Abstract: A booklet used in germination and transplantation for plant material is disclosed. The booklet can easily be sent through regular mail without damaging the plant matter. Delayed germination is available by use of hygroscopic material. The booklet can have multiple trays that are removable for easy transplantation into a pot or garden. The tray can further include an inlet port for water and a water chamber for released germination. Learning material can be included in the booklet, as well as decorative or marketing material. The information in the booklet can be in the form of print, electronic display, stained glass or any other format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon fuel comprises: a primary fuel processing reactor for converting a feed stream to a first reformate stream comprising hydrogen; a first hydrogen separator located downstream of the primary fuel processing reactor and fluidly connected thereto for receiving the first reformate stream, the first separator comprising a first membrane for separating the first reformate stream into a first hydrogen-rich stream and a first retentate stream; and a secondary fuel processing reactor fluidly connected to the first separator for receiving and converting the first retentate stream to a second reformate stream comprising hydrogen. A fuel cell power generation system includes the present apparatus and a fuel cell stack fluidly connected thereto for receiving hydrogen-rich streams therefrom.

Abstract: An auxiliary window assembly is adapted to be installed in an aperture formed in a lower portion of a vehicle door.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a durable door opening/closing mechanism that does not require a large space for opening and closing operation and that a door and main body can be freely designed. To achieve this, a door is supported by links coupled to a cab by joints. One end of the door is guided along the side of the cab by a guide rail. When a rail support begins moving along the side of the cab while being guided by the guide rail, a couple of forces, causing the door to rotate, act on the joints at the both ends of the links. The other end of the door is swung out of the cab toward outside by the couple of forces, and the track is regulated into an arc form by the rod.

Abstract: A pet door unit (10) for mounting in a structure (100) , is described. The unit includes a housing (12) , an opening mechanism (22) , a door (18) , a receiver (36) and a transmitter (38) . The door is mounted parallel to the rear wall (12D) of the housing in guide rails (16) extending along the sidewalls (12C) of the housing. The opening mechanism includes a motor (24) having a screw drive (26) and a carriage (34) which is movably mounted on the screw drive. The carriage is connected to the top of the pet door and moves along the length of the screw shaft (28) as the shaft rotates to open and close the door. To open the door, a user presses a button (38A) on the portable transmitter which sends a signal to the receiver. When the receiver receives the signal, it activates the opening mechanism which activates the motor to rotate the screw drive to move the carriage and the door up the shaft to the open position.

Abstract: A readily available conventional commercial door viewer includes a lens at one end for providing a wide angle view and a hollow end through which a person would look. A truncated cone shaped plug fits within the hollow end to block light transmission through the door viewer. The plug is readily manually removable to use the door viewer and includes a removable lanyard to tether the plug in proximity to the door viewer.

Abstract: An apparatus for.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a door relative to an access opening in a door frame includes three links pivotally connected between the door and the door frame permitting outward and lateral movement of the door. A structural member or pillar releasably secured to the door frame can move with the door and the mechanism can include a supporting member extending beneath and supporting the door during movement.

Abstract: An electric door operator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a door pivotally mounted to a door frame of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle. The electric door operator comprises a pinion and an energy source for rotating or driving this pinion in opposite directions through opening and closing cycles of the door. A gear sector is also provided which is mounted for rotation in an opposite direction from the pinion. The gear sector is engageable with the pinion and capable of being driven by the pinion such that it rotates in one of an opening and closing direction upon rotation of the pinion. A shaft member having a first and second end is provided. The first end of the shaft member is secured to the gear sector and the second end of the shaft member is engageable with one of a base plate and a wall portion of the vehicle. A push bar is suspended from the gear sector for one of opening and closing the door upon rotation of the gear sector in one of the opening and closing directions.

Abstract: A fastened door gap cover comprised of an elongated flexible one or multiple piece fixed cover that is connected to door frame and multiple rigid fastener variations for union with door, whereas the fastened connection results in eliminating the gap between the hinge edge of a door and the door frame thus prohibiting objects to be inserted during the opening and closing of the door whether it be sited in an existing or new construction door.

Abstract: The invention is a sliding door assembly for an H-frame rack system. The H-frame rack system includes a plurality of substantially vertical posts, and a plurality of substantially horizontal beams connected to these vertical posts. Merchandise-carrying shelves are supported by the horizontal beams. The sliding door assembly includes at least one sliding door. Rollers are secured to the sliding door or doors for facilitating lateral movement of the sliding doors along the H-frame rack system. Channels secured to at least one of the horizontal beams are positioned above the sliding doors. The rollers are guided within these channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitrified-bonded abrasive tool wherein the abrasive grit portion comprises a thermally sensitive abrasive grain, such as sintered sol gel microcrystalline alpha alumina abrasive grain or superabrasive grain, and wherein the vitrified bond may be matured by firing at a temperature of about 700 to 1,100 ° C. The invention preferably is carried out with sintered sol gel microcrystalline alpha alumina abrasive grain and a phosphorous oxide-containing, alkaliborosilicate vitrified bond composition. In one embodiment, during firing at about 700 to 1,100 ° C., the vitrified bond of the invention comprises at least two immiscible, amorphous phases.

Abstract: A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position.

Abstract: A construction kit by means of which a do-it-yourselfer can erect a stable, strong structure whose predetermined geometry is maintained even when the structure is subjected to stresses. The kit includes a plurality of beams, a set of rectangular panels and two end frames. To assemble the structure, the beams are arranged to bridge the end frames and to snap-lock or screw onto the corners thereof to form a skeleton in which the beams are in parallel relation. The beams are profiled to form internal tracks for slidably receiving the panels, each panel being supported between a pair of adjacent beams to create a wall of the structure.

Abstract: A breakaway post base includes a pair of adjacent slip plates to allow separation of the upper portion of a traffic sign or the like from its permanently mounted base. The two plates are triangular with notches at their apices, with the plates and related structure secured together by bolts through the apex notches. An impact on the upper post dislodges the bolts, allowing the upper post to move freely and preventing significant damage to the sign structure. At least one of the slip base plates includes a sleeve extending therefrom, into which one end of the post is installed. The post is prevented from rotating relative to the slip base by a series of set screws installed through the slip base sleeve and locking the post immovably therein. Thus, a sign supported by the present assembly cannot rotate relative to the slip base plate.

Abstract: The intrusion of insects into a home or similar building is controlled by utilizing insect and/or microorganism controlling plastic materials in the construction of the building. The insect and/or microorganism controlling plastic building materials are manufactured by first blending one or more plastic resins with one or more insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agents to form a blended plastic resin/insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agent material. The blended plastic resin/insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agent material is then utilized to manufacture plastic films, sheets, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, insulating foams, flooring materials, wall covering materials, and the like utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an elongate, hollow sleeve, an elongate yielding core extending substantially through the length of the sleeve, and a buckling constraining element between the yielding core and the inner surface of the hollow sleeve and spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core, leaving a gap therebetween. The buckling constraining element may be spaced apart from and, thus, the gap may exist between two or more surfaces of the yielding core. Additionally, an inner sleeve, or liner, may be positioned between the buckling constraining element and the yielding core, with the liner being spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core. The buckling restrained brace is useful in absorbing loads, such as seismically induced loads, that are exerted upon a steel frame.

Abstract: A fabrication system used for mounting a structural member to a surface including an anchor attached to the surface. The anchor has a pair of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and forming an anchor channel with one or more first flanges formed on at least one of the sidewalls facing the anchor channel. The fabrication system also includes a panel frame having a body for insertion into the anchor channel. The body has at least one lateral surface extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. First and second sidewalls extend from the body to define a frame channel for receiving an edge portion of the structural member. At least one of the first and second sidewalls has a serrated inner face facing the frame channel.

Abstract: A reconfigurable office partition system that includes movable rigid panels each comprised of a core panel mounted within a perimeter frame. Said core panel comprised of a matrix of compressed straw or other cellulose-based natural fiber lined by paper or paperboard suitable for accepting a variety of surface treatments, and also suitable for accepting nails, screws or other means for hanging or otherwise attaching articles thereon. Frames comprised of vertical and horizontal rails specially adapted to engage said core panels and further adapted to releasably and slidably attach to a series of specialty connectors.

Abstract: A device for joining a panel and another structure.

Abstract: Laminated materials having decorative motifs and surface textures that are mechanically embossed-in-registration, and that include locking mechanisms. Those locking mechanisms are located such that they enable formation of embossed-in-register laminate systems in which the embossed-in-registration continues across connecting joints.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching an assembly component with variable spacing to an understructure with the aid of a fastening element is provided. The fastening element comprises a fixing bolt, a spacer element with a cylindrical outside surface and an elastomeric sleeve. The fixing bolt is embraced by the cylindrical outside surface of the spacer element and is provided on one end with a radially overhanging head with a larger outside diameter than the spacer element and on the other end with a fixing section that interacts with a counter element. The elastomeric sleeve encloses the spacer element, is positioned inside a bore of the assembly component and is longer than the spacer element, wherein the elastomeric sleeve can be displaced axially relative to the bore in the assembly component as well as relative to the spacer element.

Abstract: The invention involves a rail and stile door panel of the type typically used for kitchen cabinets or utility storage cupboards. The door system includes a rail and stile framework in which a panel is mounted. The panel is held in place by a panel recess in one of the frame members and at least one key received in another of the frame members. The key has a tang which fits in a keyway. The panel is received in a panel recess comprised of horizontal and vertical abutment faces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a free form ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create the appearance of moguls. The free form ceiling panels are designed to fit into a suspended ceiling grid. The free form ceiling is a grid system made up of curving tee members and preformed curved panels. The grid members curve in predefined radii into which formed panels are placed. The frame is formed from individual curved grid members that meet at their respective ends to form intersections. The grid members are rigid preformed members that are curved so that when interconnected a curve is formed. Alternatively, a standard planar grid system with variable length extension posts attached to the grid can be utilized to secure the free form panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining system and method for floorboards, panels and sheaves, but foremost for parquetry. The system comprises boards intended to be joined together, wherein a first board has a groove fitting with a tenon in a second board. According to the invention, the first board (A) has has a groove (2) provided with a rib on the top side of a lower edge, and the second board (B) has a tenon (1) provided with a ridge on the underside. A cut (3) is provided in the lower corner of the groove. The cut (3) makes the lower edge of the groove more flexible and can also take up excessive glue. Through this, the joining will be very simple to perform, whilst at the same time providing a strong joint.

Abstract: A base element (14), such as plywood, has a stainless steel plate (10) bonded to its upper surface with an overhang (15) allowing for application of a strip (20) of a sealing material therebelow to form a cavity sealed butt joint between tiles when they are laid side by side, usually as a floor surface. The base element (14) has tongues (17) and grooves (18) in respective edges to permit interengagement as expansion joints. A deformable, foamed plastics layer (22) may be bonded to the underside of the base (14) to allow for uneven substrate.

Abstract: An assembled structural beam according to the present invention comprises a top chord and a bottom chord mechanically connected by series of diagonal connecting members. The top chord includes, on an upper surface, a longitudinally extending bolt slot. The bottom chord includes, on a bottom surface, a longitudinally extending bolt slot. Each of the chords have two opposed side surfaces with a shallow channel recess in one side and extending the length of the chord, with a complementary projection on the opposite side and extending the length of the chord sized for receipt in the shallow channel recess. Each chord is an extruded component and includes a securing flange which cooperates with the diagonal connecting members to secure the top chord to the bottom chord. The structural beam is particularly useful in flying forms for concrete forming.

Abstract: A structural system is comprised of two components. The first component is an I-shaped bearing member having an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The upper and lower flanges have undercuts formed therein. The second component is a connection member having a notch in each corner for engaging the undercuts in the upper and lower flanges. The components of this system may be used to construct a structural component comprising a plurality of I-shaped bearing members positioned parallel to one another. A plurality of connection members interconnect the bearing members; the two upper notches of the connection member engage the undercuts in the upper flanges of two adjacent bearing members while the two lower notches engage the undercuts in the lower flanges of two adjacent bearing members. A method of constructing a structural component is comprised of positioning a plurality of bearing members parallel to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a reinforcement apparatus forming an exo-skeleton of tubular steel rods and adjustable mounting clamps directly in contact with the exterior of previously erected tapered wireless communication monopole towers to provide additional strength and resistance against deflection due to wind forces and additional weight thereby enabling the placement of more antenna arrays and communication instruments thereon.

Abstract: A structure and method of constructing a multistory concrete building formed entirely of poured in place concrete tunnels. The structure is constructed so that the substructure can be used as a parking garage and the superstructure as residential space. The unique use of concrete tunnels in both the substructure and superstructure combines the benefits of column and plate construction with concrete tunnel construction while eliminating the need for a traditional transfer deck between the superstructure and substructure.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for insulating a building roof involves the use of a rigid thermal insulating panel supported between roof rafters. Brackets fastened to the rafters are used to support the rigid thermal insulating panels at a predetermined distance from the roof to provide an appropriate ventilation gap between the roof and the insulation.

Abstract: A hurricane resistant window vinyl film having visible light transmission and rip-stop, composed of a double layer of plastic film with a scrim laminated between the two pieces of plastic vinyl film coated on one outside side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is reusable is then, applied to the inside of a window and it's frame. The near strength of the combination of plastic vinyl film, scrim and adhesive are balanced to provide buildings with protection from shattering glass.

Abstract: Packets are overwrapped in a cellophaner unit equipped with a wheel by which the packets are directed through an assembly station together with leaves of wrapping material and toward a folding station where the leaves are bent around the packets, also a suction roller set in rotation continuously and tangentially to the wheel, on which the leaves are held by suction while advancing along a first path extending between a cutter device and the assembly station; the wheel is furnished with peripheral carriers supporting the single packets, each equipped with gripper jaws positioned to take up one end of a leaf held on the adjacent roller and detach it by degrees from the relative suction surface before effecting an initial overwrapping step of folding the leaf partly around a relative packet.

Abstract: An inflator/sealer machine useful for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion having a resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion. The machine includes an inflation tube, a seal bar, and an anvil. The inflation tube is connected to a source of inflation fluid and has an outlet that is larger than the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion. The inflation tube and anvil are adjustable between a tube/anvil engaged position and a tube/anvil disengaged position. In the tube/anvil engaged position, the inflation tube outlet opposes the anvil and can engage the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion between the inflation tube and the anvil to inflate the cushion. The seal bar and the anvil are adjustable between a bar/anvil engaged position and a bar/anvil disengaged position. In the bar/anvil engaged position, the anvil opposes the seal bar to compress the inlet heat seal zone of the inflatable cushion between the anvil and the seal bar.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for packaging a sterile device so that a non-sterile component of the device may be inserted into the device (10).

Abstract: A method for packaging electronic chips into the compartments of a carrier tape includes feeding a chip into a preselected position with respect to a movable vacuum head, taking custody of the chip by way of a vacuum in the vacuum head, moving the vacuum head in a single motion toward the carrier tape without substantially altering the direction of movement of the vacuum head, and interrupting the vacuum in the vacuum head to release the chip into a compartment of the tape. The chips may be feed by gravity feed. The preselected position may be within a slot in a body, and the body may be bifurcated to provide access for the vacuum head to the slot. The body may be moved aside after the vacuum head has taken custody of the chip to remove a support surface or floor from under the chip. The chip may then be moved downwardly, either directly on along an arcuate path, in a single motion to position the chip in the tape compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.

Abstract: A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled peripheral flange bearing a container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf. The tool has an anvil portion, star-shaped portion, a hub portion interposed between the anvil and star-shaped portions, means for maintaining said portions concentrically aligned and means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading packages into a bag is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one first suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag which extends generally vertically downwardly from the first suction cup, a feeding station operable to store bags in a generally horizontal position, a transfer arm, at least one transfer arm suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag, and means for moving the transfer arm suction cup longitudinally of the transfer arm.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can be attached in depending relation to the chute of a bagging machine in order to supply material to form several bags. The cartridge employs a hollow mandrel on which a tube of plastic film is mounted in a collapsed state. The tube is capable of being pulled off the mandrel in an automatic manner. The cartridge also includes a spreader bar at the lower end of the mandrel to brake the movement of the tube off the mandrel when in use.

Abstract: Riding saddle ensemble and corresponding use. The riding saddle ensemble comprises a metal tree, two pads (3) and a seat. The tree is made up of a structure of metal rods and comprises two warped bars (1) which are the same and symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, where each pad (3) is attached to one of the bars, and a front bridge (5) and a rear bridge (7) which extend in a curved manner between both bars (1). The riding saddle ensemble also comprises an anatomical platform (13), attached to the metal tree, which is rigid and is suitable for withstanding indefinitely the weight of a rider without becoming permanently deformed. Preferably a single piece of leather (21) is used to cover the whole of the top part of the platform (13).

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for a reflow oven includes a contaminated-gas inlet for receiving contaminated gas from a reflow oven; a filtering device configured to filter the received contaminated gas; a returned gas outlet for returning filtered gas to the reflow oven; a gas removal arrangement for allowing gas to escape from the apparatus; and a control arrangement for controlling the rate of gas flow through the gas removal arrangement such that in use the flow rate of contaminated gas flowing from a hotter region of the reflow oven to a cooler region of the reflow oven is controlled.

Abstract: A portable, light-weight exhaust fan that can be easily and quickly carried to and set up in a localized area to safely, efficiently and substantially remove airborne materials thereby overcoming the above and other drawbacks of conventional exhaust fans. Exhaust fans in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be used to ventilate a localized area such as an enclosed room and may be placed in any aperture such as a window or doorway to remove substantially all airborne material from the air passing therethrough, and to exhaust filtered air directly or indirectly to the surrounding environment. An exhaust fan constructed such that air traveling along an exhaust path through the fan is prevented from contacting components of the fan that can be damaged by exposure to the airborne materials. This enables the exhaust fan to efficiently remove airborne materials from a localized area while preventing the same materials from adversely affecting the operation of the fan.

Abstract: A deep format filter element has a peripheral frame with outwardly protruding mounting flanges. The mounting flanges simulate the periphery of a shallow format filter element to allow the deep format filter element to replace the shallow format filter element in many situations. The frame design allows the entire frame to be formed of cardboard and still provide adequate rigidity and strength. The frame includes at least a first cardboard sheet forming individual sides of the frame and panels of the mounting flange. The first cardboard sheet includes for each mounting flange at least two inside folds defining edges of the mounting flange's end panel and first and second side panels. An outside fold defines the second side panel of the mounting flange.

Abstract: A method of harvesting a stalk-based plant (P), such as sugarcane, includes generating at least one laser beam (b) and causing the at least one laser beam (b) to at least momentarily come into contact with the sugarcane stalk (P). This severs the stalk (P) and cauterizes the stalk (P) where severed.

Abstract: A composite matrix yarn (Y) including a cover yarn (80) formed of a plurality of twisted fibers, a core strand (70) positioned within the cover yarn (80) and around which the fibers of the cover yarn (80) are twisted to provide mechanical adhesion between the cover yarn (80) and the core strand (70), and an adhesive binder (75) carried on the core strand (70) for providing enhanced adhesion between the core strand (70) and the cover yarn (80).