Abstract: A fuel additive composition containing an alkylene-oxide-adducted hydrocarbyl amide and a friction modifier is disclosed. The alkylene-oxide-adducted hydrocarbyl amide and friction modifier are surprisingly useful for improving the acceleration response and the driving performance of vehicles having internal combustion engines when used as fuel additives in hydrocarbon-based fuels, such as gasoline fuel or diesel fuel.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition containing at least one amide compound selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid alkanol amide and a hydrocarbyl amide, and a polyalkylene-oxide. The fuel additive composition is surprisingly useful for improving the acceleration response and the driving performance of vehicles having internal combustion engines when used as fuel additives in hydrocarbon-based fuels, such as gasoline fuel or diesel fuel.

Abstract: There is provided a diesel fuel blend comprising one or more commercially available diesel fuels; ethanol and a coupling agent.

Abstract: A process of treating high sulfur coal to reduce sulfur dioxide emission when the high sulfur coal is burned comprising placing coal in pressure tank (16) of reduced pressure pressure sufficient to fracture a portion of the coal by withdrawing ambient fluids trapped within the coal. The fractured coal is contacted with an aqueous silica colloid composition supersaturated with calcium carbonate via conduit (21), and the majority of the aqueous composition is then removed from contact with the coal. The aqueous composition-treated coal is pressurized in pressure tank (16) under a carbon dioxide atmosphere for a period of time sufficient for the calcium carbonate to enter fractures in the coal produced in the first step.

Abstract: A feeding station for processing bulbous flowers comprises a conveyor unit with suspension elements provided at discrete mutual distances and at least one feeding unit (3) with a guiding mechanism (4) for guiding, for instance by hand, flowers suspended in the guiding mechanism (4) with the bulbs upward to the conveyor unit and to take over the flowers therein in this position. Below the guiding mechanism (4) an actuator (12) is provided to place the bulbous flowers in the suspension elements (1) of the conveyor unit while seizing the steams. Preferably, a suspension element (1) is provided with a lock, which, during the takeover of bulbous flowers in a suspension element (1), is released for the time requires to effect the takeover of the flower in the suspension element (1).

Abstract: A primary reactor for a fuel processor system that employs steam and air to convert a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The liquid fuel and an air-steam mixture are mixed in a mixing region within the reactor. The fuel mixture is then directed through an electrically heated catalyst region that heats the mixture to the operation temperature of a light-off catalyst at system start-up. The heated fuel mixture is then directed through a light-off catalyst monolith where the hydrocarbon fuel is dissociated. Once the fuel mixture is heated to the operating temperature of the light-off catalyst, the electrically heated catalyst region is turned off because the exothermic reaction in the light-off catalyst monolith generates the heat necessary to sustain the catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus employs a thermocatalytic reactor (60) formed of a top plate (62), a bottom plate (66), and a reactor core (64) disposed between the top an bottom plates. The reactor core has a reaction surface (64a) and a combustion surface (64b), each surface having a raised periphery defining opposing ends (61a and 61b) and opposing sides (63a and 63b). The reaction surface (64a) and the top plate (62) together define a reaction chamber and the combustion surface (64b) and the bottom plate (66) together define a combustion chamber. The reaction core (64) has a first set of a plurality of spaced apart, substantially straight radiating fins (76a) extending from the reaction surface (64a) and a second set of a plurality of spaced part, substantially straight radiating fins (76b) extending from the combustion surface (64b).

Abstract: Waste material is incinerated to heat water to produce low-temperature steam (12). The steam is mixed with oxygen (14) to produce synthetic air. Methane (22) (first fuel) is burnt in the synthetic air to produce ultra-superheated steam at about 1600° C. Coal particles (24) are gasified in the ultra-superheated steam producing a second fuel, which is combusted in hot air. The products of combustion are expanded isothermally in a turbine (T1) to produce electricity (50). The hot waste gas from the turbine is used to heat air (52) isothermally compressed in a compressor (C1) in the presence of a water spray (56). The heated air supports the combustion of the gasified coal and the cooled waste product is employed for district heating purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency release device (4) for a building closure operator (2) for decoupling a motorized building closure from a motor operator assembly (6, 9) under emergency conditions. To diminish the risk of injury by free-fall of a decoupled building closure wing by a simple and cost-effective design the invention proposes providing a safety or securing means (24) which safeguards or secures the emergency release device (4) against unintentional or unauthorized actuation.

Abstract: A structural latticework frame design, fixed end, cantilevered, or collapsible, on a horizontally openable window, wherein the lattice work frame is used for structural value in the open position. This design allows for the load from the glass and sash to be transferred through the latticework frame to the housing to carry the load, which simplifies the mechanism needed to open and close the window.

Abstract: A supporting structure for glass comprises a carrier plate 14 attached to a curved glass 11 elastically guided at a side edge by a glass run 22, and cables 16a and 16b stretched in parallel to the glass run 22 and engaged with the carrier plate 14, and a guide plate 37 sliding in the glass run 22 is disposed to the carrier plate 14. The guide plate 37 is of synthetic resin, has the same thickness as the glass 11 and is increasingly thinner toward below.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window assembly for use in mass transit vehicles which allows the quick and easy removal and replacement of transparent sacrificial glazing panels which protect the glazing of the window from vandalism and wear. The window assembly utilizes a sacrificial protective panel and mounting arrangement which allows quick and easy replacement of protective panels on one or both sides of the window assembly, but inhibits removal by non-maintenance personnel such as vandals. The frame of the window assembly incorporates one or more retainers which fit into slots along the interior sides of the window frame and sandwich the glazing between the frame and the retainers. In turn, the retainers are essentially “locked” into position in the frame by an inner protective panel, which significantly inhibits the removal of the retainers from the window assembly when the protective panel is in its desired position against the windowpane.

Abstract: There is provided a cerium-based abrasive containing cerium oxide as a main component, in which the abrasive particles composing the abrasive are coated with a coating layer containing at least either one of a silicon component of silicon or a silicon compound and an aluminum component of aluminum or an aluminum compound. The cerium-based abrasive can be produced by wet-dispersing the cerium-based abrasive in a dispersion medium to obtain a slurry and carrying out surface treatment by adding a treatment solution containing at least either one of the silicon compound and the aluminum compound to the slurry. Further, the cerium-based abrasive can be produced by carrying out surface treatment by adding a treatment solution containing at least either one of the silicon compound and the aluminum compound to the slurry during the pulverization step or after the pulverization step in the conventional cerium-based abrasive production process and after that roasting and classifying the obtained cerium-based abrasive.

Abstract: Powders of particles comprising a ceramic core and a coating of ceria deposited thereon provide an economical and effective abrasive for glass polishing formulations.

Abstract: A polishing slurry including an abrasive, deionized water, a pH controlling agent, and polyethylene imine, can control the removal rates of a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer which are simultaneously exposed during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a conductive layer. A relative ratio of the removal rate of the silicon oxide layer to that of the silicon nitride layer can be controlled by controlling an amount of the choline derivative.

Abstract: Fixture guard panels and systems provide protection for fixtures such as tubs and showers. The fixture guard panels may have a variety of configurations such as including an enclosure formed of a flexible material that contains a padding layer. The panel may be placed adjacent the fixture such that the panel protects the fixture from impacts and abrasions. The panel may include individual sheets of material to enclose padding, may include padding without an enclosure, or may include an individual sheet without padding. The individual sheets may be materials such as polyethylene and/or non-skid rubber. For panels with non-skid rubber, the panel may be positioned so that the non-skid rubber portion contacts the fixture and will not skid. Panels may include flexible sheets with adhesive that adheres to the fixture, such as upon vertical fixture surfaces. Additionally, multiple panels may be included as a system.

Abstract: A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

Abstract: A portable, modular greenhouse system that can be used to protect plants from harsh conditions. A green house according to the invention comprises a frame and a cover. The frame preferably comprises at least one panel constructed from a mesh of rigid wire, with a spacing between adjacent wires which is large enough to permit a gardener's hand to pass therethrough. The panels are preferably flexible and resilient, so that they return to their original shape after being bent. The panels may be manufactured in a plurality of standard sizes, so that they may be used to construct frames varying widely in size and shape. The frames are preferably able to be flattened for storage when the greenhouse is not being used. The cover preferably comprises a piece of light-transmitting plastic sized to fit over the frame. The shape of the cover will depend on the frame configuration. The cover preferably has sleeves formed in opposite edges thereof.

Abstract: An emergency and temporary building system is shown. The system allows for a flexible building approach where a variety of structures can be built from the same basic components. The system allows a building to be quickly erected with a few basic tools. Components of the system are assembled using three basic clips. Components of the building system include a flat square panel and a plank having a slanted edge that can be clipped to the panel and to other planks to make a frame to contain the panel. Doors, windows, screens, plumbing and electrical connections can be made by replacing the standard flat panel with special panels for each application.

Abstract: A practical method of manufacturing, assembling, and constructing a single silo or building or a cluster of polygonal storage silos using a column comprising horizontally-arrayed structural column panels. Column panels within a top horizontal array vertically aligning with column panels of a next lower horizontal array such that no discernible gap exists between top and bottom edges of column panels within the column. Seams, where top and bottom edges of column panels meet, preferably occur in different horizontal planes from each other throughout the column, thereby creating a stagger of column components in relationship to each other. Multiple layers of column components with the same, similar, or different configurations can be added to preferably cover seams of underlying column components to enhance structural integrity. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of jack-lifting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telescopic hoist comprising a series of telescopically arranged tubular sections wherein the tubular sections are made in nitrided steel.

Abstract: A permanent wood foundation built in a factory and transported to a building site upon a wheeled chassis. The wheel and axle assembly are removed prior to the foundation being placed on the building site.

Abstract: A duct terminator and supplemental components of a terminator system are described. The duct terminator includes a tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being adapted to receive a conduit. A removable diaphragm is adjacent the distal end. The terminator can include an inner mounting ring and an outer mounting ring at the distal end. A single circumferential collar extends around the outside of the tubular body. The supplemental system components include a terminator seal, an extender and a bell, each of which have a proximal end adapted to engage the distal end of the duct terminator. The extender has a distal end shaped to replicate the distal end of the duct terminator.

Abstract: A sound insulating floor structure comprises an underlying floor layer of a raised floor constructed by supporting a plurality of underlying floor panels at a predetermined height by means of a group of supporting legs installed on a foundation floor via elastic pedestals attached to the lower ends of the supporting legs, floor covering materials laid over the underlying floor layer, and intermediate materials laid between the underlying floor layer and the floor covering materials. The intermediate material is a hardboard or a high density fiberboard having the flexural strength of 35-50 [N/mm2], Young's modulus in flexure of 4,000-5,000 [N/mm2] and the density of 0.8-1.2 [g/cm3].

Abstract: A roof scuttle safety railing system is provided for an existing or new roof scuttle which railing may be installed on the roof scuttle by unskilled labor without compromising the integrity of the weather seal of the roof scuttle. In one embodiment, pivotal corner brackets are secured to the capflashing of a roof scuttle with the vertical members of the safety railing being inserted in openings in the brackets. In another embodiment, an elongated bracket is used along two opposed sides of the roof scuttle which brackets are firmly held against the outside walls of the roof scuttle by tie rods, a strap or a cable. The elongated bracket has vertical openings at its distal ends for securing the vertical members of the safety railing and horizontal openings or slots for the tie rods, straps or cables. A hinged gate is also provided which preferably has a self-closing hinge.

Abstract: A system (10) for covering an opening (11) in a structure (12) includes a sheet (13) of flexible material having opposed side edges (16, 17). A thickened area (18) and a pocket (20) are formed at the side edges (16, 17). A plurality of spaced apertures (22) extend through the thickened area (18), and a rope (21) is positioned in the pocket (20). A grommet assembly (23) is positioned in each of the apertures (22) to reinforce the apertures (22). A plurality of fasteners (28) are carried by the structure (12) and are spaced so that they can extend through the apertures (22). Wing nuts (34) received by the fasteners (28) hold the sheet (13) on the structure (12) and over the opening (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a blinder-type display assembly which is installed anywhere, such as residences, offices or recreational areas for the purpose of shielding, privacy, decoration, exhibition or advertisement, and if necessary, for selectively displaying an exhibition. The display assembly comprises a bi-directional motor having a rotating shaft with one end faceted, a horizontal cylindrical hollow frame member fixedly accommodating the motor and being rotatable by rotation of the motor, a flexible flat exhibition sheet secured to a lower portion of the horizontal frame member and wound on the frame member or deployed from the frame member by the rotation of the motor, an equilibrium weight secured to a lowermost portion of the exhibition sheet, and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A system for mounting a prefabricated construction unit in an aperture in a building structure comprises a plurality of clips. The clips have exterior ends adapted to be affixed to a frame of the construction unit and interior ends adapted to be affixed to the building structure. The exterior ends may be bent to provide deep grooves which receive a flange of the construction unit. The clips permit a construction unit to be installed without the need for a worker to insert fasteners through the flange from outside the building structure.

Abstract: A structure of a combinative interlocking board containing vertical and horizontal pipes is disclosed. The piping within the board divides the board into a middle region and two side regions, and the middle region is a piping passage for conduits and the piping connectors, and is provided with an actuating opening, the two side regions is conduits for screws in vertical and horizontal direction. The four corners of the board are provided with opening for the mounting of an interlocking plate allowing screws to pass through so as to lock the boards with each other. The decorative panels mounted to the board can be replaced.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a precast composite header joint system and method for forming and installing the same in a concrete deck structure. According to the invention, the header is cast and cured before being positioned and secured in a recess formed in one of the concrete slabs. A viscous bonding agent is then poured into the void spaces between the header and the concrete slab recess. The bonding agent cures and forms a solid material which fills all of the space between the header and the concrete slab recess. Adjacent headers installed in opposing concrete slab recesses are coupled together by a joint to provide a continuous deck structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing porcelain and ceramic tiles to curtain wall mullions comprising the use of structural panels made of light-weight but rigid materials, such as aluminum. The tiles are preferably secured to the panels using structural silicone, and secured to the frame using components such as tile retainers, stops, gaskets and sealants. The frame is preferably made of snap-together members and supported by building structures to withstand lateral loads, such as caused by heavy wind pressure and flying debris.

Abstract: A self securing work platform panel for temporary installation under or upon a structure and comprised of corrugated metal sheets which are secured to a support system such as, but not limited to, cables by means of a system of opposing hooks affixed to the underside of said metal sheets.

Abstract: A method of securing a wire includes the steps of providing a member having a substrate side and a wire hole, feeding a wire into the wire hole of the member, heading the wire to form a wire head, positioning the wire head adjacent to the substrate side of the member, and fastening the member to a substrate.

Abstract: Methods of making truss-based periodic cellular solids that have improved structural properties and multifunctional design. Many materials (metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and even semiconductors) can be shaped into cellular, truss-like architectures with open, closed or mixed types of porosity and then very uniformly arranged in controlled, three-dimensional space-filling arrays. The truss-like elements do not necessarily have a constant cross-section, nor are they necessarily straight or solid throughout (they could be hollow). Their cross sections can be circular, square, triangular, I-beam or other shapes of interest depending on multifunctional needs. When bonded together by solid state, liquid phase, pressing or other methods at points of contact, a cellular structure of highly repeatable cell geometry and few imperfections results.

Abstract: A roof transition assembly for a roof deck having a corrugated sheet and a rigid sheet wherein a base component is positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck and has two legs. The first leg secures the base component to the corrugated sheet, and the second leg extends from the first leg, generally parallel to a free edge of the roof deck. The second leg includes an anchoring surface. An upper component positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck has a connector portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is secured to the roof deck, and the connector portion extends from the anchor portion and overlays and is secured to the anchoring surface of the base component, thus anchoring the base component and upper component to the roof deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slip stopper which achieves a great slip stopping effect, and can be used for a location where a problem occurs if a through hole is opened therein.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes an elongated resilient cover for bridging a gap between horizontal structural members. The upper face surface of the resilient cover has spaced apart ribs extending transverse to the flow of traffic and an opposite surface formed with load bearing edge portions engaged for support with opposite lateral margins to the expansion joint. Between the load bearing edge portions the cover supports at least one rigid metal plate. In one embodiment, a central plate bridges the gap between two structural members and the at least two additional plates serve to urge the opposite lateral edges of the cover into supporting engagement with structural members. The cover has a thickness and sufficient elasticity to elastically deform for establishing supporting contact between the marginal support areas and underlying horizontal structural members.

Abstract: A building set with building elements, having coupling means in the form of projecting studs and corresponding cavities for interconnection of building elements, consists of building elements with U-shaped edges and single row of studs and cavities allowing construction of flexible angle structures with pivoting parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: A structure, including: at least two structural members; a joining element connected to the at least two structural members; and at least one active element within the joining element, or between the joining element and at least one of the structural members, wherein a force applied to one structural member passes at least partially through the active element and into the other structural member, the active element being configured such that the structure exhibits a prescribed load-deflection relationship when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: A framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described as a resilient clip to hold together two intersecting reinforcing bars, said clip comprising two open longitudinal ‘C’ shaped (grooves), with at least one triangular gusset connecting said ‘C’ shaped faces of said clip, said clip is aligned with said intersecting reinforcing bars and forcibly engaged over said reinforcing bars, said bars configured to intersect at right angles to each other. In one preferred reinforcing bar configuration, the first bar terminates at the second bar, in a second configuration the first bar continues beyond the second bar.

Abstract: A workstation, which is essentially an upright structure, adapted to provide a modifiable support and power-supplying arrangement for a multiplicity of different items or components. The workstation may be; for example, a versatile furniture piece serving as a computer workstation, shelving unit, television/media center, a chair, a worktable, among numerous other functions and configurations which are adapted to provide diverse types of supporting arrangements adapted for versatile home, office and other workplace applications in conformance with customer requirements.

Abstract: A method for strengthening an existing concrete column having a concrete body and a plurality of parallel longitudinal steel reinforcements includes the steps of preparing a steel wire cable that includes strands of steel filaments, winding the steel wire cable on the longitudinal steel reinforcements in a spiral manner relative to a centerline of the concrete body, fastening two opposite ends of the steel wire cable to the longitudinal steel reinforcements, and casting a structural material around the steel wire cable, the longitudinal steel reinforcements, and the concrete body.

Abstract: A method of producing a coated gypsum board includes depositing a gypsum slurry to form a wet gypsum board having a gypsum core; applying a coating to the wet gypsum board; and drying the wet gypsum board, wherein the step of applying the coating occurs prior to the step of drying and the coating penetrates through at least a portion of the facing sheet and into at least a portion of the gypsum core. A board produced by the method is made with a coating that matches a joint compound.

Abstract: EPDM or other roof membrane with preapplied seam tape is formed into a roll by forming two sheets and placing one on top of the other. The seam tape of the first sheet is at one end and facing one direction whereas the seam tape of the adjoining sheet is at the opposite side and facing the opposite direction, either up or down. The two sheets are then rolled up together. Since the combined thickness of the two sheets is constant throughout, the diameter of the roll is likewise constant throughout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing and water-proofing leaking seams of tents, tarps, vehicle covers, etc. when manufactured of synthetic fiber fabrics. The process involves heat welding vinyl tape along seams or damaged areas of such to-be-repaired items.