Abstract: Methods of making fuel additives and fuel additive formulations are presented that include degummed lipid acid or lipid ester; a bean oil and/or seed oil; a pour point depressant; and glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate. The fuel additives can be added to any fuel and result in advantages such as an increased shelf life.

Abstract: In the production of fuel such as ethanol from carbonaceous feed material such as biomass, a stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is added to the raw gas stream derived from the feed material, and the resulting combined stream is converted into fuel and a gaseous byproduct such as by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The gaseous byproduct may be utilized in the formation of the aforementioned stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present process produces a clean burning coal from low grade coal and has a higher heating value per unit mass, as compared to the feed stock coal. The clean coal may be used in coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and homes since it produces fewer or none of the emissions commonly associated with coal burning devices. The process treats coal prior to its combustion and removes about 90 percent of the pollutants. These pollutants are removed within 6 to 18 minutes, many of which may be recycled into products such as roofing tar, chemical feed stocks, and light hydrocarbons that can be used as gaseous fuels. The final product is suitable for use in homes where coal is used for cooking and heating, and significantly improves the health of those who have previously been exposed to toxic fumes from burning uncleaned coal in their homes. The process is fueled by its own by-products, recycles heat, and reduces coal weight to save energy in transporting it to the user.

Abstract: A suspended, portable, tilting garden on a frame with a greenhouse and nutrient capturing capabilities solves the issues of poor soil, limited gardening space, portability, limited sunlight and cool temperatures, excess water usage and handicap accessibility. The garden also solves issues of flooding, loss of nutrients, ground pests and rodents. The medium is controlled because there is no walking space needed, allowing growing in the entire surface of the garden. The garden is on wheels so it is fully portable. The garden tilts to take full advantage of the sun and it has a greenhouse cover with passive and active solar heat distribution. Since the garden is raised, it is wheelchair accessible and makes it easy for elderly to stand and garden.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a controlled on-demand irrigation system. In an implementation, the on-demand irrigation system includes a control device configured to control supply of an aqueous solution and semi-porous supply lines. The semi-porous supply lines have a porosity characteristic configured to be altered when acted upon by a surfactant root exudates to permit a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough. The control device is configured to cause injection of the aqueous solution upon a determination that an amount of aqueous solution within the semi-porous supply lines is below an aqueous solution threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).

Abstract: A motorized closure assembly is provided that includes an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A safety gate apparatus (10) for a platform loading area with a guardrail (G) having an opening includes a frame positioned across the opening. A first gate (100) pivotally attaches to the frame for movement between a lowered position blocking access to the loading area, and a raised position to provide unobstructed access to the loading area. A second gate (200) moveably attaches to the frame for movement between a lowered position preventing access through guardrail opening and a raised position allowing access through the opening. Pulleys (28) attached to the frame are operatively connected between the gates so when the first gate is in its lowered position the second gate is in its raised position, and when the first gate is in its raised position the second gate is in its lowered position.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to motorized closure assembly, comprising: an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A double-action door based on two door frames and one door panel of a door-in-door architecture so arranged that the door panel is biasable relative to the inner door frame in a first direction, and biasable with the inner door frame relative to the outer door frame in a second direction reversed to the first direction.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed window panel having an aperture formed therethrough and a movable window panel that is articulatably attached at the fixed window panel and is articulatable between a closed position, where the movable window panel is disposed in the aperture and is substantially coplanar with the fixed window panel, and an opened position, where at least a portion of the movable window panel is moved outward from the aperture. The movable window panel is attacked at the fixed window panel via at least one hinge element at a first perimeter region of the movable window panel and a latch element at a second perimeter region of the movable window panel, with the second perimeter region being opposite the first perimeter region.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a housing, and a grab bar moveably supported by the housing. The grab bar is linearly moveable along a linear path between a retracted position and an extended position. The linear path is disposed on a plane. A motor is attached to the housing, and includes an output rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is perpendicular to the plane. A scotch yoke mechanism interconnects the output of the motor and the grab bar. The scotch yoke mechanism translates rotational movement of the output into the linear movement of the grab bar to move the grab bar between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator access door kit comprising a door assembly comprising an insulation box; a door face attached to the insulation box that is larger in width and length than the insulation box and projects around the perimeter of the insulation box; at least one cross beam; a frame assembly comprising a frame and at least one swing bolt assembly attached to the frame.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet liner defining a receiving slot having a plurality of thermal breaks disposed therein. An elongate tubular gasket includes a magnetic portion and an engagement projection disposed in the receiving slot. A cabinet door is adapted for abutment with the elongate tubular gasket proximate the magnetic portion, thereby forming a substantially airtight compartment inside the refrigerator.

Abstract: A method of forming an instrumented cutting element comprises forming a free standing sintered diamond table having at least one chamber in the free standing sintered diamond table, providing a doped diamond material within the at least one chamber, and attaching a substrate to the free standing sintered diamond table to form an instrumented cutting element. The instrumented cutting element includes the doped diamond material disposed within the sintered diamond table on the substrate. A method of forming an earth-boring tool comprises attaching at least one instrumented cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool. The at least one instrumented cutting element has a diamond table bonded to a substrate. The diamond table has at least one sensing element disposed at least partially within the diamond table. The at least one sensing element comprises a doped diamond material.

Abstract: An abrasive article includes a carrier element, an abrasive component, and a bonding region between the abrasive component and the carrier element. The abrasive component includes abrasive particles bound in a metal matrix. The abrasive component further includes a network of interconnected pores substantially filled with an infiltrant. The infiltrant has an infiltrant composition containing at least one metal element. The bonding region includes a bonding metal having a bonding metal composition containing at least one metal element. The bonding region is a region distinct from the carrier element and is a separate phase from the carrier element. An elemental weight percent difference is the absolute value of the difference in weight content of each element contained in the bonding metal composition relative to the infiltrant composition. The elemental weight percent difference between the bonding metal composition and the infiltrant composition does not exceed 20 weight percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable transportable structure with a three dimensional rectangular shed roof shape having improved component and structural properties, and improved shipping and deployment capabilities. The integrated unique geometric folding pattern means provides enhanced folding accuracy and correct placement of interactive panels during collapse or assembly of the structure, and also greatly increases the flexibility for multiple unit combinations and component materials selection. The folding transportable structure provides a strong, safe, insulated weatherproof structure with a quick setup time, and requires NO tools or separate loose components for assembly.

Abstract: An inside corner gutter piece for a roof gutter system having an angled outer wall of a center segment extending at a 45 degree angle to outer walls of two straight end segments, the outer wall of the center segment acting as a flow diverter for directing rain runoff from a roof valley into connected straight gutter sections, with a top and down turned edge acting to block a rainwater off-flow stream from flowing up and out of the outer wall of the inside corner gutter piece.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a temporary structure is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of wall panels, a plurality of roof panels, a plurality of floor panels, at least one foundation panel, at least one sub-floor truss supporting the plurality of floor panels and placed atop the at least one foundation panel, at least one sub-roof truss supporting the plurality of roof panels, and at least one floor coupling bracket, each floor coupling bracket coupling one wall panel, one floor panel, one sub-floor truss, and one foundation panel.

Abstract: A shelter including a wall unit having walls. Each wall has a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposite side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. Each side edge is joined to a corresponding side edge of an adjacent wall to form a corner of the wall unit. The wall unit includes an access port in at least one wall. The shelter includes an upper rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the top edges of walls of the wall unit so the upper shell forms a roof of the shelter. The shelter includes a lower rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the bottom edges of walls of the wall unit so the lower shell forms a floor of the shelter.

Abstract: A ground anchor positively anchors an outdoor implement in place to the ground. The ground anchor comprises an arm defining opposed first and second ends of the arm. The first end is pivotably and directly connected to the implement such that the arm is pivotable with respect to the implement. A spike defines opposed first and second ends of the spike and is arcuate such that the spike is operatively concave with respect to the arm. The first end of the spike is pivotably connected to the second end of the arm such that the spike is rotatable about the second end of the arm. The second end of the spike is adapted to be manually imbedded into the ground at a right or an acute angle with respect to the arm to, thereby, positively anchor the implement in place to the ground with pretension.

Abstract: A window with modifiable transparency, the window including window panes that define at least one cavity in between the panes. The window also including one or more mechanisms for introducing and removing a transparency modifying fluid into and from said one or more cavity.

Abstract: A passive collimating skylight system includes an energy-receiving aperture defining a first plane and an energy-delivering aperture defining a second plane that is spaced apart from and non-parallel to the first plane. An energy-directing passageway extends between the energy-receiving aperture and the energy-delivering aperture to redirect radiant energy incident on the energy-collecting aperture over a range of incidence angles to the energy-delivering aperture so that the redirected radiant energy emerges from the energy-delivering aperture over a range of emergence angles that is smaller than the range of incidence angles. The passageway is defined by a wall having a first end that defines the energy-delivering aperture and a second end that defines the energy-collecting aperture, the wall tapering inwardly and having a reflective inner surface along substantially the entire length from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: An insulated fire door includes a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels and a gypsum panel between the first and second exterior panels. The insulated fire door includes a plurality of spacers bonded across an interior side of each of the first and second exterior panels. The spacers maintain the gypsum panel in a spaced position from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels as the door bows during a fire on one side of the door, until the gypsum disintegrates. Each of the spacers may have a flat portion contacting the gypsum panel, a leg extending from the flat portion spacing the gypsum from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels, and a flange extending from the leg bonding the spacer to the first and second exterior panels.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A dowel supporting device that includes a substantially hollow tube having a top end and a bottom end. An opening may be formed at the top end and a base may be formed at the bottom end. The base of the dowel supporting device may be fastened to a concrete deck. Concrete may be poured into the concrete deck. When dowels are ready to be used, the dowels may be inserted and secured to the dowel supporting device.

Abstract: A surface covering unit includes at least one face comprised of at least one primary rotational tessellation element. The rotational tessellation element includes at least two pairs of sides, and the sides in each pair of sides have the same length and are images of one another. The sides of a first pair of sides extend from a first vertex and are rotationally spaced from each other, and the sides of a second pair of sides extend from a second vertex and are rotationally spaced from each other. The sides of the first and second pairs of sides have two or more straight line segments or complex curves, and are not a single straight line or a single curve. One pair of sides has a length different from the other pair of sides. The surface covering has a natural appearance such that a repeating pattern is not readily apparent.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for manufacturing facing panels in composite material (1) which can be applied to structural and not structural walls, to ceilings, to mobile or fixed surfaces, both inner and external of buildings, enclosures or other structures, mainly, but not exclusively, in home-building field or be used as separate and independent walls too. The invention further concerns the panel (1) built through this process. It allows to make decorative, facing and insulating panels (1) whose thickness changes according to the kind of material (3), which basically reproduce any natural materials, such as stone(s) (14), rock(s), marble, wood and not, for example bricks (15) or other finishes with random shapes at variable height differences (5) in plane or curved surfaces, reducing costs and laying time with great flexibility and easy of use.

Abstract: An interlocking joint system can be used to build emergency shelters. The system provides emergency structures that can be assembled by anyone but still handle heavy weather. The system also provides an armorable air droppable structure for military. Shelters built with the system require no tools or special training and such shelters typically become stronger as more force is applied to the joints. The shelter design laterally redirects how wind load and weight load affects the structure.

Abstract: A building connection between a substantially vertical wall stud and a substantially horizontal bridging member, using a separate and distinct bridging connector that attaches the wall stud to the bridging member. The wall stud is typically one of several sequentially-arranged, cold-formed steel studs in the frame of a building wall. The bridging member is typically a separate cold-formed steel member that interfaces with and spans a plurality of wall studs.

Abstract: Provided is a method of installing a tile mosaic upon a vertical concrete surface. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles, a tile support, and a concrete form. The plurality of tiles are adhered to the tile support to define a mosaic assembly. The tiles are positioned on the tile support corresponding to the mosaic. The mosaic assembly is connected to the concrete form, and concrete is poured within the concrete form such that a portion of the tiles become embedded within the concrete. The tile support is subsequently detached from the concrete form and the concrete form is removed from the cured concrete. The tile support is additionally removed from the plurality of tiles to reveal the mosaic on vertical surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A fastener installation guide for securing a top plate to a roof support member comprises a grip assembly, a roof support member alignment wall and a fastener retention assembly transverse to the grip assembly. The handle portion has first and second top plate alignment members oriented generally perpendicular to one another. A gripping surface extends between the first and second top plate alignment members and the roof support member alignment defines a first plane oriented transversely to the grip assembly. The fastener retention assembly defines a fastener retention channel and has a fastener alignment wall which defines a second plane, a roof support member alignment edge and a bottom edge. The fastener retention channel is oriented at an angle ? with respect to the second plane.

Abstract: A modular construction kit for erecting a building is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of base track sections, a plurality of roof receiving tracks, and a plurality of wall panels. The base track is a U-shaped channel that extends around the base of the building and maintains the lower edges of the wall panels in a linear alignment. Wall panels include male, female, and hybrid (male/female) varieties, each variety having a different tongue and groove configuration on laterally opposing ends of the panel. Each wall panel has an outer skin and an inner skin separated by two divider walls and a structural bridge, which provide structural support across two axes. The roof receiving track is affixed to the upper edges of the wall panels to provide a supporting shelf for a roof structure. Thus, the invention is an easy to assemble kit for rapidly erecting buildings.

Abstract: A continuous sealing device includes: a first roller, having a first circumference, where the first circumference includes a first heat sealing segment; a first heating member, located at the first heat sealing segment, where when the first roller rotates, the first heating member bonds film sheets in a heat sealing manner to form a first bonding segment; a second roller, having a second circumference, the second circumference includes a second heat sealing segment; and a second heating member, located at the second heat sealing segment, where when the second roller rotates, the second heating member bonds the film sheets in a heat sealing manner to form a second bonding segment, and the first bonding segment and the second bonding segment are connected to form an uninterrupted heat sealing wire on the film sheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a container (1) filled with liquid (7), comprising a balloon-like body (6) that is introduced into the container (1). An expansion medium (8) is introduced into said balloon-like body (6), such that the balloon-like body (6) is inflated. Subsequently, the balloon-like body (6) is re-emptied, such that the liquid (7) to be introduced is drawn in.

Abstract: A method of making a blister sealing fixture which includes the selection of a card locating portion which has an annular wall which defines an annular recess closed by a removable bottom wall. A sealing insert portion having a cavity to receive a blister to be sealed is positioned on the bottom wall and is adapted to be moved to all positions within the recess. A sample or test card of the configuration of a production run to be handled by the sealing fixture is selected and to this card a sample or test blister is attached. The position of the blister on the card is determined by the user and has herein has at times been referred to as a desired position or location. This resulting positioning device is then placed over the recess with the test blister engaging the recess in the sealing insert.

Abstract: The present invention is a bag sealing apparatus, which allows a user to fold, seal and carry bags including food bags. The present invention also allows the content of the engaged bag to stay fresh and wholesome for later uses. The present invention can be carried to a workplace of the user conveniently with one hand. The bag sealing apparatus is comprised of a bag securing rod and an elongated tube, whereto the bag securing rod is securely engaged. The bag securing rod is engaged to the elongated tube via the engagement of a raised dot on the bag securing rod to a fastener hole on the elongated tube. The engagement of the bag securing rod to the elongated tube allows the bag to be attached to both the bag securing rod and the elongated tube. Thus, the engagement allows the bag to be sealed by the bag sealing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically or semi-automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by pulling a covering material upstream of a product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute, then applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the covering material.

Abstract: A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pouch for containing a product includes a pair of sealing bars configured to move toward each other along a first direction and to engage a web inserted therebetween, a linear cam configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a coupling between the linear cam and the sealing bars for transforming motion along the second direction into motion along the first direction.

Abstract: A rigid holding container has a flexible cover sheet extending over the holding area for sealing the contents. The container has a wide, flat perimeter lip which provides a firm base for the seal between the cover sheet and the container. A breaching bubble is formed in the seal, under the cover and over the perimeter lip. The consumer breaches the bubble by pressing the bubble against the lip between the thumb and forefinger. The pressure compresses the air in the bubble causing the bubble to expand laterally. The expanding bubble breaches along the perimeter of the lip, producing a peel flap of flexible cover material. The consumer pulls the peel flap while holding the rigid container down, to remove the cover sheet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.

Abstract: A filter frame is removably attachable to a box fan. The filter frame is adapted for receiving a standard HVAC-style filter for removing contaminants from air flow induced by the fan. In this manner, a cost-effective means for filtering a flow of air is provided for residential and commercial settings. The filter frame is adaptable to a variety of standard box fan types of different styles and dimensions. The frame is configured to accommodate standard filters, such as those readily available from retail hardware stores and home centers.

Abstract: A filter module comprises block-shaped units, each unit comprising filter elements and clean gas ducts, and a clean gas collecting and discharge arrangement at a discharge side of the units. The elements have open first ends and closed second ends, the open ends located on a feed side of the module. The ducts are open at one end forming a clean gas outlet and closed at their opposite end, the closed ends at the feed side, and their open ends adjacent to the discharge side opposite the feed side. The open ends of the elements and closed ends of the ducts form a feed side surface of a unit, and the open ends of the ducts and closed ends of the elements form a discharge side surface. The arrangement extends across the gas outlets of the ducts, the arrangement comprising clean gas channels communicating with gas outlets.

Abstract: A filter for a fluid-conducting pipe, in particular for a gas-conducting pipe of an internal combustion engine. The filter includes a self-supporting areal filter element and is fixable along a circumference 2 directly or indirectly in the pipe and, in so doing, covers a free cross section of the pipe. Here, the circumference 2 of the filter element 1 circumscribes a central filter plane 4. Furthermore, the filter element 1 or at least one layer thereof is comprised of a plastically deformable material and is provided with at least one undulation 5 or bead 13, which does not intersect the circumference 2, in such a way that the filter element 1 intersects the filter plane 4, or a plane 4a parallel thereto, at least four times within the circumference 2.

Abstract: A filter element (1) for an air filter (30) has a tubular filter medium (2), the annular cross-section of which encloses an interior (6) of the filter element and which has an inner wall (7) that adjoins the interior of the filter element and that extends in the form of at least one convex arch (8) and at least two concave arches (9), the concave arch (9) being located between two convex arches (8) such that the interior (6) of the filter element has a constriction (11) in the area of the concave arch (9), the constriction (11) being adjoined by two wide zones (12) of the interior of the filter element.

Abstract: The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes a chassis supported on driven front ground wheels and steerable rear ground wheels. A crop harvesting attachment is supported on steerable driven wheels and is mounted to the front of the harvesting machine for pivoting about an upright axis. The harvesting attachment delivers harvested crop to an intermediate conveyor which feeds the crop to an input conveyor of the harvesting machine. The harvesting attachment includes a power operated steering actuator and is steered b a steering control device of the harvesting machine.

Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.