Abstract: A process and a business method for converting wood waste to charcoal have been invented. Multiple high productive thermo energy simplified bio-cokes furnaces create an outlet discharging the earned volatile gas and the wood tar from the carbonization device. By taking back the gas and the wood tar mixed with the air into the furnace, the present invention produces evenly distributed heat with higher energy productivity. The present invention adopts different Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE) for the top opening zone and the carbonization chamber, to avoid transmittal of oxygen from outside the furnace. Charcoal produced with a reduced energy use by the present invention can replace bio-cokes produced from general waste incineration. Through the creation of higher carbon charcoal, the present invention introduces a source of environment-friendly, cost effective and sustainable heat use. Accordingly, the present invention proposes promising business models both to the suppliers and the consumers.

Abstract: A composition of biomass material is disclosed. The composition includes: (i) a lignocellulosic material; and (ii) at least one member selected from a group comprising of potassium, sodium and chlorides, wherein said at least one member comprising not more than about 0.01% (by weight) of said composition. The composition may not include more than 10% of water.

Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in an open-ended photo-bioreactor having an aqueous liquid for a photosynthetic culture, comprising: at least one light distributor each including a concentrator supporting section with a light entry surface adapted to receive sunlight rays, an elongated rod section with a light distribution surface adapted to redirect the received sunlight rays within the aqueous liquid, a light concentrating element provided at the light entry surface which concentrates within the elongated rod at least a portion of the sunlight rays received at the light entry surface; a displacement system operatively connected to the light distributors and adapted to change an orientation of the light entry surface of the light distributors to track a solar position.

Abstract: A system for protecting plants. The system has a plurality of walls having sides with sets of offset keepers. Connecting rods are provided through the keepers of adjacent walls and inserted into the ground. The walls have mesh bodies and mesh heads which may be angled inward to prevent animals and pests from gaining access to the interior of the plant protector through the top. Any desired number of walls may be connected to provide any desired configuration of plant protector, and the walls may be provided with openings of various sizes to thwart various sized pests.

Abstract: Crop protection netting for covering trees or other plants for insect or bird exclusion is of a knitted mesh construction, including knit intersections in the netting and connecting yarn portions between the yarn intersections which extend substantially linearly between intersections. The netting is lightweight and strechable in multiple directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices and systems that provide a landscape edging assembly and system. In particular, for example, the landscape edging assembly can comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a barrier. The first portion and the second portion are configured to interface with each other in a way that secures the barrier directly to the first portion and the second portion. The barrier can then be situated to create a barrier for roots underground, while the first portion and second portion can be situated to form the aesthetic portion of the edging assembly.

Abstract: Plant support systems and methods for supporting and protecting plants are provided. Plant support systems can include a support frame made from a mesh material. A support frame can include apertures which allow the plant to grow through the support frame thereby providing support to substantially all of the plant while also concealing the support system. A plant support system can include stakes or anchors for securing the support system to a planting surface. A plant support system can be suitable for various sizes and types of plants, and can have an adjustable diameter to fit such varying sizes and types. A plant support system as disclosed herein can be suitable for supporting and protecting a plant throughout the lifecycle of a plant.

Abstract: A deep root watering unit is described herein that includes an elongated hollow sleeve member and a grate-retaining housing mounted at an upper end of the sleeve member. A cap configured as a grate can be attached to the top portion of the housing. The deep root watering unit is advantageously configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the cap, irrigation adjacent to the housing, and/or distribution of fluid to adjacent irrigation devices.

Abstract: A seed-covering agent, which covers a seed surface and contains an iron powder and a binder, is specified such that, in the above-described iron powder, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of 63 ?m or less to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 75% or less, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 63 ?m and 150 ?m or less to the total mass of the iron powder is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 150 ?m to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 50% or less, and the average particle size of the above-described binder is 1 to 150 ?m.

Abstract: A vertical gardening system includes at least one sheet of geosynthetic material hung generally vertically, and forming vertical channels extending top to bottom of the sheet on a rear side and including a plurality of small upwardly-open individual pockets on a front side and growing medium on both sides of the at least one sheet and located in both the channels and the pockets. A related method includes providing a portable stand and supporting on the stand a sheet with vertical channels and pockets as defined above, growing plants in the pockets with their roots extending into the channels, and moving the stand to promote plant growth, including one of moving the stand to orient the plants toward sunlight during daylight, or moving the stand between a first location of optimal sunlight and a second location of optimal protection against freezing.

Abstract: A two-stage linked sliding door of a machine tool is provided with a first door half and a second door half movable through different strokes. Pulleys are disposed individually at two opposite end portions of the second door half, and a wire is stretched between the pulleys. The opposite end portions of the wire are secured to the door frame or the first door half by two wire tensioning springs, individually, such that the opposite end portions face each other. These two springs are juxtaposed and offset with each other so that their respective central axes do not line on the same axis.

Abstract: A gate may include a first supporting arm and an adjustable arm. The first supporting arm may include an interior surface and an interior cavity. The adjustable arm may include an insertable end, an adjustable compression member and a compression fitting. The insertable end may be configured to be inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm. The adjustable compression member may be disposed at the insertable end. The compressing fitting may be configured to adjust the adjustable compression member. When the insertable end is inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm, the adjustable compression member is adjusted to compress against the interior surface so that the adjustable arm is fixed relative to the first supporting arm.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure in which it is possible to prevent a slide opening and closing door panel from being uncoupled from a swing opening and closing door panel when the swing opening and closing door panel is opened, is provided. A vehicle door structure 10 includes a lock mechanism 22 that locks a slide door panel 14 to a swing door panel 16 when the swing door panel 16 is opened. The lock mechanism 22 is composed of a locking part 50 which is provided so as to be movable backward and forward along a direction in which the slide door panel 14 and the swing door panel 16 overlap each other according to opening and closing of the swing door panel 16, and a protrusion 60 which is provided on the slide door panel 14, and is locked by the locking part 50 when the swing door panel 16 is opened. The locking part 50 moves forward to the slide door panel 14 side, to lock the protrusion 60 when the swing door panel 16 is opened.

Abstract: An automatic door bottom drop down seal having an actuator responsive to closing of the door for moving a sealing member vertically downwards into a sealing position relative to the door threshold when the door is closed. The actuator includes a arm connected to a block slidable within a channel of the seal housing. The arm is pivotally connected to the slide block so to pivot downwardly to impart downward pressure on the sealing member.

Abstract: A door securing system includes a block member and a brace member. The block member is secured to a door jamb. The brace member including a mounting portion secured to an interior surface of a door, a rail portion extending in a lateral direction from the interior surface of the door, and a flange portion extending in a lateral direction from the rail portion. The interior surface of the door, the rail portion, and the flange portion together define a recess sized and positioned to receive the block member when the door is in the closed position to provide a lock point between the first jamb and the door.

Abstract: A window regulator includes: a drive gear attached to a drive motor; an open-ended pliable elongate push-pull member that meshes with the drive gear and is push-pulled by the two-way rotation of the drive gear; and a career connected to one end of the elongate push-pull member as well as a window glass, wherein, as viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of the window glass, a drive route of the elongate push-pull member from an meshing portion between the drive gear and the elongate push-pull member to a mounting portion of the career is formed in a straight line, while at least a part of an idle route from the meshing portion to the other end of the elongate member is formed in a curved shape.

Abstract: An urging device is interposed between a first member and a second member. The urging device includes a supporting base formed on the first member, an abutting body including turning axes supported rotatably on the supporting base, and elastically contacting the second member, and an elastic member held in the abutting body and urging the abutting body by one end thereof in an elastically contacting direction. The supporting base includes bearing portions supporting the turning axes, and a locking portion locking the other end of the elastic member.

Abstract: The hidden interlocking hinge assembly at least partially hides or conceals the hinging mechanism of a door pivotally attached to a jamb. The assembly incorporates interlocking knuckles on the door and the jamb, an overlapping flange feature, and a corresponding depression feature that allows the overlapping flange and the depression to move relative to the other without binding and while generally concealing the balance of the assembly.

Abstract: A hinge support includes a brace, a trestle, and a positioning device. The brace includes a base wall and a first side wall, a second side wall, and a positioning wall that extend from the base wall. The first side wall has a first sloped surface, and the second side wall has a second sloped surface. The trestle includes a top wall and a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a support wall that extend from the top wall. The third side wall has a third sloped surface, and the fourth side wall has a fourth sloped surface. The positioning device is supported by the support wall and positioned to abut the positioning wall to mount the trestle to the brace. The third sloped surface slides along the first sloped surface and the fourth sloped surface slides along the second sloped surface under control of the positioning device.

Abstract: A hole plug has a head portion, a leg portion protruding from the head portion, and a flange portion protruding on an upper circumference of the leg portion. The leg portion includes an inner wall having an approximately cylindrical shape and connected to the head portion; and an outer wall extending along the inner wall with a gap among the inner wall from a folded portion provided in an end portion of the inner wall, and forming a bendable thin-walled portion. The thin-walled portion is elastically bent by an external force to be capable of transitioning from a first usage aspect in which the outer wall is locked in the hole with the thin-walled portion being in a non-bending state to a second usage aspect in which a force larger than the first usage aspect is provided to pressure contact relative to the hole.

Abstract: To prevent easy removal of a glass run integral molding from a door frame, provided is a glass run integral molding to be assembled to an upper part of a door frame surrounding a window opening of a vehicle door. The glass run integral molding includes an outer peripheral-side side wall portion and an inner peripheral-side side wall portion for sandwiching a flange portion of the upper part, a car outer-side side wall portion for connecting a car outer-side end portion of the outer peripheral-side side wail portion and that of the inner peripheral-side side wall portion to each other and extending along a door glass surface, glass run portions for sealing a peripheral edge of a door glass, and body seal lip portions for sealing a clearance between the vehicle door and a vehicle body.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming an abrasive coating on a surface of a backing. An abrasive slurry includes a continuous phase, a first discontinuous phase of abrasive particles dispersed in the continuous liquid phase, and a second discontinuous phase of binder precursor particles dispersed in the continuous liquid phase, so that the continuous liquid phase carries the first and second discontinuous phases. A coated abrasive article is formed by coating the abrasive slurry onto the surface of the backing, and then removing the continuous phase.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising an elongated body, a bonding layer overlying a surface of the elongated body, and abrasive grains contained within the bonding layer at an average abrasive grain concentration within a range between about 0.02 ct/m and about 0.30 ct/m.

Abstract: An inflatable structure to surround a dwelling comprising: a sand base; a plurality of inflatable tubes stacked vertically on the sand base; a lip extending from the sand base; and a plurality of securing pins extending through the lip, where the plurality of pins secures the inflatable structure to the ground. The each inflatable tube may include an air nozzle, where the air nozzle enables the inflatable of each respective tube. A zipper may be provided at each end of the plurality of inflatable tubes. The inflatable structure may also include a ribbed bottom surface to provide further support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grandstand having a plurality of seat rows and/or standing space rows which rise in a stepped manner and are accessible via at least one access route which bridges the height difference between the seat rows and/or standing space rows, the gradient of the seat rows and/or standing space rows and the gradient of the access route enclosing an angle of from approximately 20° to approximately 90°, with the result that the gradient of the access route has a first component which runs parallel to the direction of the space rows and runs towards the space rows.

Abstract: An insulated scuttle cover configured for placement within a building scuttle opening is provided. The insulated scuttle cover includes a scuttle panel configured to cover the building scuttle opening. The scuttle panel is further configured to be supported when positioned within the building scuttle opening. An insulated pouch assembly is positioned adjacent to the scuttle panel. The insulated pouch assembly includes insulation material sealed within a flexible pouch. The insulated pouch assembly is positioned on an attic side of the scuttle panel. The insulated scuttle cover is configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of air passing through the building scuttle opening.

Abstract: An advanced system for the installation of wire-climbing lifting devices on hollow towers is presented. This system allows two positions easily alternated by the operator of the installation: a resting position, in which the wires (5) are hidden inside the tower (1) and a maintaining position in which wires (5) are safely set up outside the tower (1) to allow a lifting device climbing on them. At the resting position the wire terminals are at ground level so the operators are able to inspect the conditions of them before their use and the safety of the system is improved.

Abstract: A decking system is made up of a variety of decking boards and other components are disclosed. In some aspects, the decking boards are connectable to each other so that adjacent boards will provide a water barrier and a drainage channel. Some versions of the boards may have a hollow region to accept the provision of heating elements or other accessory structures. A connector piece is disclosed in various embodiments span the gap between the butt ends of the boards to provide a water barrier at the butt ends of the boards. A gutter and downspout system is disclosed, as well as structures for protecting the ends or sides of the deck structure.

Abstract: A hotel having a fitness center having a separation wall defining at least one perimeter portion of the fitness center; and a registration desk for the hotel located opposite the separation wall, the separation wall being at least partially translucent.

Abstract: A block system includes a main block that has the lift and alignment devices positioned to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the main block, and has a defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front surface of the main block. The block system further includes extended blocks that each has the lift and alignment devices positioned not to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the extended block, but has the same defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front face of the extended block that exists on the main block. The recessed portions of the block may be larger than the lift and alignment devices, thereby allowing the blocks to be stacked in either a vertical wall or in a setback wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved assembly for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Yet further disclosed are related methods of using the assembly.

Abstract: Evacuation system applicable to buildings, in particular the upper floors of high-rise buildings. The evacuation system presents a series of characteristics intended to provide the necessary means for occupants of the upper floors to step away horizontally from the façade or wall of the building and jump out using a parachute, thereby increasing the chances of survival in an emergency evacuation.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a raised access floor having electromagnetic shielding capability. The access floor is made of a metallic material. The access floor includes a load-bearing member and a shielding member interconnected to each other. The access floor of the instant disclosure can further include a load-bearing member made of a material having electromagnetic shielding and load-bearing capabilities.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel roof-ridge mounting system for use in mounting one or more solar panels to a roof of a building. The system can comprise a base plate and a plurality of attachment members coupled to the base plate. The base plate can be configured to interface with a deck of the roof at a roof-ridge. The base plate can comprise a first side and an opposing second side. The first side can be configured for placement adjacent a first side of the roof-ridge, and the second side can be configured for placement adjacent an opposing second side of the roof-ridge. The attachment members can be configured to couple the roof-ridge mounting system to a support system of the one or more solar panels.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes an elongate frame jamb and an elongate hinge reinforcement member, the elongate hinge reinforcement member being secured to the elongate frame jamb such that the elongate frame jamb may be vertically supportable by the elongate hinge reinforcement member at a reinforcement member base end. The elongate hinge reinforcement member is retained within a jamb longitudinal channel formed by the elongate frame jamb. The elongate hinge reinforcement may be configured to include mounting holes located substantially equidistant between side reinforcement walls of the elongate hinge reinforcement member.

Abstract: A window buck/drywall panel assembly comprising a window buck having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the window buck includes a window buck beveled edge; and a drywall panel having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge, and the window buck and the drywall panel are secured to one another such that the window buck beveled edge and the drywall beveled edge are in contact with one another.

Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.

Abstract: A hotel room that serves as guest accommodations and provides a fitness area for a guest. The hotel room includes different zones, at least one of which is a sleeping zone, and at least the other of which can serve a fitness function. The fitness zone may be convertible between living spaces and fitness, or may serve only a fitness function.

Abstract: A drainage system is configured for draining water or other liquid intrusion in to building structure openings, access routes, including fenestration, door or window products. Embodiments include adjustable height drainage systems that are vertically adjustable to controllably place the height of the drainage system above, below or flush with one or more surrounding floor or fenestration portal surfaces. One or more adjustable members controllably move and position the cover with respect to the drainage system body. Drainage systems are readily accessible for service and/or adjustment of the drainage system without removal or disassembly of a fenestration product.

Abstract: A molded plastic sliding panel used for covering an exterior building wall surface is made up of a body portion, an attachment portion provided above and adjacent to the body portion, a top locking portion extending horizontally across an upper portion of the sliding panel and a bottom locking portion provided at the bottom of the body portion. The top locking portion is adapted to engage with the bottom locking portion on an upper adjacent siding panel. The attachment portion can contain a plurality of apertures provided therein which sequentially become more elongated as they are positioned toward a side edge of the attachment portion in order to deal with thermal expansion and contraction of the panel.

Abstract: A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior 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 locking system for mechanical joining of rectangular floorboards having a body and long and short edges. Said locking system including a tongue and a groove for vertical locking of two joint short edges and for horizontal joining a locking groove formed in the underside of a first one of the short joint edges, and a portion projecting from the second short joint edge having a locking element cooperating with the locking groove. The tongue is arranged on the second short edge. The groove is arranged on the first short edge. The projecting portion is integrally formed with the board, by working of the body of the board.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tubular building structure 1 comprising a circumferential wall structure formed from a plurality of wall elements 2,20. The method comprises mutually assembling at least some of the wall elements 2,20 by use of screw sockets 4 mounted in holes in the wall elements 2,20 and bolts. The wall elements may be superposed tube sections 2 arranged on top of each other, and these tube sections 2_may be formed by interconnecting axially extending tube segments 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the screw sockets 4 are mounted at the manufacturing site, and the wall elements 2,20 are subsequently transported to the erection site of the tubular building structure 1. Preferably the mutual assembly of the wall elements 2,20 is performable solely by people working inside the tubular building structure 1 fastening the bolts 5 to the pre-mounted screw sockets 4.

Abstract: A universal framing connector, used to connect backing, blocking, bracing, and bridging to the framing system, framing members, and to adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: A sleeve for creating a moveable anchor in concrete may include an open end and a closed end. A cavity may be formed within a rigid wall, and the cavity and the rigid wall may extend from the open end to the closed end. The sleeve may also include a hollow foot section formed at the closed end and in communication with the cavity. An adjustable anchor system may include a sleeve and a moveable bolt. The sleeve may include cavity extending from an open end to a closed end. The sleeve may also include a hollow foot section formed at the closed end and in communication with the cavity. The bolt may include a shaft disposed within the cavity and extending through the open end, and an angled portion disposed within the foot section.

Abstract: A bracket system including a bracket for use with a deck or boardwalk system. The bracket has an upper portion and a lower portion at least partially spaced away from the upper portion. The bracket is configured to receive a portion of the deck or boardwalk system between said upper and lower portions. The bracket further includes a fastener extending between the upper and lower portions and configured to urge the upper and lower portions toward each other to thereby press against the portion of the deck or boardwalk system therebetween to secure the bracket to the portion of the deck or boardwalk system.

Abstract: The invention provides a side rail for attachment to elevated rib structure of a metal panel roof whereby the rib structure underlies and supports the side rail and any load being supported by the side rail. First and second side rails can be attached to next adjacent rib structures, thereby supporting the load from first and second next adjacent ones of the rib structures. End closures can extend across the space between such first and second side rails at opposing ends of the side rails, thereby closing off the openings between the ends of the side rails and providing a closed support structure extending about the encompassed space and closing off laterally-directed access to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a multipurpose integrated building system made of bamboo includes the following steps: creating a stack of layers of strips of bamboo, a shape and volume of the stack being dependent on the shape and the volume desired for the building system; adding an adhesive; then pressing the stack. Elementary or complex building systems obtained using the method according to the invention are also disclosed. A disclosed method of manufacturing a bamboo strip involves the following steps: producing a longitudinal slit in a bamboo cane; softening the bamboo cane; opening and flattening the softened bamboo cane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation, filling, and sealing unit dose packages for consumer products are described herein. A filling system with a filling control system is also disclosed. Although the filling system is described in conjunction with a method for forming, filling, and sealing unit dose packages, the filling system and filling control system can be used in other dispensing processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panelboard guard assembly configured to restrict access to a panelboard having a cover and a door defined therein, the cover having first and second side edges. The panelboard guard assembly includes a first strap, a second strap and an adjusting mechanism. The first strap has a first outer end and a first inner end. The second strap has a second outer end and a second inner end. The adjusting mechanism extends between and couples the first strap and the second strap at the first and second inner ends.