Abstract: The present invention relates to a flower bouquet holder for receiving a flower bouquet formed of a flower bouquet support and a container. The flower bouquet comprises a plurality of flowers. The entire flower bouquet support includes radial perforations or slits extending from a center section thereof. The flower bouquet is inserted into the radial perforations. Support flaps extending from the radial perforations are adapted to contact the received flower bouquet for supporting the flower bouquet within the container. The container is adapted to receive a volume of water for hydrating the flower bouquet for a predetermined length of time, such as one or more days of the lifetime of the flower bouquet. The flower bouquet support can be snap fit onto the container before insertion of the flower bouquet.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for fertilization and irrigation. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of operating a fertigation system including determining watering duration time and watering frequency for a plurality of watering zones, calculating an amount of a fertigation composition to be added to a water flow for each watering zone, and delivering the fertigation composition to the water flow in the amount calculated for each watering zone in an amount of time that is less than or equal to 75% of the total watering time for each watering zone. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fertigation system including a fertigation system controller that is adapted and configured to control a fertigation composition pump to deliver a fertigation composition to water delivery conduits in an amount of time that is less than or equal to 75% of the watering time for each watering zone.

Abstract: A watering device for providing water to a sub-surface level is provided. The watering device includes a body portion for distributing water radially therefrom and along its length. The watering device includes an irrigation assembly for emitting water from a water source, the irrigation assembly emitting the water within the watering device, and the water then being distributed through the body portion to surrounding soil. The irrigation assembly may be supported by the body portion. The irrigation assembly may include a bubbler, and may include a check valve. The device may include a top cap including retaining structure for providing a generally vertical or other desired orientation to the irrigation assembly. The device may further include a bottom cap that generally restricts the flow of water out of the bottom of the device and cooperates with body portion to direct water radially from the device.

Abstract: A system, method, and devices for remediating soil of an area of land. The devices are partially inserted into the soil within the area. The devices have vent holes fluidically coupling each device to the soil. A hot fluid is circulated through the devices to heat the soil in the area to a temperature sufficient to cause a transformation in the soil. The transformation may transform an environmental contaminant in the soil such that a gas is generated from the transformation, and the gas is sucked from the soil into the devices via the vent holes and the out of the devices away from the soil. The transformation may cause a bioremediation of an environmental contaminant in the soil such that a product is generated from the bioremediation, and a bioremediation fluid is injected into the devices and into the soil via the vent holes to facilitate the bioremediation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for analyzing agricultural products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and method for rapid, non-destructive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of one or more seeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising chipped whole wood logs as a substrate for growth of plants. It further provides a method of making a substrate comprising wood chips for growth of plants, and a method of growing potted plants in a composition comprising chipped wood logs as the primary substrate for growth.

Abstract: A cost effective high efficiency automatic plant cloning system which provides for accelerated plant shoot propagation is disclosed. A water and nutrient re-circulating system that is controlled off and on provides plant shoot immersion wetting and drying cycles. Plant shoots are supported in porous fibrous plant shoot medium that is placed in water and nutrient conducting channels where the water and nutrient in the on cycle contact and repeatedly wet the plant shoot and its emerging root structure. The porous fibrous plant shoot medium also provides for the growing plant shoot to expand without any hindering of the plant shoot and emerging root structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container for the transport of plant cuttings having a bottom and upright side walls into which cutting receptacles with cuttings can be placed, wherein the side walls have a height such that their top edge extends beyond the top ends of the cuttings, wherein the container is provided with a lid that can be closed, wherein the container is manufactured from a shape-retentive, moisture-proof and moisture-impervious material.

Abstract: A device having a shape capable of receiving the plant body to be cultivated. As at least a portion of the device, a film which can substantially be integrated with the root of the plant body is disposed. Such a structure can provide a plant-cultivating device, a plant-film integrate, and a plant-cultivating method which can preferably attain both of the supply of oxygen and the supply of water and a fertilizer component to the root of the plant body.

Abstract: An illuminated plant holder having a base holding a plant, real or simulated, with a light source associated with the plant for illuminating the same. The light source may be incandescent or fluorescent, solar powered, high or low voltage, battery operated, high intensity, or LEDs.

Abstract: A plant receptacle comprised of several compatible portions which work in unison to readily supply water as needed to a plant for several days. An upper portion of designed plant container would act to hold soil and contain an absorptive matter portion, which would protrude from its base area, and would act to wick water from a connectable lower portion which would act to encapsulate a volume of water, and when mated, a gap of sort is thus formed for refilling the created water reservoir.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator apparatus that delivers a hydrogen stream at a controlled rate to a fuel cell. The apparatus comprises a fuel tank, a wicking material in the fuel tank, a fluid retained in the wicking material, a first disc bounding the wicking material and comprising a hydrophilic membrane for receiving the fluid from the wicking material by a wicking pressure to form a fluid-wetted surface, a second disc having a porous surface area with the second disc being in contact with the first disc with the two discs moveable relative to each other, a catalyst on the porous surface to form a catalyst-coated surface, and hydrogen generated by hydrolyzation of the fluid contacting the catalyst due to a relative motion between the first disc and the second disc.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides teachings relating to ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and associated methods of use. Exemplary methods and apparatus comprise a thermocatalytic hydrogen generation reactor which includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate, and a combustion chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate. Exemplary catalyst-coated substrates include, but are not limited to, metal foam, monolith, mesh, ceramic foam or ceramic monolith.

Abstract: A reformer of a fuel cell system includes a heat source unit for generating heat, a reforming reaction unit for generating a reforming gas containing hydrogen from a fuel through a fuel reforming reaction using the heat, a carbon monoxide reducing unit connected to a reforming reaction unit to reduce a concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the reforming gas, and a thermal treatment unit disposed outside the reforming reaction unit and the carbon monoxide reducing unit to adjust the thermal energy supplied to the reforming reaction unit and the carbon monoxide reducing unit.

Abstract: This method of upgrading a biomass comprises: an upgrading step for performing upgrading treatment of a cellulose based biomass with an oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of at least 0.5, in presence of water and under a pressure of at least saturated water vapor pressure, and reducing said oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of said biomass to no more than 0.38, and a separation step for separating an upgraded reactant obtained from said upgrading step into a solid component and a liquid component.

Abstract: This invention is a reactor and a process for the conversion of organic waste material such as municipal trash, sewage, post-consumer refuse, and biomass to commercially salable materials. The invention produces the following: 1. Maximum energy conversion from the organic material 2. High volume consumption of the organic feed material 3. Less pollution of gaseous products than prior art systems 4. Solid residuals for disposal are minimal and non-hazardous. The conversion is accomplished by combining anaerobic gasification and pyrolysis of the feed organic material and making it into synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons (CxHy), hydrogen, and carbon monoxide with small amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. An essential feature of the invention is a hot driver gas, devoid of free oxygen and rich in water, which supplies the entire thermal and chemical energy needed for the reactions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel reforming processor having a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to produce a reformate stream including hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a water gas shift reactor downstream of the fuel reforming processor and wherein the water gas shift reactor includes a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in the reformate stream, a preferential oxidation reactor downstream of the water gas shift reactor and wherein the preferential oxidation reactor includes a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to preferentially oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and to produce a hydrogen-rich stream, and a fuel cell stack downstream of the preferential oxidation reactor constructed and arranged to produce electricity from the hydrogen-rich stream, a first direct water vaporizing combustor constructed and arranged to combust fuel producing a high-temperature fuel combustion byproducts exhaust and to produce steam from water sprayed into th

Abstract: A blast-resistant window system for sealing an opening in a wall comprises a window arrangement which seals the opening, and a protective window pane arrangement installed between the window arrangement and an interior space (IR). The window pane arrangement is provided for preventing shards from flying into the interior space (IR) in the event of a blast-induced pressure effect leading to the fragmentation of the window arrangement. A holding device for the protective pane is arranged as a component of the window pane arrangement for connecting a window pane with the wall in such a way that the pane remains swivelable or laterally displaceable relative to the opening especially under normal circumstances, i.e. when no blast-induced pressure wave acts upon the window system.

Abstract: In sash windows where the sashes are supported on window units which run in channels in a window frame, and the window units are suspended from spring balances, the shoes have easily accessible mechanisms for adjusting the tension in the spring balances, without demounting the sashes and without separating the spring balances from the shoes. Adjustment is done by rotating an element in the shoes, at the bottom of the sash, with the sash pivoted out of the plane of the window. A tool is inserted in a socket to turn an element of the shoe exposed by the tilting of the sash, and the rotation of this element is transferred through 90° to vary the tension in the respective balance.

Abstract: Under a method to control a sliding speed in accordance with this invention, the motor is initially accelerated for a predetermined reference speed, and then during the initial acceleration period, if a rotational speed of the wire drum is of and above a given value, a difference between a rotational speed of the wire drum and a rotational speed of the motor is of and above a given value, and a rate of acceleration of the wire drum is of and above a given value, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced temporarily judging the slide door is in a state of abnormal acceleration, and then the motor is accelerated again at a lower rate than the initial acceleration toward the reference speed.

Abstract: A threshold assembly includes a base defining a channel, a plurality of nuts slideably engaged in the channel, a rail disposed on the base and defining a plurality of holes, and a plurality of threaded fasteners rotationally retained in the holes and threadedly engaging the nuts. The channel has a neck and a pair of opposing sides angling outwardly from the neck into the base. Each nut presents opposing contact surfaces complimentary to the opposing sides of the channel such that the nut is slideably engaged in the channel. The nut also includes an elongated platform such that when the threaded fastener is rotated, the elongated platform and the opposing contact surfaces of the nut engage the opposing sides of the channel such that the height of the rail relative to the base is adjusted in response to rotation of the threaded fastener relative to the nut.

Abstract: According to the invention, in order to vary the pressure exerted by this seal on the door or window and on the related frame, in order to thereby reduce the transmission of low-frequency chassis noises into the interior of the car, the tubular portion (8) of this seal has at least one wall whose thickness varies along the length of the seal.

Abstract: A class of solid surface composite materials has formula parameters that allow for the production of more abrasion resistant surfaces that can be either designed for fabrication of parts with carbide tipped tools, including saw blades and router bits, or to an even more abrasion resistant surface that will not be able to be machined with carbide tipped tools but will require diamond tipped tools or fabrication by other processes such as spraying, casting, injection molding, or press molding. A range of materials are added to a basic solid surface composite composition to yield the desired abrasion resistance. Depending on the amount and type of material added, the composite material can maintain the ability to fabricate parts with carbide tipped tools or it can be made so resistant so that parts cannot be fabricated with carbide tipped tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing composition containing an organic nitrogen-containing compound, an organic polybasic acid, an abrasive, and water, wherein the organic nitrogen-containing compound has in the molecule two or more amino groups, two or more imino groups, or one or more amino groups and one or more imino groups; a method for manufacturing a substrate with the polishing composition; and a method for reducing surface stains of a substrate with the polishing composition. The polishing composition can be suitably used, for example, in the manufacturing step for a substrate for a hard disk such as a memory hard disk.

Abstract: A boron-doped diamond coating that is to be disposed on a surface of a body includes a plurality of diamond microcrystal whose crystal grain diameter is substantially not larger than 2 ?m, wherein the diamond microcrystal is doped with boron.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing abrasive particles and methods of using the same in chemical mechanical polishing slurry applications. The nanosized abrasive particles according to the invention are produced by hydrothermal synthesis using an insoluble source of cerium. The crystallites of the particles include cerium ions and titanium ions.

Abstract: A method is described for providing a multi-dimensional live sound performance for an audience. A first component of the live sound performance is produced (164) by a first group of performers. A second component of the live sound performance is produced (166) by a second group of performers. The first and second components are, from the listening perspective of audience, acoustically discontiguous. A performance venue (124) and a method of using a performance venue are also described for providing a multi-dimensional live sound performance for an audience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction for an overhang (5) in a pit (1) of a milking parlour. The construction comprises a metal profile (2) fastened to the edge of the pit (1), and a reinforcement strut (6) mounted to said profile (2) in order to support an overhang (5) attached to said profile (2). The invention provides more space in the pit (1) for mounting of milking related equipment.

Abstract: A joint structure for antiseismic reinforcement includes at least one structural member having a longitudinal axis and at least one antiseismic reinforcement member. Each antiseismic reinforcement member has a longitudinal axis located in a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. The longitudinal axis of the antiseismic reinforcement member is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. A metal fitting connects each of the antiseismic reinforcement members to the structural member. The metal fitting is not fixed to the structural member. At least one constraining member is fixed to the structural member close to or abutting an edge portion of the metal fitting. The constraining member bears a force applied to the metal fitting in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus includes a body of material that is bendable along at least one hinge, thereby defining a first portion and a second portion of the body of material relative to a hinge axis. The drainage apparatus is adaptable to the contour of two surfaces and may further include a plurality of spacer members extending from the lower surface of the body of material. The apparatus may be used in a drainage system.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: A panel for use in a drop ceiling system, or with appropriate modification, a wall, wherein the ceiling system includes stringers and cross-members defining areas therebetween for support of the panels wherein the panels include at least one planar sheet of material secured to a reinforcement member having channels formed therein to extend in at least one direction relative to the sheet material. When more than one sheet of material is used, the sheets of material are disposed on opposite sides of the reinforcement member. The panels are flexible for easy insertion into the openings between the stringers and cross-members of the support system and are readily compressed into a thinner profile for shipping purposes.

Abstract: A column capital includes a generally planar top surface; a generally cylindrical inner surface for receiving a column therein; and a outer decorative surface spaced away from the inner surface. The inner surface is sized to fit over a column and rest on a neck ring of the column. The capital may incorporate a cylindrical, abradable liner. A method for producing a column capital includes introducing casting material between a mold an liner, allowing the casting material to cure, and removing the casting material with the attached liner from the mold.

Abstract: A kit of components for constructing a building comprises a first coupling part (30) embedded in one end of a beam (14), and a second coupling part (50) embedded in one end of a post (12). The coupling parts (30,50) have end profiles (32,52) with apertures (34,54) which are registrable when the beam (14) abuts the post (12). Once registered with beam (14) resting on ledge (64) the apertures are slidably engaged by a locking pin (70), coupling the beam (14) to the post (12).

Abstract: Formwork (1) adapted for the consecutive formation of a plurality of panels, each subsequent panel being formed upon a previous panel, said formwork comprising a bed (3) having a plurality of corners, a column (2) provided at each corner and a respective side member (4) at each side of the bed (3), each side member (3) supported by a respective adjacent pair of columns (2), wherein the bed (3) and side members (4) define a forming space for formation of a panel, each column (2) having locating means (144) adapted to receive and support at least one side member (4) at a plurality of locations along the length of the column (2), each location supporting the respective side member (4) in coplanar relationship to its position in other of the locations wherein the bed for a subsequent panel is defined by the upper surface of the previous panel and the side members (4) extend from the upper surface of the previous panel to define the forming space for the subsequent panel.

Abstract: An adjustable clip having a first clip member and a second clip member. The first clip member includes a first slide tang that includes a first end, a second end with a detent tang. The second clip member includes a second slide tang having a first end, a second end with a detent tang. The slide tangs of the first and second clip members are positioned over the rail for installation and the slide tangs are moved towards each other until the detent tangs of the first and second clip members engage opposing ends of the rail.

Abstract: A weather strip of the present invention includes a molded portion including a base having at least one hole. The weather strip also includes a seal portion, which extends from the base and has a hollow region and at least one protrusion formed at an inside of a side wall of the seal portion. Each protrusion is locally formed corresponding to a position of each hole of the base. The weather strip includes a clip, which is inserted into the hole in the base, used for fixing the base to a vehicle door. The protrusion prevents the clip from rotating in the hollow region of the seal portion.

Abstract: A tool for use in laying floor tiles onto an adhesive layer the tool including a raised hand or foot grip mounted on a plurality of legs splayed outwardly and downwardly relative to the hand grip to thereby form a hand rest raised to a working height above a floor on which the legs are resting.

Abstract: In a machine for forming and wrapping stacks of products, a stacking plate, having a number of radial seats for relative stacks of products, rotates in steps about a respective axis to feed each seat along an annular path extending through a loading station for loading individual products, a reject station, and an unloading station for unloading stacks; the reject station being controlled by a sensor activated selectively by counter-pushers, each of which is moved along a relative seat by the individual products fed successively through an inlet of the seat at the loading station.

Abstract: Machine and method for making air-filled packing cushions from a roll of prefabricated film material having a longitudinally extending inflation channel near one edge of the material and chambers which communicate with the channel through laterally extending passageways. The roll rests on a pair of spaced apart, horizontally extending rollers. The film material is fed from the roll to an inflation tube which extends into the inflation channel, air is introduced into the chambers through the inflation tube to inflate the cushions, and a longitudinally extending seal is formed across the passageways between the channel and the chambers after the cushions are inflated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.

Abstract: The machine for the packaging of products with stretchable and thermoplastic film comprises: Means for the tubularisation of a wrapping film (5) taken from a feeding bobbin and means (6) for the longitudinal tight-seal welding of the superimposed edges of such tubularised film; Means (7, 7?) which alternate in the transversal grip of the head of the tubular wrapping which comes out from said tubularisation means, which are pre-arranged for the longitudinal movement of said-wrapping, to longitudinally stretch it and to perform on same two transversal, parallel and tight seal weldings, a transversal cut placed between the said weldings and to retain the wrapping upstream and downstream of the two welded zones separated by the cut, Means (2, 3, 4) for the cyclical introduction of a product (P) through the inlet of said tubularisation means (1) and up to its outlet; Means (10) to temporarily support the packaging being formed; Means (12, 12?) to stop the forward movement of the tubular wrapping on the outlet

Abstract: A filter (1) comprising a filter housing (2) with an essentially horizontal partition wall (3) that divides 4 the filter housing (2) into a clean-air chamber (4) and a dust chamber (5). The partition wall (3) is provided with a number of apertures (6) in which a number of filter bags (7) are provided that are secured to the partition wall (3) and extend down into the dust chamber (5). The filter (1) is provided with an inlet portion (8) in open communication with the dust chamber (5) in a level that is above a lowermost end (9) of the filter bags (7), wherein the inlet portion (8) is configured for introducing a dust-containing flow of air into the dust chamber (5), form there it can be sucked through the filter bags and up into the clean-air chamber (4), from where the filtered air is discharged through a clean-air outlet (11). A number of diffuser elements are arranged in the inlet portion (8) outside the filter housing (2).

Abstract: A method for cleaning a filter having Z-media includes providing a filter having Z-media and cleaning the media construction by directing a pulse of compressed gas into the media construction through the downstream flow face. Filter elements useable with such methods include elements made of Z-media. An example system utilizing the method includes a gas turbine air intake system.

Abstract: A filter element is includes a cylindrical media pack defining a central open volume and a longitudinal axis; a first end cap having a central aperture in flow communication with the central open volume; and a second, closed end cap having a central region closing an end of the media pack central, open volume. The closed end cap includes a projection extending axially outwardly therefrom and positioned at a location intersected by the longitudinal axis. An end cover for an air cleaner includes an inner side including a central projection thereon. Preferably, the central projection comprises a wall that includes an outer perimeter defining a regular polyhedron having at least five sides. An air cleaner comprises a cylindrical filter element having a first open end cap, a second closed end cap, and a cylindrical media pack extending therebetween. The first end cap defines an internal radial seal region. The second, closed end cap has a central region including a circular recessed portion.

Abstract: The ceramic honeycomb structure has a plurality of cells partitioned by porous partition walls and extending through the structure in an axial direction, one end portion of a predetermined cell is plugged with a plugging portion constituted of a plugging material with which the cell is filled, and the other end portion of a remaining cell is plugged with the plugging portion on a side opposite to the end portion of the predetermined cell. In the ceramic honeycomb structure, a sectional numerical aperture of the plugging portion in the vicinity of the partition wall is smaller than that of the plugging portion in the vicinity of a central axis, and a difference between the sectional numerical apertures is 10% or more.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the discharge of electrical charges via the energy guiding chain, an energy guiding chain (1) with a plurality of links (2), which are connected to each other in articulated fashion and each display opposite side pieces (3) and at least one cross-member (4a) connecting them, where the links (2) consist at least partly of an electrically conductive material that permits the discharge of electrical charges over at least part of the chain length, is characterized in that the links (2) are designed such that they are in contact with each other over the full pivoting angle on contact areas that move relative to each other and are in permanent contact and/or in that at least one connecting element (8) connecting two or more links to each other in each case is provided, which provides contact areas remaining in unchanging position in relation to the links, and in that the contact areas, and the areas of the links or the connecting element connecting them, form a continuous conductivity p

Abstract: An arrangement of cross-members (1) joined by connecting elements (2) for fastening to one side of an energy chain comprising chain links connected in articulated fashion, where the chain links each comprise two side pieces connected by a cross-element, as well as a cross-member (1), the ends of which can be snapped onto the side pieces, is intended to be suitable for small and lightweight energy chain embodiments and easy to assemble, and is therefore characterized in that the connecting elements (2) are integrally molded on the cross-members (1), and can be elastically elongated in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement when the space between the cross-members (1)

Abstract: ABSTRACT A pressure rise combustor is provided with fuel provided at intermittent periods. The fuel is pulsed at timings such that the phase lag between the addition of the fuel and a resultant pressure rise is minimised. The fuel is pulsed such that the unsteady addition of heat reinforces the amplitude of an unsteady pressure fluctuation.

Abstract: This invention is a device(s) that will utilize the power of photons to transfer their energy to electrons in turn transferring their energy to another object of mass that the casing(s) of the drive will be connected to by bombarding a wall of a negative electric field. This energy will then be transferred to the object this device(s) is connected to causing it to move in the same direction of the flow of the electrons. In theory the device(s) should cause movement up to ? the speed of light. This will aid NASA any others that need or want to travel the solar system(s) in a more reasonable time frame. The fundamental principal behind the propulsion is the same as the solar sail. When high energy particles hit something, some of their energy is transferred to that object, and when the electrons are hit by photons of high energy, the photons energy is transferred to the electron and then in turn when the electron's energy is then transferred to the wall it hits and whatever it's connected to.