Abstract: A method for eradicating fire ants by permeating the soil in a fire ant mound with a combination of very small particles, vegetable oil, and Pyrethrin. The particles tend to infiltrate and disable the joint structure of the ants, eventually killing them. One particularly effective composition includes diatomaceous clay—commonly known as fuller's earth.

Abstract: A storage-stable liquid concentrate for use with a fuel cell. The concentrate comprises at least one metal hydride compound, a solvent comprising one or more polar solvent components, and at least one hydroxide ion providing compound. Following a storage of the concentrate for 4 weeks at about 25° C. not more than about 2 % of the at least one metal hydride compound have decomposed. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Novel fuels for gasoline engines comprise a synergistic mixture of a detergent additive component (A) and a synthetic carrier oil component (B), i) the detergent additive component (A) comprising at least one compound having a basic nitrogen atom which is substituted by a hydrocarbyl radical having a number average molecular weight of from about 500 to 1 300, and the detergent additive component (A) being contained in the fuel in an amount of from about 30 to 180 ppm by weight; and ii) the carrier oil component (B) comprising at least one compound of the following formula I R—O—(A—O)x—H??(I) where R is a straight-chain or branched C6-C18-alkyl group; A is a C3- or C4-alkylene group; and x is an integer from 5 to 35; the carrier oil component (B) being contained in the fuel in an amount of from about 10 to 180 ppm by weight.

Abstract: A process and plant for producing metallurgical coke is disclosed. The process comprises rapidly drying coal particles in an inert atmosphere, and maintaining the particles, once dry, in an inert atmosphere. The dried particles are then compressed into a briquette without addition of a binder. The briquette is heated to a temperature between 1000° C. and 1400° C. for a period of between 1 and 5 hours to produce metallurgical coke.

Abstract: The invention provides fuel oils comprising a major proportion of a mixture of A) a middle distillate fuel oil and B) a biofuel oil, and also a minor proportion C) of an oil-soluble, crosslinked block copolymer composed of C2- to C4-alkylene oxides.

Abstract: A process of making vegetal fuel based combustible spheres produced from naturally occurring and renewable residues of olive arboricultural farming and olive processing. The combustible spheres providing a renewable energy alternative to the use of fossil fuels. Where the use of the vegetal based combustible spheres replaces fossil fuels, the reduction in the generation of undesirable noxious gasses from combustion is achieved along with reduced consumption of the world's limited fossil fuel reserves.

Abstract: A wind screen uses flexible sheets of porous material. The sheets include attached stakes at regular intervals. The stakes are stackable so that a wind screen of arbitrary height can be easily constructed. In one embodiment, the sheets can be cut so that the horizontal length of the screen can be easily modified. The flexibility of the sheets and the spacing of the stakes allow a human user to position the windscreen in any arbitrary design or shape, as desired. Assemblies are disclosed whereby two or more stakes can be stacked onto a single stake.

Abstract: A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.

Abstract: A machine for cloning plant cuttings automatically using water culture with a reservoir and built in storage area with two supports to hold back of reservoir cover and structure for power cord to exit storage area, a reservoir tray with two drains, an inlet tube, and structure for water pump cord to exit reservoir nutrient holding area, a reservoir tray cover with a plurality of holes for foam cutting supports and two supports to hold front of reservoir cover, a reservoir cover with with slots for ventilation, a light support made from clear acrylic with slots for ventilation that fits inside reservoir cover, net baskets and foam inserts to support plant cuttings, a water pump and fluorescent light fixture(s).

Abstract: A panelized container system has a plurality of modular panels that are rigid and incapable of significant flexing. The modular panels assemble into a polygonal container for holding soil and growing plants through a plurality of openings in the panels. The panels connect by a union of female and male connecting members. Elongate connecting rods having trapezoid shaped appendages of 45-degree, 90-degree, 180-degree or combined orientation join elongate trapezoid shaped channels formed along the vertical edges of the panels. A selection of panels and connecting rods may be combined into a kit, which may include a tray.

Abstract: A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A liftgate actuating assembly is disclosed for moving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between open and closed positions. The liftgate actuating assembly includes a motor that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The motor has an output shaft capable of bi-directional rotation. A drive gear rotates about a drive shaft and is operatively connected to the output shaft to be rotated thereby. A cable drum is rotatably mounted to the drive shaft. The cable drum is coupled to the drive gear and is rotated thereby. The cable drum includes a cable wrapped thereabout between a drum end fixedly secured to the cable drum and a liftgate end fixedly secured to the liftgate. The cable is used to retract the liftgate from the open position to the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the drive gear.

Abstract: A vehicle window regulator includes a fixing lug including a first part for fixing to a window guide rail having a window-guiding direction and a second part for fixing to a vehicle body. The second part defines a plane, and a normal line perpendicular to the plane that is inclined relative to the window-guiding direction. The normal line is preferably inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the window-guiding direction. The lug can be fixed in the vehicle body without the lug turning on itself during fixing by screwing for example.

Abstract: A jamb protection system that may be installed to jambs to reduce damage to the jamb or injury to persons working around jambs. Force absorbing and disseminating elements help to spread and transmit forces applied to the jamb protection system.

Abstract: A seal has a sealing action between a fixed part and a part which can be opened, in particular between the body and the door of a vehicle, of the type having a profiled element for fixing to the parts and a portion consisting of material which is deformable as a result of compression so as to provide operationally the sealing action, including at least two elements of magnetic material having surfaces with the same polarity are arranged in the region of the deformable portion, in a position facing each other.

Abstract: This seal comprises at least one flexible lip (3) designed to be in contact with the sliding window (4) of an automobile via a surface coated with a film (5) of a hard material with a low friction coefficient, characterized in that a layer of a cellular plastomer or cellular elastomer is inserted between the lip and the hard material with a low friction coefficient so as to separate them virtually completely.

Abstract: A weather strip uses both clips and a double-sided adhesive tape, and is included in a mounting structure. The double-sided adhesive tape is applicable with a machine. The weather strip includes a first attachment face to be fitted to the door frame with the clips and a second attachment face to be fitted to the door frame with the double-sided adhesive tape. The second attachment face slants at an angle of 15 to 75 degrees to the first attachment face.

Abstract: A composite diamond compact is provided which has a diamond compact (12) bonded to a cemented carbide substrate (10). The composite diamond compact is characterised by the second phase for the diamond compact (12) and the binder for the cemented carbide substrate (10) both being a nickel/cobalt alloy.

Abstract: A composition and an associated method for chemical mechanical planarization (or other polishing) are described. The composition includes a surface-modified abrasive modified with at least one stabilizer and at least one catalyst differing from the at least one stabilizer. The composition can further include a medium containing the abrasive and an oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), wherein the at least one catalyst is adapted to catalyze oxidation of a substrate by the oxidizing agent. Preferably, the abrasive is alumina, titania, zirconia, germania, silica, ceria and/or mixtures thereof, the stabilizer is B, W and/or Al, and the catalyst is Cu, Fe, Mn, Ti, W and/or V. Both the stabilizer and the catalyst are immobilized on the abrasive surface. The method includes applying the composition to a substrate to be polished, such as substrates containing W, Cu and/or dielectrics.

Abstract: A construction system for massive dwellings or alike; a unit shall be built in 5 days after preliminary work. First, shall be prepared precast items: sills and headers, using templates and reinforcing them to resist shear and diagonal stresses; and exterior and interior wall molds to use numerous times. Then foundation shall be set to have a slab floor with pipes inside a steel structure, and wall molds erected on each side of it, following a predetermined color and graphic code. Afterwards, shall be inserted precasts and all openings of building to pour concrete masonry and form a monolithic structure. A steel structure shall be embedded on top of walls for anchoring concrete T-beams. A material to insulate and form a stem of said T-beams shall be put on platform surface, and then a metallic mesh for reinforcing said T-beams, and for setting pipes, lastly, concrete shall be poured over.

Abstract: A modular parking system having an elevated deck in an airspace above an existing grade. The system is made up of a plurality of basic modules, with each module having 4 columns connected with 4 girders supporting a deck between them. Optimally, the girders span in alternating directions, module to module.

Abstract: An enclosure with a soft cover, typically of various fabric-like materials which can be operated to enclose a space and volume of variable dimensions from a maximum amount to near zero, and to positions between these limits, by manipulation of its novel frame structure and connecting devices.. The enclosure has a frame assembly which is covered. The frame assembly is formed of members pivotally connected to a central subassembly such that each member may be disposed at a selected position and may be locked in the selected position.

Abstract: A facia guard bracket that attaches to the facia board of a roof provides recesses for receiving guard boards in order to create a structure that will act as a fall protection device on the roof of a building.

Abstract: An impact resistant window assembly includes a bracket assembly that has a bracket portion with a first position and a second position. The bracket assembly is disposed within the window jamb assembly when the bracket portion is disposed in the first position, and the bracket portion disposed over a portion of the interior portion of the sash when the bracket portion is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: A modular wall panel has a channel with an opening at an upper end and an opening at a lower end. A heat exchanger and a fan are disposed within the channel to move air from the opening at the upper end to the opening at the lower end, and heat or cool the air before it is exhausted from the lower opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing device for supporting structures, that comprises a lamellar structure that runs into an anchoring device. Said lamellar structure is composed of a plurality of separate or separable individual layers between which intermediate layers are disposed at least in the zone of the anchoring device. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a reinforcing device and to a method for the reconstruction and/or reinforcement of edifices on the basis of such a reinforcing device. Preferably the lamellar structure is provided with carbon-fiber reinforced plastic lamellae (CFK) as the individual layers which are imbedded in a thermoplastic matrix. Preferably the individual layers of the lamellar structure are based on a thermoplastic conventional plastic material and additionally have interposed fabric inserts of metal plates as the intermediate layers, most preferably a bidirectionally oriented fabric, especially a bidirectionally oriented aramide fiber fabric.

Abstract: A floor drain with membrane strainer includes a main body having a pit, a top flat grate, and a strainer assembly mounted in the main body below the flat grate. The strainer assembly includes a disc-shaped base that has an annular plate portion with a downward inner flange, and a U-sectioned cup portion having a bottom central hole and being supported in the annular plate portion by ribs with an open area left between them; a membrane strainer made of an elastic and flexible material and having a thin annular portion, on which locating rods are provided for engaging with locating holes on the base to thereby fix the membrane strainer below the flange to normally seal the open area; and a gasket ring fitted around the base for the whole strainer assembly to stably seat in the pit of the main body.

Abstract: A spacer is provided that is configured to be secured to a panel. The spacer has a first piece having a generally tubular body portion of a preselected height, H1 with a first end and a second end. The second end has a preselected included angle, ? with respect to an axis. The spacer has a second piece having a first end, an annular ridge which is located adjacent to the first end and a flange which is located adjacent to the annular ridge that extends radially outwardly from the axis. The first end of the second piece has a preselected height, H3, a preselected included angle, ? with respect to the axis and a seat which is adapted to receive the head of a fastener. The second end of the first piece is sandwiched between the first end of the second piece and the annular ridge.

Abstract: A joining clip for joining insulated concrete forms in horizontal or vertical dimensions, or both, a combination of a joining clip with insulated concrete forms, and a method for joining insulated concrete forms one to another in a horizontal or vertical dimension, or both.

Abstract: There is described a hanger for hanging an object from a composite wall. The composite wall has a concrete core, a foam outer wall and a second outer wall. The hanger comprises: a first plate having an embedded portion for retention within the concrete core and a hanging portion extending from the foam outer wall for connection to the object. The embedded portion having an edge in addition to its distal edge, the edge being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first plate. A method for installing the hanger is also described. The hanger is particularly well suited for hang a joist.

Abstract: Magnetic structural components utilized to permit construction of a wide variety of structural profiles and to thereby increase design and/or construction flexibility and choice. The structural components each include a number of magnets operatively associated with a periphery thereof to provide a number of points of magnetic connection. In addition, each structural component has at least one mechanical connector operatively associated therewith to provide at least one point of mechanical connection. The structural components can be magnetically and/or mechanically interconnected to form a variety of different two or three-dimensional structural profiles of varying complexities.

Abstract: A device for protecting weep channels of masonry blocks of a single wythe wall, each block forming at least one inner hollow cell. A plurality of upwardly extending water-permeable bodies is provided for the hollow cells, each of the bodies having a plurality of passages such as to permit water to pass through the passages to prevent passing of mortar and other debris through the passages and to protect the drainage weep hole channels thereof.

Abstract: A landscape stake system comprises an improved stake and a hammer cap. The stake comprises a tapered lower region and an intermediate region. Preferably, the intermediate region comprises an I-beam format to provide reinforcement of the stake to prevent cracking of the stake during insertion of the stake into the ground. An upper region of the stake comprises a first U-shaped channel that is configured to receive a portion of a landscape edging board. The upper region of the stake further comprises a plurality of horizontal grooves and apertures configured to receive a fastener. The hammer cap comprises a substantially horizontal surface that is configured to receive the head of a hammer and a pair of vertical legs that form second channel and are configured to receive the upper region of the stake.

Abstract: A truss fastener which includes a shaft having a head and a tip. Threading extends along the shaft from the tip end toward the head end of the shaft. The threading is interrupted, abbreviated, and/or otherwise separated by wings projecting from the surface of the shaft. The interrupting projection extends in a generally oblique orientation to the center axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A trim assembly for interior walls of buildings has a cornerpiece configured for retention in a corner between intersecting walls, a trim strip extending from each opposite side of the cornerpiece, a tang extending from each opposite of the cornerpiece and extending into slots in respective trim strips, a block member at each opposite side of the cornerpiece, at least one post extending from at least one of the block members and into a slot in a decorative member, and a clip device disposed about the post to retain it in the slot to retain the decorative member relative to the block member.

Abstract: A post leveling assembly for indicating whether a fence or deck post is vertical or not is disclosed. The assembly includes a base, an arm pivotally mounted on the base and a marker disposed on the base. An assigned point on the arm lines up with the marker if the post is vertical and does not line up with the marker if the post is not vertical. In order for an installer to install a vertical post, the post is positioned initially in an approximately vertical position, the installer moves the post to the left or right until the assigned point on the arm aligns with the marker. The post is then permanently fixed into place.

Abstract: A connector assembly for use in securely joining together elongated structural members, which extend angularly with respect to one another. The connector assembly is ideally suited for use in interconnecting wooden structural members that make up playground equipment for use by young children and includes specially designed connector plates that are uniquely designed to provide both longitudinal and transverse stability to the structure formed by the interconnected structural members. Each of the gripping plates is lanced out to form a plurality of penetrating tabs that are adapted to penetrate the structural members as the gripping plates are cinched down by through bolts so as to provide still further rigidity to the assembled structure.

Abstract: A strengthened, inexpensive roof-to-wall bracket that includes two perpendicularly aligned wall flange members, integrally formed on a wall transverse member, and two perpendicularly aligned rafter flange members integrally formed on the wall transverse member. Disposed under the corners between the two wall flange members and the wall transverse member is and L-shaped secondary angle member. In the preferred embodiment, the L-shaped angle member formed by cutting a square or rectangular cutout in the adjoining wall flange member and then bending the waste material upward to form the angle member. The angle member is disposed along the corners and along the adjoining inside surfaces of the wall flange member and the wall transverse member. Optional welds may be used to physically connect the angle member to the inside surfaces of the wall flange and wall transverse member. Optional gussets may be formed on the corners between the wall flange surface and the wall transverse member for added strength.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for embellishing an architectural structure. Information is first received indicative of a dimension of the architectural structure and the selected embellishment of the architectural structure along the dimension. A mold is selected from a library of molds to construct the selected embellishment. The dimension of the architectural structure and dimensional information of the selected mold are used to calculate a dimension of the selected embellishment. A described computer system is configured to carry out the method. A computer-readable medium is disclosed including program instructions for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A drywall support clip, the drywall support clip having a first leg and an opposed second leg connected by a bite portion. The first leg comprises a first leg first portion and a shelf portion, with the first leg first portion located between the shelf portion and the bite portion. The shelf portion extends from the first leg first portion at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second leg may comprise a second leg first portion and a tongue portion. The second leg first portion located between the tongue portion and the bite portion. The tongue portion extending from the second leg first portion at an acute angle from a projection of the second leg first portion. The shelf portion is adapted to support drywall. Methods of supporting drywall during steel stud frame construction, as well as kits for steel stud frame construction, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The board provides protection against damage on a slate shingle and tile roof. The upper side of board with plywood serves as the solid foundation for standing on as tool is laid upon the roof. The opposite or under side has plywood and foam rubber. This side is placed directly onto the roof. An added feature is the board is good on a steep roof.

Abstract: A machine structure, in particular for the processing of fluid products, including a loadbearing frame with vertical uprights (12) connected by two horizontal plates (14, 15) at a distance from each other. Between the uprights are located one or more removable covering panels (13) which cover the zone housing the machine components. The machine structure is strong but light, not very bulky and easy to assemble even by non-specialist personnel.

Abstract: This invention describes the means to disassemble and reassemble structural wall components for the rapid assembly, disassembly, and reassembly of buildings and related structures. The system consists of a high-strength bar and coupler system that may or may not be pre- or post-tensioned to a hyper-rigid foundation system that is comprised of fixed or mutable attachment points. The resulting dismountable structural/foundation system can be used with a wide range of traditional and non-traditional pre-assembled and assembled-on-site construction materials for both structural and non-structural wall sections. The system facilitates building reuse and less environmentally intensive processes for both temporary and permanent facilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of components used for producing a load-bearing structure for gratings, comprising pillars and support beams which are removably connected to the pillars via couplings. Flat network-type supporting frames of variable sizes can be formed by using couplings that preferably comprise four connecting elements which are arranged in a cruciform manner for the corresponding connecting elements of the supporting beams. A vertical space can be created between two supporting frames by means of spacers that are disposed on the pillars.

Abstract: A building panel 20 is disclosed which is of sandwich construction having metal sheet structures 21, 22 interconnected by a core 23. The panel 20 includes profiled edge regions 24, 25 enabling the panel to interlock with a like panel. In one form a paper covering 27 is bonded to the metal sheet structure so that panel has a surface characteristic similar to that of plasterboard. A reinforcing element 40 is also disclosed which is arranged to be connected at the join between abutting panels to improve the load bearing capability of the panel 20.

Abstract: A machine for applying partly adhesive straps to relative products has a folding device located between an input station, where the products are fed onto the machine, and an output station, where the products are fed off the machine; a feed device for feeding the straps successively to the input of the folding device; and a conveying device for feeding the products continuously along a substantially straight path extending between the input station and the output station, so that each strap is folded into a U about the relative product at the folding device.

Abstract: A system of sealing containers of plastic material for the sealing of containers having a mouth surrounded by a peripheral flap, consisting of arranging a sealing sheet on the mouth of the container to be sealed, supporting the peripheral flap on a welding mold, and applying ultrasonic vibrations on the sealing sheet, in coincidence with a mold, by means of independent sonotrodes, said mold comprising two concentric walls situated in coincidence with the peripheral flap surrounding the mouth of the container to be sealed, an internal wall allowing for the welding between the sealing sheet and the peripheral flap of the mouth, and another outer wall, of a slightly larger height, finished in an angled edge profile to cause the cutting of the sealing sheet and of said peripheral flap at a certain variable distance from the weld line between said sheet and peripheral flap.

Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming void-fill packaging includes a longitudinal guide path along which tubular plastics material, which preferably has no longitudinal seams and no preformed perforations, can pass, drive elements for moving the plastics material along the guide path, transverse heat sealing elements for forming first and second transverse spaced parallel heat seals substantially across the plastics material, the first and second heat seals acting to define a chamber therebetween, and a nozzle which is adapted to, in use, extend inside the plastics material adjacent to one longitudinal edge thereof and which can discharge a fluid into the chamber. The apparatus also includes longitudinal heat sealing elements for forming a third heat seal which seals the chamber, and a cutting element which cuts the said one longitudinal edge so that the movement of the tubular plastics material is not hindered by the nozzle. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of disguisedly packaging an absorbent article includes the steps of: volumetrically reducing an absorbent article such that the volume of the absorbent article is less than a nominal volume of the absorbent article; and disposing the volumetrically reduced absorbent article within a package. The package includes a deceptive size and outward appearance such that it is not visually evident that an absorbent article is disposed therein. Indeed, the size of the package is substantially smaller than the nominal size of the absorbent article, whereby the size of the package contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the package.