Abstract: A liquid mixture having a cetane number higher than 40, comprising a typical diesel gas oil cut having a boiling point ranging from 150 to 380° C., and a density ranging from 0.76 and 0.935 g/ml at 15 ° C.; and one or more compounds selected from dialkyl-polyformals represented by the formula RO(CH2O)mR, wherein R is a CnH2n+1 alkyl chain, m is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and less than or equal to 6, n is an integer ranging from 1 to 10, wherein the concentration of these dialkyl-polyformals in the gas oil ranges from 1 to 20%; and a process for production of dialkyl-polyformals using sulfonic acid-based catalysts.

Abstract: A protective cover for protection of agricultural products comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient vapor permeability to alter or control the ripening of the agricultural product so ensconced while retarding passage of dust and insects. The protective cover is positioned generally about associated agricultural products, with the cover being particularly suited for use on products prior to harvest, such as bananas. The cover may be formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and may be formed from fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven fabric may be formed with protection-enhancing agents such as insecticidal, fungicidal, algaecidal, decay-inhibiting, and UV-protective agents. The nonwoven fabric may be pigmented as desired.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a vase in an upright position has a base member. An adhesive is coupled to a bottom surface of the base member. The adhesive is used to coupling the holder onto a surface on which the vase is to be displayed. A holding member is coupled to the base. The holding member is used for holding the vase in an upright position.

Abstract: A panel for transporting and displaying goods, more particularly plants or flowers or the like, the panel being provided to be hung in a cart, the panel comprising a moulded plastic body (1) and at least one metal suspension element (2) for suspending the panel in the cart, the at least one metal suspension element (2) being held in the plastic body (1) in a boltless manner.

Abstract: A garden memorial arch floral material holder is installed in a cemetary with two ground penetrating stake assemblies and a flora holding assembly. The flora holding assembly comprises a plurality of rods connected in tandem and the rods have sufficient flexibility to elastically deform from an unstressed straight linear aspect to an arcuate aspect encompassing a semi-circular arch configuration, without permanent deformation. Rods of different length may be connected in different combinations to provide different arch assembly lengths. The rod connections have abutments limiting telescopic overlapping and friction detents to resist disconnection. Each of the two stake assemblies has a horizontal brace portion to be engaged by foot to force a stake portion into a cemetery ground, to engage the ground to limit the penetration, and to provide vertical alignment. The stake assemblies are in spaced apart parallel planes that are perpendicular to the arch assembly to stabilize the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for prolonging the useful life of cut flowers. The present invention, more specifically, provides the apparatus comprising electric cooling module which generates cooling heat on the upper part and warming heat on the lower part by means of Peltier effect according to the supply of an electric current through the bottom part of container being put cut flowers in, thereby can not only prevent a water duct of cut flowers from getting clogged by restraining bacteria and fungi from generating but also keep up the fresh condition of cut flowers by enhancing the rate of water adsorption and respiration of the cut flowers, and ceramic layers laminated on inner part of the container which prevent the aging of cut flower from facilitating because of restraining the plant hormone (eg, ethylene) of cut flowers from generating by the extreme infrared rays radiated from the layers.

Abstract: A virtually continuously adjustable plant support system utilizing oriented, high-modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix composites and plastics to form a three component plant system that can be assembled into a virtually infinite array of plant support configurations. The system includes at least one stake, at least one coupling element that can be slidably received on the stake for adjustment of its position on the stake. The coupling element includes through passageways for receiving a fiber-reinforced strand that passes through the coupling elements to position the strands in a desired orientation to support a plant. The strands are flexible and have structural memory. A loop defined by a strand can be of any desired diameter, which can be readily changed as needed or desired to accommodate a particular plant configuration.

Abstract: A process for pollinating a crop of female cannabis plant contained in a building having internal ventilation ducting, wherein the process includes the steps of locating an intake for the internal ventilation ducting, providing a dispensable dispersant which includes male cannabis pollen or spores, and administering the dispersant into the intake so as to cause the dispersant to flow downstream into the ducting.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of particulate materials. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 &mgr;m or more and about 5 mm or less.

Abstract: A bean sprouts cultivating system capable spraying water uniformly and adjusting pressures upon the bean sprouts flexibly is disclosed. An upper and a lower ends of each conduit has a water inlet and a water dropping opening, respectively. When the water flow of a water source in the water feeding system is larger than the total flow of the conduits at a bottom of the cultivation box; a downward water pressure will generate so that water will guide into the water inlet; and then water in the water dropping openings flows into the lower cultivation box uniformly. Then the water flows through the water dispatching holes in the pressure cover to more uniformly drop to the bean sprouts in the lattice disk. The surplus water will flow into the lower cultivation box from water dropping openings of the conduits.

Abstract: A plant container has a semi-spherical opened top cup-shaped receptacle permanently attached to a vertical back panel. The cup and back panel form a pocket for retaining soil for a plant. The back panel has at least one opening for receiving a mounting element, such as a suction cup, for removably mounting the container to a vertical supporting surface, as for example, a window pane. The back panel also defines a reservoir for water and openings in communication with the receptacle for watering a plant received in the receptacle.

Abstract: The Plantwear™ fabric pot consists of a shell (12), an inner membrane (14), and a mesh liner (16). These are attached to a ring-band (22) which also encloses a compression-ring (20). These are supported by braided ropes (26) which are attached to the compression-ring in 3 places where the sections of the ring-band (22) expose the compression-ring (20). The ropes are collected at a center-knot (28) and form a tie-loop (30), and a tie (34) which has a tie-knot (32) near its end. The tie (34) can be passed over a support, such as a rod or hook, and the tie-knot (32) passed through the tie-loop to securely hold the Plantwear™ fabric pot to the support. A wick (41) is placed through the liner (16) via a grommet (42) and into a chamber area (18) to help transfer, through capillary action, any water which might have drained into and remain in the chamber, back up into the root-pouch (36). The fabric pot is packaged folded flat in an envelope.

Abstract: A container which is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion and optionally an upper portion attached to the base portion. The container contains a growing medium and a botanical item without having a pot disposed therein.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is disclosed. The system includes a steam reformer adapted to produce hydrogen from a feedstock consisting of water and at least one of an alcohol and a hydrocarbon feedstock. The feedstock is exposed to one or more reformation regions including a reformation catalyst and to a membrane region including at least one hydrogen-selective membrane.

Abstract: An automatic louver actuating system includes a plurality of louvered panels that are each made up of a plurality of louvers capable of rotational movement. The system also includes a plurality of motors that control the rotational movement of each plurality of louvers. A control module communicates the desired position of the louvers to each motor.

Abstract: The present invention is a pivoting crash barrier for arresting an impacting vehicle without causing excessive injury to the driver. The crash barrier has an easily replaceable expendable gate which houses multiple plastically deformable cables mounted within for absorbing the energy of the impacting vehicle. The crash barrier design causes the cables to deform as an unit, rather than separately. The crash barrier gate is pivotally supported on a horizontal shaft by an operator unit positioned on a first side of a roadway. An engagement stanchion engageable by the outer tip of the lowered gate supports the lowered gate on the second, opposed side of the roadway. The upper sections of both crash barrier stanchions consist of operator heads that can pivot about the vertical axes of their respective mounting posts after the shearing of restraining shear pins whenever a vehicle impact occurs.

Abstract: The door glass raising and falling apparatus comprises a carrier plate 71 to be mounted onto the lower end portion 70b of a door glass 70. The door glass 70 is capable of rising and falling along sashes 41, 42 respectively disposed in the front and rear portions of a door. The carrier plate 71 extends in the back-and-forth direction of the door glass 70 along the lower end of the door glass 70 and includes securing portions respectively formed in the given portions of the carrier plate 71, while the moving portions 67a, 67b of a wire-rope body 67 can be respectively fixed to the securing portions of the carrier plate 71. The carrier plate 71 further comprises a glass support portion 74 for supporting the middle portion of the lower end of the door glass 70 in the back-and-forth direction thereof, and a pair of front and rear glass fixing portions 77, 78 each including a screw member 75.

Abstract: A weather strip for attachment along a side of a roof of a motor vehicle has a bottom portion to be attached to a door opening portion and a seal wall of which side ends are respectively connected to the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the seal wall define a tubular space of which the height is less than the width thereof. A widthwise inside half of the bottom portion is composed of a solid rubber, and is attached to the door opening portion via a base plate of a roof-side moulding. A widthwise outside half of the bottom portion and the seal wall are continuously formed of a sponge rubber. The widthwise outside half of the bottom portion serves as an extended part of the seal wall, and flexes along with the seal wall when the seal wall is pushed by a door glass upwardly, thereby sufficiently wrapping a peripheral edge of the door glass.

Abstract: A vehicle door or flap, in particular for motor vehicles, has a frame which is provided as supporting structure. The frame is composed in a modular manner from profile parts or profile blanks and connectors. At least one connector is designed as a fitting, an element for securing a fitting, and/or as an add-on or built-in part of the door.

Abstract: An adapter received in an opening of a partition wall of a vehicle door connects a cable plug of a cable harness to a module plug of a door control module. The adapter includes a mount for the module plug, a mount for the cable plug, and an abutment face providing a seal at the partition wall. The adapter further includes a skirt that extends from the abutment face having a latching tab. When the adapter is inserted into the opening, the latching tab flexes outwardly, securing the adapter to the partition wall. The module plug and the cable plug can be inserted into or removed from the adapter without affecting the sealing between the wet area and the dry area of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A reinforced door jamb is provided. The reinforced door jamb comprises a security plate that is interconnected with hardware (latch plate, lock plate, and hinges) on the front face of the door jamb for securing the door. The interconnected security plate provides greater shear strength and enhances security of the door when an attempt is made to force the door. In an exemplary embodiment, the security plate comprises a lip extending into a groove formed in the back face of the door jamb.

Abstract: A slurry for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a copper or silver containing film provides at least one reactant for reacting with the copper or silver film to form a soft layer on the surface of the copper or silver film. The soft layer has a hardness less than the copper or silver film. The slurry preferably includes either no particles or particles which are softer than the copper or silver layer. A method for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) a copper or silver containing film includes the steps of providing a slurry for reacting with the copper or silver film to form a soft layer on the surface of the copper or silver film and uses either no particles or particles softer than the copper or silver film, applying the slurry to the copper or silver film to form the soft layer, and removing the soft layer using a polishing pad.

Abstract: An abrasive sheet member is disclosed, including a substrate having first and second major surfaces, an abrasive on the first major surface, and a plurality of hooking stems on the second major surface. The hooking stems are adapted to hook engaging structures on an opposed surface to releasably affix the abrasive sheet member to the surface.

Abstract: A light transmission system and method for a building according to which shading surfaces are provided on the roof of the building for preventing direct sunlight from passing through a roof light, while permitting the maximum amount of indirect sunlight to pass through the roof light.

Abstract: A device (122) for a valley gutter of a roof, the device comprising side wall portions for defining a flow for water therebetween and support portions (124, 126) for supporting the device on a roof over the valley gutter.

Abstract: A prefabricated housing component that includes at least one casting having a wall portion, a floor portion, a ceiling portion, wherein the wall portion, floor portion and ceiling portion cooperate to form an interior space, and a cabinet portion including a recessed portion within the interior space. The prefabricated housing component further includes a framework surrounding the casting, wherein the framework provides structural rigidity thereto.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, shaped, prefabricated, structurally-enhancing support block conforms to the side profiles of conventional I-joists. The support block is preferably installed by fastening it to the I-joist web, rather than to the I-joist flanges, thus preserving the integrity of the I-joist flanges. Further, support blocks may be used in mid-span where additional point-load support is needed, or at joist ends for additional load bearing and/or enhanced rim board, attachment and nailing capabilities. The preferred support block includes a load-jack portion for bearing compressive load and a web and flange support portion reinforcing the thin web of an I-joist to help prevent buckling, rolling, or twisting of the I-joist under peak load conditions.

Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.

Abstract: A roof structure for a building in the form of a cone shaped polygon is disclosed. The roof structure includes at least three multi-element trusses attached on corresponding ends to a vertically extending central column. Each of the trusses is rotationally displaced from adjacent ones of the trusses, as measured in a horizontal plane, preferably, by the same angle. Each of the trusses is inclined outwardly and downwardly from the central column to form a series of triangularly shaped roof segments between adjacent ones of the trusses and so as to provide the roof structure shape. The central column may be a vertically extending length of hollow pipe and is essentially non-load supporting, whereby a lower end of the column is vertically spaced above a support structure for outer peripheral edge portions of the trusses. The support structure may be a series of wood posts, a different one of which is attached on an upper end portion to an outer peripheral edge portions of a corresponding one of the trusses.

Abstract: A first voussoir for use in an arched structure between second and third voussoirs includes a first end bearing surface with a protrusion which extends from the surface and which is mateable with a corresponding recess in an abutting end bearing surface of the second voussoir. The second end bearing surface includes a recess in the surface which is mateable with a corresponding protrusion in an abutting end bearing surface of the third voussoir. Preferably the protrusions and the recesses have both longitudinal and transverse components of structure. A connector is secured to the first voussoir for connecting one end of an associated tension member to the first voussoir while an opposed end of the tension member is connected to an associated mooring positioned at a distance away from the horizontal span of the arched structure.

Abstract: A support structure for isolating earthquake motions having a pressure receiving concave curved steel plate connected with the ground and a pressure applying convex curved steel plate facing with said concaved steel plate and connected with a column of a structure. The support structure has a plurarities of large balls and small balls with (less accuracy) smaller diameter than that of pressure-receiving balls between said two plates in a state that they are mounted to come in point contact in all directions. Earthquake is isolated by a simultaneous rotation of these two groups of balls in frictionless state. The lower portion of the support structure is surrounded by a hoop to suppress the foundation column not to remove from pressure receiving balls in case of jump-up phenomenon caused by directly under earthquake or float-up phenomenon caused by typhoon etc.

Abstract: A storm panel is formed of a film material for providing protection to the frangible portions of a structure during extreme weather conditions, especially protecting the frangible portions against debris carried by high winds. The panel comprises at least two laminated sheets of the film material, and in one embodiment further including a layer of reinforcing fibers disposed therebetween, and further comprising supporting track members on opposing sides of the laminated sheets. Installation as the extreme weather approaches is relatively easy as the storm panel is light and readily attached to the structure adjacent the frangible portion using the track members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device for openings in a structure, e.g., windows and doors, from storms and hurricanes. The present invention also relates to the aforesaid devices in combination with the frames of openings. The present invention device provides for removably installing protective boards in structural openings as needed, such as when tornadoes, high winds, extreme rain and snowstorms or hurricanes are threatening a building. These devices rely upon and include rotating U channels that receive the protective board, and are then shut and secured. After the threat has passed, the device is unsecured or unlatched, the board is removed from the U channels and may be stored remotely so as to not interfere with the function or view of the opening, window or door.

Abstract: A method of providing a glazed panel with Georgian-effect glazing bars (45). The method comprises providing a frame (37) for the panel and glazing material (30) to fit within the frame. A generally U-shaped clip (33), having two arms (35,36) which lie respectively against the side faces of the glazing material, is arranged to extend around the edge of the glazing material (30). A length of moulded hollow-section glazing bar (45), suitable for extending across a side face of the glazing material (30), is cut and is then engaged with an arm (35) of the clip so that the arm enters the open end (49) of the glazing bar (45). This holds the end region of the glazing bar (45) against the side face of the glazing material (30). Preferably a matrix of intersecting glazing bars (45) is formed, and at least some of the ends of the bars that extend to the edge of the panel are held in place by U-shaped clips.

Abstract: A windowed sash of the type having a window pane supported in a window sash. The window sash consists of elongated profiled polymeric members interconnected by weld seams at joints therebetween. The window sash is adapted to be mounted in a frame. Holes are provided in contact with the weld seams interconnecting the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members for distributing, at least partially, stress sustained by the window pane and the window sash when subjected to shocks, so as to prevent at least one of the weld seams, the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members and the window pane from cracking.

Abstract: A window assembly (10) with its glazing frame that stays independently from lateral movement of building main structure (44) is disclosed. The window assembly includes an outer retaining frame (12) and an inner glazing frame (14). The retaining frame is attached to the building main structure. The glazing frame holds glass pane (20), and sits inside the retaining frame. Between the retaining frame and the glazing frame is a predetermined clearance space (X) and (Y), at their vertical edges and their top edge. The resulting window assembly allows the glazing frame to stay in its shape, while the retaining frame moves laterally with the main structure during earthquakes or blasts, thereby minimizing the chance of glass breakage. Application of glazing gasket (32) or sealant (54) provides watertight result to the window assembly.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for compressing a foundation piling prevents individual piling segments from sliding out of alignment. The assembly is an anchoring device that is lowered into a passageway running through a concrete or steel foundation piling to a desired depth. The anchoring device is suspended to a cable and has a center section and at least one moveable wing or wedge attached to the center section. Then a weight is dropped onto the anchoring device. The force of the impact causes the wings on the anchoring device to slide down and extend away from the center section. The force of the impact also forces the wings to grip the piling because the anchoring assembly is wider than the passageway when the wings slide down the center section. Tension is applied to the cable, which is now secured to the piling by the anchoring device. The tension in the cable creates a compressive state on the piling which prevents the individual segments from sliding out of alignment.

Abstract: A modular system for assembling a storage unit is provided which includes a plurality of panels and different connectors. The system allows for subdividing spaces which may feature walls, floors, ceilings, etc. at varying angles or in areas having irregular contours. Additionally, the connectors are simple recesses and protrusions which allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for preventing the damage by the rotting of concrete floor decks wooden components commonly used in multi-story buildings and the like and for preventing accumulation of the water and moisture over and beneath the concrete surface. The apparatus includes an anchoring flange; a cavity portion perpendicularly connected to the anchoring flange including in the base thereof at least one perforation suitable for water drainage and a leg portion, extending downwardly from the intersection of the cavity portion and the anchoring flange, for placement against the external side of the building structure that protects the building structure.

Abstract: A device used to cover the breaks or holes in exterior vinyl or other type of siding on the exterior corners of buildings. The comer repair and protector is a one-piece unit usually made of metal, but can be made of other materials. It is shaped like the corner of a building and has edges formed to snap it onto the existing siding to hold it securely in place. The comer protector is made in a variety of colors matching the colors of existing siding manufacturers for the purpose of making the repaired comer visually undetectable and appearing as if the original siding were undamaged. It has tabs on the bottom, which cover any openings between the existing siding and the structure to which it is attached for purposes of keeping out wind, small animals, and birds.

Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.

Abstract: A trim cap providing aesthetically pleasing protection and reinforcement to structural members such as decking and railing corners of structures such as porches, decks and gazebos is discloses. Deck top corner, deck side corner, rail corner and butt joint caps have aesthetically pleasing non-linear lines and/or embossed graphic or textural designs which set them apart from the purely structural applications of prior art brackets and caps.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A drain support plate for mounting and securing a drain assembly to a deck in a building structure.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: A decorative door molding includes an elongated panel having a contoured top surface. The contoured top surface has at least a first and second raised portion extending along the top surface. The first and second raised portions have a first and a second predetermined height and form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights. A decorative door is also provided that includes a generally rectangular frame and an interior panel connected to the frame. The frame includes at least one panel having the contoured surface. The contoured surface has first and second raised portions having first and second predetermined heights. The first and second raised portions form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights.

Abstract: The invention provides a rivet and method of installing the rivet to attach honeycomb material to other materials. The rivet is installed by drilling a hole through the materials. A back side sleeve of the rivet is inserted through one end of the hole while a front side sleeve with a stem member inserted therethrough is inserted through the other end of the hole such that the head of the stem member and the sleeve portion of the front sleeve are positioned within the sleeve portion of the back sleeve. The shank portion of the stem member is then pulled such that the head of the stem member expands the sleeve portions of the front and back sleeves into the materials to attach the rivet to the materials. A locking collar is also provided to lock the stem member to the front sleeve upon continued pulling of the stem member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary resilient insert member for filing an expansion joint gap formed between adjacent concrete slabs, floor tiles, or the like wherein the insert member consisting essentially of a preassembled wedge shape form. Also disclosed is a method for sealing the gap located between adjacent flooring or structural members by filling the said gap with a sealing material insert.

Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.

Abstract: A reinforced construction sheathing for use in building construction, including a planar sheet, configured to be attached to a building support structure by fasteners installed through the planar sheet and into the support structure. The planar sheet has opposite inner and outer face surfaces. A reinforcing strip is attached to at least one face of the planar sheet around an outer perimeter of the planar sheet and is configured to reinforce the planar sheet to resist fastener tear-through and pull-through in the outer perimeter of the planar sheet. A second reinforcing strip can be attached to an opposite face of the planar sheet around the outer perimeter of the planar sheet. A method of manufacturing a sheathing product used in construction of buildings is also provided and includes the steps of forming a planar sheet from one or more base products, and attaching a reinforcing strip to at least one face of the planar sheet at an outer perimeter of the planar sheet.