Abstract: A durable plastic gardening device made for the amateur and professional gardener for cloning (asexually propagating) plants. Made from clear polypropylene the grow chamber and light hood fold together and assemble using plastic fasteners.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped either directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for of cultivating biomass, comprising the steps of: (a) Selecting at least a plant variety from the plant genus Casuarina capable of growing at a density equivalent to at least 5,000 stems per hectare for a period of 2 to 5 years; (b) Cultivating the plant variety for two to five years under suitable conditions to maintain the plantings at a density equivalent to at least 5,000 stems per hectare; and (c) Harvesting the resultant biomass between 2 and 5 years from the date of initial plantings.

Abstract: A method of cultivating plants including the step of harvesting the plant at a time within a period of 5 days prior to a lunar apogee and 5 days after the lunar apogee.

Abstract: A system and method for nematode extermination in lawns using an array of insulated heat blankets (2) placed on the lawn, and energized in a controlled sequence to raise the soil temperature to an effective degree and depth to exterminate nematodes. An electric current controller such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) activates a first subset of the blankets (2) until they reach an upper setpoint temperature, then maintains the blanket temperature within a desired range with reduced current while activating additional blankets. The heat penetrates the soil over a period of about 20 to 50 hours to raise the temperature to at least about 52° C. (125° F.) at a sufficient depth such as at least 12 cm (4.7 inches) to kill at least most nematodes.

Abstract: A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams, the framework defining open subsections, each subsection having a base defining a ledge structure, each subsection supporting a latticework panel that sits on the ledge structure, the framework having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams defining access to forklift tines. A pallet for natural or artificial turf comprising a structure moulded in foamed plastics to have a closed planar top surface supported by a lattice work of mutually perpendicular walls defining a flexible open base, the structure defining a pair of elongate spaced parallel channels extending across each side to facilitate forklift tine entry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a synthesis gas product by catalytic steam reforming of a feed which predominantly comprises hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) and contains hydrocarbons (C feed), and to an apparatus for carrying out the process. The C feed (6) is mixed with steam and/or reformer gas (8) and converted into the synthesis gas product (13) in a reactor (10) by steam reforming.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the combustion of methane. The apparatus promotes the reformation of methane and oxygen in fuel-rich proportions into carbon monoxide and hydrogen and residual methane. The carbon monoxide, hydrogen and residual methane is then combined with oxidant in fuel lean proportions to continue oxidation in a porous media that absorbs some of the heat of oxidation and radiates the heat as infrared radiation.

Abstract: A catalyst for producing a liquefied petroleum gas of this invention comprises a methanol synthesis catalyst component and a zeolite catalyst component, and a liquefied petroleum gas containing propane as a main component is produced by reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen in the presence of this catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus and fuel reforming method capable of controlling activation of a catalyst by use of a simple arrangement and taking out hydrogen from a fuel gas is provided. A fuel fluid is passed to a catalyst passage formed with a catalyst unit, light is locally irradiated on the catalyst passage, and a hydrogen gas is taken out from the fuel fluid that is in contact with the catalyst unit in a region of the catalyst passage irradiated with the light. The light irradiated on the catalyst unit may be a laser beam, UV light or a combination of the laser beam and UV light. The region of the catalyst unit irradiated with the light may be changed to improve an efficiency of taking out the hydrogen gas, or an output of the light irradiated on the catalyst unit may be controlled to control an amount of hydrogen gas taken out from the fuel fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reformer system can comprise an exhaust treatment device, a reformer disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the exhaust treatment device, an oxygen storage device disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the reformer, and a first fluid moving device disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the oxygen storage device. In anther embodiment, a reformer system can comprise an exhaust treatment device, a reformer disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the exhaust treatment device, a reformate storage device disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the reformer, and a fluid moving device disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the reformate storage device.

Abstract: A gasifier injection module includes a two-stage slurry splitter and an injector face plate with a coolant system incorporated therein. The two-stage slurry splitter includes a main cavity into which a main slurry flow is provided. The main cavity includes a plurality of first stage flow dividers that divide the main slurry flow into a plurality of secondary slurry flows that flow into a plurality of secondary cavities that extend from the main cavity. Each secondary cavity includes a plurality of second stage flow dividers that divide each secondary slurry flow into a plurality of tertiary slurry flows that flow into a plurality of slurry injection tubes extending from the secondary cavities. The tertiary flows are injected as high pressure slurry streams into the gasification chamber via the slurry injection tubes. A reactant is impinged at high pressure, as an annular shaped spray, on each high pressure slurry stream via a plurality of annular impinging orifices incorporated into the injector face plate.

Abstract: A door actuator system includes a linear motor, electromagnetically coupled between a moveable door and an adjacent non-moving structure, and a controller, interconnected to the linear motor, configured to power the linear motor to cause motion of the door, and to detect motion of the door from induced current produced in the linear motor.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for actuating an opening frame includes a toothed crown and a toothed wheel engaging at least one section of the toothed crown. The drive mechanism also includes an arm driving the toothed wheel on the toothed crown, a pinion designed to be driven in rotation around an axis and that is engaged with one end of the arm, and a cable for actuating the opening frame that is attached to the toothed wheel. A low-power motor can be used to open and close the opening frame electrically.

Abstract: An abrasive article has a layer including an epoxy constituent, a cationic photointiator within the epoxy constituent, and a latent colorant configured to change color in response to activation of the cationic photoinitiator.

Abstract: A process forming boron coated abrasives, in particular boron coated abrasive particles, which may be used in saw blade segments, grinding wheels and other grit-containing tools. Whilst the process is particularly suited to the coating of abrasive particles, it can be applied to any abrasives for use in grinding, cutting or polishing tools, or to such tools themselves. In the case of abrasive particles, these are mixed with boron and boric acid powder, in a suitable ratio, and furnaced at a temperature between 800 and 1200° C. for a length of time in an inert atmosphere sufficient to coat the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slurry composition for secondary polishing of silicon wafers comprising: 2˜10 weight % of colloidal silica having an average particle size of 30˜80 nm; 0.5˜1.5 % by weight of ammonia; 0.2˜1 weight % of a hydroxyalkycellulose-based polymer for modifying rheology of the composition; 0.03˜0.5 weight % of a polyoxyethylenealkylamine ether-based nonionic surfactant; 0.01˜1 weight % of a quaternary ammonium base and the balance of deionized water.

Abstract: An adjustable roof drain has an extension and a base ring. An adjusting mechanism on an inner surface of the extension engages an adjusting mechanism on an outer surface of the base ring to adjustably set the position of the extension relative to the base ring. Preferably the adjusting mechanisms are threaded connections. A bead of sealant may be placed in a groove that is exposed at the joint between the two parts after the position is set.

Abstract: A refractory block for forming a wall structure comprising a body of cast refractory material. The body has a front face, a back face, a top face, a bottom face, and two opposing side faces. The body further has a projection formed on the top face and a recess formed in the bottom face, the projection being dimensioned to be received within the recess such that a projection on a block can be received in a recess on a block thereabove. A refractory anchor is embedded within the body. The anchor has a portion extending from the body through the back face.

Abstract: A synthetic resin article is provided for use in a fluid diversion system with one or more distribution lines. The article's frame has a top, at least one side, a bottom and an interior. At least one aperture is formed at the top. An intake port is disposed on at least one side of the frame, for engagement with the system distribution line. A drainage structure is disposed on the bottom of the frame for downward drainage of standing water into the surrounding soil or other environment. When the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the drainage structure but normally when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the outlet aperture. In preferred embodiments, the top includes a plurality of small outlet gratings for additional percolation.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a supporting substructure and at least one longitudinally extending board member supported on the substructure. An edge member is mounted proximate an end portion of the board member and has a lower portion configured for attachment to the substructure, and an upstanding wall portion extending from the lower portion. The upper wall portion defines an open channel and provides an opening into the open channel. The edge member is attached to the substructure and the end portion of the board member is received through the opening of the edge member into the open channel. The channel can accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction of the board member. The board member may be made of a natural fiber thermoplastic material. The assembly may be configured as a deck assembly.

Abstract: A stairs assistance device is provided for assisting persons attempting to ascend or descend a staircase. The device is configured to be mounted on an existing staircase handrail and includes, inter alia, a handgrip and a drive member for advancing the device upwardly or downwardly along the handrail.

Abstract: Means for securing a conservatory roof to an existing wall comprises a wall plate (10) locatable at a ridge beam end (22) and starter glazing bars (12) mountable between the wall plate and eaves beams (14), wherein the positions of the wall plate and/or of the starter glazing bars are adjustable relative to the wall and to each other.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having at least one shutter and a security bar device for locking closed and providing additional rigidity to the shutter when covering an opening in a dwelling. The bar device has an elongated member preferably engaged releasably to the dwelling in the opening. The member traverses the opening and prevents the shutters from collapsing into the opening when closed. A retention bracket co-extends with and is spaced from the member with a portion of the shutter layered there-between when in the closed position. As such, the retention bracket prevents the shutter from opening when in the closed position. A locking portion of the retention bracket projects laterally to releasably engage the member.

Abstract: A building consisting of hollow wall (10), ceiling (40) and roof elements (50). The wall elements rest by the lower ends thereof on bearing beams (20) which include a heating system (30) producing sufficient amount of heat at the level of a cavity (13) between panels (11) of the wall (10), ceiling (40) and roof elements (50) in order to compensate at least partially, in particular fully, the heat lost during the passage thereof through the external wall of the building, thereby reducing to zero or close thereto a heat leakage through the external walls and/or roof elements (50) of the building.

Abstract: A masonry cavity wall structure includes a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural wall member erected between and in confronting engagement with the outer side of a first, inner masonry wythe and the inner side of an outwardly spaced-away, upstanding wall of rigid insulation panels supported by wire tie members in embedded engagement in the mortar joints of the inner wythe, the inner wythe and tie-supported insulation panels also being used during construction of the cavity wall to provide the supporting concrete formwork for the poured structural wall member. A second, outer veneer wythe is erected a predetermined spaced distance outwardly from the insulation panels and forms an airspace cavity therebetween, the wire tie members also engaged in the mortar joints of the second, outer wythe whereby to structurally tie the masonry cavity wall together.

Abstract: A constructional assembly includes a first rigid member, such as a wood beam or surface; a metallic surface having a repetitive sequence of ridges and grooves, one side of the surface secured to one side of the rigid member, and a second rigid member secured to an opposite side of the metallic surface. The repetitive sequence of ridges and grooves may employ a variety of geometries or corrugations, inclusive of patterns which are sinusoidal, trapezoidal, saw tooth, square wave, and triangular. This assembly is exceedingly stable, light, economical, and may be readily provided with internal apertures providing pre-formed passageways thru which electrical wiring, plumbing, air ducts, data lines and the like may be readily passed during the construction of a building.

Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least one clamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anchor encased in a box-shaped frame embedded in a framework of a house, for hanging a variety of objects. The anchor includes a box-shaped frame having an open lower end, the frame being embedded in a ceiling slab. An anchor bolt is fixed in the box-shaped frame and has a hook at a first end, for hanging objects. A plurality of fixing flanges is attached to the outer surface of the box-shaped frame, for securely fixing the box-shaped frame to the ceiling slab, the fixing flanges being present in multiple rows. A cover is detachably attached to the lower end of the box-shaped frame. The anchor further includes a threaded shaft fixed to the opposite inner surfaces of the box-shaped frame and installed to cross the inner space of the box-shaped frame, and a rotatable pipe installed in a manner so as to surround the threaded shaft.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a moveable upright structure. The structure can be a column having a top and a bottom, and with an outside surface. The column can have a longitudinal axis. One or more holes can extend through the column or upward from the bottom a selected amount into the column in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The holes can be generally circular in cross-section or can be generally rim shaped. The base can have a plate for engaging the ground, and can have one or more members for mating with the one or more holes in the column. The base can alternatively or additionally engage the outside of the column. The base can further have one or more depending members that can extend into a surface below the structure. The structure can further incorporate a wedge for use on a sloped surface.

Abstract: Device for strapping, especially for longitudinally strapping packaged material with strapping, comprising a strap roll, from which the strapping, which is to be processed, is pulled with formation of a strap storage system for a subsequent strapping process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lid dispensing assembly for supplying container lids in a container packaging process, wherein stacks of container lids are disposed in cartridges. The dispensing assembly may include a magazine having a plurality of openings extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the magazine and shaped to correspond to the shape of the container lids being dispensed from the lid dispensing assembly, and a plurality of rods extending upwardly from the top surface of the magazine proximate each of the openings, with the rods proximate each opening defining a holding area above the opening configured to receive a cartridge containing a stack of the container lids and to align the cartridge and the stack of container lids with the opening.

Abstract: An induction sealing device which may be used for producing packages of pourable food products by transversely sealing a tube of sheet packaging material having at least one layer of induction heatable material covered with plastic material. The sealing device has: a generator for generating an alternating power signal; an inductor receiving the alternating power signal to induce a parasitic electric current in the layer and locally melt the plastic material to form a transverse seal; and a matching circuit for achieving optimum power transfer between the generator and the inductor. The matching circuit includes an inductive-capacitive circuit, in which the capacitance of a variable capacitance capacitive element is adjustable so that the current-voltage phase angle is close to zero.

Abstract: According to a method for controlled closing a container (1) with a related threaded cap (3), a container (1) is moved to a cap (3) feeding station, where a cap (3) in placed on the threaded upper end of the container (1). Then the container (1), together with the cap (3) is transferred to a closing station, where said cap (3) is screwed to said container (1). During screwing, the instant value of the torque applied to said cap (3) is measured and compared with a pre-selected threshold value, so ad to verify, in relation to the threshold value having been reached and to the moment, in which the value is reached, a stable tightening if the cap (3) onto the container (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing a rapid, semiautomatic or fully automatic prescription drug bulk-up apparatus that is compatible with process protocols used in mail order pharmacies, high volume drug repackaging facilities and drug distribution centers. The unique gripping mechanism gives the system the capability to open a wide range of bottle sizes, shapes and thickness.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing the free end of a wrapping material into the bale forming chamber of a round baler. The device comprises a pair of elongate plates 122a and 122b that are biased towards one another to grip the wrapping material between them One of the plates 122a has a leading edge that projects further than the other in the feeding direction of the wrapping material 30. In the invention, the leading edge is formed with forward projecting resiliently flexible fingers 124d which are transversely spaced from one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a horse bit 1 comprising a pair of side cheeks 2,3 each having a cheek strap coupling portion 4 and a first cheek portion 5 mounting a respective end of a mouth-piece 7. A second cheek portion 8 is connected to the first 5 so as to be displaceable between first and second positions, and has a rein coupling portion 10. A resilient biasing means 24 acts between the first and second cheek portions 5,8 so as to resist displacement of the second cheek portion 8 relative to the first 5, when a user pulls on the reins 11, whereby transmission of force through the reins 11 to the mouth-piece 7 is modulated.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.

Abstract: An air filter assembly including an air filter housing having a base, a sidewall, and an upper end, being configured for receiving an air filter element, and an end cap configured for attachment to the upper end of the housing without the use of tools.

Abstract: Ground sensing apparatus for a header of an agricultural harvesting machine, configurable for sensing the ground with a cutter bar of the header in a fixed and/or raised position. The apparatus utilizes a linkage arrangement in connection with a sensor shaft and a skid shoe deployable to a lowered position and movable when in the lowered position for effecting rotations of the sensor shaft and thus signaling to an appropriate control, information relating to contact with the ground.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, A precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. The compactor apparatus is moavable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: A crop take-up assembly having a rotatable take-up rotor with tines mounted thereon. A first guide assembly encloses the tines in an upper, forward and lower region, and defines a first set of guide tracks in which the tines are guided along a curved path. A second guide assembly encloses the tines in a rear region. The second guide assembly guides the tines into the first set of guide tracks during a reversal of rotation of the take-up rotor.

Abstract: A tine bar of a pick-up unit for harvested agricultural material. The tine bar includes a tine bar housing having a housing cover with recesses for receiving tines. The recesses are adapted to permit end segments of the tines to extend outward from the housing. A plurality of tines that are attached to the tine bar housing, wherein each tine includes an end segment, and at least one end segment extends outward through one of the recesses in the housing cover.

Abstract: The component elements of a jet engine combustion chamber are assembled together in a manner that is designed to facilitate maintenance while also improving aerodynamic performance. In an embodiment, the outer cap and the inner cap have tongues and the chamber end wail has corresponding tongues, and the tongues of the caps are assembled to the tongues of the chamber end wall.

Abstract: A combustion engine that increases fuel power by using kinetics energies from the motions of elements inside this engine during fuel combustion mission to act effectively and positively as additional power to increase engine output by implementing centrifugal and aerodynamic physical concepts. This engine has a network for external managing control using traditional accessories and a design for internal network to serve the mechanical activities enabling the engine to provide its many features. The engine demonstrates a composite performance of a piston engine, a rotary engine and a turbine engine all in one engine unit. It features reduction of fuel consumption according to power/weight ratio, option of independent control for pistons or engine parts by conducting them as automatic performance, and treatment of exhaust gases in engine by a built-in design.

Abstract: A turbojet engine includes a core engine, afterburner, and converging-diverging exhaust nozzle disposed in serial flow communication. A bypass duct surrounds the core engine and afterburner and terminates in flow communication with the exhaust nozzle. The compressor includes first stage fan blades having integral flades at the tips thereof disposed inside the bypass duct. The bypass duct includes a row of variable inlet guide vanes disposed forward of the flades for controlling airflow thereto.

Abstract: A turbojet engine includes a core engine, an afterburner, and a converging-diverging exhaust nozzle in serial flow communication. A thrust vectoring system is joined between a compressor and the nozzle. A controller is operatively joined to the thrust vectoring system for selectively varying distribution of air bled from the compressor into the exhaust nozzle for vectoring propulsion thrust.

Abstract: A turbojet engine includes a core engine, an afterburner, and a converging-diverging exhaust nozzle in serial flow communication. A controller is operatively joined to the core engine and afterburner and configured for scheduling fuel thereto for operating the afterburner dry during subsonic flight operation of the engine, wet during transonic flight, and dry during supersonic flight.

Abstract: A second stage external jet nozzle mixer (20) includes identically formed lobes which equal in number the lobes of the first stage internal mixer. The external mixer works with the internal mixer, and furthers the mixing of the jet engine internal bypass flow with the internal jet engine core flow. This mixing levels the disparate flow velocities attendant with the jet engine exhaust, reduces the peak velocities from the jet engine core and increases the lower bypass velocities of the jet engine internal bypass flow. The lobes include complex curvatures that greatly enhance mixing of the gases and ambient cooling air, and thereby reduce noise. At the lobe terminus, the lobe dimensional characteristics may be adjusted to thereby adjust the total terminus area to achieve a match to a jet engine to cause that jet engine to run at a determined RPM and noise level. Noise attenuation may also be adjusted by changing lobe dimensions.