bottom layer of the assembly is made up of a radiant reflective surface. Between the upper moisture resistant layer and the radiant reflective layer are air spacer columns, approximately ?ths to 1 inch in length, that create the needed air space for effective radiant heat reflection and air and moisture venting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging items into a film, whereas the film is formed and or sealed by forming- and/or sealing-means each comprising a heating body which is heated by induction heating means and which is moving and/or difficult to access.