Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art. In another embodiment, the biomass water slurry can be mixed with a coal water slurry to further optimize the carbon content and pumpability of the biomass shiny.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of salt-water mixtures to form brine reaction phases at supercritical temperatures, i.e., greater than 374° C., and at pressures of less than 500 bar. The conditions utilized allow high reaction rates to be attained in a dense medium at moderate pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feed stocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles and contain a sorbent. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels. In addition, one or more sorbents can be added to the feed stocks in order to reduce the amount of a variety of pollutants present in traditional fuel and feed stocks, including, but not limited, sulfur and chlorine. Further, these feed stocks with added sorbent can mitigate corrosion, improve fuel conversion, extend power generating plant lifetime, reduce ash slagging, and reduced operating temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel compounds of the formula (I), as well as to their manufacture and use and compositions comprising them. The invention also relates to a change in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons admixed to these compounds. Furthermore the invention relates to (bio)diesel fuel comprising such compounds.

Abstract: A method of calcining green petroleum coke which includes separating the green coke having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 50 mm into undersized and oversized fractions, pelletizing the undersized fraction with a binder to form pelletized coke, combining the oversized fraction and the pelletized coke to form a feed mixture, and calcining the feed mixture to form calcined coke. The method includes the addition of a pulverization step wherein all the green coke is pulverized before pelletization and the pellets are then calcined to produce a pelletized calcined coke product.

Abstract: A method and system for converting low BTU synthesis gas (Syngas), and synthesis gas that has been generated in situ, into a higher BTU product while minimizing the process carbon footprint. Preferably, a plasma gassifier is used to generate the syngas. Sensible heat is recovered and applied to produce electricity. The syngas is water gas shifted to enhance hydrogen production. Gasification is performed in a pyrolysis mode of operation, a nitrogen reduced mode of operation, an oxygen enriched mode of operation, or a coke supplemented mode of operation. The syngas is delivered to a reactor to produce product. The reactor is any of a pellet style reactor, a monolith style reactor, a foam reactor, a ceramic foam reactor, an alumina oxide reactor, and an alpha alumina oxide reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a lighting environment control facility capable of controlling light to be irradiated on cultivated crops to an optimum condition for the growth of the crops, thereby activating a natural defense of the crops against pests; a pest control method capable of determining whether or not to control pests of cultivated crops and controlling the pests on the basis of the determination; and an intensive cultivation method. The facility is used for pesticide-free cultivation, and includes a crop cultivation house which is formed of a light transmissive material and in which crops are cultivated, and a lighting control unit that controls the light to be irradiated upon the crops in the crop cultivation house.

Abstract: Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.

Abstract: An insert for a vase, the insert for receiving the stem of an ornament, such as a flower. The insert has a cylindrical base member that is of a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the vase and has fins or ribs extending outward therefrom such that the ribs interfere and bend when the insert is inserted into the vase. The insert is made of a pliable or elastomeric material and the base member has channels adapted to receive stems thereinto.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an enclosure having a nutrient bed for retaining and providing nutrients to plants grown therein. An adjustment mechanism provided for adjusting the level of one or more environmental variables therein so as to at least partially simulate the growing conditions found at a specific altitude. Exemplary environmental variables include water levels, broad-spectrum light intensity, UV light intensity, pH, nutrients, air temperature, soil temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide, atmospheric oxygen, atmospheric pressure and combinations thereof. The adjustment mechanism may include one or more broad-spectrum/full spectrum lights, UV generating lights, skylights, vacuum/pressure pumps, hypoxicators, oxygen generators, carbon dioxide regulators, heaters, air conditioning units and so forth.

Abstract: A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping is disclosed. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A plant watering system comprising: at least two planters; at least two pots in each planter; and a PVC pipe that extends from each side of a ball-cock, where the PVC pipe-ball-cock connection connects the at least two planters and water flows through the ball-cock and the PVC pipes and enters into the planters to supply water for the at least two pots. The ball-cock activates the flow of water into the planters upon a diminished level of water. Each planter may include a relief hole set at a predetermined level and a means to connect an additional PVC pipe-ball-cock connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling or eradicating nematodes or other soil-borne pests having a heated metal roller having surface-mounted blades to heat the soil to a desired temperature and depth sufficient to effect control of the relevant species in the soil under the roller. The roller is heated with one or more burners firing across the surface of the roller. The apparatus further includes a heat exchanger through which the combustion products generated by the burner or burners are exhausted and in which the combustion air is preheated. In accordance with one embodiment, the heat exchanger condenses water vapor in the combustion products which water vapor, together with any water that evaporates from the soil during heating, may be captured and returned to the soil.

Abstract: Invasive species control plans may be automatically generated using vegetation control information received from a variety of sources. Such invasive species control plans may aid vegetation control personnel and professionals when determining an invasive species control strategy, including treatment and restoration, and then guide the implementation of that strategy. Invasive species control plans may include a variety of recommended vegetation control practices and projected outcomes for the implementation of recommended vegetation control management practices.

Abstract: A pyrolysis chamber for the extraction of combustible gasses from biomass waste such as wood chips has a gravity fed chamber, where fuel passes, in succession, through a pre-heating zone, an oxidation and reduction zone, a gas outlet zone and a solids offloading zone. The pre-heating zone has plasma torches which direct an air plasma into the chamber, thereby pre-heating the fuel to a temperature of 1200-1500° C., after which the fuel enters the oxidation and reduction zone, where it is exposed to a steam plasma of 1500° C. which travels through plasma torches to an annular ring distributor surrounding the chamber and having apertures directing the steam plasma into the chamber, thereby providing enhanced generation of combustible gasses of CO and H2.

Abstract: A device for permitting the (preferably manual) raising of a railroad crossing pedestrian arm independently of a roadway crossing arm, comprising a hinge including a first end operable to be connected to a pedestrian gate support arm and a second end operable to be connected to a pedestrian arm; wherein the hinge permits the second end to be raised by an external force relative to a position of the first end. Some embodiments further include a brake to slow movement of a manually raised pedestrian gate to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.

Abstract: A protective assembly is provided with a flexible, extensible, longitudinal bellows including folding units each having a cross-section of “n”, and two joining members at both sides respectively; two elongated metal brackets each including a longitudinal first groove of rectangular cross-section on one surface distal the bellows and a longitudinal second groove the other surface proximate the bellows; and two fastening members each fitted in the first grooves to secure the bracket to an inner surface of either a door frame or a door. The joining members are fitted and fastened in the second grooves respectively so as to cover a gap between the door frame and the door.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting flooring near a doorway by securing to the bottom portion of the door a protective device where the protective device extends outward from the door and over the flooring where a pet may damage the flooring. The protective device is made of a scratch resistant material and the protective device is adapted to allow the door to open and remain securely attached to the door when open or closed.

Abstract: A door threshold may comprise a main body formed from two feet. In certain example embodiments, a male-female connection between the feet may be used to adjust the depth of the door threshold. In certain other example embodiments, a center bridge insert to be used in connection with two female feet to adjust the depth of the door threshold. In still further example embodiments, one or more center layers may be disposed between two feet, with the size of the center layer(s) determining the depth of the door threshold. Also, the door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween which, in certain example embodiments, may grip the carpet to reduce the ease with which it may be pulled out from between the upper and lower members. Thus, certain example embodiments may reduce and/or eliminate the need for tacks proximate to the threshold.

Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: A gutter system to remove storm water from a roof of a dwelling comprising: a shortened downspout extending from a gutter; a lip extending from the forward side of the downspout, where the lip helps to guide the fall of water from the downspout; a collection basket positioned just below the downspout; and a screen over the collection basket, where the screen allows water to flow into the collection basket. The collection basket may further include an exit spout and may be attached to a wall of the dwelling.

Abstract: A grating system such as that used in roadways or sidewalks is provided. The grating system includes a support ledge having a first surface. A surface frame is arranged adjacent the first surface, the surface frame having a plurality of second surfaces defining an opening. A grating frame is coupled to the plurality of second surfaces. At least one cover is removably coupled to the grating frame.

Abstract: A collapsible roof curb includes a base portion having opposed end walls and opposed side walls extending between the end walls, and an upper portion having opposed upper end walls and opposed upper side walls. The roof curb also includes a hinge connecting each of the end walls of the base portion to the end walls of the upper portion and the side walls of the base portion to the side walls of the upper portion, the hinges being adapted to allow the end walls and side walls of the upper portion to pivot from a collapsed position to an extended position.

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 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 holder to be placed in floating floor slabs and the installation system thereof, the holder comprising a cubic holder having a pair of tubes on each side thereof, parallel with the supporting base, with facing sides in identical position; within said sides a section designed for placing rods on which the different layers of the rebar mesh are supported and a system for fitting the mesh on the rods, and also the securing of the corners of the different levels of the rebar mesh by means of linking of the holder s using the rods.

Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.

Abstract: A panel assembly for mounting to the façade of a building which includes a panel member having a longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the panel member for receiving a fitting which is operatively engaged to a connection assembly, and an anchoring assembly receiving the connection assembly and securing the same to the façade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation. The tower comprises a wall extending from a foundation in an upwards direction towards a nacelle and defines an enclosed space. Furthermore, the tower comprises a safety blanket which is distended across the tower interior along an inner surface of the wall to thereby split the enclosed space into an upper compartment above the blanket and a lower compartment below the blanket. The safety blanket is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A hip, ridge or rake shingle is provided, in which a pair of substantially rigid panel portions are connected by a hinge portion, and wherein the shingle is pre-assembled, but can conform to a variety of different angles to accommodate different angular relationships between surfaces of a hip, ridge or rake of a roof. The substantially rigid panel portions are connected by a hinge and may or may not have a reinforcement member, and all of the panels, hinges and reinforcement members are of synthetic thermoplastic polymeric construction and are welded together by ultrasonic or vibratory welding techniques.

Abstract: Non-cementitious tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the non-cementitious tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower. This foundation structure may be filled with non-cementitious fill of any type to provide the required mass to stabilize the foundation and the tower. A non-cementitious tower foundation structure includes a central shaft; a storage tank; and structural members coupling the central shaft to the storage tank. The storage tank comprises one or more voids for containing non-cementitious fill as ballast to stabilize the central shaft. The total volume capacity of the voids may be at least a threshold volume.

Abstract: Decking comprises a translucent plank. The plank may be made from synthetic material. The plank may include a diffusion surface disposed to allow a portion of light incident on a top surface of the plank to transmit through a bottom surface of the plank.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a plug of the type utilized for sealing a junction between a horizontal member and a vertical mullion of a curtain wall. The plug may include a plug body. The plug body may include a front body portion, a rear body portion, a left body portion, a right body portion, a top surface disposed between the left body portion, the right body portion, the front body portion, and the rear body portion. A rabbet is disposed across the front body portion. A spacer flange extends from the front body portion. A plurality of chamfers are disposed between the top surface and the left body portion, the right body portion, and the rear body portions. The plug is sized to occupy a gap formed in the junction between the horizontal member and the vertical mullion of the curtain wall. The rabbet and the plurality of chamfers form a plurality of large crevices between the plug, the horizontal member, and the vertical mullion. The large crevices allow penetration of a sealant therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fireproof panel equipped with coupling holes and a method of manufacturing the same, and a mold for the fireproof panel and, more particularly, to a fireproof panel equipped with coupling holes and method of manufacturing the same, and a mold for the fireproof panel, in which the coupling holes are formed in advance in a process of molding the fireproof panel and sleeves are provided in the coupling holes, thereby enabling the fireproof panel to be easily installed in a wall or a frame and also being capable of preventing the fireproof panel from being damaged in its installation process.

Abstract: A laminated shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: A baseboard structure having air gap insulation, an integrated quarter-round molding segment, and an upper caulk channel for providing a unitary baseboard element for rapid and improved installation. The baseboard comprises an outer, decorative surface having an integrated quarter round element, a lower surface adapted to lie flush on a floor surface, a backside surface and an upper caulk channel. A section of compressible insulation material is located at the junction of the backside and lower surfaces, and is adapted to be pressed into any gaps between the flooring and the wall to seal any air gaps or gaps in thermal resistance. The device incorporates a caulking channel at the junction of the backside and outer surfaces such that the installer may create a seamless transition between the top of the baseboard and the wall with a quantity of caulk while the baseboard lower surface lies flush with floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12. At least some of the tube sections 12 are provided with platform segments 28 that are hinge-connected and foldable from a collapsed position in which they are positioned close to the tube sections 12 to a position of use in which they extend radially inwardly into the tubular building structure 10 in the mounted position of the tube sections 12. In particular the invention relates to a tube segment 16 adapted to be interconnected with other tube segments 16 to 17 form a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12, each tube section being formed by interconnected axially extending tube segments 16.

Abstract: A steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) column is prefabricated with angle steels at the corners. The column has auxiliary reinforcement bars between the angle steels and tie bars surround the angle steels and auxiliary reinforcement bars. Column capital steel plates are fixed to the structure, outside the angle steels and the auxiliary reinforcement bars. Column capital reinforcing steel plates are diagonally attached inside the PSRC column. A mold is used to fill the column with cement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: A method of refacing a staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. Each replacement tread overhangs a respective original riser by a distance greater than the thickness of the replacement riser. The replacement riser is shimmed and spaced from the original riser a distance equal to the difference between the replacement riser thickness and the overhang distance. Preferably the replacement treads overhang the replacement risers the same distance that the original treads overhang the original risers.

Abstract: A machine for installing commercial steel flat roof decking from the inside of a structure, for repair of old sagging, rusted decking and to patch holes in roofs. with a steel joist bracket that extends the upper cord out to hold up new roof decking by clamping new angel iron in the clamps of the bracket, and a steel joist bracket that extends the upper cord out to install new decking while distributing the weight into the original joist.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, includes a transport unit that transports the containers through a clean room and a plurality of treatment elements arranged within the clean room. The clean room is separated by a plurality of walls against an environment. The treatment elements are movable, for example, rotatable in relation to a predefined axis and movable in the direction of this axis, in order to attach closure caps onto the containers. Each of the treatment elements is arranged on a carrier that extends through a wall of the clean room, and each has a sealing unit in order to seal at least one movement of the carrier. The sealing unit includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid separating medium and a wall element movably arranged within the separating medium. At least one sealing unit has an inlet via which a cleaning medium can be supplied to the sealing unit.

Abstract: A device and method for the manufacturing of a pack including at least one article. The device includes a strapper for strapping a strip around the at least one article. The strapping is strapped around the outside of the article horizontally and/or vertically and/or cross-wise. A device generates a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A detector for the detection of properties of the article(s) is coupled and/or effectively connected to the device for generating a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A regulation and/or control method for a strapping device is also provided. Recorded properties of the articles to be wrapped and/or of the strapping material to be used are used as control values for the tensioning force and/or back tensioning force.

Abstract: The apparatus, for filling a flexible pouch having a bottom end, an opposite top end, and a pair of side edges extending between the bottom and top end, includes a filling station, a supply of compressed purging gas, and a gas purging station. The filling station includes a feeder that dispenses an amount of product into the pouch. The gas purge station is positioned subsequent to the filling station and includes a pair of gas lances. Each of the pair of gas lances have an outlet to discharge the purging gas into the pouch. The pair of gas lances being moveable between an inserted position and a withdrawn position. In the inserted position the pair of gas lances are disposed within the pouch a predetermined distance above the amount of product, and in the withdrawn position the pair of gas lances are provided above the top end of the pouch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a pocketed spring unit, the method comprising the steps of compressing and feeding a plurality of springs (42) into troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations in opposed conveyor belts (2, 4), moving said springs (42) from said troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations to a position between upper and lower layers of fabric or other material (16A, 18A), step-wise advancing said material (16A, 18A) and said springs (42) in the direction of the output of the apparatus and welding together said lengths of fabric or other material (16A, 18A) at each step-wise advancement by a plurality of sequentially controlled welding anvils (10) so as to form a plurality of discrete pockets (46) each containing a spring (42). Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for temperature controlled transport. In the method, temperature controlled products are transported. In the method, a passive transport is used, in which the product is packed in an essentially energy tight transport package. In addition, in the method a thermal element, by which the internal temperature of the transport package is maintained as desired without external energy, is included in the transport package. Further, in the method the temperature of the transport package is monitored wirelessly essentially continuously. The invention also relates to a system for temperature controlled transport.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for protecting individuals from the sharp ends of medical objects following use on a patient. Such sharp objects include hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, cannulae, trocars, and the like. The invention utilizes a disposable protective cover for the used sharp. The protective cover is designed to surround and embed the sharp in a permanent cover that is blunt and will not permit further puncture or cutting with the sharp. In an embodiment, the protective cover also absorbs any fluids on or in the used sharp and prevents any fluids from escaping the protective cover. The sharp cover is configured to irreversibly lock, once closed. A refillable or replaceable dispenser dispenses the protective covers at points of use. A disposable receptacle receives the used sharp embedded in the protective cover. When the receptacle is full, the entire receptacle may be discarded in a medical waste container.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for cutting meat (1), comprises a frame (2); a blade (5) connected to the frame (2) to slice the meat (18); a support (3) for the meat (18) which is movable relative to the blade (5) along a feed direction (A) so as to push said meat (18) against the blade (5); a striking surface (4) for the meat (18), associated with the frame (2) so as to support the meat (18); the striking surface (4) slides relative to the blade (5) along a sliding direction (A) parallel to the feed direction (A).