Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the sowing of seeds, in which method the seeds are inoculated with a desired microbial population intended for a land area to be regenerated, restored and/or landscaped and the inoculated seeds are sown. The desired microbial population substantially corresponds to the microbial population of the future seeding site of the seeds. The invention also relates to a seeding substrate used in the method.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a process for enhancing flower induction in strawberry plants by artificial means. The process comprises exposing the strawberry plants to reduced daylight temperatures and/or reduced daylight after the strawberry plant is grown for a period of time at a high temperature which temperature does not permit flowering.

Abstract: A liner (80) for a plant container includes one or more sheets of partially compressed, dried or at least substantially dry, reconstitutible sphagnum moss. The liner (80) is formed into a 3-dimensional shape having a top opening and one or more walls extending in an upstanding configuration towards the opening, the walls having a body and top edges 86 defined along the top opening. The top edges 86 are compressed to a lesser degree than the body of the walls. A blank (84)for forming the liner (80) and a method of forming the liner or the blank (84) is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for providing controlled heat to a process utilizing a flameless distributed combustion.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is proposed which is provided with a CO oxidizer having a compact agitator executing uniform mixing. The fuel cell system is provided with a reformer (2) performing reformate reactions to produce a hydrogen-rich reformate gas containing CO, a CO oxidizer (1) reducing the CO concentration in the reformate gas produced in the reformer (2), and a fuel cell performing power generation using reformate gas with a reduced CO concentration from the CO oxidizer. The CO oxidizer is provided with a CO removal catalyst (6) promoting oxidizing of CO. An oxidizing agent inlet (5) and an agitator (4) are provided upstream of the CO removal catalyst (6). The oxidizing agent inlet (5) supplies oxidizing agent to the reformate gas and the agitator (4) has a plurality of curved passages (8) having at least two curves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation or purification of hydrogen is described, and which includes an enclosure having inner and outer chambers which are substantially separated by a barrier, and which are substantially concentrically aligned; an evaporator coil positioned within the inner chamber for receiving a solution of methanol and water, and wherein the solution of methanol and water is heated to a predetermined temperature; a reformer coil positioned within the inner chamber and coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the evaporator coil, and which facilitates the decomposition of the heated methanol and water solution into hydrogen gas and other constituents; and a purifier assembly positioned within the inner chamber and coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the reformer coil, and which substantially separates the hydrogen gas from the other constituents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal dissociation reactions requiring rapid-heating and short residence times using solar energy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal reactions such as dissociation of hydrocarbon containing gases and hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and dry reforming of hydrocarbon containing gases with carbon dioxide. In the methods of the invention where hydrocarbon containing gases are dissociated, fine carbon black particles are also produced. The present invention also provides solar-thermal reactors and solar-thermal reactor systems.

Abstract: A method for generating a hydrogen-containing product gas from liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons includes providing a reformer installation having a combustion space, a mixing chamber and a reformer unit. Partial oxidation of a first hydrocarbon stream with a first oxygen-containing gas stream is performed and a first product-gas stream containing hydrogen is formed, in the combustion space. A second hydrocarbon stream is reformed with water and a second product gas stream containing hydrogen is formed, in the reformer unit. The first product-gas stream and the second product-gas stream are mixed in the mixing chamber to form a third product-gas stream. The reformer unit is heated with the third product-gas stream.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch control system detects latch malfunctions via a closed loop system that includes a first switch that is triggered by operation of a door handle and a second switch that indicates whether a latch is in a fully latched position. A controller monitors the operating states of the first and second switches and interprets these operating states to determine door and latch operation as well as detect a latch malfunction.

Abstract: A door system has a compartment formed with a first gateway and a second gateway opposed to the first gateway, and a barrier apparatus housed in the compartment. The barrier apparatus includes a swivel panel which swings back and forth within an angular displacement of 180° or less, the swivel panel selectively swinging in such a direction that one surface of the swivel panel faces the first gateway when the swivel panel swings in one direction, whereas the opposite surface of the swivel panel faces the first gateway when the swivel panel swings in the opposite direction, a pair of door panels provided at the opposite ends of the swivel panel, the door panels operatively opening and closing the first gateway and the second gateway respectively at the same timing while keeping contact with the compartment, and a driving mechanism which operatively swings the swivel panel back and forth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical slider window system which integrates fixed panes and one and more sliding panes into an integrated unit that is easier to handle and install in an opening of a vehicle (such as the rear window or backlite of a pickup truck or similar style light truck vehicle) and, further, which seals the sliding pane.

Abstract: A vehicular rear window assembly for a vehicle comprises a first fixed pane, a second fixed pane, and a sliding pane, which is supported for horizontal movement between open and closed positions. The slider window assembly includes a support system with an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and a pair of spaced apart vertical members, which interconnect the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member to define a central opening. The fixed panes adhesively mount to the upper and lower horizontal members. The vertical members have exposed exterior surfaces that are preferably generally flush with the exterior surface of the fixed panes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mixture of a stone polishing pad, a stone polishing pad made of the mixture and a method for manufacturing the stone polishing pad. Instead of planar structure, the stone polishing pad has polishing protrusions and an uneven surface formed on the surface of the polishing protrusions that contacts with the polished object. The stone polishing pad is formed by charging a mould with the mixture of the stone polishing pad that includes cork powder, and forming the same under high temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: A problem to be solved is to provide a slurry that is capable of flattening an uneven film on a substrate with good precision, and that has good stability, not separating into two layers, solidifying through flocculated settling or undergoing changes in viscosity. This problem is solved by adding poly ammonium acrylates having different degrees of neutralization to one another as surfactants to a cerium oxide slurry containing cerium oxide particles, and suitably adjusting the total amount of polyacrylates added.

Abstract: A prefabricated attic hatch includes a frame comprising an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame encloses a central insulating panel which is fabricated from metal-skinned insulating foam. A preferred material for the panel is metal insulated door waste material. A method of fabricating attic hatches includes the use of metal insulated door waste material.

Abstract: A metal snow guard is provided with a solid layer of soldering material on its base to be heated and melted with application of heat to the upper side of the snow guard to solder the base to an underlying metal roof. The preferred soldering material comprises an interior layer of solder and an outer layer of flux. In one form, the soldering material is in the form of spaced spots or projections providing a rough surface on the underside of the snow guard with the projections melting and spreading laterally into uneven surfaces where the roof or the base of the snow guard is not flat. The amount of solder and/or flux in the solid layer is limited so that the solder and/or flux does not flow outwardly from the snow guard and run down the metal roof thereby damaging or marring the metal roof surface. The preferred snow guards are formed of sheet metal of relatively few pieces and which are folded and joined together in an inexpensive manner.

Abstract: A prefabricated system for outfitting a building space includes an architectural product (such as a full-height permanent building wall, a post-and-beam product with overhead frame, and a drywall-covered wall), a furniture product (such as a partial-height wall, a partition, and a desking system), and a plurality of accessories. The architectural product includes a structural member with horizontal and vertical accessory-mounting T-slots, and the furniture product includes structural trim pieces with identical vertical and horizontal accessory-mounting T-slots. The plurality of accessories are constructed to stably engage any of the accessory-mounting slots at a selected location along the slots. Some accessories can be attached to and extend between the two products, such as an accessory screen that extends between a post of a post-and-beam system and an end of a partition system.

Abstract: A partition includes a partition frame having a face and a cavity behind the face, and a covering attached to the partition frame that aesthetically covers the face. The covering includes an access slit through which the cavity can be accessed, and is sufficiently flexible so that the slit can be opened to access the cavity. A pouch can be attached to the covering material along the slit, so that a purse-like pouch is created for holding personal items and/or excess electrical wiring. A zipper or closure device can be used on the access slit. In one form, the skin is releasably attached with hook-and-loop material, so that a corner of the skin can be pulled loose for accessing the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular screening assembly for a piece of equipment on the roof of a building. The assembly includes two perpendicular sets of channels that are rigidly secured to and cantilevered from a base of the equipment. Each channel set has one or two sets of common ends. A vertically oriented framework formed by a number of frame sections is secured to the common ends. Each frame section is secured to one set of common ends and spaced a uniform distance from the equipment. Each frame section is formed by one or more like-shaped frame segments. Each frame segment holds one like-shaped panel. Two or more modular screening assemblies can be combined to form an integrated screening assembly around several pieces of equipment. Two or more tiers of framework and panels can be stacked vertically to attain a desired screening height.

Abstract: A plurality of compression members are arranged to provide a shape. Each compression member has a first end, a second end and a body. At least one of the compression members has a body which is generally non-congruous with a straight line between its first and second ends. At least one tensile member is coupled to at least two compression members. At least one removable ligature can be coupled to at least two compression members, such that the structure is collapsible. At least one surface can be coupled to at least one compression member, forming at least one curved surface of a toroid.

Abstract: A new HIGH WIND ROOF SECUREMENT DEVICE for REDUCING THE RISK OF THE ROOF OF A STRUCTURE BEING BLOWN OFF DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. The inventive device includes at least one elongated rod having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is externally threaded. The upper end extends through an aperture in an upper support of a roof of a structure. The lower end of the rod is formed with a receiving sleeve. The receiving sleeve has internal threads disposed therein. The receiving sleeve is secured to a concrete bolt extending outwardly of a foundation of the structure.

Abstract: A bird deterrent apparatus has a base for attaching to a surface and a post attached thereto and extending therefrom in a generally vertical direction when attached to a top of a pole. A plurality of moveable fingers are attached to the post and each of the attached fingers extend at a downward angle and away from the post so that a bird landing on one of the plurality of movable fingers will cause the movable fingers to move and prevent the bird from perching thereon. A plurality of fingers are spaced around the post and may be flexible metal members, or alternatively, may be a plurality of rigid rods each forming a pair of fingers by the rod extending through a bore in the post and being bent downward on each side of the post so that a pair of fingers are attached and swing in seesaw fashion so that a bird landing on the one finger of a pair will move it downward while moving the opposite attached finger upward.

Abstract: A window well for surrounding an open space contiguous to a building window located partly or completely below the ground surface. The window well is formed of a body having an interior wall, an exterior wall and a core material. The interior wall provides a smooth surface to which a design or paint may be applied so that the window well has an aesthetically pleasing appearance as viewed from a position inside the building. The core material provides insulation to the window well so that the window well may be covered to inhibit heat from escaping through the window. The window well is constructed so as to have low density, and high deflection and elastic memory capabilities.

Abstract: A flat folding tube including a first thin walled structure having a bottom end, a second thin walled structure having a top end, and hinge flexibly securing the bottom end of the first thin walled structure to the top end of the second thin walled structure. The first thin walled structure and the second thin walled structure both have at least two states: a first state wherein both thin walled structures are flat or substantially flat, and a second state wherein the bottom end of the first thin walled structure is curved inwardly and the top end of the second thin walled structure is also curved inwardly to lock the flexible hinge thereby producing a rigid tube in the second state, the rigid tube foldable flat in the first state.

Abstract: A foldable member including a first structural section foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration and a second structural section also foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration. The second section is longitudinally aligned with the first structural section when both structural sections are in the open configuration. A hinged connection between the first and second structural sections allows the first structural section to be folded against the second structural section when both structural sections are folded flat.

Abstract: A stair tread having predetermined dimensions including a top and bottom that are at least substantially parallel and substantially planar that includes a nose strip extending the length of the stair tread, having a hardwood appearance at the top, and having an edge at the front that is shaped in cross-section from the top to the bottom to provide a nose to the stair tread, a base including a plurality of base strips having a first joint between each adjacent base strip, wherein the base extends the length of the tread and, together with the nose strip, extends from the front to the rear of the tread, and a separately formed cover strip disposed over the base and sized sufficiently to provide the appearance of hardwood on the top.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electrical junction box within a wall frame. The bracket has a junction box support portion adapted to be connectable to the electrical junction box and a cable support portion extending from the junction box support portion. The cable support portion has a cable securing portion that receives and automatically secures the electrical cables in the cable support portion, thereby fixing the electrical cables a desired distance from the junction box.

Abstract: A panel for use in partitioning a space includes a panel body as a major component, the panel body having latticework that allows interior equipment to engage the panel body at a position in a homogeneous portion of the panel body. With this panel, it is possible to secure places for installation of interior equipment in an office or the like effectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prestressed composite truss girder and construction method of the same. The prestressed composite truss girder of the present invention comprises a concrete bottom plate having structure of composite truss; a lower-chord member being composed of prestressed concrete wherein prestress is induced to resist against the elongation strength generated when composing and not composing and to reduce the droop occurred at the state of composition and having perpendicular and horizontal cross-section of certain shape and certain length; web members wherein vertical chords and diagnal chords composed of rolled steel to upper plate of said lower-chord member; and upper-chord member combined with said web members along the longitudinal direction of said lower-chord member to resist against the compressive force generated before said concrete bottom plate being composed.

Abstract: A partition panel is constructed of a movable partition wall for use in partitioning a residence space as necessary, the movable partition wall including a pair of latticework structures arranged to face each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween, the latticework structures being coupled to each other. This construction can provide a panel capable of accommodating to changes in layout and the like flexibly.

Abstract: A partition and wall system includes a partition with trim piece(s) securely attached to a top edge and vertical side edges of the partition. One or both of the trim piece(s) have a T-slot running along their length, to which accessories can be secured by use of T-fasteners that extend into the slot and engage blind surfaces at a bottom of the slot. The accessories include such things as screens, hooks, lights, panels, shelves, wire managers, utility-using devices, and the like, and can be easily arranged by office workers in optimal and customized arrangements, thus improving efficiency and adding function and value to the office arrangement.

Abstract: A modular building comprising: a foundation floor having secured therein a plurality of anchor elements; a plurality of wall-retaining track elements adapted to engage wall panels of the building, the track elements being securable to the foundation floor so as to define the position of at least the load bearing walls of the building; wall panels locatable with respect to the track elements, each panel including at least one channel or duct formed therein parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and at least one channel or duct formed therein disposed perpendicularly to and laterally of the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of securing members adapted to pass through and locatable within said channels or ducts, the securing members being anchored at each end thereof so as to maintain the panels in fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing shingle, which can surely prevent water such as rainwater from leaking through a roof. A roofing shingle has a rectangular plate (11) provided with first through fourth seam portions (11a-11d). The first and second seam portions (11a, 11b) are positioned in a pair along opposite side edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to a plane of said plate. The third and fourth seam portions (11c, 11d) are positioned in a pair along opposite end edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to the plane of said plate. The roofing shingle comprises a waterproofing sheet member (20) having a sheet (21) with its configuration greater than that of said plate and adhesive layers (22a, 22b) provided on both sides of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof system with rows of superimposed tiles (1) comprising rafters (4) and parallel horizontal shingles (2) fixed to the rafters, each shingle (2) consisting of a shaped section having an upper planar support surface (2c) partly present on a catching wing (2b) projecting upwards, in the direction of the slope of the roof, whereon is engaged, further down, at least a hook (1a), open downwards, formed on the low marginal part of the bottom surface (1b) of each tile of an upper row. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a rail (3) fixed, in the direction of the slope, on the upper surface of each rafter (4), said rail (3) being provided, on its top surface, with elements (3a, 3b) maintaining in place each shingle (2).

Abstract: A panel insert for attaching objects to a precast panel surface. The insert is made from a one-piece elongate body of plastic and comprises one or more attachment securing chambers that form a secure engagement with an attachment, where the attachment preferably includes architectural or related decorative features. At least one inward-facing spine can be included on the insert to help secure the insert to the panel. Preferably, the secure engagement between the decorative attachment and the attachment securing chamber is in the nature of an interlocking, male-female connection, where such connection may include either numerous shaped members on complementary surfaces to form a frictional fit, including a permanent snap-fit, or complementary trapezoidal shapes so that a protrusion, or detent, on the decorative attachment may be slid or pressed into the chamber for either a removable or permanent locking arrangement.

Abstract: A brace system is provided for bracing at least two frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building. The brace system includes an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least two frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing members extend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg and are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member. A deck engaging leg extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, and includes a deck engaging surface positioned for serving as a rest for decking members.

Abstract: A wooden beam for a supporting framework has at least two supporting members at least partially made of wood and defining together a continuous hollow cavity, and at least one shear connector located in the hollow cavity and characterized by a plurality of connection options, with the shear connector having its outside end set back with respect to an adjacent and face of the beam by a length corresponding to a forward wood length defined by a load applied to the beam.

Abstract: A wooden newel post includes upper and lower post sections, and a decorative lamella layer. The upper post section is made of higher quality wood, and has a lower post connecting end. The lower post section is made of lower quality wood, and has an upper post connecting end connected to the lower post connecting end of the upper post section, and an outer post surface. The decorative lamella layer is made of higher quality wood, and is secured to the outer post surface of the lower post section.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a roof anchor (10) on a roof support structure (30) having an underside surface (32), the roof fully or partially covered with roof covering material (39), the roof anchor (10) including an attachment means (12) and a shaft (14), the method including the steps of: a) making a first hole (50) in the covering material (39) and the roof support structure (30), which first hole (50) is capable of receiving the shaft (14); b) forming an aperture (38) in the covering material (39) adjacent the first hole (50) and the roof support structure (30); c) inserting an anchor block (20), having a second hole (22) capable of fixedly engaging the shaft (14), through the aperture (38) and locating the anchor block (20) at the underside surface (32) such that the first and second holes (50, 22) are in registry; and d) inserting the shaft (14) through both the first and second holes (50, 22) whereby to fixedly engage the roof anchor (10) to the anchor block (20), such that the roof anchor (10)

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of installing a set of ceiling panels to a basic ceiling by use of a supporting grid, said set of ceiling panels includes at least three substantially rectangular panels. The method includes establishing and attaching a supporting grid to the basic ceiling, said supporting grid being established by mounting two or more carrier profiles and two or more support profiles to each to provide a grid of at least one rectangle; installing the set of ceiling panels in the carrying grid by applying said ceiling panels in side by side relationship with each other in the rectangle of the grid, so that each panel is supported by support flanges on the supporting profiles, and a first and a second panel are supported by one or more support flanges of one of the carrier profiles constituting the edges of the rectangle. The invention also includes a set of ceiling panels and methods for installing a suspended ceiling.

Abstract: Hardwood surface materials can be bonded to a substrate material such as particleboard using a foamed adhesive. Method finds particular usefulness in the manufacture of interior doors.

Abstract: A peripherally encapsulated product, such as an oven door outer shell, is molded in accordance with this invention by placing a piece of glass between mold clamping portions of relatively movable closed bodies when the latter are in an open position. Preferably both bodies are heated and thermosetting polymeric material (SMC or BMC) is placed upon selected areas of one of the mold bodies within and about an area corresponding to an annular mold cavity and outboard of a peripheral edge of a piece of glass. The glass is clamped between mold clamping portions of the mold bodies which are then progressively closed creating compression forces which extrude the thermosetting polymeric material into the annular cavity and into complete encapsulation of the continuous peripheral edge of the piece of glass. The thermosetting polymeric material is cured, the mold bodies are opened and the product is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An applicator is used for applying an associated closure to an interior surface of an associated carton in a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The associated closure has a flange that is sealed to the interior surface of the carton. The applicator includes a frame, a carriage mounted to the frame for longitudinal movement, a closure supply and an anvil mounted to the carriage for longitudinal movement with the carriage. The anvil is configured for securing the closure thereto for movement of the closure from the closure supply to the carton. The applicator further includes a longitudinal drive for longitudinally moving the anvil, a transverse drive for transversely moving the anvil and a sealing member. The closure is secured by the anvil and is transported on the anvil from the closure supply in a plane transcribed by the longitudinal and transverse drives into an interior portion of the carton.

Abstract: In a method for inserting piece goods (S) into containers (B) by means of a picking line, the relative speed between the feed of the containers (B) and the feed of the piece goods (S) is controlled in the area of the picking line. In this case, the relative speed is controlled as a function of a filling level of at least one storage element (3, 3′, 3″, 4). This method permits efficient transfer of piece goods into containers with the most complete filling possible of the containers, irrespective of the manner of the relative transport direction of the piece goods and containers. It is suitable both for cocurrent and for countercurrent systems.

Abstract: A drive and actuating system for an envelope-filling station in which enclosures or sets of enclosures are fed, by a driven conveyor, to a push-in station in which a push-in arrangement, which has a pivot drive, receives the enclosures or sets of enclosures and pushes them into envelopes, which are held ready in an open state. The envelopes are then delivered into a position opposite the push-in station, from oriented transversely to the push-in direction, by an envelope-conveying arrangement. Further, a multiplicity of functions of the individual parts of the envelope-filling station can be forcibly synchronized in an adjustable manner and a comparatively straightforward and clear construction of the overall drive and actuating system is produced.

Abstract: A new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation. In one embodiment, a conveyor is used to move a pallet with goods from station to station. A mechanical arm at a sheeting station lifts goods from a pallet while one or more sheets are placed between the goods and the pallet. A bottom plate with fingers having hollow tubes holds the pallet while the pallet is being wrapped and enclosed. A portable manifold may also be connected to the hollow tubes and a controller samples and adjusts atmosphere inside the pallet via the portable manifold.

Abstract: Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withstanding and operating in the adverse conditions required to maintain the sterile environment within the filling chamber. Within the filling chamber, the container may be uncapped, filled, recapped, and foil sealed by an induction sealing process.

Abstract: A hydrophobic, compressible, resilient filler for keeping pills from movement in a container during handling is provided in the form of a tube that is cut to a desired length and axially compressed in horizontal orientation. The tube is compressed and inserted through the neck portion of the container and allowed to expand to become entrapped within the container so as to apply pressure to keep the pills from movement or damage. An apparatus and method is disclosed for extending a desired length of filler in flattened tubular form from a large supply, to cut the length of tube from the supply, to reconfigure the cross-sectional shape of the filler tube, to axially compress the rounded tube, and to insert the axially compressed filler into a container that is aligned with the insertion ram.

Abstract: Packaging methods and apparatus for bonding a lidding web to a tray web, characterized in that the lidding web is placed under tension in both the longitudinal and lateral directions before being bonded to a tray web. A tray web having recesses and channels that form a conduit when the tray web is overwrapped with a lidding web is provided. A lidding web has microperforations to control the transfer of gases.