Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. The method involves providing a coatable composition containing an inorganic binder and a variety of photocatalytic particles, such as TiO2, ZnO, Ti(OH)4, doped derivatives, or combinations thereof. These photocatalytic particles have a surface area per weight of no more than 15 m2/g. The coatable composition is then applied to uncoated base ceramic granules, resulting in intermediate coated granules. Finally, the intermediate coated granules are heated at a temperature of at least 700° C., leading to the formation of photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. These granules exhibit a Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) value of at least 0.7. This method offers an efficient and effective way to produce ceramic granules with enhanced photocatalytic properties.

Abstract: A label modification unit may receive a label modification input that indicates a label modification associated with content being written to a label or erased from the label. The label modification unit may identify an area of the label that is associated with the label modification according to the label modification input. The label modification unit may determine, based on a size of the area, a spot size of a light beam that is configured to be emitted by a laser printhead to modify the content within the area. The label modification unit may determine, based on the spot size and the content, an optical path configuration for the laser printhead. The label modification unit may operate the laser printhead according to the optical path configuration to write the content to the area or erase the content from the area.

Abstract: A method for creating remedial geotechnical engineering plans for a structure includes receiving, at a recommendation design platform: first and second data from a first and second visit, respectively, to the structure and custom third-party input. The first and second data includes manometer readings providing elevation measurements. The method also includes constructing first and second topographical maps of the floor of the structure using the first and second elevation measurements, respectively, and comparing the first and second elevation measurements to determine soil movement over time. The recommendation design platform creates proposed remedial geotechnical engineering plans based on the determined soil movement over time (and other data of the first and second data). Modifications from a licensed engineer are received at the recommendation design platform to create sealed remedial geotechnical engineering plans.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structure comprising a wall built on a reinforced concrete stem wall may include removing concrete from the reinforced concrete stem wall at an exterior of the structure to expose the reinforcing material within the stem wall and create a space within the stem wall. A degraded portion of the of the reinforcing material may be removed. A hold-down may be partially disposed within the wall inserting, from below the wall, such that an upper portion of the hold-down is disposed within the wall and a lower portion of the hold-down extends into the space within the stem wall. A horizontal composite bar may be coupled to the exposed reinforcing material and to the lower portion of the hold-down. A cementitious material may be disposed in the space within the stem wall, around the lower portion of the hold-down, and around the horizontal composite bar.

Abstract: A soil stabilization system for a structure can include a stem wall and floor slab disposed within a perimeter of the stem wall. An aggregate base course (ABC) layer can be disposed within a perimeter of the stem wall and below the floor slab. A ventilation opening can extend to the ABC layer, and an air exhaust system can extend between the ABC layer and an exterior of the structure. A method of soil stabilization for a structure can include measuring a moisture content of an expansive soil below a structure, drawing dry air through the ABC layer and over a surface of an expansive soil. Moisture can be removed from the expansive soil into the dry air by evaporation to create moist air, and moist air can be evacuated at an exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A soil stabilization system for a structure can include a stem wall and floor slab disposed within a perimeter of the stem wall. An aggregate base course (ABC) layer can be disposed within a perimeter of the stem wall and below the floor slab. A ventilation opening can extend to the ABC layer, and an air exhaust system can extend between the ABC layer and an exterior of the structure. A method of soil stabilization for a structure can include measuring a moisture content of an expansive soil below a structure, drawing dry air through the ABC layer and over a surface of an expansive soil. Moisture can be removed from the expansive soil into the dry air by evaporation to create moist air, and moist air can be evacuated at an exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A helical pier with a spiral tip is disclosed. The helical pier is comprised of an elongated hollow shaft, one or more helical plates attached to and extending outward from the shaft, and the spiral tip. The spiral tip acts as an attack bit that contacts and penetrates the ground and subsurface soil layers prior to other parts of the helical pier. The spiral tip provides initial breakup of the ground where the helical pier is being driven. The spiral tip is comprised of a longitudinal edge and a spiral rim between a penetrating lead end and a terminating spiral end on the longitudinal edge.

Abstract: In an illustrative implementation, a system for video storage optimization analyzes user activity to determine how to optimally store video. In a preferred embodiment, a security system records video from a plurality of security cameras and stores the video at the security system and/or a server system, along with associated metadata. The server system monitors user activity, such as live and recorded video viewing behavior, and queries for videos. The server system collects user video viewing behavior statistics, determines trends, and stores both personnel-specific and enterprise-wide settings. An optimization engine analyzes the video info, personnel-specific settings, enterprise-wide settings, and user statistics to determine a storage factor for a video. The optimization engine then determines if a video meets storage factor thresholds and settings for compression or deletion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, video from a security camera is overlaid with small but visible indicators in each corner of the frame. The indicators may comprise an encoded value that can be decoded upon visual inspection by a user without the use of a computer. The encoded value may identify the camera such that a user knowledgeable about the format and sequence of the indicators can view the images and readily understand the identity of the security camera. In some embodiments, the indicators identify other information associated with the video such as the persons, objects, locations, conditions, times, or other data that is associated with the video.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support. a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support, a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support, a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a slab on a surface material according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with coupling a vertical support to the slab and removing a portion of the surface material from below the slab to form a void. A supplemental support is placed in the void between the surface material and the slab. The vertical support is removed from the slab.

Abstract: A system for monitoring coal flow through a coal delivery tube in a blast furnace fuel injection system is disclosed, which system automatically actuates a purge cycle for clearing accumulations of coal from a coal lance when a temperature drop indicative of an imminent blockage is detected. A method of controlling the purge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for removing slag from a boiler includes a laser, a targeting system, and a computer system for controlling the operation of the laser and targeting system. Preferably, the laser includes chemicals contained in a mixing pre-chamber. A pump connects to the pre-chamber, and an iodine laser diode connects to the pump. The laser unit also has a power source, cooling system, and a raw beam laser. The targeting system is driven by targeting software and includes an optical targeting system. Preferably, the system also includes a mobile trailer with a computer control room, a main laser operating unit, and a portable optical targeting system connected to the laser unit. Fiber optic cable connects the targeting system and the laser. The online deslagging method includes transporting and setting-up the system, relaying set-up information, feeding targeting information, activating and operating the laser to remove slag from within the boiler.

Abstract: A system for removing slag from a boiler includes a laser, a targeting system, and a computer system for controlling the operation of the laser and targeting system. Preferably, the laser includes chemicals contained in a mixing pre-chamber. A pump connects to the pre-chamber, and an iodine laser diode connects to the pump. The laser unit also has a power source, cooling system, and a raw beam laser. The targeting system is driven by targeting software and includes an optical targeting system. Preferably, the system also includes a mobile trailer with a computer control room, a main laser operating unit, and a portable optical targeting system connected to the laser unit. Fiber optic cable connects the targeting system and the laser. The online deslagging method includes transporting and setting-up the system, relaying set-up information, feeding targeting information, activating and operating the laser to remove slag from within the boiler.

Abstract: A system for monitoring coal flow through a coal delivery tube in a blast furnace fuel injection system is disclosed, which system automatically actuates a purge cycle for clearing accumulations of coal from a coal lance when a temperature drop indicative of an imminent blockage is detected. A method of controlling the purge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The improved connector box assembly of the present invention includes mating male and female connectors, each of which is insulated in a novel manner to prevent manual touching, especially of the male probe during electrical connection, and also to prevent manual touching of the electrically live female conductor when not engaged with the male connector element. The female electrical receptacle is recessed within elongated neck-like electrical insulation means for disposition over one end of the female electrical receptacle and to permit relatively snug entry thereinto of the male electrical probe. The female electrical receptacle is a substantial distance front the orifice of the elongated neck means of such insulation.

Abstract: An adapter for an electric vehicle is provided which imposes an identification signal on the outlet voltage to inform the battery charger of the characteristics of the outlet (e.g., the maximum current and voltage) to allow the battery charger to charge at the maximum possible rate allowable by the outlet.