Abstract: A lobster trap that promotes entry of lobsters into the trap while restricting lobsters from exiting the trap. Accordingly, a lobster trap comprises at least one head including an opening for entry into an interior of the trap, and a shield member mounted to the trap adjacent the opening. The shield member extends into the interior of the trap away from a plane of the opening and shields the opening from egress from the interior of the trap from at least one direction while not restricting entry to the interior of the trap. The lobster trap can further include a guard member extending from the shield so as to further restrict exit from the trap via the head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling rodents uses pressurized exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The gases are compressed and injected under pressure into underground burrows of rodents. The rodent tunnels fill with a very high concentration of such gases as carbon monoxide from the exhaust within just a few seconds.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a high free fatty acid grease feedstock to biodiesel. The process comprises a glycerolysis reaction to convert free fatty acids to glycerides and a base catalyzed transesterification reaction to produce fatty acid methyl esters and glycerin in the absence of solvents. In preferred embodiments, both glycerin and methanol are recycled. The process can process a feedstock containing up to 100 percent free fatty acid content to produce biodiesel and glycerin with minimal waste generation.

Abstract: A system and method for the conversion of free fatty acids to glycerides and the subsequent conversion of glycerides to glycerin and biodiesel includes the transesterification of a glyceride stream with an alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are separated from the glycerin to produce a first liquid phase containing a fatty acid alkyl ester rich (concentrated) stream and a second liquid phase containing a glycerin rich (concentrated) stream. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then subjected to distillation, preferably reactive distillation, wherein the stream undergoes both physical separation and chemical reaction. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then purified to produce a purified biodiesel product and a glyceride rich residue stream. The glycerin rich second liquid phase stream may further be purified to produce a purified glycerin product and a (second) wet alcohol stream.

Abstract: An additive for engine oil of the present invention comprises: a compound containing a metallic element, wherein a metal oxide obtained by oxidizing the metallic element has a catalytic action which promotes burning of a particulate matter contained in exhaust gases discharged from an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system and method for the conversion of free fatty acids to glycerides and the subsequent conversion of glycerides to glycerin and biodiesel includes the transesterification of a glyceride stream with an alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are separated from the glycerin to produce a first liquid phase containing a fatty acid alkyl ester rich (concentrated) stream and a second liquid phase containing a glycerin rich (concentrated) stream. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then subjected to distillation, preferably reactive distillation, wherein the stream undergoes both physical separation and chemical reaction. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then purified to produce a purified biodiesel product and a glyceride rich residue stream. Biodiesel may be further recovered from the glyceride rich residue stream, by further separation of and/or processing of glycerides/free fatty acids contained therein.

Abstract: A seedling protection device includes a flexible strip of thin flat material having opposing surfaces and opposing ends, the strip being flexible to define an interior one of the opposing surfaces and to produce an intermediate overlapping interior region thereof, the strip including an adhesive at least in the intermediate overlapping interior region, the strip having a laminar cover extending substantially over the interior one of the opposing surfaces to protect the adhesive, pre-deployment, the laminar cover being removable from the interior one of the opposing surfaces in a deployment phase of use, the strip including on at least one surface region adjacent one or more opposing ends thereof a scented compound, the strip with the laminar cover removed and when flexed, during deployment, forming a collar configured to extend around and affix to a seedling stem near an extremity thereof.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has a plurality of folds, some constricted by a constriction element, the folds comprising expansion elements for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

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

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A high efficiency gasification process for converting carbonaceous solids to methane and apparatus for its practice are described. The process includes reacting steam and carbonaceous solids comprising ash in the presence of alkali metal catalyst in a gasification reactor to produce combustible gases and char particles comprising ash and alkali metal catalyst constituents, treating a stream of such char particles in an alkali metal catalyst recovery system to recover the catalyst constituents as alkali metal compounds, and recycling such recovered compounds.

Abstract: A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a steam reformer configured to produce an impure hydrogen-rich gas stream which includes a composition of hydrogen and impurities in selected quantities. The system also includes a blending apparatus configured to blend the impure hydrogen-rich gas stream with a hydrocarbon fuel in a predefined ratio. The system can also include a compressor, a storage container, a fuel dispensing system and a vehicle having an engine configured to burn the hydrogen enriched fuel. A method for producing the hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of producing the hydrogen-rich gas stream, and then blending the hydrogen-rich gas stream and the hydrocarbon fuel into the hydrogen enriched fuel at the predefined ratio.

Abstract: A rotating barrier having a rotating arm assembly (1) has at least one blocking arm (2) which is formed at least over part of its length by a springy core piece (14) and is provided with an outer sheath (25).

Abstract: A device for actuating doors, with a motor and a door opening lever that can be actuated by the motor and connected to the door to be opened, whereby a decoupling device is arranged between motor and door-opening lever to support a decoupling of the door-opening lever from the drive in the case of an opening of the door not caused by the motor, and a door closer acting on the door to be actuated, whereby the decoupling device is arranged outside of the door closer.

Abstract: A window regulator including a drive rod having a linear axis; a runner connected to the drive rod for movement therealong; a window carrier pivotally secured to the runner for supporting a window; and a guide engaged by the window carrier having a radius of curvature such that the window carrier moves the window along a path coincident with the radius of curvature as the runner moves linearly along the drive rod.

Abstract: A motorized in-line sliding window structure is described. The sliding window structure comprises a window frame having upper and lower slide rails. A fixed glass is provided in the frame and a displaceable window panel. Guide channels are provided in the slide rails to guide the displaceable window panel from a closed position, where the displaceable panel is disposed in a substantially common plane with the fixed glass, to an offset open position, where the displaceable window panel is retracted out of the common plane and displaced along the guide channels in the slide rails to a desired position behind the fixed window panel. An electric motor is connected to flexible cables to displace the displaceable window panel along the guide channels. The flexible cables and their connectors are displaceable in a concealed routed channel associated with a guide channel of said slide rails.

Abstract: A sliding window pane, particularly, but not exclusively, for a motorized vehicle conductor window is described. The sliding window pane is disposed in a window structure having a frame. The frame has a fixed window pane with an opening therein. A secondary frame is provided adjacent an interior surface of the fixed window pane. The sliding window pane has opposed rails secured thereto slidingly connected to opposed channel frame members of the secondary frame. A flexible attachment cable extends in one of the opposed channel frame members and has a connector for connection to the rail associated therewith. An electrical motor is operable by a switch to displace the attachment cable thereby displacing the sliding window pane between the opposed frame members to cover or expose the opening or part thereof.

Abstract: An abrasive grit containing more than 96% by weight of sintered alumina, between 0.1 and 3% by weight of titanium oxide and between 0.1 and 3% by weight of manganese oxide, the sum of titanium oxide and manganese oxide remaining less than 4% by weight. The content by weight of titanium oxide and/or manganese oxide is preferably more than or equal to 0.5% and less than or equal to 1.3%.

Abstract: A staging system includes a locking mechanism that enables adjacent staging modules to be locked together in multiple positions to form a stage. The locking mechanism is able to be operated from above the stage.

Abstract: An improved gutter cover system which is relatively convenient to install, with an innovative gutter bracket and gutter cover that can be installed more quickly and effectively. The gutter bracket has a bracket member, a tab member and a lip member. The bracket presents a longitudinal axis aligning the wall end and the swivel end. The bracket includes a shaft with a wall end and a swivel end. The wall end has a flange opposite from the swivel end as well as a flat portion along the longitudinal axis. The tab member extends upwardly from the bracket member, to form a slot adapted for insertion of the edge of the gutter cover. The lip member is affixed to the swivel edge, preferably by a screw. The lip member is configured to be matingly received within the lip of the gutter.

Abstract: An interface portion (1), for a siphonic system (6) which siphonic system (6) has an upstream portion (2) and a downstream portion (3), the interface portion (1) having an inlet end (10), to be in connection with the upstream portion (2), a discharge end (11), to be in connection with the downstream portion (3), the interface portion (1) being arranged to bring, in use, the upstream portion (2) in liquid connection with the downstream portion (3). The interface portion is distinguished by the inner cross section area of the interface portion (1) increasing continuously from the inlet end (10) to the discharge end (11) for a length (L) of the interface portion (1) that is at least 0.3 times the inner diameter (D) of the discharge end (11), so that the interface portion counteracts an accumulation of a gas downstream of the upstream portion (2), to facilitate priming of the system.

Abstract: A splash box includes a bottom base having a portion that is generally horizontal to the ground, and a sidewall that substantially surrounds and projects upwardly from the bottom base. The sidewall has an area through which fluid accumulated in the splash box will be directed out of the splash box. The splash box further includes elevation means for adjusting the splash box to a desired height.

Abstract: A wall mountable frame structure for supporting appliances, entertainment equipment or other devices including peripheral horizontal and vertical structural beams with at least one intermediate vertical beam extending between and secured to the horizontal beams. A plurality of cladding panels removably attached to the vertical beams by way of a stud having a trapping member at its terminus which fits within a complimentary receiving portion of the vertical beams to secure the cladding panel to the vertical beams. A support bracket to be affixed to a wall and having mounting forks pivotally secured thereto is provided. A plurality of transverse mounting members are affixed to the vertical beams and are received by the mounting forks to secure the frame to a wall. The mounting forks are rotatable between first and second positions with the frame positioned away from the wall in the first position and against the wall in the second position.

Abstract: Roofing composites and methods of producing the roofing composites are disclosed. The roofing composites are multi-layer structures in which two layers of the composite structures are bonded to each other by a thermoplastic elastomer composition. The layers are bonded to each other by heat fusing the elastomer composition in one embodiment. The composite structures have a variety of uses, including uses in construction materials such a roofing membranes, interior and exterior siding, and wall coverings.

Abstract: A building material comprises a plurality of transparent sheet layers, adjacent transparent sheet layers of which are disposed so as to have a gap interposed therebetween; and a vapor supply system for supplying humidified air into the gap between the adjacent transparent sheet layers. A building including the above-mentioned building material. A method for controlling the indoor environment in a building including the above-mentioned building material comprises supplying humidified air into the gap between adjacent transparent sheet layers; and generating dew condensation on a gap-side surface of the adjacent transparent sheet layers.

Abstract: A floor for a cultivation area such as a greenhouse. An accommodating hole is excavated in the ground and a flexible holder for liquid such as water is placed therein. The top of said holder is provided with a supporting plate. By varying the level of the supporting plate, the level of the greenhouse floor is varied. The water can contain heat. Optionally there can be a further holder which, for example, contains liquid with different properties, such as a different temperature. A number of such holders can be incorporated in a greenhouse floor.

Abstract: A matting surface capable of carrying military equipment having a first flooring member and a second flooring member is disclosed. The first flooring member is substantially parallel to the second flooring member. Both flooring members have an end with an extending tabular member and a grooved end that is structured to slideably receive the extending tabular end of an adjacent flooring member thereby forming a joint between the flooring members and the adjacent flooring members. The first and second flooring members having means of connecting and interlocking the first flooring member to the second flooring member.

Abstract: A window system according to the present invention includes an outer frame, a stationary inner frame, and a movable inner frame. The outer frame defines channels extending substantially between first and second ends thereof. Protrusions on the movable frame may extend into these channels for moving the movable frame between the first and second outer frame ends. Inclined portions of the channels allow the movable frame to move into a position collinear with the stationary frame. Compressible seals are positioned keep air from passing between the three frame portions at this collinear “closed window” configuration. A sensor may be integrated in the outer frame for detecting a breach in the stationary or movable frame.

Abstract: Trim panels for vinyl double-hung window with raised screen track that provide the traditional look of a wood window. The trim panels are adjacent and abut the raised screen track, thereby eliminating the typical “valley” between the screen track and the trim panels of conventional vinyl windows.

Abstract: An assembly includes a pair of side walls and a base wall connected to and extending between the side walls. Each side wall has a triangular configuration defined by a pair side edges and an arcuate edge extending between the side edges. A plurality of first connectors, i.e. openings are defined in each of the side walls and are spaced along the arcuate edge. The base wall presents two sides and a plurality of second connectors, i.e. tabs that extend outwardly from each of the sides. The male connectors are coupled with the female connectors to form the arch assembly.

Abstract: A floor tile assembly comprises a floor panel supported above a floor surface by at least one frame member, wherein the floor panel includes an aperture, and an insert assembly including a first plate including a top surface, a bottom surface and a side edge having a first indentation, wherein the first plate covers at least a portion of the aperture. A second plate is adjacent to the first plate and includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side edge located adjacent the side edge of the first plate, wherein the second plate covers at least a portion of the aperture and a side edge of the second plate cooperates with the first indentation of the first plate to form a first opening. A structural reinforcement member is connected to the bottom surface of the first plate and abuts the bottom surface of the second plate, thereby reinforcing the first and second plates against vertically applied loads.

Abstract: A fireproof louver panel includes a panel frame and a plurality of longitudinally extending slats attached to the panel frame. One or more of the slats has a shell and an intumescent layer that expands under heat to form an airtight seal. A fireproof door or window may include an external frame, an internal core of a fireproof material (among other materials), and one or more such fireproof louver panels. A method of fireproofing an opening includes affixing a movable fireproof closure in the opening, and placement intumescent layers on the closure and on louvers disposed therein so that the opening is sealed when the first intumescent layer and the second intumescent layer are both subjected to heat.

Abstract: A construction system is described and which includes a first construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body having a first and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the fastener body is received in the passageway defined by the first construction element; and a locking member having first and second portions which individually matingly cooperate with the respective first and second portions of the fastener body to secure the fastener body to the first construction element.

Abstract: I, James N. Atwood, have invented a new design of and for a Hurricane Roof Suspension System, as set forth in the following specification. The claimed Hurricane Roof Suspension System is to retain the roof to the dwelling in which will enhance the safety of property and life when used. The general purpose of my design is by embedding galvanized cable in concrete poured lintel (or attached by sleeve anchors), over the roof to the other side of the dwelling, with a spacing of 3 foot between cables and attaching the cable of the other side of the roof to the lintel. Where as the length of the cable exceeds 25-30 foot on the roof, galvanized cable or all-thread is attached to the foundation, in walls, up to the roof line, with either galvanize cable and thimble or eye hooks which attaches to the cable on the roof.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective material disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A composite board and a method of manufacture thereof which board has a moulded front wall, a sheet insert which is attached to the front wall, a frame element which is attached to the front wall and the insert and an adhesive which acts between the front wall, the insert and the frame element.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for roll forming metal components including substantially channel-shaped members for use in a building structure. The apparatus includes a support frame assembly having front and rear portions. A mechanism is provided for selectively feeding at least one metal strip into the support frame assembly, the metal strip having a pair of side edges and a center web. A plurality of driver roll elements are mounted along the support frame assembly and are adapted to move the metal strip through the frame assembly. Finally, a plurality of spaced idler forming rolls are mounted for free rotation in pairs along the support frame assembly. The idler forming rolls are adapted to simultaneously air form the side edges of the metal strip into angularly extending side flanges by urging the side edges in opposing directions from the center web as the metal strip is moved along the frame assembly by the driver roll elements.

Abstract: The lining structure of the present invention comprises lining plates each having supporting portions formed at two opposite sides of a square lining plate body via bent step portions, and covering portions formed at the remaining sides of the lining plate body; the lining plates being arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions on a surface to be lined; in the first and second lining plates that are adjacent to each other in longitudinal and transverse directions, a covering portion of one of the lining plates being superposed on a supporting portion of, and being butted against the lining plate body of, another of the lining plates, with the butted portion being joined by welding, with an adhesive, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.

Abstract: A beam for a suspended ceiling made from longitudinally folded metal strip, having a single-layered vertical web, and opposing horizontal flanges at the bottom of the web. The beam has a seam that binds the flanges of the beam together along the web to cantilever both flanges from the web, so that the beam is balanced.

Abstract: A beam for a drywall suspended ceiling made from longitudinally folded metal strip, having a single-layered vertical web, and opposing horizontal flanges at the bottom of the web. The beam has a seam that binds the flanges of the beam together along the web to cantilever both flanges from the web, so that the beam is balanced, and the load from the drywall sheets attached to the flanges of the beam passes through the plane of the web.

Abstract: A beam for a panel suspended ceiling made from longitudinally folded metal strip, having a single-layered vertical web, and opposing horizontal flanges at the bottom of the web. The beam has a seam that binds the flanges of the beam together along the web to cantilever both flanges from the web, so that the beam is balanced, and the load from the panels supported on the flanges of the beam passes through the plane of the web. A cap covers the bottom of the flanges.

Abstract: An interior wall system includes one or more wall panels configured of a foam material, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene. Interior wall studs are positioned between adjoining wall panels. One or more track plates is also configured to engage the one or more wall panels at the top and bottom of the one or more wall panels.

Abstract: What is described is a lightweight structural panel which comprises a planarly extended outer skin of given thickness and stiffening elements which are connected to this outer skin and are arranged at a given distance from one another. According to the invention, the outer skin is formed by component layers which are each extended in the planar direction of the lightweight structural panel and complement one another in the direction of thickness to form the thickness of the outer skin and are interconnected, the stiffening elements being formed in one piece with one of the component layers.

Abstract: In a method of splitting a base block to form brick, block or paver units, a cementitious or stone base block having a first side, an opposed second side and a plurality of perforations is provided. Each perforation extends through the base block from the first side to the opposed second side, the plurality of perforations creating a splitting path in the base block. The splitting path has a cross-section consisting of from 70-50% by area of perforated regions and from 30-50% by area of unperforated regions. The base block may be split along the splitting path by a light shock to produce the brick, block or paver units. A wide variety of consistent and reproducible facing surfaces on brick, block and paver units may be produced that integrate texture, pattern, configuration and shape.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, Class C type, are combined with various aggregates either ground wood and/or chips, having maybe a small amount of Portland cement added thereto, moisturized, and then either molded, extruded or compressed in a press into the configuration of a block. Boron as a mold retardant and an insecticide, may be added to the composition, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a mold or hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: The interlocking interior trim is a modular baseboard system that may be installed without using additional specialized tools or materials. The baseboard sections are stackable, and will connect to each other before being secured to the wall. The interlocking trim can be used around the walls of a room or along a staircase. When used along a staircase, the sections are cut at an angle to allow the system to run parallel to the slope of the stairs.

Abstract: A polymeric batten for supporting an associated load includes a main body having a base wall having a pair of opposing, spaced apart upstanding side walls extending upwardly from the base wall and a pair of opposing, spaced apart legs extending downwardly from the base wall. The legs are spaced from one another a predetermined distance and the side walls are spaced from one another a predetermined distance. The upstanding side walls and base wall define a generally U-shaped profile and the legs and base wall define a generally inverted U-shaped profile that defines a strap receiving region configured for receiving an associated strap material disposed around the load and the batten. A load strapping and supporting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drywall hopper assembly that contains a double blade that can apply drywall mud to both interior and exterior drywall corners with no blade change. A zigzag blade can contain two grooves, one for interior corners and one for exterior corners. With this blade arrangement, an operator can quickly move from one type of corner to another without using multiple tools, multiple blades or hand application methods to apply mud. The present invention can contain a pliable release port to present mud equally to an interior or an exterior corner. There can be such a port on both the top and bottom of the blade so that mud is smoothly applied as trim moves through the hopper or the hopper is moved along the trim.

Abstract: A modular wall system (1) for constructing temporary buildings such as warehouses comprises a plurality of elongate panel members (2) arranged to extend horizontally between a pair of upright support members (3, 4). The panel members (2) are stacked one on top of another in a vertical plane to form a wall of the desired height wherein adjoining edges of adjacent panels (2) are provided with interlocking tongue and groove formations (7, 8). At least some of the panel members (2) are provided with an elongate reinforcing member (20) extending lengthwise of an internal longitudinal chamber (13) to assist withstanding wind forces. The reinforcing members (20) are constructed and arranged to have a higher resistance to forces applied in a direction (C) normal to a vertical plane of the wall than parallel to the vertical plane of the wall.