Abstract: A methodology for separation and subsequent handling of FAME fractions of biodiesel, comprising of the steps, providing a biodiesel containing several different FAME fractions mixed together, the biodiesel being at a first temperature wherein at the first temperature none of the FAME fractions of the biodiesel have crystallized; bringing the biodiesel to a first crystallizing temperature, wherein when the biodiesel reaches the first crystallizing temperature, a first FAME fraction remains in a non-crystallized, liquid phase while the remaining FAME fractions crystallize; and separating the liquid first FAME fraction from the remaining crystallized FAME fractions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition comprising at least one polyalkyl(meth)acrylate polymer having a number average molecular weight Mn of from 1000 to 10000 g/mol and a polydispersity Mw/Mn of from 1 to 8 and at least one ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer comprising units being derived from at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate having 1 to 30 carbon atoms in the alkyl residue. The composition is useful as cold flow improver in fossil fuel oil and or biodiesel fuel oil.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.

Abstract: A solar module for greenhouse includes a plurality of non-light transmitting solar panels, installed at the top of a greenhouse and arranged vertically and horizontally to form a roof tilted in a particular light receiving direction. A planting area for growing plants is formed inside of the greenhouse and the roof separates the planting area from outside air. Thus, an integrated structure of solar panels and greenhouse is formed to save the construction expense for solar panels and greenhouse and to increase the efficiency for solar panels to receive sun radiation.

Abstract: The invention is for landscape edging with improved mulch containment and improved drainage. The landscape edging has a substantially vertical planar surface adjacent to a substantially horizontal surface. The vertical planar surface and the horizontal planar surface are adhered to a sidewalk or pavement that borders a flower bed or garden. A riser extends upward from a first end of the horizontal surface. A lip surface extends from the riser in a direction away from the horizontal planar surface. A curved canopy surface extends from the lip, back over the lip and the horizontal surface, until it intersects with a flower bed wall. The flower bed wall has orifices disposed therein to allow water from the flower bed to enter the landscape edging. The horizontal planar surface, the lip surface, the canopy surface and the flower bed wall define a substantially closed surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating assembly structure with independent support, intended for securing containers or substrates for floating plant species crops. The structure is shaped like a flat polygon with at least three sides and has at least two elements for assembly with other floating assembly structures, such that a meshed system can be formed on the surface of the water by assembling multiple structures to one another. Furthermore, the structure includes a plurality of coupling bars for securing the aforementioned containers and is configured to withstand the forces and moments generated by the movement of the water and by the growth of the plants.

Abstract: A kit for a planter is disclosed that has a polygon shape and has a selected number of sides and a same selected number of corners. The kit includes a selected number of bottom corner brackets, a selected number of corner beads, a selected number of top corner brackets, a selected number of top frame corner brackets, and a selected number of pairs of spacer runners that each correspond to the selected number of corners. The kit also includes a planter tub sized to fit within a planter body. The brackets and spacer runners are configured to be connected together to form a skeleton to which boards can be attached to form the planter body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation and capture of carbon-containing compounds from gases. Specifically, the present invention relates to the use of rare-earth based compounds for the capture and separation of carbon-containing compounds from gases. The carbon capture processes can be integrated into fossil fuel power generation plants or other industrial process plants in order to reduce emission of greenhouse gases from the plants.

Abstract: A method of powering an obstruction detector. Power is provided to an obstruction detector when a motor is executing a first movement and is suppressed to the obstruction detector when the motor is idle and when the motor is executing a second movement. The first movement moves a movable barrier towards a closed position, and the second movement moves the barrier towards an open position.

Abstract: An adjustable gate has a gate panel, a pivoting plate attached to the gate panel, a mounting plate, and a pivot pin. The pivoting plate and the mounting plate each have a base and two parallel sides attached to the base and each of the parallel sides have a triangular shape and one side is substantially similar in shape to the other side. Each triangular shaped side has an apex and a pivot pin hole near the apex. The pivot pin passes through the pivot pin holes in the side of the pivoting plate and the sides of the mounting plate and connects the pivoting plate to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A removable security structure interposed between two window configurations is comprised of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. One or more vertical members engages a gear junction of each horizontal member such that upon rotation of the vertical member, the horizontal member telescopically collapses. The reduction of length of each horizontal member disengages each horizontal member from a frame outlining the opening. The rotation of the vertical members also frees the upper portion of the vertical members of the security structure. With the upper and side portions of the security structure disengaged from the frame, the security structure can be rotated and removed from the opening allowing egress.

Abstract: A door device for vehicles, comprising a door arranged at a side of a body of a vehicle, the door having two end portions in a horizontal direction of the body. A first connecting member is arranged at the one end portion of the door, a second connecting member is arranged at the other end portion of the body; and a third connecting member arranged at a lower end portion of the door in a height direction of the body. The first, second and third connecting members arranged at the door are connectable with the body. The first and second connecting members have upper ends with these upper ends and the third connecting member arranged to provide a truss structure which connects the door and the body and provide rigidity against stress applied from the body to the door in a state where the door is closed.

Abstract: An awning window unit which includes a fixed frame (2); a movable frame (3) connected to the fixed frame by a pair of hinged members (4, 5) joined to respective members of the fixed frame and of the movable frame so as to allow the movable frame to move between a closed position, where the fixed and movable frames are in contact with each other, and an open position, where at least one lower rail (3c) of the movable frame is at a certain distance from the fixed frame towards the outside of the room where the window unit (1) is installed, and vice versa; and a movement arm (7) configured to move the movable frame from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A linking-up ventilation door/window panel structure is described. The linking-up ventilation door/window panel structure includes a window panel, at least one gear set, and a upper ventilation panel and a lower ventilation panel sliding on the window panel, wherein the at least one gear set has at least a first gear rack and second gear rack. A first gear and a second gear are positioned between the first gear rack and the second gear rack and the two gears are pivotally connected to the window panels or the upper ventilation panel and the lower ventilation panel. The linking-up ventilation door/window panel structure links up the other ventilation panel for ventilating air when the user shifts one of the upper ventilation panel and the lower ventilation panel. The linking-up ventilation door/window panel structure having two gears facilitates the operation stability and reduces the noise formed by the linking-up ventilation door/window panel.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle door or ramp is opened and closed using an intuitive control system. The door includes a latch assembly, a lock assembly, and a power unit to assist in opening and closing the door. The door includes an interior joy stick handle and an exterior lever handle. From outside the vehicle, the door is opened and closed by pivoting the lever handle downwardly and upwardly, respectively. From the interior of the vehicle, the joy stick handle is pulled inwardly to close the door and pushed outwardly to open the door. Pivoting the joystick handle forwardly engages the blast locks, while pivoting the joystick handle rearwardly unlatches the latch assembly and disengages the blast locks. The power assist unit is actuated by pivotal movement of the outside door handle and lateral pivotal movement of the interior joystick handle.

Abstract: Low-profile, self-draining panel threshold assemblies are discussed. The threshold assemblies comprise an interior sill portion, an exterior sill portion, and a drop-down chamber therebetween. The interior sill portion may include a condensation channel, which in one example, includes a roller track centrally positioned therein. The exterior sill portion includes a drain chamber and a reservoir chamber, where the reservoir chamber is positioned below and optionally to the exterior of the drain chamber. The drop-down chamber is partially defined by an elongate exposed weather-strip and an elongate covered weather-strip. In varying examples, a reservoir chamber height is equal to or greater than a water head height at a preselected wind load pressure. In certain examples, an effective threshold assembly height is less than or equal to ¾-inch, such as less than or equal to ½-inch. Methods and apparatuses related to the threshold assemblies are also discussed.

Abstract: A glassrun or weatherseal assembly includes a generally rigid channel having first and second legs joined by an interconnecting leg. First and second seal portions extend into a portion of the channel cavity and are adapted to seal against an associated vehicle window. A door frame assembly includes a first or inner door panel and second or outer door panel having end portions spaced apart by a dimension adapted to receive the channel. The channel can be secured to the door frame assembly in a variety of different manners including an adhesive/chemical bond, snap-fit fastener, rivet, clip, adhesive tape, or combinations of one or more of these securing mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: An abrasive tool includes a matrix material and an abrasive grain contained within the matrix material. The matrix material includes a binder and an block copolymer. The block copolymer including a binder miscible block and a binder immiscible block. The binder immiscible block of the block copolymer can form toughening domains within the matrix material. A method of forming an abrasive tool includes blending a binder powder, an block copolymer powder, and an abrasive grain to form a blended powder, shaping the blended powder, and curing the blended powder.

Abstract: A roof gutter clearing system includes an insert situated atop a roof gutter, the insert including filtering means for allowing passage of water and retaining debris, the insert being eversible by rotation about hinges, the eversion causing the ejection of debris. The roof gutter clearing system includes a spring assembly to drive the eversion of the insert by transmission of force stored in at least one spring and an actuation assembly to tension the spring assembly and release the spring assembly to drive the eversion of the insert. A method of clearing a roof gutter of debris including the steps of trapping debris in an eversible insert, the insert being situated atop the roof gutter and operatively connected to a tensioned spring assembly; and releasing the spring assembly to apply eversive force against the insert to cause eversion of the insert and ejection of the debris.

Abstract: A universal skirt board has a base, a top flange section, an overhang section, and a sealing flange attached to the top flange section. The base has at least one ridge extending away from the base in a first direction, and a projection extending in the first direction. The top flange section is attached to the base. The overhang section is also attached to the base and defines a drip edge. The sealing flange is attached to the top flange section. The at least one ridge is formed to rest on a top of a base board. The projection is formed to fit into a slot defined in the top of the base board to provide an interference connection.

Abstract: A water barrier trim has a base, a top flange, and an overhang section. The base has at least one ridge extending away from the base in a first direction and a projection extending in the first direction. The top flange section is positionable adjacent to the base. The overhang section is positionable adjacent to the base and defines a drip cap. The at least one ridge is sized and configured to rest on a top of a trim board. The projection is sized and configured to fit into a slot defined in the top of the trim board to provide an interference connection.

Abstract: A structural member includes a first meshing element having two prisms disposed in a side-by-side arrangement wherein a space between the prisms defines a first meshing element engagement cavity. Each prism in the first meshing element is connected to an adjacent prism via an arm of a hinge disposed intermediate the prisms. The structural member includes a second meshing element having two prisms disposed in a side-by-side arrangement where a space between the prisms defines a second meshing element engagement cavity. Each prism in the second meshing element is connected to an adjacent prism via an arm of a hinge disposed intermediate the prisms.

Abstract: A nest exclusion device is releasably attachable to a tower such as a cell tower, such that when installed it deters Osprey and other raptors from nesting on the tower structure, but is easily disengaged to permit worker access to the tower antenna mount structure, and can be easily reassembled. The device includes a center pole that extends upwardly away from the tower. A cap is attached to a top of the center pole, and a plurality of brackets are spaced about a periphery of the antenna mount structure with a maximum spacing between adjacent brackets of 18 inches. A plurality of cable assemblies extend from the cap to the brackets to define a tapering structure, converting the snag-shaped tower to a more conical shape.

Abstract: A window well cover that is universal to the extent that it will work on different sizes and shapes of window wells within a certain range for each size of window well cover produced.

Abstract: The system described herein consists of a seismic isolator and a damping device. The system is used to isolate structures from seismic forces and further reduces transmitted forces via the seismic isolator to structure. The isolator has a spherical base fixed to ground, middle part that responds to the moving base by rotating around the centre of a small concave or convex, causing the superstructure to move upwards and downwards vertically, and a top part connected to the superstructure and the isolator middle part. The damping device consists of horizontal seismic force filter, springs, dampers and a vertical force transferor beam. Structures seismically isolated with the system herein may be protected to adequate amounts that allow minimal or no damages to the superstructures. That means continuous serviceability during and aftermath becomes achievable for the very most of the earthquakes and site characteristics combinations.

Abstract: A structurally adaptive flood vent device disposed to allow the passage of both air and flood fluid through and existent structure, in order to relieve buildup of excess water around a structure, while concurrently affording protection from intrusion of foreign matter. The instant design features constant aeration properties, in conjunction with automatic operation toward relief upon the onset of external structural flooding. Use of a door assembly which is entirely removed in an automated process upon flooding is featured.

Abstract: A roofing suspension support and related system and methods are disclosed. The roofing suspension support can comprise a support member, a purlin web coupling portion, and a fixture coupling feature. The purlin web coupling portion can be located at a top end of the support member. The web coupling portion can be configured to couple the support member to a web of a roofing purlin. The fixture coupling feature can be located at a bottom end of the support member. The fixture coupling feature can be configured to couple a fixture to the support member and to position the fixture below a lower flange of the purlin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. In some implementations, the insulating element has at least one insulating layer which is substantially incompressible and which has a substantially constant density in the range of 200 kg/m3 to 300 kg/m3. In certain preferred implementations, the insulating element can be formed of a foam material such as foam tape or thermal break tape.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel design of a rooftop with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules that includes photovoltaic modules, which can be commercially available and which are augmented with additional framing including additional structural and functional layers. The modules are mounted on a grid like supporting structure sitting on vertical elevation structures, such as building walls or columns. The design enables cost reduction, fast installation and improved performance of rooftops with photovoltaic power.

Abstract: A shingle having butt and tab portions is provided, wherein the tab portions are exposed when applied to a roof, and wherein active photovoltaic element(s) appear on portions only of the tab portions of the shingles, wherein adjacent zones of the tab portions of the shingles to which the photovoltaic element(s) are applied are free of active photovoltaic elements. The shingles are applied to a roof or a major portion of a roof, laid up in courses so that exposed tab portions of next-overlying courses cover unexposed butt portions of next-underlying courses, leaving photovoltaic elements exposed. In an array of shingles on a roof, the photovoltaic elements are distributed substantially uniformally. The surface ornamentation of the exposed surfaces of the photovoltaic elements may be either complementary to the exposed surfaces of the shingles not having photovoltaic elements thereon, or may blend with such zones not having photovoltaic elements thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for skylight tube have been disclosed. In one version spacing between diffusers is substantially between 0.5? to 0.75?.

Abstract: A protection assembly for covering a window/door, said protection assembly comprising at least one rigid protective panel dimensioned to fit against a frame of said window/door; at least one protecting member for supporting said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door; and at least one coupling member for coupling said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door, and for further securing said at least one protecting member against said at least one rigid protective panel.

Abstract: An intumescent composition which comprises a polymer selected from a silane-terminated polyurethane or a silane-terminated polyether, a plasticizer that is compatible with the polymer and an intumescent ingredient. Processes of forming a cured intumescent substance, and methods of fire protecting a building are also provided.

Abstract: A wall bead 10 comprising a central longitudinally extending portion 13, a first elongate flange 11, and second elongate flange 12 which extend longitudinally of the bead, and which separately comprise a front and rear surface. The wall bead 10 further comprises a plurality of teeth 16 disposed upon the first and second flange at longitudinal positions thereon, wherein the teeth are directed away from the respective flange, substantially forwardly of the respective flange, along a common direction that is along the wall bead.

Abstract: A modular grid structure and method of construction for a playground, wherein the position of playground modules is easily established and rearranged within a array of securement locations and in relation to surrounding modules. The grid comprises a permanent or temporary foundation having a plurality of playground module support locations aligned in a grid or array, such that the playground may be constructed by placing the support posts of the module in connection with the foundation support locations. The disclosed support locations comprise embodiments that permanently secure the posts of a playground module using a pin-locking support hole, or alternatively a temporarily support means to movement for a shorter period while allowing swift setup and breakdown of the entire assembly, such as for temporary playgrounds.

Abstract: An insulating panel structure for application to the exterior of a building, the panel structure having an inner surface to be attached to the building and an outer surface to be attached to an exterior load such as cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers along the outer surface of the panel for attachment of the exterior load, connectors extending perpendicularly from the internal surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the exterior load to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the exterior load from the external stringers of the panel to the building, and insulating foam embedded in the space defined between the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wall system where a wall uses spacer blocks between framing members to form a structural insulating core. The spacer blocks interlock horizontally and vertically using a means of forming a tongue and groove connection between the spacer blocks and between the framing members. Various interlocking tongue and groove connections form different wall structures and horizontal bracing channels along with the horizontal tongue and trough add flexibility. Metal channels and wood are used as framing members and the structural insulation core assembly can form structural insulated panels (SIP's). A coupling is used to connect vertical framing members and brackets are shown connecting spacer blocks than full height framing members.

Abstract: The present invention is direction to systems for assembling drywall tracks that support drywall above the floor.

Abstract: An interlocking decorative trim system has a backing strip and a cover strip interlocked together. The backing strip has a top, a bottom, a back face, a front face, a tongue extending from the top, and a projection adjacent the bottom and extending away from the front face. The front face has a recess and the projection has a slot. The cover strip has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, a tab extending from the bottom, and a second projection adjacent the top and extending away from the front face. The back face has a recess and the second projection has a groove. The tongue of the backing strip fits inside the groove of the cover strip and the tab of the cover strip fits into the slot of the backing strip.

Abstract: Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mortarless, stone-like veneer systems for walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to facade systems comprising a plurality of panels with surfaces for engaging other panels in the system and for resisting pullout of a panel once installed. Further provided are facade systems comprising a plurality of panels which provide stacked-stone corners for walls, columns, and posts when installed. Preferred are systems comprising modular facade panels having (i) a front face for forming part of a first facade, wherein the face is formed as a plurality of stacked stones and has a concave rectilinear polygonal outline configured for mating with adjacent panels when installed in a facade system; (ii) a back side with a suspension rail in communication therewith; and (iii) left and right sides for forming part of another facade in an intersecting plane.

Abstract: An asphalt shingle is provided, in which a base mat is impregnated with an asphalt material and has headlap and tab portions, with the tab portion being a plurality of tabs separated by slots, with adhesive applied to the top surface of the shingle in the headlap portion and above the upper ends of the slots, but wherein the headlap portion of the shingle has adhesive-free zones above the centers of the tabs. A roof covering is provided with the shingles being in overlying and underlying courses, with shingles in each course being laterally offset and with the adhesive-free zones being such that no adhesive on a shingle in an underlying course is visible through slots of shingles in a next-overlying course.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a structure from prefabricated panels to be connected mounted on a free-standing supporting framework, each of the panels being made beforehand from a wood framework into which an inner insulation and inner and outer facings are capable of being built, the panels being connected together by a linking mechanism in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, wherein the method is characterized in that a subassembly is made from a quadrangular wood frame inside of which vertical posts are arranged on which mechanical connectors are placed, enabling the arrangement, support, and prepositioning of a metal reinforcement on the connectors that are in place. The thus-produced subassembly is placed in a mold so as to be overmolded from concrete constituting the inner facing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering comprising mechanically interconnectable panels having the following characteristics:—adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) each have a groove (12, 17) on their mutually complementary sides,—in one of the grooves (12) a tongue (16) is arranged which is displaceable relative to the panel (1) and which is configured to engage in the groove (17) of the adjacent panel (2) when connecting the adjacent panels (1, 2),—the panel (1) which holds the tongue (16) has a lower locking rail (3) which engages the adjacent panel (2) underneath which is configured to secure adjacent panels (1, 2) against tensile loading in the plane of installation,—the panel (2) engaged underneath by the locking rail (3) is supported on the locking rail (3) as well as on the support rail (11) which is arranged at a greater distance to the locking rail (3) than the groove (12),—the support rail (11) engages in the same groove (17) into which the tongue (16) is displaceable.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering consisting of elements that can be mechanically interconnected, at least one of the elements being a panel (1, 1a-1d, 2, 2a-2d) with the following characteristics: a) the sides (6) of the elements facing one another have a corresponding profiled section that can be used to interlock adjoining elements by means of a substantially vertical or pivoting connection movement in a horizontal and vertical direction; b) the interlocking can be achieved by a tongue element (11) that is hinged on one of the elements and that can be pivoted behind a locking edge (17) of the other element during the connection movement, said edge extending substantially in a horizontal direction; c) during the connection of adjoining elements, the tongue element (11) slides down a supporting surface (19) of the adjoining element, said surface lying opposite the locking edge (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation, with the walls of the tower being produced at least partially from individual wall sections, which are connected to one another via connecting means. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a tower for a wind power installation, which can be assembled with adequate precision. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for erection of a tower such as this. With respect to the tower, the object according to the invention is achieved in that a falsework is provided at least partially in the tower interior, to which the wall sections are connected, holding them.