Abstract: Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a water tank used to store fresh water. Some embodiments include an emulsion tank that may include a set of auxiliary components that may be utilized to create and/or to pump an emulsion. This auxiliary equipment may include suction headers, ejectors, pumps, mechanical mixers, and/or hydrodynamic mixers, for example. Some embodiments include a heat exchanger that may produce a cold surface for ice formation. This surface may include an oleophilic surface that may produce an affinity for oils and/or other non-polar materials. Some embodiments include piping that may allow for the connection of the other components such that ice may be formed from a flow of water from the emulsion and the overflow may be returned to the emulsion tank. Ice making methods are also provided.

Abstract: The stair system is made of a deck plate attached to an existing structure (such as a deck) and to the top end of a pair of stringer beams. A base plate is attached to the bottom end of the pair of stringer beams. Next a plurality of steps are attached to the pair of stringer beams, the steps being comprised of a tread assembly, a pair of tread brackets and at least one intermediate support bracket. The steps can be integrally formed or made of modular components which are connected together to form the step. Finally, the decking material is attached to the step.

Abstract: A method or system for constructing a non-slip ramp having at least two sloped ramp stringers and a starter wedge having a sloped side and an open side. A non-slip deck board is slid into the open side of the starter wedge and at least two tread plates, each providing spacing between two adjacent non-slip deck boards, each tread plate having a flat top section with a substantially L-shaped section attached perpendicular to the flat top section, with the bottom of the L fitting below one of the adjacent deck boards. The at least two tread plates are attached to the at least two sloped ramp stringers and an end-cap attached to a last non-slip deck board.

Abstract: A method or system for mounting fascia involving attaching at least two blocks, spaced apart to framing material, the blocks having upper and lower channels facing away from the framing material. Attaching an upper and lower J channel to a piece of fascia material and sliding the fascia material with the J channels into the block channels, then snapping caps over the at least two blocks.

Abstract: The stair system is made of a deck plate attached to an existing structure (such as a deck) and to the top end of a pair of stringer beams. A base plate is attached to the bottom end of the pair of stringer beams. Next a plurality of steps are attached to the pair of stringer beams, the steps being comprised of a tread assembly, a pair of tread brackets and at least one intermediate support bracket. The steps can be integrally formed or made of modular components which are connected together to form the step. Finally, the decking material is attached to the step.

Abstract: A method or system for constructing a non-slip ramp having at least two sloped ramp stringers and a starter wedge having a sloped side and an open side. A non-slip deck board is slid into the open side of the starter wedge and at least two tread plates, each providing spacing between two adjacent non-slip deck boards, each tread plate having a flat top section with a substantially L-shaped section attached perpendicular to the flat top section, with the bottom of the L fitting below one of the adjacent deck boards. The at least two tread plates are attached to the at least two sloped ramp stringers and an end-cap attached to a last non-slip deck board.

Abstract: A method or system for mounting fascia involving attaching at least two blocks, spaced apart to framing material, the blocks having upper and lower channels facing away from the framing material. Attaching an upper and lower J channel to a piece of fascia material and sliding the fascia material with the J channels into the block channels, then snapping caps over the at least two blocks.

Abstract: A method and brush kit for cleaning and improving the roughness average of aluminum or aluminum coated valve cylinders and other open or blind bores in virtually any type of mechanical device by removing burrs and embedded particles within such cylinders and bores wherein the method provides a kit of a predetermined number of cylindrical brushes having metallic or nylon strands that are coated or impregnated with an aluminum oxide abrasive material. The method is particularly adapted for use by technicians in the automotive, marine, farm, aircraft and the like repair industries for treating transmission valve bores or cylinders and other open or blind bores and the like.

Abstract: Strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae have antifungal activity against the pathogen Pythium ultimum. Compositions and methods for treating or protecting plants susceptible to Pythium ultimum damage, and Pythium sp. “group G” damage in particular, are provided. Such strains include, for example, the strains deposited in the International Depository Authority of Canada under accession numbers IDAC 200704-01, IDAC 200704-02, IDAC 200704-03, and IDAC 200704-04.