Abstract: This disclosure provides a composting system and method. The system comprises: (a) a container configured to contain a composition and comprising (i) insulated walls, (ii) an air intake and (iii) a vent; and (b) a composition contained in the container. The composition comprises aerobic microorganisms, a carbon source and a nutrient source sufficient to support growth of the aerobic microorganisms. The container is sufficiently insulated so that heat generated by aerobic respiration is sufficiently retained in the container to maintain a heat gradient in the container. The container is dimensioned to generate a stack effect that moves air into the air intake, through the composition and out the vent. The moving air provides oxygen to support growth of aerobic microorganisms, making the stack effect self-sustaining as long as a carbon source and nutrients last. The insulation can maintain temperatures in the composting cell sufficient to kill pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a composting system and method. The system comprises: (a) a container configured to contain a composition and comprising (i) insulated walls, (ii) an air intake and (iii) a vent; and (b) a composition contained in the container. The composition comprises aerobic microorganisms, a carbon source and a nutrient source sufficient to support growth of the aerobic microorganisms. The container is sufficiently insulated so that heat generated by aerobic respiration is sufficiently retained in the container to maintain a heat gradient in the container. The container is dimensioned to generate a stack effect that moves air into the air intake, through the composition and out the vent. The moving air provides oxygen to support growth of aerobic microorganisms, making the stack effect self-sustaining as long as a carbon source and nutrients last. The insulation can maintain temperatures in the composting cell sufficient to kill pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a composting system and method. The system comprises: (a) a container configured to contain a composition and comprising (i) insulated walls, (ii) an air intake and (iii) a vent; and (b) a composition contained in the container. The composition comprises aerobic microorganisms, a carbon source and a nutrient source sufficient to support growth of the aerobic microorganisms. The container is sufficiently insulated so that heat generated by aerobic respiration is sufficiently retained in the container to maintain a heat gradient in the container. The container is dimensioned to generate a stack effect that moves air into the air intake, through the composition and out the vent. The moving air provides oxygen to support growth of aerobic microorganisms, making the stack effect self-sustaining as long as a carbon source and nutrients last. The insulation can maintain temperatures in the composting cell sufficient to kill pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a composting system and method. The system comprises: (a) a container configured to contain a composition and comprising (i) insulated walls, (ii) an air intake and (iii) a vent; and (b) a composition contained in the container. The composition comprises aerobic microorganisms, a carbon source and a nutrient source sufficient to support growth of the aerobic microorganisms. The container is sufficiently insulated so that heat generated by aerobic respiration is sufficiently retained in the container to maintain a heat gradient in the container. The container is dimensioned to generate a stack effect that moves air into the air intake, through the composition and out the vent. The moving air provides oxygen to support growth of aerobic microorganisms, making the stack effect self-sustaining as long as a carbon source and nutrients last. The insulation can maintain temperatures in the composting cell sufficient to kill pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A structure, including: at least two structural members; a joining element connected to the at least two structural members; and at least one active element within the joining element, or between the joining element and at least one of the structural members, wherein a force applied to one structural member passes at least partially through the active element and into the other structural member, the active element being configured such that the structure exhibits a prescribed load-deflection relationship when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A structure, including: at least two structural members; a joining element connected to the at least two structural members; and at least one active element within the joining element, or between the joining element and at least one of the structural members, wherein a force applied to one structural member passes at least partially through the active element and into the other structural member, the active element being configured such that the structure exhibits a prescribed load-deflection relationship when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a structural reinforcement system for reinforcing and securing an opening in a building/structure. The movable panel is further adapted to augment the shear stiffness of the building/structure when the panel is disposed in a closed position, such that the overall wall with the structural reinforcement system in accordance with the present invention has shear stiffness equal to or better than a uniform shear wall.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A computer based means and system for the undertaking of three party (or more) transactions consisting of a buyer, seller and agent, or other facilitating party where not all of the parties necessarily have a presence on the Internet® or other type of network. A further aspect of the invention is the use of dedicated e-mail and/or phone systems or other communication system operating in parallel with the transactional system to prevent uncontrolled access between the parties, thus allowing transactions to occur on a first come, first serve basis rather than excessive number of calls between agents and sellers and agents and buyers. All parties to the transaction can participate in an agreed upon manner. A buyer can request that all the agents search for the seller of a specific item, or can request one agent to search for them, and a seller can do likewise. Agents may offer their services to buyers or sellers, or any combination that may suit the needs of the participants.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a more efficient and cost effective method and apparatus for applying agents to plants, crops, vegetation, and trees, while avoiding the problems associated with conventional impingement velocity tunnel sprayers. The method and apparatus of the present invention utilizes the conditions in a controlled atmosphere to deposit agents on plants and provides a device which increases the maneuverability of pesticide spray rigs.