Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for carrying fishing equipment.

Abstract: An electrical mosquito swatter includes a swatter body has an electric surface switched within the frame thereof, a battery mounted in the handle and controlled by a control switch set to raise a voltage on the electric surface for electrocuting insects, and an electric fan mounted inside the handle and controlled by the control switch to causes currents of air toward air outlets on the oval frame of the swatter body around the electric surface to force insets toward the center area of the electric surface.

Abstract: The biodiesel manufacturing process generates between 10% and 20% crude glycerin as a waste stream. Due to the rapid rise in the production of biodiesel, this waste has become a significant burden to the industry. This patent establishes a method to transform the crude glycerin into a useful fuel in some applications where waste petroleum oil or heavy fuel oil is currently used. A side benefit of this process is that the biodiesel manufacturer can use this fuel as a secondary profit stream.

Abstract: A method of increasing the conductivity of a hydrocarbon fuel comprising adding to the fuel an effective conductivity enhancing amount of one or more alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodiesel fuel compositions that have improved oxidation stability. More specifically, the biodiesel fuel compositions include at least one antioxidant that increases the oxidative stability of the fuel. The biodiesel fuel compositions may also include an antioxidant mixture, or an antioxidant mixture in combination with a polar and/or nonpolar solvent, that increases the oxidative stability of the fuel.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the NOx emissions generated from the burning of pulverized coal in a heat-producing unit, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing pulverized coal into a combustion chamber of the heat-producing unit; and (b) co-firing the pulverized coal with an oxygenate source selected from glycerol, glycerol derivatives, propylene glycol, propylene glycol derivatives, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol derivatives, fatty acid alkyl esters, fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof, where the combustion of the oxygenate source generates at least 2.5%, on a heat input basis, of the total heat generated by the co-firing.

Abstract: A self-contained floral display unit which allows 360 degree access to the flowers displayed therein, which efficiently cools water in vases containing the flowers using a closed-loop system, which is self contained and easily movable.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably supporting portions of a plant comprising at least one clip, at least one hook, at least one arch and at least one support. The apparatus is made of naturally decaying and clean-burning material. The at least one clip comprises a body having an inner opening, a gap in the body to allow a portion of the plant into the opening and at least one slot extending inwardly from an inner edge of the body for receiving and releasably retaining a portion of the support within the slot.

Abstract: Agricultural soil heating processes, including mulching, green house covering and especially solar soil sterilization are improved using a plastic film or sheet of an aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: An aeroponic system for propagating plants and/or seeds includes a chamber, a cooling system and a liquid delivery system. The cooling system is coupled to the chamber which includes a top portion for supporting plants and/or seeds. The top portion may include orifices to which holders may be connected. The holders can be configured to support a plant so that the roots of the plant are located within the chamber and the remainder of the plant is located outside the chamber. In addition, the chamber contains a liquid, which may include a nutrient solution. The liquid is delivered to the plants and/or seeds by the liquid delivery system and maintained within a liquid temperature range by the cooling system. The system may be adapted to propagate different types of seeds and plants.

Abstract: A circular ring for retaining landscape materials around the base of trees, shrubs or other objects is presented having a flat, flexible bottom and a detachable, single vertical side wall around the outer periphery. The side wall is held in place around the periphery of the bottom piece by a plurality of securing tabs that extend below the bottom side of the side wall. The plurality of pointed securing tabs is inserted into and through a matching plurality of small slits in a circular pattern around the bottom's periphery. An arc-shaped slit is cut into the upper mid-section of the securing tab to provide a retaining flap. Notches are placed into the upper corners of the securing tabs to effectively lock the side wall to the base once the securing tabs are inserted. Once inserted, the securing tabs are bent by the user to further secure the side wall to the circular base.

Abstract: A bioreactor assembly of the present invention is provided for holding a media and supporting growth of a plurality of plants. The assembly includes a light source and a container having a light transmissive wall structure and defining a reservoir. A major axis of the reservoir is substantially horizontal allowing the reservoir to be filled with media to a partial level and to define a relatively large surface area for support of the plants. The assembly may also include clamps to secure and seal separate wall structure portions of the container together, and end caps to the wall portions, to define an aseptic environment. As another option, the clamps may define openings therethrough that allow passage of various devices for measuring and controlling bioreactor function such as a gas supply nozzle, a gas exit nozzle, an air temperature probe, a pH probe, a sampling drain, a gas composition probe and a media temperature probe.

Abstract: Improved feedstocks for hydrogen-producing fuel processing and fuel cell systems, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems incorporating the same. The fuel processing systems include a fuel processor adapted to produce a product hydrogen stream from at least one feed stream containing at least a carbon-containing feedstock and an aversive agent. The fuel processing systems may also include a fuel cell stack adapted to produce an electric current from the product hydrogen stream. The feedstock is at least substantially formed of a hydrocarbon or alcohol. In some embodiments, the feedstock includes methanol. In some embodiments, the aversive agent is delivered to a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processor with the carbon-containing feedstock. In some embodiments, the feed stream further includes water. In some embodiments, the feed stream is delivered to a fuel cell stack that produces an electric current therefrom.

Abstract: Fuel reformers and methods for using fuel reformers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fuel reformer can comprise: an oxidant inlet, a mixing zone capable of receiving the oxidant and vaporized fuel to form a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the mixing zone, wherein the reforming zone is capable of converting the fuel mixture into a gas stream, and a passive heat exchanger disposed in thermal communication with the gas stream and capable of heating the fuel prior to introduction to the mixing zone.

Abstract: A window glass which makes it possible to realize an excellent appearance thereof at low costs. The window glass is moved upward and downward by a window regulator. The window glass comprises a portion defining a curved recess formed in an upper end face of the window glass such that it has a maximum depth of 0.2 to 5.0 mm and a width of 0.5 to 4.5 mm, and an electrode part formed of a conductive material injected into the curved recess.

Abstract: A security gate for use with an emergency or fire door mounted within an emergency exit wherein the gate is mountable in facing relationship to the door and is constructed to permit the door to be opened while the gate blocks or prevents unauthorized access through the exit to a protected area and wherein the gate includes a member for engaging a touch bar operating mechanism associated with the door to automatically and simultaneously open the door as the gate is opened outwardly from inside the protected area and wherein no modification to the door is necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a snap lock balance shoe and system to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance.

Abstract: A link structure of a power tailgate is disclosed in which the links opening and closing the tailgate move perpendicularly in relation to the rotational direction of the driving motor, thereby preventing an overload of the motor. Accordingly, a small capacity motor may be used for reducing the weight and raw material cost thereof. Further, as the orientation of the links is in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a compact link construction is provided. Such the structure includes a rack gear meshing with a driving gear of the motor, and a multi-joint link connected at both ends thereof to the rack gear and tailgate, respectively. The multi-joint link is constituted by a plurality of link members relatively and pivotally connected to each other by means of pins.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus is provided with a foreign material detecting sensor, a position detecting apparatus and a control circuit apparatus. The foreign material detecting sensor has a sensor electrode, and is arranged in a front end of a door panel. The foreign material detecting sensor outputs an electrostatic capacity detection signal corresponding to a change of an electrostatic capacity between the sensor electrode and a foreign material coming close to the electrode. The position detecting apparatus outputs a position detection signal corresponding to a position of the door panel. The control circuit apparatus compares a change amount of the electrostatic capacity detected on the basis of the electrostatic capacity detection signal with a threshold value so as to judge, on the basis of a result of comparison, whether or not a foreign material exists between the door panel and a vehicle body.

Abstract: A sealing, trimming or finishing strip (4) comprises a longitudinally extending sealing part (6) defining a longitudinal hollow interior which becomes partially compressed in use, the hollow interior of the sealing part being provided with means (27) for controlling the compression of the sealing part (6). In an embodiment described, the compression controlling means (27) comprises an interior wall (22) spanning the hollow of the sealing part and thereby defining first and second longitudinally extending hollows (24, 26). The interior wall (22) includes a portion of relatively large cross-section, bulbous cross-section. The compression controlling means (27) may provide a “stop” which prevents or substantially reduces any further compression of the sealing part (6) beyond a desired amount.

Abstract: A door module assembly includes a carrier plate having a plurality of locating pins. An inner door panel includes a plurality of openings that cooperate with the plurality of locating pins to align the carrier plate relative to the inner door panel and to retain the carrier plate on the inner door panel without requiring fasteners. Each locating pin comprises a pin body with a slot that separates the pin body into first and second flexible lip portions. These first and second lip portions flex inwardly toward each other during insertion into the inner door panel, and flex outwardly away from each other after insertion through the inner door panel to retain the carrier plate on the inner door panel without requiring any additional fastening elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modular combinations of structural elements (22) and connectors (30) that are sold as a set of unassembled or partially assembled parts (14), and are then transported and assembled by a consumer (10) having ordinary skill without special tools or expertise.

Abstract: A door module assembly includes a carrier plate having a plurality of locating pins. An inner door panel includes a plurality of openings that cooperate with the plurality of locating pins to align the carrier plate relative to the inner door panel and to retain the carrier plate on the inner door panel without requiring fasteners. Each locating pin comprises a pin body with a slot that separates the pin body into first and second flexible lip portions. These first and second lip portions flex inwardly toward each other during insertion into the inner door panel, and flex outwardly away from each other after insertion through the inner door panel to retain the carrier plate on the inner door panel without requiring any additional fastening elements.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam, combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self sealant, both connected to a source of gas for inflating the fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in live fire training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit having at least one subsystem and a second modular unit having at least one subsystem. Each modular unit is constructed from a standard structural footprint and each modular unit includes at least one bullet containment wall. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a control member, wherein the subsystem in each modular unit is controlled by the control member. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In a further aspect, a method of building a scenario in a graphical space is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile building having: a an elongate mobile chassis; a pair of foldable frames mounted to the chassis and operable transversely between an extended and a collapsed position; a rigid roof structure longitudinally spanning the pair of frames; a pair of side walls suspended from the pair of frames; and a pair of end walls suspended from the rigid roof structure.

Abstract: A wind spoiler including a vertical member mounted vertically along a roof of a structure to extend above the plane of the roof for creating turbulence in wind flowing over the roof.

Abstract: A hole cover is provided for covering holes formed in the walking surfaces at construction job sites. The hole cover includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge. In addition, the cap includes a plurality of bores which project vertically from the cap's top surface to the bottom surface. The hole cover further includes a plurality of pins which are positioned within the bores. Each pin includes a head and shaft. The pins are sufficiently long so that once positioned within the bores, the pins extend downwardly so as to project into a construction site hole which is intended to be covered.

Abstract: An anchor system which provides a threaded member which can be advanced into a baled material upon rotational engagement of a first member end terminal with the baled material.

Abstract: A portable floor system having a plurality of floor panels configured for connection along abutting edges to form an extended floor surface. Each panel has a planar portion including a top surface, a core, and a bottom surface. Extruded edge portions include tongues along two edges and complementary tongues along the other two edges. Each edge also includes a panel connecting assembly along each edge, having a lock device extending from an edge into the core. The lock device mounts directly against an anchor element. The anchor element extends through the bottom surface and having a connector receiving portion.

Abstract: A stairway has a pair of stringers, mounted in inclined, spaced-apart, parallel relationship with at least one stair assembly, disposed in spanning relationship across the stringers. Each stringer has a top surface and a side surface. Each stair assembly has a pair of brackets and a tread with each end of the tread affixed to one of the brackets. Each bracket is mounted and affixed along a length of one of the stringers. Each of the brackets has a first and a second faces, which intersect in an angular manner. A flange is disposed perpendicularly from a side of the first face. When the bracket is mounted to the stringer, its first face and the flange are in abutting relationship with the respective top and side surface of the stringer. A further embodiment bracket has no flange extending from the first face.

Abstract: A storm shutter system is provided for protecting windows from hurricane conditions, storm conditions, and/or the like. In certain example embodiments, a storm shutter system includes both opaque metal corrugated storm shutter panels and clear plastic corrugated storm shutter panels which together may make up the system. The system is designed so that the metal corrugated panels are installed exterior (or over) the clear plastic corrugated panels when the two types of panel are located adjacent one another in the system (i.e., the clear plastic panels are located between the building and the metal panels), thereby improving the strength and/or durability of the storm shutter system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modular combinations of structural elements (22) and connectors (30) that are sold as a set of unassembled or partially assembled parts (14), and are then transported and assembled by a consumer (10) having ordinary skill without special tools or expertise.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a frame having at least one hollow end rail and a pair of side rails coupled in butt joints to opposed ends of the end rail. The butt joints include a core extending through the hollow end rail and from opposed ends of the end rail through openings in the side rails into the interiors of the side rails. A saddle within each side rail interior straddles a corresponding end of the core. A fastener extends through each of the saddles into engagement with a corresponding end of the core firmly to clamp to side rails against opposed ends of the end rail. The core preferably is of uniform cross-section throughout its length, having edges that internally engage the hollow end rail against lateral movement of the core within the end rail. A resilient washer preferably is captured in compression between each saddle and the opposing end of the core. One of the saddles preferably has an integrally formed extension within one of the side rails for securement of a hinge to the side rail.

Abstract: An arched door frame for use within an arched opening in a framed, wallboard clad wall comprises: two similar door frame side portions each having a lower straight portion, an upper rounded portion, and an upper connection edge portion; wherein each door frame side portion has a jamb having a width generally equal to a stud width and two thicknesses of wallboard, and a contoured casing attached to both a front and rear edge portion of the jamb; and, frame side alignment and connection maintenance means to centrally align and maintain the two frame side portions in close proximity. In a preferred aspect the frame alignment means comprises clip holes and dowels, and the connection maintenance means comprises a front and back U shaped clip having opposite ends which are received in the clip holes, one clip hole in an outer edge of each jamb side portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a furring strip system wherein furring strips are pre-attached to at least one side of a water resistive barrier (WRB—sometimes referred to as “Housewrap”) to promote drainage and drying between the exterior siding or cladding and the underlying wall construction. The furring strips themselves may be ventilated vertically through a series of abutting internal cavities extending across its width or vertical ridges. The furring strip system is installed on a structure simultaneously with the WRB, and before the exterior cladding or siding is installed to enhance drainage and drying of that area thus helping to eliminate the problems associated with water accumulation, such as deterioration of the underlying components, microbial growth, mold and related problems to the structure and its inhabitants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regulating and controlling surface temperature of concrete or asphalt structure (the structure) and the like, as well as atmospheric or air temperature around the structure by encapsulating and containing temperature (thermal) control materials (TCMs) or/and water in the structure which constructs or constitutes pavements, roofs, parking lots, walls and the like. Volume ratio of water and one or more TCMs encapsulated and contained in the structure are from 0.01% to 99.99%. Based on simulation analysis, on one hand, the present invention, in summertime, can reduce the highest temperature on surface of the structure by up to 56.5% (reduced by about 46° C.), and reduce the highest temperature of air around the structure by up to 54.4% (reduced by about 48° C.), therefore “heat island” effect in urban areas in summer can significantly be reduced, thus saving cooling energy and benefiting human health.

Abstract: A multi-layer wall panel includes a core filler material surrounded by two plastic sheets. Each sheet includes three-dimensional texture formed to resemble masonry or other desired aesthetics. A layer of concrete may be disposed between each sheet and the filler material. The sheet may be removed from the concrete layers to expose the concrete surfaces. Multiple wall panels may be stacked on top of one another and joined side-by-side with posts and connectors to form a wall assembly. A method for manufacturing vertical concrete wall structures is also provided.

Abstract: Tiles made of a resilient material bear an irregular rippled surface shaped so that the ripples pass from one tile to another without discontinuity. The rippled surface is taken from a natural surface such as beach or river sand which has had water flowing over it. Applications include covering the surrounds of swimming pools and areas where play or gymnastics occurs. The resilient material may be new or recycled rubber. The tiles may take the form of elongate strips, supplied in rolls.

Abstract: A jet blast wall structure is provided which is adapted to withstand and deflect high temperature jet blasts from the jet engines of aircraft. The structure comprises a plurality of panels, each of which has a front panel face and edge frame members at each side of the front panel face to which the front panel face is secured. All components, including each front panel face is made substantially of fiberglass, and each edge frame member and each bolt or nut, used for production of the structure is also made from fiberglass. The structure is designed to have a predetermined shear strength, whereby in the event of impact of an aircraft with the jet blast wall structure, the bolts in the edge frame members of the impacted panel or panels will fail in shear so as to permit the impacted panel or panels to collapse and thereby so as preclude significant damage to the impacting aircraft.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form block includes front and rear wall portions, left and right end walls extending between the front and rear wall portions, spacer ribs positioned to extend between the front and rear wall portions in a spaced-apart relation to define apertures therebetween.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wall form intersection assembly for receiving a flowable material. The assembly includes a pair of opposed spaced-apart foam panels having a top surface and a bottom surface, each panel including a first section having first and second opposed ends, the first sections being parallel to each other. Each panel of the pair also includes a second linear section pointing outwardly from said first end of the first linear section and forming an angle therewith. The assembly also includes at least one end foam panel, each including a section facing said second linear sections and being tied in spaced relation therewith. The panels define therebetween a cavity for receiving the flowable material and forming an intersection in a wall. The cavity may be T-shaped or cross-shaped, depending on the at least one end foam panel arrangement.

Abstract: A thermally insulated stud and methods for producing the same. First and second elongated structural members are placed vertically parallel to one another, defining a space therebetween. The space is filled with a thermally insulative material, providing reduced thermal conductivity in a horizontal direction through the stud.

Abstract: A roll formed sheet metal grid tee, having a multilayer web, is rigidified by a series of longitudinally spaced tabs lanced through the web. The tabs are cut with a dovetail shape and are foreshortened relative to the holes, made when they are formed, by bending them along a line parallel to a side of the tab that remains uncut. After being foreshortened, the tab is pressed back into its associated hole and tight locking interference is developed between the divergent dovetail sides of the tab and the hole. The tab is incompletely pushed back into the hole so that the layers of the tab are misaligned with corresponding respective layers of the web to assure that the tabs prevent relative shear-like movement and/or spreading of the web layers.

Abstract: A batten riser (10) is inserted into the overlap (11) between a batten (3) and a supporting member which can be a rafter (4), or a sheet of plywood (8) which covers the rafters. The battens support tiles (2) of a roof (1). The batten riser (10) has a flange (16) to assist maintaining the batten riser in position prior to securing the batten to the rafter by means of a nail (6). In addition, the batten riser has a series of ribs (20) on its underside. The spaces (21) between adjacent pairs of ribs both break water retaining capillary attractions and constitute drainage channels to permit water to drain away.

Abstract: This utility model is a new interlocking structure for floor panel. The new interlocking structure for floor panel in accordance with the invention comprising floor panels; one panel edge having an upwardly curved flange, having at least one tooth, formed at it end and at least one hump and depression along its one top surface; the adjacent panel has a generally correspondingly shaped recess to receive the flange, the sectional configuration of tooth is trapezia. The floor panel made in this way, just because there is the interlocked gear shaped tongue on the vertical section of the tongue and groove connection. This interlocking increased the bearing capacity of floor panel from vertical acting force. And the abutting joint of panels is also improved obviously. It is useful and helpful to processing panel in vertical direction and laying precision of panel, as well as preventing the breakage of joint and distortion of floor panel.

Abstract: A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative horizontal and vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.

Abstract: A support apparatus is for use with building supports and floor or roof sheathing. The apparatus includes purlins and Pratt-style trusses. Each truss is supported on the building supports. Each truss includes top and bottom chords, and web members extending therebetween. Each purlin extends transversely of the trusses and has notches spaced along an underside thereof. Each notch is saddled over a top chord of one of the trusses, so as to restrict sliding movement of the purlins. The purlins support the floor or roof sheathing thereon. The top chord, the bottom chord, the web members, and the purlin members are constructed from roll-formed light gauge steel material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building construction that utilize frame members (e.g., studs) having attachment portions to which construction panels can be secured. In one embodiment, a stud designed to support vertical wall panels consists of a pair of metal C-channel studs that are oriented back-to-back with a stiffener plate between them. The stiffener plate extends outward from the stud so that it can be used to secure the wall panels against the stud. The stiffener plate has slots through it that allow biscuits to be placed through the stiffener plate and into the edges of the wall panels that abut the stiffener plate. The biscuits hold the edges of the wall panels in alignment with each other and, because the biscuits extend through the slots in the stiffener plate, the wall panels are held against the stud, thereby stiffening the wall formed by the panels.