Abstract: A method for refining pellets, in which, in a first step, pellets that have been pressed from a biomass are provided. A heat treatment is carried out, involving heating the pellets to a temperature between 210° C. and 390° C. The heat treatment takes a period of time of between 1 minute and 30 minutes. Also described is a device that is suitable for carrying out the method. The pellets treated in this way are water-repellent and so can be stored outdoors.

Abstract: An organic fuel additive for improving the combustion of a bioenergy solid fuel product, the organic fuel additive comprising a mixture of combustible organic fines and a polymer material, wherein the polymer material encapsulates the combustible organic fines in solid form, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A mechanism for covering and uncovering a cold frame includes a starting base and a spaced-apart terminal base, a frame, and a cover deployable over the frame starting at the starting base and ending at the terminal base. The cover is wrapped from its midline around a cover shaft rotated by a first drive motor, as cables, attached to the leading edge of the cover, pull it over the frame. Those cables are simultaneously winding themselves around a cable shaft rotated by a second drive motor so that cover remains tight between the cable shaft and the cover shaft. The other end of the cables is secured to the starting base while the trailing edge of the cover is secured to the terminal base. Torque arms extend from the first and second drive motors and their distal ends are pivotally connected.

Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method directed to growing the Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum chili plant also known as the Chile Del Monte chile plant. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to a method of growing the Chile Del Monte chili plant through a series of steps starting with the seed of the plant obtained from an existing Chile Del Monte chili plant. In one embodiment the method of growing the chili plant is comprised of five main phases to include seed procurement, heated water treatment, heated light treatment, seed prep for planting, and seed planting and maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for selective photomorphogenesis of plants by directly illuminating the plant stem or other plant structures using various wavelengths of light and various light sources. The methods and apparatus disclosed can be used in commercial agriculture, plant breeding research programs, genetically engineered plant research and development programs or anytime a plant grower desires to maximize the volumetric efficiency or reduced the height of a plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup. The compositions include isolated fungal laccase enzymes, such as laccase enzymes from white rot fungi. Methods of reducing and/or preventing turf thatch buildup include applying compositions including isolated fungal laccase enzymes to turfgrass.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method of aggregating different flowers or plants in a single container. Different plant types (species, colors, sizes, shapes, etc.) are grown in individual smaller pots having particular horizontal cross-sections. A plurality of the individual smaller pots are then closely fit into an outer plant pot to result in substantially no gaps between either the individual plant pots or between the individual plant pots and the outer plant pot. A method of retail marketing of the varieties of different types in the individual smaller pots includes permitting the consumer to mix and match the different types into outer plant pots. A cultivation method involves segregating the different types prior to becoming seedlings to facilitate their unique growing needs, and then providing the consumer access to the varieties at the retail level.

Abstract: A system for plant cultivation in containers located in a vertical or sloping arrangement on different levels includes a module. The module includes an internal volume for receiving at least one nutritive substrate and at least one plant. The internal volume is delimited by a front wall having at least one opening for the plants to pass through for exposure to light, and a rear wall joined to the front wall. The rear wall has a fixing area for fixing the module to a mounting, and the rear wall includes a partitioning rib projecting into the internal volume to slow flow of water flowing between the levels.

Abstract: An example arrangement includes a vessel, a foam block positioned within the vessel, and a watering device positioned at least partially within the foam block. The watering device may include a reservoir portion positioned outside the foam block and a stem portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion, the stem portion having one or more holes positioned within the foam block.

Abstract: An anti-trapping method and a corresponding apparatus for a vehicle door that can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position along an adjustment path by an adjustment motor. First, a proximity sensor is used to monitor an adjustment path region ahead of the vehicle door for the presence of an obstacle during a closing movement of the vehicle door. The closing movement is stopped or reversed when an obstacle is identified in the adjustment path region. Second, when the obstacle is identified during the closing movement of the vehicle door, an additional emergency measure is taken at least when the vehicle door is already closed down to a remaining gap having size does not exceed a prespecified threshold value, and when the presence of the obstacle within this remaining gap is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door sealing system comprising a door seal (2, 3, 4) for sealing an upper and a lower side of a building door leaf (T), and an air channel (8, 8?, 70) which enables, when the door seal is in the sealing position, air to circulate from a longitudinal side of the door seal (2, 3, 4) to an opposite longitudinal side of the door seal (2, 3, 4). Said door sealing system also comprises at least one ventilator (7) which guides air through said air channel (8, 8?, 70). Said inventive door sealing system enables sufficient air to be exchanged even when the door is closed.

Abstract: A window unit (102), comprising: a first sheet (301); a second sheet portion (304); a third sheet portion (308); and an actuation means. The first sheet (301) defines first high transmittance regions (302A, 302B) and first low transmittance regions (303A, 303B). The second sheet portion (304) is positioned substantially parallel to the first sheet, and defines second high transmittance regions (306A, 306B) and second low transmittance regions (307A, 307B). The third sheet portion (308) is positioned substantially parallel to the second sheet portion, and defines third high transmittance regions (309A, 309B) and third low transmittance regions (310A, 310B). The actuation means (507, 523, 524) is configured to simultaneously move the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion from an open configuration, to a closed configuration. In the open configuration the second and third high transmittance regions are aligned with the first high transmittance regions.

Abstract: There is provided a safety door having a rotary body hinged to a door frame and a slider overlapping with an end of the rotary body. The safety door includes a fastening portion provided on at least one surface of an overlapping region of the rotary body and the slider, thus preventing separation and deformation of the overlapping region and guiding a movement of the slider, and a stopper preventing the slider from being removed from the rotary body and fixing or restricting a position of the slider. The rotary body and the slider decrease a width of a door by an overlapping movement of a female guide groove and a male protrusion. The safety door further includes a resilient pad provided between the protrusion and the guide groove and supporting an impact generated by a reduction in the width of the door.

Abstract: A pull cord fixing support for inner and outer windows includes a main support body, a movable support, a roller and a fixing toothed section, which are assembled with each other. The pull cord fixing support serves to fix a bead pull cord on a wall. The bead pull cord is first connected and engaged with the roller mounted on the movable support by means of the fixing toothed section. Then a fixing screw is used to affix the main support body on the wall. At the same time, the fixing toothed section is pulled downward to disengage the fixing toothed section from the roller. Under such circumstance, the bead pull cord can be operated. The roller is freely rotatable along with the movable support. Therefore, the pull cord can be universally operated. The pull cord fixing support is applicable to both inner window and outer window.

Abstract: By the invention it is possible for a hinged opening frames system (glazing and shutter), to be constructed, having a sash profile (1) with a groove (2) as shown in FIGS. 4 & 5 and a basic frame's profile (3) with a groove (4), where eventually the locking profile (5), which is initially placed into the groove (2) of the sash profile (1), being pushed out, enters the groove (4) of the basic frame's profile (3), so that the sash's (1) movable framework secures and literally embodies with the basic frame's (3) stable framework, in a way that makes the whole frame completely inviolable. The main motion's transmission accessory (9) is adjusted to the frame's cremone, which by being rotated, transmits motion to the drive belt (12), as shown in FIG. 7, which moves the accessories (7), which push out the locking profiles (5), which in turn enter circumferentially into the groove (4) of the framework assembled by the basic frame's profile (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door guide frame for guiding the sliding movement of a roller device which supports a sliding window and provides a sliding opening/closing operation and, more specifically, to a sliding window installation structure which: stably supports and moves a sliding window on a bottom surface and an upper surface on which the sliding window is installed; reduces an installation space by minimizing the size of a door guide frame and a roller device for supporting a heavy sliding window, thereby obtaining a wider open view when applied to a window; enables vertical stiffeners having an expanded cross section (cross section thicker than glass) for compensating a transverse bending rigidity of glass to be connected to both sides of the glass which constitutes the sliding window formed by including the glass that is supported by a roller; and enables the sliding window with the vertical stiffeners to be installed within the door guide frame in an integrated manner and the sliding window

Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provide a safety door including a corner portion having a plurality of hinges coupled thereto in a vertical direction, the corner portion being at one side of a door opened/closed as the door rotates in a horizontal direction, and a door post having a safety groove formed therein in the vertical direction to insert a portion, or all, of the corner portion therein for preventing a portion of a user's body from being pressed by the corner portion.

Abstract: An inverter cover for covering an inverter provided in a front space which is formed in front of a vehicle room in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, by partitioning the vehicle room with a vehicle body panel, includes: a body part for covering an upper face of the inverter; and an extended part extended rearward from the body part so as to be positioned between a connecting part which is provided in a rear part of the inverter and to which a harness is connected, and an edge part which is protruded frontward from the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having a base surface and a substrate having a support surface. An intermediate structure and an adhesion layer extend between the base surface of the cutting table and the support surface of the substrate. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include forming an intermediate structure on and extending from a support surface of a substrate and adhering a cutting table comprising a superabrasive material to the support surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Technique to provide an abrasive regeneration method which, from a used abrasive slurry, can recover an abrasive by an efficient method and can thereafter obtain a high-purity regenerated abrasive by a simple method. This abrasive regeneration method uses an abrasive comprising at least one type of abrasive selected from diamond, boron nitride, silicon carbide, alumina, alumina zirconia and zirconium oxide. The abrasive regeneration involves a slurry recovery step (A) for recovering an abrasive slurry discharged from a polishing machine, a separation and concentration step (B) for adding an alkaline earth metal salt as an inorganic salt to the recovered abrasive slurry to aggregate the abrasive, and separating and concentrating the abrasive from a mother liquor, and an abrasive recovery step (C) for recovering the separated and concentrated abrasive.

Abstract: An anchor system comprising an anchor set in a ground surface and a brace attached to a movable section of an irrigation system. The anchor includes a base configured to engage the ground surface so as to secure the anchor in the ground surface, a vertical member extending upwards from the base, and a head attached near the top of the vertical member and spaced from the ground surface when the anchor is secured in the ground surface. The brace is operable to engage the anchor and includes an open-ended central channel for receiving the head therein and an open-ended slot along a bottom side for receiving the vertical member therein. The slot is narrower than the head so as to prevent the head from passing vertically therethrough.

Abstract: A seating system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a riser including a tiltable deck. Another seating system according to the present disclosure includes, among other things, a drive system for moving a riser. The drive system includes a sprocket configured to engage a belt.

Abstract: An architectural structure having a curved surface that includes a plurality of folded boxes is provided. Each of the plurality of folded boxes comprising a front box portion and including a front subsurface joined with a plurality of first sides along a plurality of first folds. The curved surface is formed on at least one of the front subsurfaces of at least one of the plurality of folded boxes. The curved surface extends continuously across more than one of the plurality of folded boxes and includes at least one doubly-curved portion extending across at least one of the plurality of folded boxes.

Abstract: A curb assembly is provided for mounting on a sloped, standing seam metallic roof, in order to provide support for a roof fixture, such as an exhaust fan or skylight. The curb assembly includes a box-like structure mounted atop the roof in surrounding relationship to a roof opening. The curb assembly further includes an underlying, below-roof frame assembly. Specialized upper and lower end connection structure serves to securely mount the curb assembly to the metal roof.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for attaching panels to support structures, a construction support structure, fastening means for panel elements and the use of such panel elements to create modular room building elements, e.g. wet-rooms. The inventive arrangement is based on fastening means having an skillet attachment strip made of a sheet-like material having a first edge and an integral tab having a second edge. The tab is then formed as a clip protruding transversally from the strip and having a first side and a second side and with a generally nose-shaped tab on the first side. In the support structure is provided a notch for receiving the clip in a locking engagement, with a cross-section having a first side and a second side, a waist part that is narrower than the dimension of the clip and including an integral element formed as a tongue on said first side.

Abstract: Manufactured modular units for the creation of multistory buildings are staggered stacked so as to create “bonus spaces” between units. Several lighter weight structural versions are presented. The first is a wood frame or cold rolled shape light gauge metal framed modular unit. The second version uses cross laminated timber panels to create the modular unit. The third version uses hot rolled steel shapes for the structure of the modular unit to be staggered stacked. These lighter weight modular units have many advantages. They are more easily transported and craned into position. Seismic forces are decreased. Less modular unit weight also allows for greater unit area. Thus, fewer units need to be transported and fewer units need to be craned. Also, a larger unit area and larger “bonus” area allows for more flexible space planning.

Abstract: Improved foldable buildings include an improved rafter plate with a fifth hole that can be used for lifting and as a safety anchor and also has angled corners to abut rafter plate stops newly installed on rafters. Rafters and columns have improved bracket plates, new cross brace flanges, and adaptations for L-shaped brackets that support new steel stud purlins and girts. Wall and roof panels now have a vapor barrier and improved insulation. Rafters are further improved by addition of lifting sleeves. Flashing is pre-cut to custom sizes to avoid cutting at the job site and now features steel gauge flashing with adhered closed cell foam rubber on the interior surface. For long ridge flashing, flashing pieces have interlocking ends. Improved methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: Anchor (18) for tensioning at least one component for a civil engineering construction (14), which anchor (18) is arranged to at least partly be located in the ground/underlying surface (12). The anchor (18) comprises at least one surface (20, 22, 24) that is intended to at least partly be covered with material (25), so that only the weight of said material (25) which acts on said at least one surface (20, 22, 24) gives said anchor (18) the capacity for tensioning said at least one component for a civil engineering construction (14).

Abstract: A method and system for raising an existing structure without use of electrical power, such as a home, during a flood condition in which pilings are positioned adjacent to an existing foundation. Pile guides are attached to the structure and are used to receive and guide the pilings during raising of the structure. A buoyancy layer is formed below the floor of the structure. During a flood condition, the buoyancy layer raises the entire structure upwardly along the pilings to support the structure above the flood waters.

Abstract: A roofing assembly disposed on an underlying support comprising an underlayment assembly disposed in a securing relation to the underlying support. A conduit assembly is disposed on the underlayment assembly and structured to define a path of fluid flow. The path of fluid flow extends along at least a majority portion of said underlayment assembly. The conduit assembly is disposed in a single, continuous, looped relation to the underlayment assembly. A plurality of pan tiles are partially disposed in a confronting relation to the underlayment assembly. At least some of the plurality of pan tiles are partially disposed in an overlying relation to at least a portion of the conduit assembly. The plurality of pan tiles are disposed to have a predetermined spacing in between each other, which is disposed to receive at least a portion of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: Walkable photovoltaic floor, constituted of pieces of laminated glass composed of at least two layers of glass (1 and 2), joined together by an encapsulant (6), by an intermediate layer of photovoltaic material (3), and by a peripheral sealed frame (4).

Abstract: This disclosure provides a device and a method to protect building openings with plywood panels during storm. The device and method is also provided to protect inside of buildings when windows or doors are broken. The bracket of this disclosure is simple and easy to make, and it allows attachment of plywood panels without shaping to cover windows and other building openings of any shape.

Abstract: A tubular passage for poured concrete decks has an intumescent tube held in a two-part, clamshell base by a bottom clip. A first tube engages the base's top to clamp a funnel shaped, diaphragm seal to the base. The first tube has spaced, radially extending, parallel ridges at predetermined distances from the base. Longitudinal channels separate the ridges. An extension tube has inward extending lugs passing along the channels to engage various ridges when rotated to fix the passage length. The extension engages the base bottom for corrugated deck supports. A cap with repositionable, locating filaments closes either tube.

Abstract: A tubular passage for poured concrete decks has an intumescent tube held in a two-part, clamshell base. First and second, spaced apart, funnel shaped, diaphragm seals are connected to a first tubular passage or an adjustable length tubular extension. A cap for closing either tube has an inclined outer surface to form a beveled entrance to the passage in the concrete. An aerator box may be connected to the base. Hinged ends on the base allow the shape and length of support to be altered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced-concrete foundation system for erecting superstructures that transmit high axial loads, shearing forces and/or flexural moments at individual points, such as, for example, wind turbines. The foundation that is the subject matter of the present invention is formed by an upper reinforced-concrete slab poured “in situ”, of polygonal or circular footprint, and which is made rigid at the bottom by means of reinforced-concrete ribs of rectangular or trapezial cross section which are arranged radially. The method makes provision for said ribs to be produced from concrete “in situ” or, alternatively, by means of prefabricated elements, always working, jointly with the upper slab. This new foundation considerably reduces the costs of forming traditional foundations for this type of superstructure, by considerably improving completion deadlines.

Abstract: There is provided an impalement prevention apparatus for use with a plurality of spaced-part bars. The apparatus includes an elongate top portion shaped to extend overtop of exposed ends of the bars. The apparatus includes a pair of elongate spaced-apart side portions connecting to the top portion and extending downwards therefrom. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart end portions each connecting to and extending between the side portions. The top portion, the side portions and the end portions form an enclosure extendable around the exposed ends of the bars.

Abstract: A set of ventilation units comprises a first and second ventilation unit, wherein a surface of the first ventilation unit is provided with at least one formation and a surface of the second ventilation unit is provided with at least one co-operating formation. The formation(s) and co-operating formation(s) is/are engageable with one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to said surface of the first ventilation unit and/or said surface of the second ventilation unit.

Abstract: A system for supporting exterior panels on a substrate of a building structure. The system has a plurality of polymeric bracket members, and each of the bracket members have at least one anchor section, at least one web section and at least one support section. The polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior panel to the substrate of the building structure. A plurality of exterior cladding units are held in place by the bracket members. A plurality of vents are disposed between the panels and the exterior panels, and a plurality of vents are also disposed between the panels and the substrate, thereby forming a ventilation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated structure for a composite window/door apparatus using different frame materials. In the present invention, one of the corner pieces is inserted into the corner piece paths of the adjacent first window frames, to connect the corners of the first window frames together. Another corner piece is inserted into the corner piece paths of the adjacent first sash frames, to connect the corners of the first sash frames together. One of the angle pieces is inserted into the angle piece paths of the adjacent first window frames, to reinforce the connection of the corners of the first window frames. Another angle piece is inserted into the angle piece paths of the adjacent first sash frame, to reinforce the connection of the corners of the first sash frames.

Abstract: The invention discloses a shock-absorbing flooring which is comprised of: a base layer based on a polymer foam; and an top layer based on an elastomeric material, the top layer being bonded to the base layer by an intermediate bonding layer, wherein the flooring possesses a shock absorbance of 20 to 40% (as measured according to EN 14808) and a residual indentation of less than 0.3 mm (as measured according to EN 433) and a density of 400 to 500 kg/m3). It further describes a process for its manufacture and a use thereof as a ready-to-use single floorcovering.

Abstract: A flooring is disclosed including a substrate having a coating composition thereon, the coating composition comprising a hardenable film-former and at least 0.5 weight percent of an oxidizing agent sufficient to decolorize a stain on the film-former is disclosed, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and organo-chlorine bleaches and will at least partially decolorize a plurality of stains when applied to the hardened coating, allowed to stand for one hour at room temperature, and evaluated by visual observation of the stain under average overhead fluorescent illumination. The oxidizing agent is not consumed as a catalyst or initiator to polymerize or otherwise cause a reaction in the floor coating before it is applied and before it has hardened. A coating composition of the invention may include from about 0.8 to about 5 weight percent oxidizing agent and the film-former forms a hardened film resistant to rinsing with tap water.

Abstract: The web frame is a bonded assembly of panels and porous blanket layers, separated by an arrangement of isolated spacers. The panels and spacers are covered with a bonding means. A coating covers inner surfaces of the panels and spacers. The porous blanket is compressed and pinned between these panels, by spacers that are arranged as isolated nodes or columns The spacers have sharpened ends that penetrate the blanket and connect with the opposing panel. The web frame assembly provides thermal and sound insulation for buildings and other solid objects. These web frames are lightweight, durable, and permeable. Capillaries and passages throughout the panels and fibres of the blanket allow passage of moisture and air, thereby assisting in the management of condensation within the web frame.

Abstract: Cavity walls include fasteners that provide a thermal break. A cavity wall assembly includes a support structure, insulation, and an outer wythe. The insulation is mounted on the support structure. The outer wythe is spaced apart from the insulation, such that a cavity is formed between the insulation and the outer wythe. A tie is attached to the outer wythe. A fastener extends through a portion of the tie, through the insulation, and into the support structure to attach the tie to the support structure. The fastener provides a thermal break between the support structure and the tie. At least a portion of the thermal break is disposed within a width of the insulation.

Abstract: Panel for forming a floor covering, wherein this panel comprises at least two layers of thermoplastic material, wherein said two layers substantially consist of a strewn and pressed granulate, wherein the respective layers enclose a glass fiber layer.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of reveal architectural panels and a tool/clamp for assembly thereof. The apparatus and method replace prior art assembly methods and fasteners with adhesives and a dedicated particularly designed clamp to facilitate assembly. The frame members are modified to facilitate assembly with adhesive sealants and removal of mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: An offset laminate seam system for storage bins for increasing the capacity of bolts in a seam of a storage bin. The offset laminate seam system for storage bins generally includes three or more panels connected together with two or more vertical rows of end fasteners to form a vertical seam. The interconnection of three or more panels continues to form a ring structure. A plurality of the ring structures are stacked upon one another and attached together with fasteners to form the wall of the storage bin and a roof is attached to the uppermost ring structure.

Abstract: A tongue with edge sections that are used to glue the tongue into a groove of panel. A tongue for connection of a building panel, said tongue is of an elongated shape and made of moulded plastic, the tongue including at least two protrusions at a first long edge of the tongue, wherein the protrusions are bendable in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the tongue and extending essentially in the parallel plane and, wherein the tongue has a second long edge, which is essentially straight over substantially the whole length of the tongue and the tongue includes a gluing part configured to be glued into a groove at an edge of the building panel.

Abstract: A concrete anchor and a method of using such an anchor is disclosed where the anchor comprises a tube having a mounting flange and a retention feature. The tube is encased in concrete and a bar is subsequently secured within the tube such that an exposed end of the bar can be encased in a subsequent concrete formation. In one embodiment a plurality of concrete anchors are secured together by one or more rails forming a set.