Abstract: A fuel composition of the present invention comprises (a) a diesel fuel, (b) ethanol, (c) a surfactant, and optionally (d) a combustion improver. Methods employ the fuel composition of the present invention to provide a stable fuel composition, to improve lubricity of a fuel composition and to reduce exhaust emissions of a compression-ignited internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skirt of a Christmas tree having decorative light string, which mainly provides an improvement of the tree skirt used on the Christmas tree. The improved tree skirt can be connected with a light string by any desired method to provide a lighting effect for increasing decorative purpose of the whole assembly.

Abstract: A vertical plant stand that is free standing or can be supported by burying its lower end in a base plant pot or in the ground. Pots can be angularly stacked along a central elongate member or hook style appendages can protrude from the central elongate member to mount tilted plant pots. Multiple vertically and/or radially spaced-apart appendages can be included to mount tilted pots like tree branches. The stand can also be configured for mounting a table top to the stand for making an end table, coffee table of other table design. Instead of a table top, a top plant pot may be provided at the upper end of the central elongate member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a needle and a method for injecting a fluid, such as a medicament, into a woody plant, e.g., trees, shrubs or vines. In one embodiment the needle includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner conduit extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, and at least one aperture in communication with the inner conduit and an outer surface of the body. An area of uniform cross-section in the body contains an indentation in the outer surface of the body where the aperture opens to the outer surface.

Abstract: A breathable plant container is provided that includes a hollow vessel having an opening through which planting soil can be inserted into the hollow portion of the vessel and through which a plant growing in the soil can grow out of the vessel. The hollow vessel has a wall comprised of a synthetic microporous sheet material selected from the group of flash-spun plexifilamentary fabrics, spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded (“SMS”) fabrics, and microporous film laminates. The wall of the hollow vessel preferably has an air porosity less than 200 seconds/100 cm3, a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 300 g/m2/day, and a hydrostatic head of at least 20 cm. The hollow vessel may have a first compartment separated from a second compartment by a synthetic, moisture vapor permeable membrane that resists the passage of water such that water added to the second compartment can keep moist soil added to the first compartment.

Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant within dirt or potting soil includes a container for containing dirt or potting soil and which has sidewalls and an interior. The sidewalls defines at least one grow port which provides access to the interior of the container, and the planter further includes a plant insertion sleeve having two side sections which are hingedly connected to one another for hinged movement between opened and closed conditions so that when the sleeve is positioned in its opened condition, the root system of a plant to be transplanted is positionable within one of the side sections of the sleeve, and the side sections can be subsequently moved to a closed condition about the root system to place the plant insertion sleeve and root system in condition for insertion into a grow port of the container for continued growth of the plant within dirt or potting soil contained within the container.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping or other item. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having a central decorative portion and a peripheral decoration. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, the variation in the decoration of the wrapper provides the cover with at least a “two-sheet” effect which provides the cover with the appearance of being constructed of at least two or more separate sheets. The wrapper may also comprise a decorative extension or detachable portion.

Abstract: A removable plant container for growing and transporting plants having a base member in communication with a lateral support wall. The base member and lateral support wall define a receiving aperture, having a volume V, for receiving the plant and growing media therein. At least one removal device is in communication with the lateral support wall, the base member, or both. Actuation of the at least one removal device results in an increase in the volume of the receiving aperture from volume V to volume V?, thereby permitting the removal of the plant and growing media without damage to the plant root system of root ball.

Abstract: A plant pot comprises a bottom, a drainage hole provided at the bottom in a protruding manner, and a water storage portion formed at the inside of the bottom.

Abstract: Reactors and methods for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration in a reactant stream are provided. The reactors are generally configured such that a reactant from a second reactant stream may be continuously introduced along at least a portion of the length of a first reactant stream. A membrane may separate a first reactant stream and a second reactant stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining combustion gases of high calorific value, wherein carbonaceous materials are allothermically gasified in a fluidized layer containing solid particles, using a gaseous gasifying agent and by supply of heat, and the gases thus produced are separated from the solid particles and withdrawn. Said method is characterized in that the solid particles are indirectly heated in a first descending bed and supplied to a second ascending fluidized bed in which the fluidized layer is formed and gasification takes place for the greatest part. The method further relates to an apparatus for performing said method.

Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system is provided. The hatch system may include a frame that may comprise an upper frame and a lower frame that are joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and the hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between an open and closed position relative to the opening. The frame may also include at least one catch that is intended to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. A plurality of spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch upward and away from the tank opening. This provides a space between the opening of the tank and the hatch so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. A rubber bladder may be positioned between the upper frame and the hatch. Inflating the bladder overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the port of the tank.

Abstract: A run channel of the present invention includes a run channel body of U-shaped cross-section. The run channel further includes an inner lip extending from a bottom end portion of an inner wall of the run channel body towards a peak portion, and an upper lip formed above the inner lip and extending from an intermediate portion of the inner wall to the peak portion. When a door glass abuts on the inner lip, the door glass presses the inner lip towards the inner wall to cause a distal end portion of the inner lip to press the upper lip, whereby a reaction force of the upper lip is applied to the distal end portion of the inner lip. The inner lip then produces a reaction force for causing an upper edge portion of the door glass to slowly abut on the peak portion of the run channel.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle is provided which includes a run channel and a door glass slidable up and down along the run channel. A rear edge of the door glass in sliding contact with a rear channel of the run channel has respective projecting portions at upper and lower end portions thereof. The projecting portions project more than a middle portion of the rear edge positioned centrally in an up-and-down direction of the rear edge. The rear edge is deeply received in a groove formed in the rear channel not throughout the length thereof but at the projecting portions so as to reduce a slide resistance which the door glass undergoes when sliding relative to the run channel.

Abstract: A system for support of a sash that is laterally removable from between opposed window jambs that uses sash support arms that are movably arranged for transferring the weight of the sash to the shoes and for bridging distances between the sash stiles and the shoes. When not supporting the weight of the sash, the support arms move to positions that allow the sash to be lifted off of counterbalance support shoes and laterally removed from between the window jambs and conversely reinserted between window jambs and lowered onto the shoes. This is done while the shoes are locked in positions within the window jambs. When the support arms support the weight of the sash, they are in positions that rest the sash weight on the counterbalance shoes to support the weight of the sash. The shoes have hooks that can be deployed to lock the shoes reliably in the jambs by engaging projections formed in the jambs for this purpose.

Abstract: A door for motor vehicles has a door outer sheet, a door inner sheet, a closing sheet for the window frame and reinforcing sheets for example for lateral collision protection, for fastening the door hinges and for receiving the door units. The inventive door has an outer module (A) and an inner module (I). The outer module (A) includes the door outer sheet (1) and a connecting sheet (6) fastened on the inside thereof, the connecting sheet (6) being provided with integrated or retrofittable reinforcing elements (4 and 10) and carries the door hinges that can be detachably linked with the body. The inner module (I) includes a door inner sheet (2) and at least one closing sheet (3) linked therewith. The door inner sheet (2) and the closing sheet (3) enclose the window frame. The inner module (I) is provided with receiving possibilities for the door units such as for example window pane, window actuator, lateral airbag.

Abstract: A method of producing a tool insert is disclosed. A body (50) of a superabrasive material having major surfaces on each of opposite sides thereof is provided. It is typically an abrasive compact disc such as a PCBN or a PCD disc, for example. An array of spaced cores (58) filled with hard metal, such as cemented carbide, for example, extends from one major surface to the opposite major surface. The body is severed from one major surface to the opposite major surface along intersecting, transverse lines (68) around the respective hard metal cores to produce the tool insert. The body may include an interlayer (56) of hard metal intermediate the opposite major surfaces, preferably the same hard metal as the cores, such that the cores are integrally formed with the interlayer.

Abstract: Finishing composition substantially free of non-volatile silicone materials and comprises a mixture of abrasive particles and an emulsion, which comprises water, a volatile siloxane, and a lubricant.

Abstract: The Premier Gutter Cover is a combination of flat metal sheeting and expanded metal so as to give adequate water control, and yet keep leaves and debris from entering the gutter system on a structure. Downward water flow is slowed by the near-flat installation of the cover, further disbursed and slowed by the V-groove rib, and yet further disbursed and slowed by the roll-front of the double-interlock of the flat sheet to expanded metal. Finally, the water is collected into the gutter system through the expanded metal section as it washes leaves and debris over the front edge of the gutter.

Abstract: A heated guard for rain gutters includes a cap which deflects debris from the interior of the gutter. A plurality of mounting brackets are positioned within the interior of the gutter in a laterally spaced apart relationship, and are connected with an associated roof fascia. Each of the mounting brackets has an upper portion supporting the cap, and a forward portion with a horizontal slot. A hat-shaped channel extends between the mounting brackets, has a U-shaped base received in the slot of the mounting brackets, and is attached to the mounting brackets and positioned under the cap. An elongate electric heater element is positioned in the base portion of the channel, and is positively retained therein and covered by the cap. The heater element is connected with a source of electrical power to heat the heater element, the channel and the cap to melt snow and ice thereon.

Abstract: The contoured gutter end cap has front and end walls with contours that correspond to the contours on the front wall of a length of standard gutter and thereby forms a more attractive gutter end when attached to the end of the gutter. It is formed with a bottom and three adjoining walls—a front wall, end wall and back wall. The back wall is substantially flat to allow for positioning against a vertical surface of a house or other structure.

Abstract: A wind cap for buildings serves to anchor a building structure securely to the underlying terrain. The wind cap is a series of base plates which are temporarily and removably placed upon the roof of a structure, with a corresponding series of tiedown straps secured over the plates and attached to ground anchors on opposite sides of the structure. Two of the base plate components may be hinged together along their common edges for placement over the ridge line of the roof. Single plates are placed along the eaves and at intermediate points of the roof span. Each plate includes at least one pair of roller support arms adjustably extending upwardly therefrom, with a roller installed between each arm pair. The rollers eliminate the drag of the tiedown strap passing thereover, thereby eliminating asymmetrical loads on the underlying plates and roof as the straps are tightened.

Abstract: A free-standing panel wall system adapted for selectively and adjustably mounting wall panels on either or both sides thereof. The wall system includes generally a plurality of horizontally disposed rails, a plurality of vertical supports carried on either or both sides of the horizontal rails, and a registration mechanism for selectively positioning the horizontal rails and vertical supports relative to each other. Each of the horizontal rails defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart first openings. Each of the upright supports defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart second openings. The first and second openings cooperate to receive conventional fasteners such that the horizontal rails are incrementally adjustable along the vertical supports, and the vertical supports are incrementally adjustable along the horizontal rails.

Abstract: A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member are structured to direct water toward and through the front face plate.

Abstract: A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member are structured to direct water toward and through the front face plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. A method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member.

Abstract: Facility for installing or for system testing of floor or ceiling-mountable x-ray systems with radiation protection cabins with radiation-proof, especially lead-lined, walls and doors, with each radiation protection cabin (1) having a sliding door (7, 7?) occupying at least a majority of the cabin wall, made up of several lead-shielded door elements (7a, 7b, 7c) which can slide telescopically over one another and are preferably hung from a ceiling mount at a slight distance from the floor to allow them to slide freely and separate the internal operating space (5) of the cabin (1) from the operating console (4) for the x-ray system arranged in front of it, with the door elements (7a, 7b, 7c) being equipped with lead-shielded side edges (9) overlapping in their closed position such that radiation cannot escape from the interior of the cabin through the gap between two adjacent door elements (7a, 7b, 7c), and with a door closing monitoring system being provided to which the operating system of the x-ray system i

Abstract: Play facility that lets play participants experience visual stimulation, and with which a decorative effect can be attained. The play facility includes a frame, partition members attached to the frame and forming a play space, a gas-filled transparent tubular member that is arranged within the play space at the bottom of the facility, an air-filled air mat that is enclosed by the tubular member, a pressurizing device for filling the inside of the tubular member and the air mat with air to increase their internal pressures, an air-flow generation device for causing air within the tubular member to flow in one direction, and balloons accommodated within the tubular member and caused to flow and circulate within the tubular member by the airflow generated by the airflow generation device. Play participants can step onto the tubular member or the air-mat and feel their elasticity, and by seeing the balloons flowing and circulating inside the tubular member, they can experience visual stimulation.

Abstract: A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least two doors near its top level is installed in an automobile maintenance pit. When the doors are in the close position, the covered space in the pit becomes a tornado shelter. Each of the doors can be opened in two opposite directions. Multiple doors and dual opening directions minimize the chances that all doors are jammed in all directions at the same time. Each of the doors can be opened and closed even when an automobile is parked directly above the pit. When all the doors are in at least one of the open positions, maintenance tasks can be by a person in the pit, beneath the automobile.

Abstract: A multi-layer vacuum assembly-enabled fundamental building material to strengthen the safety of a building structure includes a main body which has a plurality of vacuumized layers formed from the exterior towards the interior that are divided by a plurality of spacers. The shape of the main body may be designed according to requirements of the building structure. The main body further has a first latch section and a second latch section located on the outer side thereof. The vacuumized layers can cushion damage resulting from impact of external forces. It also can block thermal conduction, thereby achieve shock resistant, fire resistant, heat and cold isolation effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flood protection apparatus for articles, such as motor vehicle, furniture, and electronic goods. The flood protection apparatus comprises a lower bag and an upper bag, which are made of impervious, and flexible materials. A portable sealing device can be applied to the lower and upper bags to seal the articles completely in the bags. Inside of the bags and around the junction of the two bags, there are provided with a plurality of attachment devices for attaching the bags onto the smooth surfaces of the articles to be enclosed in the bags. With the attachment devices, the bags can be easily and quickly installed. In addition, the bags can be free from the affliction of the fierce wind and wave of floodwater, and the articles contained therein can be protected from damage as well.

Abstract: An eaves beam with framing which includes an eaves beam with an upper member and a lower member. The framing is comprised of an upper beam and a lower beam. The eaves beam can be pre-attached to the framing, allowing for a more efficient installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hip or ridge strip comprising a deformable section, the external border region of which can be laid on roof coverings. The hip strip is configured to be extensible, so that it can be adapted to varying local conditions. Said extensibility is achieved in the deformable section by two discontinuous cut lines running in opposite directions.

Abstract: A kit of parts having batts (200) of insulation, and one or more batts (200) have partially divided segments (200a), wherein each of the segments (200a) has an R value and thickness and has length and width dimensions of, at least somewhat greater than 9.5 inches by at least somewhat greater than 14.5 inches to fill band joist cavities between spaced apart joists (106); and the batt (200) is either three segments (200a) in length or four segments (200a) in length, or is folded at intervals of the three segments (200a) in length or four segments in length (200a), and the batt (200) has a width of either one segment (200a) or two segments (200a), and the segments (200a) of the same batt (200) are partially divided from one another and remain in the batt (200) until separated at the point of use or installation.

Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector enables a sign support member to be fastened to an anchor member. The connector includes at least one shear member and a coupler assembly. The shear member has a first end, a second end, and a necked down section between the first and second ends. The coupler assembly surrounds the shear member and includes a first opening and a second opening. The shear member first end extends through the first opening, and the shear member second end extends through the second opening.

Abstract: A cap for a pedestal adapted to support adjacent floor panels defining a raised floor said cap comprising a bottom surface for contacting said pedestal, said bottom surface including means to capture the pedestal; and a top surface presenting a plurality of ribs for locating said floor panels.

Abstract: The present invention provide an apparatus, devices and/or systems for the installation of building material which allows one individual on his own to install building material. The device includes at least one resting surface spaced apart from a fastener.

Abstract: The present invention: provides a steel pipe pole base and a method for reinforcing the steel pipe pole base that do not allow the strength to lower in the vicinity of the weld toe of a rib even in the event of applying repeated bending moment; and is characterized by forming peening processed portions 20 by ultrasonic vibration at the weld toes 16 of tabular ribs 12 welded to the base of a steel pipe pole 10 in the form of a T-joint or the weld toes of inverted-U shaped ribs 13 or inverted-V shaped ribs 14, the ribs being bent at the upper end portions, welded to the base of a steel pipe pole 10 in the form of a T-joint. Preferable treatment conditions are 20 to 50 ?m in amplitude and 10 to 50 kHz in frequency. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to remarkably improve the fatigue property because stress concentration is relaxed by the synergetic effect of bending the upper end portions 16 of the ribs 13 and applying a peening treatment.

Abstract: A device that is used to pull a stake from a newly poured concrete slab. This device allows for attachment to a concrete pole, a tool that is commonly possessed and used by most concrete contractors. It contains a flexible loop that is used for the removal of stakes from the inside of a perimeter of a newly poured concrete slab. The loop of the device is placed so that it encircles the shaft of a concrete stake. A worker rotates the concrete pole until the loop twists enough to tightly hold onto the stake. The stake is then pulled from the ground and lifted up, over, and to the outside of the perimeter of the slab. The invention may include adjustment means to allow its efficient use with stakes of different thickness.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing tie brace has a central member and an outer frame. The central member has two ends and multiple neck portions. Each neck portion has a dimension of cross section smaller than that of the ends to form multiple enlarged portions beside the neck portions on the central member. The outer frame is mounted around and encloses the central member. Accordingly, the shock-absorbing tie brace has an excellent capability for bearing buckling load and is not easily bent or buckled.

Abstract: A water runoff deflector for use at a loading dock includes a seal suspended from a wall-mounted frame. A truck can back underneath the deflector so that the seal rests atop the truck's roof. The seal helps prevent water (snow, rain, ice, slush, etc.) on the truck's roof from flowing off the back end of the truck and spilling into the building. The seal helps block any water flowing along the truck's roof toward the doorway of the dock and redirects the flow off to either side of the truck. The deflector can be used in conjunction with or without a conventional dock seal or dock shelter. Unique front and rear bumper designs along with a pivotally yieldable frame make the runoff deflector particularly useful in adapting to trucks of various heights. In some cases, the front bumper includes multiple panels of different rigidity to ensure smooth truck departures.

Abstract: The present invention generally encompasses a ridge cap roofing product that is formed from a composite material. The ridge cap has a cross section that is generally in the shape of an inverted V with a rounded apex and includes a front section and a back section. The front section has a straight lower edge. The back section has a lowered edge that tapers both upward and inward. The tapered shape of the ridge cap's back section insures that installed ridge caps lie flat and that a covered ridge or hip does not have a saw tooth appearance. The ridge cap of the present invention is somewhat flexible so that it can be used with roofs that have a range of pitches. In one embodiment, the top surface of the ridge cap's front section is textured or contoured so that it simulates certain conventional shingles.

Abstract: A skylight with displacement absorber and interlocking telescoping tubes is provided. The displacement absorber may be expandable, compressible, and bendable. The displacement absorber may absorb thermal expansion and contraction displacement between the skylight assembly relative to the building in which it is installed, as well as mechanical compression displacement from forces upon the building roof. The interlocking telescoping tubes may provide for telescopic adjustment of the length of the tube assembly. Also provided is a collar for securement to the building roof, the collar optionally including a condensation collection gutter. The skylight may also include a top elbow, adjustable for angular orientation of the light tubes depending from it. A lower adaptor box is also provided, for adapting from the cross-sectional geometry of the displacement absorber to desired cross-sectional geometries of interior ceiling diffusers.

Abstract: A sash frame is provided having a first mounting surface for a first glazing pane and a second mounting surface for mounting a second glazing pane substantially parallel to the first glazing pane. The first and second mounting surfaces are spaced apart to provide an insulating space between the glazing panes. An evacuation opening is provided in communication with the insulating space. The first glazing pane is adhesively mounted to the first mounting surface and the second glazing pane is adhesively mounted to the second mounting surface. Air is allowed to exhaust through the evacuation opening as the insulating space is formed between the glazing panes. A vacuum is drawn from the evacuation opening to draw the first and second glazing panes closer together after the panes have been mounted on their respective mounting surfaces. Mounting of the glazing panes may also be facilitated using a roll press.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats or boards arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat.

Abstract: An alarm plug for use in a vinyl window which allows for the installation of security instrumentation, which prevents any collected water in the main frame of the window from entering the structure below the main frame.

Abstract: A frame construction of a sliding door or a sliding window has a main frame, a displaceable running carriage (4) for holding a displaceable door wing (T) or window sash, holding profiles (5) for holding the door wings (F, T) or window sashes, outer sealing elements (8) which bear in a sliding manner between the holding profiles (5) and an outer region of the main frame, and inner sealing elements (8?) which bear in a sliding manner between the holding profiles (5) and an inner region of the main frame. There is furthermore an insulating body (7) which divides the main frame into an outer and an inner frame part (1, 2) and completely separates these parts from each other. The inner sealing element (8?) bears against the insulating body (7) or against a central frame part (3) of the main frame, the central frame part (3) being completely separated from the first and second frame parts (1, 2).

Abstract: A sash for windows and doors equipped with an anti-dewing hot wire is provided. A double-layered glass, which is included an indoor sheet of glass and an outdoor sheet of glass spaced from each other by a spacer and filled with a desiccant material is fixedly installed on a sash frame.

Abstract: Forming a fenestration unit which may have seismic safe properties and/or fire resistance rated properties for use in buildings and other structures includes edge attaching a panel of any applicable material, in a continuous fashion, to a supporting mullion. The supporting mullion is attached to the panel by means of a bridging element that withstands tension stresses. Single or multiple insert parts may be attached to the bridging element and may be integrally embedded between multiple sheets composing the panel, or attached respectively in single or multiple grooves at the edge of the panel. The panel may be composed of multiple laminated sheets. A laminating interlayer between the sheets will hold the sheets together as one sheet. The interlayer can be a liquid that may cure to a rigid material. Alternatively, the interlayer may be provided between the multiple sheets and the assembly may be heated and pressed multiple times.