Abstract: The present invention imparts a natural mulch image and color to the surface of plastic mulches and geotextiles. Such images as natural shredded bark are imprinted and/or embossed on colored plastic mulch and geotextile surfaces. Plastic mulches are generally covered with natural mulch materials that often shift, exposing the plastic surfaces. This invention eliminates the unsightliness resulting from this phenomenon. Use of plastic mulches and geotextiles with natural mulch colors and images reduces the amount of natural mulch required to cover the plastic mulch or geotextile underlayment, resulting in reduced cost and reduced weed reinfestation.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand is structured with a large capacity reservoir for holding comparatively larger amounts of water for hydrating a tree, and is also structured with selectively adjustable legs to adjust the height of the stand relative to a supporting surface, such as a floor. The tree stand is also provided with wheels for allowing movement of the stand and tree into position after the tree has been decorated. The Christmas tree stand may also be configured with adjustable arms for engaging the trunk of the tree, a drainage apparatus for removing water from the reservoir and a viewable window for easily determining the level of water in the reservoir. Also disclosed is a particularly configured water bucket for filling and draining the reservoir of the stand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: Sheets of material having a first printed pattern or color visible on an upper surface thereof and a second printed pattern or color visible on a lower surface thereof are disclosed, as well as methods for producing same. Such sheets of material may be employed to provide a sleeve for wrapping or covering a floral grouping or a flower pot. The sheets of material of the present invention may be constructed of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material.

Abstract: Sheets of material having a first printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through an upper surface thereof and a second printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through a lower surface thereof are disclosed, as well as methods for producing same. Such sheets of material may be employed to provide a decorative cover for a floral grouping or a decorative cover for a flower pot; or to form a preformed flower pot cover for covering a flower pot; or to provide a sleeve for wrapping or covering a floral grouping or a flower pot; or to provide a ribbon material. The sheets of material of the present invention may be constructed of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing plants with controlled rates of nutrient and water input. The apparatus and method includes the use of a reservoir container and means to contain a growing medium. The apparatus is closed by a top wall having openings through which plants can grow with their roots enclosed in inverted cup-shaped barrier structures imbedded in a growing medium. At the time of the first planting there are multiple inverted cup-shaped barrier structures imbedded in the growing medium, but not all them are provided with seedlings during the first planting. Water and air is provided in a reservoir below the growing medium which has means for assisting the transfer of water from the reservoir into the growing medium. Pre-selected plant nutrients (e.g., N, K) are appropriately placed on the growing medium at the time of the initial planting and are used over the course of time for plant growth during successive plantings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen-rich reformate that incorporate a carbon dioxide fixing mechanism into the initial hydrocarbon conversion process and for providing a continuous supply of hydrogen-rich reformate. The apparatus includes a reforming reactor that has a catalyst bed comprising a reforming catalyst, a carbon dioxide fixing material and an optional water gas shift catalyst; a hydrogen storage device for storing reformate; and a controller for controlling the delivery of reformate from the reactor and/or storage device to an outlet. Optionally, the apparatus can include a heating device for heating the catalyst bed and a polishing unit for removing impurities from the reformate. The reforming reactor is operable in reforming and non-reforming modes. During non-reforming modes, the hydrogen storage device provides reformate to the outlet so as to maintain a continuous supply of reformate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen-rich reformate that incorporate a carbon dioxide fixing mechanism into the initial hydrocarbon conversion process. The mechanism utilizes a carbon dioxide fixing material within the reforming catalyst bed to remove carbon dioxide from the reformate product. The bed optionally contains a water gas shift catalyst. The removal of carbon dioxide from the product stream shifts the reforming reaction and shift reaction equilibria toward production of higher concentrations of hydrogen with only small amounts of carbon oxides produced. The carbon oxide-depleted reformate is directed to a purification bed comprising a hydrogen fixing material that removes hydrogen from the reformate stream to provide fixed hydrogen and a hydrogen-depleted reformate that flows out of the purification bed. The purification bed is heated to release fixed hydrogen from the hydrogen fixing material to provide a highly pure hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen-rich reformate that incorporate a carbon dioxide fixing mechanism into the initial hydrocarbon conversion process. The mechanism utilizes a carbon dioxide fixing material within the reforming catalyst bed to remove carbon dioxide from the reformate product. The removal of carbon dioxide from the product stream shifts the reforming reaction equilibrium toward higher hydrocarbon conversion with only small amounts of carbon oxides produced. Fixed carbon dioxide may be released by heating the catalyst bed to a calcination temperature. Heat for releasing fixed carbon dioxide from the catalyst bed is generated internally within the reactor through oxidation. A non-uniform distribution of catalysts and carbon dioxide fixing material across catalyst bed can be utilized to achieve higher conversion rates of hydrocarbon to hydrogen-rich reformate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to reform hydrocarbon fuels, including sulfur-laden liquid fuels, to produce a reformate stream containing hydrogen. The system comprises a reforming reactor using a hydrocarbon stream and a water stream as reactants. The water stream is mixed with a hydrogen-rich stream prior to mixing with the hydrocarbon stream and fed to the reforming reactor, which contains a precious metal based catalyst. In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the catalyst is lower at the inlet to prevent formation of coke by pre-reforming heavy hydrocarbons to methane, and higher at the outlet for efficient production of hydrogen. In another embodiment, air is introduced periodically into the system to burn off any metal sulfides and coke deposits that could form. In another embodiment, pure hydrogen is separated from the reformate stream using a hydrogen selective, sulfur-tolerant membrane or by pressure swing adsorption.

Abstract: This improved carrier allows for drop in type sash installation without having extended features which would preclude the use of wider sash and without having to position the two counterbalances at different vertical positions in order to insert a window sash's pivot bars into the carriers' cam slots. It is also adapted to receive multiple lock elements, wherein the lock elements can be sized to configure the carrier for use in different sized jamb pockets, eliminating the need for manufacturing tooling to produce the carrier component in a variety of sizes. In addition, it has features to retain the cam in its assembled position, independent of the lock, allowing the carrier and cam to be applied to a counterbalance prior to assigning the counterbalance to a particular jamb pocket size. When the particular application for the counterbalance is determined, the appropriate lock element can be readily applied, to properly size the counterbalance system to the application.

Abstract: A drive device for a wire-type window regulator is disclosed wherein a drum is accommodated in a cover and, under such a status, rotating and operating a rotation operator, exposed to an operation bore portion, enables work to be done for winding a wire. With the rotation operator kept in engagement with operation bore portion, the drum is avoided from rotating in a rewinding direction, making it easy to perform work for an output shaft of a motor to be brought into engagement with a drive bore portion of the drum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sliding assembly for a sliding closure. The present invention is constructed of two metal profiles mounted on each side wall of sliding closure and guiding bars for sliding on said rail. The profiles design includes a rail which length, is adjusted to the sliding closure height. The lower sliding bar is attached to a roller, which slides along the lower track of the closure. The second sliding bar is attached to the guiding bar for sliding along the upper track of the closure. An elastic stretching means connects between the lower sliding bar and the profile.

Abstract: A glass run adapted to be mounted in an inner periphery of a door frame of a door in an automobile so as to guide a door window glass when the door window glass moves up and down and having a linear portion formed by extrusion and a corner portion molded by molding so as to be mounted in a corner part of the door frame, wherein a fixing lip is provided on the corner portion of the glass run, so that the fixing lip is fixed to the corner part of the door frame through a mounting member, the fixing lip being formed with a hard material and one end of the fixing lip being embedded and secured in the corner portion of the glass run during the molding.

Abstract: A structure of a door sash of a vehicle, having a portion for holding a door glass. A glass seal is provided at an end portion of the door glass; outer faces of the door sash, the door glass, and the glass seal are substantially flush; a fitting convex portion, provided in the door sash more inwardly in comparison with the outer face of the door sash, is fit to a fitting concave portion provided in the glass seal more inwardly in comparison with the outer face of the glass seal. Typically, the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion are formed more inwardly in comparison with a contact portion between the door glass and the glass seal. Preferably, the door sash has an internally molded sectional form.

Abstract: A method of controlling an adjusting drive having a squeeze-in protection for electrically actuated window panes in motor vehicles, having an operating element for controlling the adjusting drive and a squeeze-in protection. The range of motion when lifting the window pane is divided into a first range (B1) and a second range (B2). In the first range (B1), the window pane is manually controlled during its lifting motion, so that the operating element must be operated for the lifting motion. When the operating element is released, the window pane (11) the lifting motion is stopped. In the second range (B2), the lifting motion of the window pane (11) is automatically implemented after a brief operation of the operating element.

Abstract: A process for controlling an electrically driven window pane for a motor vehicle which has an operating element for triggering the pane motion. After the operation of the operating element, the window pane is moved by a driving motor until a soft-stop position is reached, the motion of the driving motor being detected for determining the window pane position. A multiple operation of the operating element within a definable time period causes an overshooting of the soft-stop position to the mechanical stop, in which the position of the pane is newly defined.

Abstract: A fixed abrasive grinding/polishing tool containing cerium oxide particles each being in the plate shape and having an average particle size in an in-plane direction of the plate-form particles of 10 nm to 200 nm, which are bonded together with a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A fireplace surround having the appearance of dry-stacked natural stone is composed of three single pieces, each of which appears to be composed of a plurality of pieces of stone. Additional pieces may optionally be added to increase the size of the surround. A method of creating masters for the pieces, as well as a method of forming the pieces of the surround, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: A flat-formed arch ring unit includes a linear array of voussoir portions connected along their upper edges. The unit is then archable. A method is provided for forming an archway including the steps of arching one or more the flat formed arch ring units and locating them between two or more foundation blocks or the like. This provides a simple yet effective process and unit for forming an archway. With ease of production, shaping and transportation, making new archways or carrying out repairs of existing bridge archways is significantly faster and cheaper, minimizing disruption and delay to traffic.

Abstract: A roofing system has at least one roof panel, located above the base surface, having at least one longitudinally extending projection; a gap defined between the base surface and the projection; and a venting material located within the gap that both vents the gap and prevents ingress of moisture into the gap.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element (1) for connecting constructional components (2, 3) or the like mechanically, consisting of two coupling halves (4, 5) arranged to be brought into engagement, each of which is arranged to be fastened by means of screws (6) or the like to the constructional components (2, 3) to be connected. In order to make a connection element (1) of such a kind highly stable and simple to install, the invention proposes that each of the coupling halves (4, 5) comprise a tubular part (7, 8), which tubular parts have different cross-sections and can be inserted one into the other, and that the tubular parts (7, 8) be arranged at an angle with respect to the contact faces (16) of the constructional components (2, 3).

Abstract: A sheet material handling device for assisting a drywall installer in installing sheet material, such as drywall or gypsum board, in an overhead location such as a ceiling of a structure. The device includes base and a pivoting sheet support that is adjustable in several planes to help locate the device relative to the job site and the ceiling in the job site. The drywaller assembles the device, places a sheet of drywall on the device, raises the sheet of drywall into position using the device, secures the pivoting sheet support and then fastens the drywall to the ceiling joists.

Abstract: A dock pit for a dock leveler mechanism comprises a pre-cast concrete body including integrally formed side, rear panel and front panels, all forming a continuous perimeter open therethrough to receive the load leveler mechanism. Each side panel has a top edge and the rear panel has a rear edge offset below the of the side panel top edges, whereby a concrete slab poured around the body will abut the rear panel edge with the surface of the concrete slab substantially flush with the top edge of each side panel. The side panels define a recess along their length that is situated between the top edge of the side panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, whereby the concrete slab poured around the pre-cast body will integrate within the recesses on each said side panel. The dock slab can be poured using the pre-cast pit as a form.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an innovative data mining technique to identify precursory signals associated with earthquakes. It involves a multistrategy approach that employs one-dimensional wavelet transformations to identify singularities in data, and analyzes the continuity of wavelet maxima in time and space to determine the singularities that could be precursory signals. Surface Latent Heat Flux (SLHF) data may be used. A single prominent SLHF anomaly may be found to be associated some days prior to a main earthquake event.

Abstract: A metal panelized wall system having a plurality of generally parallel vertical wall studs with an opening formed in each one. A top horizontal member is connected to a top end of each of the vertical wall studs and a bottom horizontal member is connected to a bottom end of each of the vertical wall studs. Extending from the bottom horizontal member to the top horizontal member is at least one diagonal member. The diagonal member extends through the openings formed in the vertical wall studs such that loads from the vertical wall studs are not transferred to the diagonal member.

Abstract: The present invention is a protector for fittings that extend through ceiling material into a void behind. The protector comprised a single or multipart shell adapted for location within the void around that rear part of the fitting which extends into the void. The shell has locating means that are adapted to co-operate with a mechanism by which the fitting is held in place, so as to hold the shell in place around the fitting. The protector prevents insulating material in the void coming into contact with the fitting. The shell may be adjustable in size and may be held down by spring arms on the fitting. The shell may also be adapted to hold the fittings associated components.

Abstract: An opening-limiting device for windows, comprising a telescopic arm and two connection elements articulated to the opposite ends of the telescopic arm. The telescopic arm comprises two identical telescopic elements, each of them having a guiding portion engaging slidingly longitudinal edges of the other telescopic element.

Abstract: A device for forming a displaceable wall structure, comprising one or more building elements each provided with a first and a second arrangement for suspension of the building element from a support unit and for substantially horizontal movement of the building element forward and backward along the support unit. The first and the second suspension arrangements, when cooperating with the support unit, are arranged spaced from each other along the extension of the building element parallel to said substantially horizontal movement direction, and the building element has a means for pivoting the building element about a substantially vertical pivot axis. The device further comprises a mechanism cooperating with the pivoting means for locking the pivoting means in a predetermined position against horizontal movement during pivoting of the building element about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An accent frame for decorating and covering up the area of a ceiling, wall, or floor, surrounding a recessed article of a type having a finishing ring or covering plate. The accent frame is a rigid sheet of thin material that includes an aperture of a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the structure cutout. It further includes a decorative outer edge. The frame is easily installed by centering the frame aperture over the cut out and sandwiching the frame between the finishing ring or covering plate and the structure. Attaching the ring or covering plate to the recessed article secures the frame. The shape and coloration of the accent frame may suggest ornamental objects or geometric shapes to achieve a decorative effect.

Abstract: A metal scuff plate includes a plate made from a light-alloy and having a back side, at least one pin positioned at a portion of the back side of the plate and welded thereto. The at least one pin possesses an engagement groove. The metal scuff plate further includes a synthetic-resin made clip having at least one first hook engaged with the engagement groove of the pin. The clip is engaged with at least one engagement hole defined at a body so as to fasten the light-alloy plate to the body.

Abstract: The invention teaches a liquid impervious apparatuses for wallboard construction, systems, and methods of using the same. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is a wall section for use in constructing the walls of clean rooms. The wall section consists of a precast reinforced concrete pillar having a vertical portion and a flange portion. The vertical portion has a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical face. The flange portion projects perpendicularly away from the vertical face immediately adjacent the bottom end. The flange also has a horizontal face. The pillar has a curved concave face where the horizontal face of the flange portion joins the vertical face of the vertical portion. The vertical section of the pillar is reinforced by reinforcing bars which extend through the bottom end and project horizontally below and beyond the flange.

Abstract: A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together.

Abstract: An insulation product is provided comprising a sheet of randomly oriented fibers bonded by a binder. The sheet has first and second major surfaces and a pair of side portions. A facing layer is bonded to at least one of the major surfaces. A region of the sheet proximate to the facing layer is more puncture resistant than a remainder of the sheet.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a studded plate (1), comprising a first longitudinal edge (60) and a second longitudinal edge (61) between which edges is a arranged a main area (90) in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1) comprising a first type of studs (12), characterized in that the main area (90) comprises at least one sub area (100), in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1), comprising at least one first row of a second type of studs (14, 114, 214) which have an oblong shape in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1) and at least one adjacent longitudinal row of a similar stud (14) and/or a third type of studs (13, 113, 213) comprising a longitudinal adjacent border to the first row of studs (12), wherein studs (14) in the first row are offset in the longitudinal direction in relation to the studs in the adjacent row(s).

Abstract: A starter strip has a fastener flange, a siding support element connected to the flange, a spacer element connected to the siding support element; and a flashing element connected to the spacer element.

Abstract: A resin molding includes an elongate body and a bent end that is continuous with the elongate body and is formed by a pressing operation. A back side of an intersecting portion of the elongate body and the bent end has reinforcing ribs formed by resin melted during the pressing operation. The resin molding is formed by extruding a melted resin, cutting the extruded resin into a predetermined length to form an intermediate product, heating and pressing an end of the intermediate product to bend the end, and introducing a melted resin onto the intermediate product during the pressing to form at least one reinforcing rib thereon to support the bent end.

Abstract: A steel member (10,40,70,100) for use in supporting structures and having reduced heat transfer characteristics as compared with solid web studs, and having a web (12,42,72,102) defining side edges and an axis, a flange (14,44,74,104) on at least one side edge, openings (18,46,76,112) through said web (12,42,72,102) at spaced intervals therealong, of predetermined size and profile, at least a side portion of said web (12,42,72,102) removed from said opening (18,46,76,112) remaining attached integrally to said web (12,42,72,102), by bend lines being formed along axes parallel to said web axis. Also disclosed is a composite member (130) made up of two such members (132) joined together. Also disclosed is a method of making such a member (10,40,70,100,130,132).

Abstract: The invention comprises a wall sheathing barrier system having moisture permeability and simple improved installation method. The system comprises adjoined structural panels. Each panel has an overlay paper bonded permanently to the structural panel, which provides a moisture permeable barrier and a textured skid-resistant surface. The skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. Further, the seams of adjoining panels are sealed with a sealing means to complete the moisture barrier.

Abstract: A system for suspending an HVAC unit from one or more wood truss members through the use of one or more top lock plates connected to a top support member, one or more channels connected to the top of the HVAC unit, one or more bottom lock plates slidably connected to the one or more channels, and one or more suspension chains connected between the top lock plates and the bottom lock plates to adjustably suspend the HVAC unit at the desired height and pitch. The suspension system provides a system for suspending HVAC equipment in residential and light commercial applications that is safer, quicker, cheaper, more reliable and more accurate than systems currently in use.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods of use for a wire channel device that is positioned between an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel along the side of a building and that routes, supports, and/or secures one or more wires. According to embodiments of this invention, the wire channel device includes an upwardly extending arm, a transverse leg, and a wire channel having a downwardly extending leg, a channel portion, and a rear upwardly extending leg.

Abstract: A decorative liner configured to secure to an underlying structure to beautify the underlying structure. A mold is coated with a urethane release formula. Design colors are sprayed onto a pattern of the mold to reflect a natural rock appearance. Polyurethane is sprayed over the colors and onto the mold according to well known molding techniques. The liner is removed and touched up for imperfections and coated with an ultraviolet coating to protect against fading. The underlying structure is measured and the liner is cut to match the underlying structure dimensions. Screws fasten the liner to the underlying structure. The screw heads are painted to match the appearance of the liner. Where first and second liners meet, particularly at a corner, the first liner is trimmed to match the outline of the second liner. The liners are glued together where the first and second liners meet. The first liner is painted to match rock protrusions where the first and second liners meet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for making one or more structural stud trusses without the need for using a jig when the truss is assembled. In one embodiment, data identifying a plurality of structural stud members for making the truss is generated. The data includes data for each stud including physical stud parameters and one or more locations for an alignment guide where another member is to connect with it. A roll forming machine is controlled with the generated data to produce the plurality of stud members whereby the roll forming machine applies one or more alignment guides onto each member based on locations identified in the generated data. Finally, after all or some of the stud members are formed, the members are assembled to form the truss using the alignment guides to align connecting members with each other in order to fasten them together.

Abstract: An anchoring element for linking structures, such as for example stringers of stanchions, for the construction of load bearing substructures for supporting facework of building facades with or without ventilation, is made up of a leaf spring elastic tie plate, with vertical expansion, connected to a transverse base that is folded, at opposite and lateral ends of which hooking slots are provided in order to form hooking and connection points. The anchoring element can be configured in different ways, according to the types of stringers and stanchions to be combined and connected.

Abstract: A lightweight, plastic coated component is in the shape of a three-dimensional shaped part with a metal layer provided with access apertures through which the plastic may flow. The component includes stiffening ribs created by the plastic that are positioned within hollow areas of the three-dimensional shaped part, and whose plastic extends through the apertures of the metal insert. The component is formed as a metal insert spray-covered with plastic for the purposes of optimizing the plastic spray process and to achieve an inner bond between the metal insert and the stiffening ribs. The metal insert includes a large number of evenly-distributed holes, and these holes form a flow resistance and also a flow enabler for the molten mass of plastic during spraying. There are projections present at each of the holes that are covered by the plastic coating.