Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.

Abstract: A novelty item and method of making same, include a non-germinated dicot seed with a word, symbol, or the like, etched through the seed coating to the cotyledon which remains visible from the time the seedling sprouts through the surface of the soil throughout the germination period.

Abstract: A novelty item and method of making same, include a non-germinated dicot seed with a word, symbol, or the like, etched through the seed coating to the cotyledon which remains visible from the time the seedling sprouts through the surface of the soil throughout the germination period.

Abstract: A hydroponic system with modules having a hollow interior, a bottom wall with drain holes, and an open top end. A module conduit in each module carried by the bottom wall for channeling fluid through the hollow interior. The bottom wall of each the module adapted to engage a top end of an adjacent module for stacking the modules in an end-to-end arrangement to form a planting column. A conduit receiving slot formed in the bottom wall of each module to engage a top portion of a conduit from an adjacent lower module when the modules are stacked end-to-end to provide a continuous fluid passageway through the planting column. A platform vertically carrying the planting column atop a fluid reservoir. A supply line connecting the reservoir to the fluid passageway. A fluid distributor atop the column in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for distributing fluid into the planting column.

Abstract: A self-watering breeding device has a culturing slide, a capillary sheet, and an optional immersion sheet. The culturing slide has a gradual slope, a steep slope and a guiding arc connected between the gradual slope and the steep slope. The gradual slope has multiple through holes to allow roots of seeds extending through the through holes. The capillary sheet attaches on the steep slope and extends over the guiding arc. The immersion sheet attaches on the gradual slope and partially overlaps with the capillary sheet. When the culturing slide stands on a basin full of water, the capillary sheet absorbs water and guides water over the guiding arc to reach the gradual slope. Then, water travels over the entirely immersion sheet to supply seeds on the gradual slope by gravity attraction. Additionally, exceeded water slides along the gradual slope to the basin to recycle.

Abstract: A container assembly including a pot and a hanger for suspending the pot. The pot has a sidewall, a bottom wall, and an open top defined by an upper rim of the sidewall. At least three spaced-apart openings are formed in the rim of the pot. The hanger includes a suspension device for attachment to the support. At least three elongate strands are carried by respective first ends thereof on the suspension device. At least three fasteners are carried on a respective end of the three strands. Each of the fasteners include an enlarged head for being received by means of an interference fit in respective ones of the openings, whereby the hanger suspends the pot from the support.

Abstract: A vase holder for balconies, of the type constituted by a structure for containing a vase with protruding rims, which is supported by two brackets for fixing to a parapet, wall or the like, and is rigidly coupled to the brackets by way of a device for adjusting the distance of the container from the wall. The container is constituted by a frame provided with at least two mutually opposite supporting bars for corresponding rims of the vase.

Abstract: A container having a plant pot and an interlocking base adapted to interlock with the corresponding plant pot. A sidewall, a bottom wall, and an open top define the pot. The bottom wall includes at least one opening defined by the bottom wall of the pot. The base is attached to the bottom wall of the pot. A complementary stud is positioned on the base, and includes at least one locking projection for engaging the opening. The combined horizontal dimension of the stud and projection is greater than a corresponding horizontal dimension of the opening for providing an interference fit, whereby the stud is positioned in the opening and locked in place by forcing the projection past the bottom wall defining the opening.

Abstract: A method of isolating plant potting material from humans and animals, comprising: Having a pot with a bottom and a wall extending vertically upwards from the bottom, and an open top. The pot is containing soil and a plant which extends vertically upwards from the soil. A porous elastic sleeve having an opening on at least one end of the sleeve is stretchied over the wall of the pot. The sleeve is extending along the wall until a partial length of the sleeve, including said opening, extends above an upper edge of the pot. The above-the-upper-edge-extending sleeve is released over the top of the pot, so that a perimeter of opening recovers towards an unstretched perimeter of said opening, to thereby at least partially cover said open top of the pot and restricts access to the potting material.

Abstract: A method of providing a decorative cover for a flower pot or potted plant from a sleeve having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot, in particular a central upper support element.

Abstract: An automatically watered flowerpot comprises a vessel of the flowerpot with an upward opening, and a stop board or an interior basin set in the vessel to form a first receiving room and a second receiving room; potted plants are put in-the first receiving room and water is stored in the second receiving room. At least one water intake pipe and one water spraying pipe are set inside the vessel; the water intake pipe stretches from the first receiving room to the second receiving room, and water can be filled into the second receiving room. A water drawing machine is connected to the water spraying pipe in the second receiving room and controlled by the controller to draw water for a fixed amount at a fixed time. Water is sprayed to the first receiving room by the water spraying pipe to prevent the plants from drying up.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat exchangers coated with a catalyst, as well as related methods and fuel reformers.

Abstract: An apparatus removes carbon monoxide (CO) from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. A vessel houses a carbon monoxide adsorbent. The vessel may be a rotating pressure swing adsorber. A water gas shift reactor is upstream of the rotating pressure swing adsorber. The water gas shift reactor may include a second adsorbent adapted to adsorb carbon monoxide at low temperatures and to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The apparatus advantageously eliminates the use of a preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO adsorption in the place of the PROX reactor. This cleans up carbon monoxide without hydrogen consumption and the concomitant, undesirable excess low grade heat generation. The present invention reduces start-up duration, and improves overall fuel processor efficiency during normal operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of gasifying a biomass, comprising heating a fluidized bed reactor loaded with a catalyst represented by Rh/CeO2/M, where M represents SiO2, Al2O3 or ZrO2, to temperatures lower than 800° C. introducing biomass particles into the fluidized bed reactor from an upper portion thereof, introducing air and steam into the fluidized bed reactor from a lower portion thereof, and allowing the biomass particles to react at the surface of the Rh/CeO2/M catalyst so as to manufacture hydrogen and a syngas.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for use with a motor vehicle such for example as the rear window of the cab of a pickup type truck. A guide structure mounts a sliding pane for longitudinal sliding movement generally parallel to the plane of the pane between an open position and a closed position, and a lateral thrust mechanism is provided which is operative in response to arrival of the pane in its closed position to thereafter move the pane laterally relative to the plane of the pane into a position wherein the exposed face of the pane is flush with a surrounding vehicle surface such for example as the surface defined by fixed panes in the rear window of a pickup truck.

Abstract: It comprises a section member with a fastening area engaging the section member to the vehicle door through a hole through which a screw is passed. The rail may be rotated relative to the vehicle door by means of a protrusion formed around the hole where the screw is projecting therefrom, the free end of which is fitted into a hole formed in the vehicle door and screwed up into a nut through a washer having a surface complementary to the shape of the protrusion. This protrusion may be either a deep drawing formed on the rail, an additional piece or an elastic washer provided in the surface of the rail.

Abstract: A power slide device includes a first cable connected to a wire drum and moving in a first direction when wound up by the wire drum, a second cable connected to the wire drum and moving in a second direction when wound up by the wire drum, a first tension roller having a first abutting surface abutting against the first cable, and a second tension roller having a second abutting surface abutting against the second cable. The first abutting surface is taken as an inclined surface becoming gradually shorter in diameter toward the first direction, and the second abutting surface is taken as an inclined surface becoming gradually shorter in diameter toward the second direction.

Abstract: A handle for a window operator. The handle (10) is formed by a lever handle rotatably coupled to a mounting (12) which is pivotally mountable by pivot axles (22). A spigot mount (15) of the handle (10) is hingedly connected to a drive shaft (18) which is engageable with the drive mechanism of the operator. Clearances (16) and (23) of the spigot mount (15) and mounting (12) respectively can be aligned at a certain angular position of the lever handle (11) relative to the mounting (12) to enable the handle (11) and mounting (12) to be pivotally moved about the axis of axles (22). A latch operating member (29) can be coupled to the mounting (12) so that as the mounting (12) is pivotally moved about the axis of axles (22) the latch operating member can be moved to operate a window latch.

Abstract: An adjustable draft excluder includes at least a first draft blocking body for sealing a gap between architectural members such as a bottom of a door, window, or the like, and an adjacent surface. The draft blocking body includes an elongated sleeve having first and second ends, a lengthwise adjustable support assembly disposed within the sleeve and extending between the first and second ends of the sleeve, and an insulating material contained within the sleeve, whereby the draft blocking body is lengthwise adjustable. Alternatively, the sleeve comprises two halves slidably engaged such that the sleeve length is adjustable. A retaining member may be attached to the draft blocking body to attach the draft blocking body to the architectural member, such that the adjustable draft excluder moves with the architectural member. The retaining member may be a second draft blocking body similar to the first draft blocking body.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment adjustable door includes a bracket having a front and sides defining a cavity, and one of the sides includes a retaining member. A tapping plate fits within the cavity and is operatively connected to the adjustable door with the bracket. The tapping plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture in communication with and extending perpendicular to one another. The first aperture is proximate an end of the tapping plate and corresponds with the retaining member. The adjusting member fits within the second aperture of the tapping plate. The fastener is engaged by the retaining member of the bracket. The fastener extends through the first aperture into the second aperture and mates with the adjusting member. The adjusting member moves along the shaft of the fastener as the fastener is rotated, which moves the tapping relative to the fastener and the bracket.

Abstract: The polishing composition is suitable for chemical mechanical polishing magnetic, optical, semiconductor or silicon substrates. The polishing composition includes abrasive particles in a liquid media. The abrasive particles have a particle core, the particle core having a hardness and a polymeric shell physisorbed to and encapsulating the particle core. The polymeric shell has a solid structure and a hardness lower than the hardness of the particle core. The abrasive particles have an average particle size of less than or equal to about 2 micrometers dispersed in the liquid media.

Abstract: A method of preparing polishing particles by baking unmilled cerium compound in an environment having a temperature in a range between about 400-700° C., and without dropping the temperature in the environment, applying thermal stress to the resultant cerium oxide in-situ by heating the environment to a temperature in a range between about 700-800° C. to obtain cerium oxide particles.

Abstract: An abrasive and a dispersion medium are introduced into a dispersing machine to uniformly disperse the abrasive. The liquid to be processed after dispersion is centrifugally classified by a centrifugal classifier to remove heavy particles which will cause scratches. Chemicals are added to the liquid to be processed after classification to make adjustments on a variety of properties such as the concentration, pH, and the like. The polishing slurry after adjustment for a desired composition is filtered by a filter to remove debris therefrom. The filter may have a mesh size large enough to allow particles of the abrasive to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polishing slurry, particularly, a slurry for chemical mechanical polishing, which is used in a chemical mechanical polishing process for flattening a semiconductor laminate. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of producing a slurry which has high removal selectivity to a nitride layer used as a barrier film in a shallow trench isolation CMP process needed to fabricate ultra highly integrated semiconductors of 256 mega D-RAM or more (Design rule of 0.13 ?m or less) and which decreases the occurrence of scratches on a flattened surface, and a method of polishing a substrate using the same.

Abstract: Provided are methods for manufacturing improved cerium oxide abrasives suitable for forming slurry compositions suitable for CMP processes. The cerium oxide abrasives are produced by the heat treatment of a mixture of a cerium precursor compound and an impurity metal compound under conditions that produce primary cerium oxide particles that are incorporated in larger secondary abrasive particles. The presence of the impurity metal and/or the incompletely oxidized cerium within the secondary abrasive particle tend to reduce its mechanical strength, thereby reducing the likelihood of damaging a substrate surface during a CMP process utilizing such abrasives.

Abstract: This invention permits use of a conventional rain gutter system and downspout, and other gutter profiles as described to be converted into a dumpable rain gutter system which can be easily cleaned. This low profile gutter tilting system, which has few moving parts, low noise level, and no unsightly housing or exposed parts, comprises a plurality of gutter supports. This system uses air or liquid as a means to activate a rotating mechanism concealed inside the supports to pivot the gutter about a common point, as to empty any debris not normally washed out of a downspout or gutter system. The system includes, in general an OG type gutter, and a gutter support, which mounts to a building facia or trim board. The gutter supports include a hinge where a first free end is connected to the back bottom edge of a gutter, and a second free end of the hinge is connected to a stationary housing that mounts to the facia board and supports a gutter. The front bottom edge is pivotally connected to the stationary housing.

Abstract: A gutter system designed to reduce debris clutter and improve flow through the reduction of internal obstructions is disclosed. As described the gutter system is supported by an external support structure with minimal intrusion upon the internal space of the gutter. Furthermore, the transition from the horizontal sections of the gutter system to the vertical sections is smooth and continuous reducing resistance to flow and eliminating the orifice effect common in the prior art. The gutter system as taught may be implemented in a continuous, seamless method of manufacturing or may be manufactured and assembled in parts with the use of a topless elbow design.

Abstract: A gutter heating system for preventing the formation of ice or melting ice in and adjacent a gutter system includes a recirculation fluid transportation circuit a portion of which is disposed adjacent a portion of the gutter system, a heat source for heating an antifreeze fluid and a pump in fluid communication with the circuit for moving the heated fluid there through. Typically, segments of the recirculation circuit are disposed within or adjacent at least a gutter and a downspout and may include segments which are mounted on facia boards on which the gutter is mounted and facia boards which extend along drip edges not having a gutter. The circuit may include single-tube segments and heat ribbons having a plurality of tubes. The system is configured to automatically activate and deactivate based on outdoor temperature.

Abstract: An underground seamless storm shelter for use during severe weather. The storm shelter is comprised of a single piece base formed by a rotational molding process and an impervious, steel plate cover that is secured to the base by a method forming a watertight seal. The cover comprises a steel door that serves as the means of entrance into the shelter. In addition, a ladder is attached to the cover to facilitate entry and exit. The storm shelter has a ventilation system that provides fresh air to the inhabitants. The storm shelter is secured to the ground by a plurality of anchors that are attached to the cover.

Abstract: The device for holding a partition wall on a wall in the interior of a vehicle, particularly on a ceiling paneling of an airplane cabin, comprises a holding element (24; 24?; 24?) to be attached to the vehicle and having at least one recess (34; 34?), and a slider (36; 36?) arranged on the holding element (24; 24?; 24?) and formed with a receiving opening (38; 38?) for receiving an receivable element (26; 26?) of the partition wall (18; 18?). The slider (36; 36?) is supported on the holding element (24; 24?; 24?) for movement on a moving path between a cover position in which the slider (36; 36?) closes the recess (34; 34?) of the holding element (24; 24?; 24?), and an open position in which the receiving opening (38; 38?) is arranged within the recess (34; 34?) of the holding element (24; 24?; 24?).

Abstract: An openable roof for reversibly covering an opening. The roof includes a roof portion defining a first roof portion end and a second roof end substantially opposed to the first roof portion end. The roof portion is positionable between a closed position, wherein the opening is substantially covered by the roof portion, and an open position wherein the opening is substantially uncovered by the roof portion. The openable roof further includes a first roof support connected to the roof portion and located in proximity to the first roof portion end, and a second roof support connected to the roof portion and located in proximity to the second roof portion end. The openable roof further includes a support member defining a support surface for supporting the first and second roof supports when the roof portion is moved between the open and the closed positions, the support surface being substantially concave.

Abstract: The wall system includes a ceiling runner, a floor runner and studs that are mounted between the ceiling runner and the floor runner. The ceiling runner is specially designed to allow for movement of the ceiling relative to the floor without damaging the wall. The ceiling runner design accommodates this movement with loose slots for the studs that allow for vertical movement and mounting slots that allow for vertical support but also allows for horizontal movement.

Abstract: Rain water is deflected from the foundation wall of a building structure by a flashing of non-ferrous metal that is fastened to the foundation below the grade level of the soil. Soil is trenched and exposed about the foundation, and the flashing is installed in the trench around the perimeter of the foundation wall. After installation, the trench is backfilled with soil thereby covering the flashing and restoring grade. During heavy rains or floods, water seeping into the soil is deflected away from the foundation by the flashing. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom of the foundation and seeping up into the structure through the joint where the foundation meets the basement floor.

Abstract: A panel assembly is provided for providing a seal between a vehicle, such as a delivery truck, and a fixed structure, such as a loading dock of an office building or warehouse. The panel assembly includes one or more panels that include a foam core and a layer positioned adjacent to the foam core. The layer may include laminated polymer sheets or any of a variety of rigid materials, such as steel, fiberglass, wood and aluminum.

Abstract: A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door panel preferably for a sliding door assembly. The door panel includes an inner frame and a sheet stock substantially covering the inner frame.

Abstract: A molding system and method for installation that covers existing molding. The molding system covers existing trim for doorways and floors with a more decorative molding. The invention includes a molding overlay. An upper corner block covers the intersections of the existing doorway molding, and a lower corner block covers a section of the existing doorway molding with the existing baseboard, eliminating the need to cut mitered angles in the overlay molding. Recesses in the backside of the corner blocks allow the corner blocks to receive the old molding. The molding overlay abuts the corner blocks, thereby avoiding the requirements for making any cuts other than perpendicular cuts.

Abstract: A permanently functional gap seal on structures, in particular building structures, ensures a reliable seal against penetrating moisture. A cover layer has a profile which can be adapted to an installation situation over a joint or on an inner or outer corner. The device has a central part and side wings on both sides of the central part. The side wings have contact surfaces with which they are adhesively attached to the building structures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and boards for insulating building foundations are provided. The boards can be fiberglass, and the boards may have a pre-applied scrim. At least one coating can be provided on at least one face of the insulation boards. The boards can be applied to a portion of the building foundation above the grade line.

Abstract: The repair of foundations formed by pouring concrete about a timber post is greatly simplified by the present invention. A post bracket is provided having a first portion that can be inserted into and mechanically restrained in the recess of an existing foundation, for example a foundation wherein a rotted old post has been removed. The post bracket also has second portion to which a new post can be attached. The post bracket is used by clearing out the old post, inserting the first portion and securing the bracket, and then attaching the post. The inventive bracket and method greatly reduce the time and expense construction compared with the prior art method of replacing foundations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved composite action walls having an insulation wythe sandwiched between structural wythes. The structural wythes provide the load-bearing function and prevent the collapse of the wall under high wind loads. The structural wythes demonstrate composite action existing between the structural wythes such that an improved, stronger and less expensive wall may be constructed. The present invention is also directed to an insulation wythe, which is useful in the composite action wall of the present invention, having grooves formed therein such that the material of the structural wythes flow into the groove to form a mechanical bond between the structural wythes and the insulation wythe. The walls of the present invention are simple to manufacture and provide a verifiable and consistent composite action between about 50% to about 100% composite action.

Abstract: A wood panel is provided comprising: a composite wood component having upper and lower surface layers and a core layer; and a veneer component, having a thickness of about 1/64? to about ¼?, attached to the upper surface layer of the wood composite.

Abstract: Floor covering, of the type made of hard floor panels (2-3), which are manufactured of a plate material and which, at least at a number of sides (4-5-6-7; 8-9-10-11), are provided with coupling parts (12-13-14-15; 16-17-18-19). The floor panels (2; 3) are configured such that, in joined condition, they represent a herringbone pattern, whereby the sides (4-5-6-7; 8-9-10-11) of the floor panels (2; 3) coincide with transition edges of the herringbone pattern.

Abstract: An assembly type Do-It-Yourself (DIY) floor tile having a plastic base made of plastic material by injection molding process, a plurality of positioning pieces being formed on a top surface of the plastic base, the bottom surface of the plastic base being hollow and having a plurality of supporting feet and lateral grooves, the plastic base having engaging grooves on two adjacent sides thereof with opening directed upwards, the plastic base further having an engaging tongue on each of the other two adjacent sides thereof for fitting into the engaging grooves; and tile body having a plurality of positioning grooves corresponding to the positioning pieces of the plastic base, the tile body being attached firmly with adhesive to the top surface of the plastic base.

Abstract: An easy-to-install flooring underlayment 10 with improved tear resistance and tensile properties is disclosed. The flooring underlayment 10 has a first layer 12 and a second layer 14 with a plurality of cell-like openings 20. A plurality of the cell-like openings 20 have a surface opening or a cross-sectional area (A) of at least 2.5 mm2. Both the first and second layers 12, 14 may be made of polymeric materials, and the second layer 14 may be in contact with the first layer 12, connected to the first layer 12, integral with the first layer 12, or embedded in the first layer 12.

Abstract: Disclosed are an insulation product and an insulation system incorporating such a product for insulating exterior walls, particularly masonry walls, that incorporates a wicking media to transport condensate away from the interface between the insulating product and the exterior wall. The condensate will be removed to a more interior location where it can evaporate and/or be transferred to and held in a sorbent material until conditions allow permit evaporation. The insulation system includes an integrated support element that can be used to increase the rate of evaporation via various methods and/or improve the aesthetic appearance of the insulating product. The evaporation rate may be improved through the use of increased wicking material area, secondary evaporative surfaces, heating and/or forced or natural convection.

Abstract: A formwork assembly is adapted to receive concrete to produce structures such as wall structures. The formwork includes PVC tubular form elements having recessed female engagement portions. The female engagement portions are adapted to receive respective male engagement portions. An octagonal form element has a female engagement portion positioned at each vertex between adjacent sides. A recessed female engagement portion is closed to the interior of the form element but open to the exterior of the form element. Thus, the form element includes a plurality of vertices open to the exterior. The form elements also include male engagement portions at an open side. Wall panels, corner panels, and joint connectors can also include male engagement portions. The male engagement portions and female engagement portions are adapted to mate to form a formwork arrangement having a substantially flat exterior wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening member which can fasten siding boards in which a lateral joint portion is arranged in a portion where a vertical member is not arranged with a sufficient strength, can prevent a displacement, and is excellent in a durability. Another object is to provide a siding boards attachment structure using the fastening member. Further another object is to provide a method of attaching siding boards using the fastening member. The fastening member has a long fixing plate portion. The long fixing plate portion is provided with a first fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions in the lateral joint portion of the siding boards, a vertical rising portion in a lower side of the first fastening portion, and a second fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions of the siding board in the other portions than the lateral joint portion.

Abstract: A roofing system having shingles. The shingles include a front side, a back side, a pair of spaced-apart side edges, and spaced-apart top and bottom edges, an adhesive, and a backing material. The adhesive is applied to a portion of the shingle for affixing the backing material to the shingle and covering a portion of the back side.