Abstract: A collapsible fishing rod holder is provided and includes at least one base jointed member, a branch ready jointed member removably joinable to at least one base jointed member and having a first branch joint, a first branch member removably joinable to said first branch joint, and a second branch member at an acute angle in relation to the first branch member. In another embodiment, second branch member is removably joinable to said second branch joint. In another embodiment, base jointed members, branch ready jointed member, and at least one branch member, are hollow, and a tensioned line runs into and through each said member. In another embodiment, member connecting sleeves on the branch ready joint member and base jointed members, connect the branch ready jointed member to a base jointed member and base jointed members to another base jointed member. In another embodiment, a member connecting sleeve on the second branch member connects the second branch member to the branch ready jointed member.

Abstract: A rodent trap is provided as well as a method for more humanely trapping the rodent. The trapping device allows the rodent to enter or step onto a receiving area. A bait held within or on the device includes a natural herbal substance in an effective amount to operate as a calming agent to relax the rodent. Most preferred as a calming agent is Valerian Root.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art.

Abstract: The invention provides terpolymers of ethylene, at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester and propene, which a) contain from 12.0 to 16.0 mol % of structural units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester, b) contain from 1.0 to 4.0 methyl groups derived from propene per 100 aliphatic carbon atoms, and c) have fewer than 6.5 methyl groups stemming from chain ends per 100 CH2 groups. and also their use as cold additives for middle distillates.

Abstract: The invention provides additive mixtures comprising A) at least one terpolymer of ethylene, propene and at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester, which i) contains from 6.0 to 12.0 mol % of structural units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester having a C1- to C3-alkyl radical, ii) contains from 0.5 to 4.0 methyl groups derived from propene per 100 aliphatic carbon atoms, iii) has fewer than 8.0 methyl groups stemming from chain ends per 100 CH2 groups, and B) from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight, based on A), of at least one further component which is effective as a cold additive for mineral oils and is selected from B1) copolymers of ethylene and ethylenically unsaturated compounds whose content of ethylenically unsaturated compounds is at least 2 mol % higher than the content of ethylenically unsaturated esters in the terpolymer defined under A), B2) comb polymers, and B3) mixtures of B1) and B2), and also their use as a cold additive for middle distillates.

Abstract: The invention thus provides terpolymers of ethylene, at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester and propene, which have i) from 4.0 to 12.0 mol % of structural units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester having a C4- to C20-alkyl radical, ii) from 0.5 to 4.0 methyl groups derived from propene per 100 aliphatic carbon atoms, and iii) fewer than 8.0 methyl groups stemming from chain ends per 100 CH2 groups.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic natural gas from a carbonaceous material, preferably a biomass material, such as wood. The carbonaceous material is steam reformed to produce a syngas, which is then fed to a methanation zone to produce synthetic natural gas.

Abstract: A reagent mixture comprising a hydrocarbon emulsion and an adhesion promoter which is used to agglomerate carbonaceous material particles from coal slurries of settling ponds or coal processing plants. The reagent mixture inhibits or avoids co-agglomeration of noncombustible impurities such as clay present in the slurries. The reagent mixture is provided as at least one of a slurry, a suspension, an emulsion and a solution which is contacted with the coal slurry.

Abstract: A method for the production of mushroom mycelia comprising cultivating mushroom mycelia in a liquid medium containing starch pulp as the s sole growth substrate is provided together with a unique method for quantitatively determining the amount of mycelia during the cultivation.

Abstract: At least one exemplary system comprises a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, said tubular mesh enclosure having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of said opposing pair of ends sealed; and a filling surrounded by said tubular mesh enclosure; said system defining a length and a generally non-circular longitudinal cross-section defining a major width, a ratio of said length to said major width greater than approximately 40. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A root ball is sculpted from a plant's root system and its surrounding soil using high pressure water ejected from a handheld wand to severe roots of the root system. Mud being formed is simultaneously vacuumed with another handheld wand to form a void between the root ball and the soil surrounding the root ball. The root ball can be wrapped or box for transportation of the plant to another location at which the plant will be transplanted. Positive and negative pressure sources, respectively for the high pressure water and the vacuuming can be mounted on a land vehicle for transportation to plants that are to be prepared for transplantation.

Abstract: The combination of a support and a foliage container. The foliage container has a plurality of elongate elements that cooperatively produce at least a part of a wall structure bounding a receptacle within which foliage can be placed, and a base rigidly secured to the wall structure. The base is configured to be rigidly connected to the support so that the support consistently maintains the wall structure in an operative orientation.

Abstract: A foliage container having a plurality of elongate elements that cooperatively produce at least a part of a wall structure bounding a receptacle into which foliage can be placed, and a base assembly that is configured to be rigidly connected to the wall structure. The base assembly is reconfigurable to cooperate with different types of supports in different manners to maintain the wall structure consistently in an operative orientation.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system for quickly and efficiently cleaning and polishing live plant leaves. In particular, the present invention provides plant polish and cleaner in a disposable wipe form.

Abstract: Embodiments of a calcium cyanamide composition and method for their use are disclosed. The composition and method stabilize active ionic compositions comprising calcium cyanamide and enhance the effectiveness of calcium cyanamide alone or synergistically in combination with nitrogen-containing materials such as urea and organics, for example, manures. The composition and method also facilitate controllable site-directed delivery of the contents of the stabilized compositions. The composition and method are effective for fertilizing, soil amending, metal stabilizing and odor and organism inhibition. The compositions are stable, easily calibrated, and non-clogging for spray delivery to target sites.

Abstract: Device (1) for thermal nebulisation of a liquid composition (3) comprising: a container (5), a fan for moving the air located in a zone (18) of the container (5) above the liquid composition (3), a channelling housing (9) which has at least one opening (23) for introducing outside air into the device (1), a projection sprayer by means of centrifuging the liquid composition (3) in the form of droplets in the housing (9) in order to form in a mixing region (54) a mist (2) of the liquid composition (3), a conduit (45) for conveying the liquid composition towards the sprayer, and a device (29) for heating the air arranged upstream of the mixing region (54) of the housing (9). Use in the treatment of fruits or vegetables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and a heater. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel; the heater provides heat to the reformer. Multipass reformer and heater chambers are described that reduce fuel processor size. Single layer fuel processors include reformer and heater chambers in a compact form factor that is well suited for portable applications. Some fuel processors described herein place an electrically resistive material in contact with a thermally conductive material to heat fuel entering the fuel processor. This is particularly useful during start-up of the fuel processor. Fuel processors described may also include features that facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A chemically-modified mixed fuel has been produced, wherein at least part of the fuel is a) cost-efficient, b) renewable and/or a consistent resource (e.g. biogenic fuels), c) easy to use, d) easy to transport and e) relatively “clean” with respect to the amount of time/resources it requires to convert the fuel to a “useable” form. Specifically, a chemically-modified mixed fuel has been developed that comprises methane gas from at least two methane-production sources. In addition, this chemically-modified mixed fuel can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein comprises a) providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, b) providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source, c) blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel.

Abstract: The production of synthetic natural gas from a carbonaceous material, preferably a biomass material, such as wood. The carbonaceous material is first pyrolyzed, then subjected to steam reforming to produce a syngas, which is then passed to several clean-up steps then to a methanation zone to produce synthetic natural gas.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower used in than prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids, about 38% carbon by weight. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art.

Abstract: Method, together with the devices implementing said method, for controlling the closing and opening movements of a movable barrier (103) so as to prevent a dangerous impact with an obstacle or crushing thereof, said movable barrier (103) comprising a closing edge having, positioned thereon, one or more sensors (108) connected to a first transceiver (27b) able to exchange a signal with a second fixed transceiver (27a) in communication with a control unit which manages the movement of the barrier (103), comprising a step defining for said signal a communications protocol consisting of more than two signal configurations (A, B, C, D).

Abstract: A revolving door comprising a rotating device operable to rotate in a direction of rotation; exterior stationary drum walls surrounding the rotating device and defining two passageways, each drum wall having a front edge facing the direction of rotation; at least two rotating door leaves disposed within the drum walls and attached to the rotating device, each door leaf having a side facing away from the rotating device; and a pivotable portion which is pivotably attached to the side of each door leaf. If a user is being jammed between the front edge of a drum wall and the pivotable portion of a door leaf, a predetermined resistance of the jamming makes the pivotable portion to pivot relative to the door leaf, thereby clearing a space between the front edge of the drum wall and the pivotable portion of the door leaf to prevent the user from being jammed.

Abstract: Drive assembly for door and window frames, comprising at least one actuating member and at least one transmission rod fastened to the actuating member, The transmission rod comprises a central portion and two lateral portions positioned at opposite sides relative to the central portion and forming two channel-shaped longitudinal guides, the central portion having a longitudinal groove positioned between the longitudinal guides, the longitudinal groove of the central portion being closed by a base. The transmission member has a connecting portion including two longitudinal ribs with ends shaped in such a way as to establish a telescopic coupling with the longitudinal guides of the transmission rod and a central portion positioned between said ribs and provided with a threaded hole in which is inserted a screw having a tip that is able to cut a hole in the base of the transmission rod at said longitudinal groove.

Abstract: Door and window frame, comprising a quadrangular frame formed by four section bars each having an outer side provided with a longitudinal groove, in which the longitudinal groove comprises a base, two parallel lateral walls and two edges oriented towards each other and defining an undercut engagement area at each of said lateral walls, and a drive assembly comprising a plurality of actuating members and a plurality of transmission rods that engage respective longitudinal grooves, and having each a single tenon. The tenons of the actuating members and of the transmission rods all engage the same undercut engagement area of the respective groove.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a lid opening mechanism (A), for opening a lid element (1) on a first side (Y1) about a first lid rotational axis (21), or optionally on a second side (Y2) about a second lid rotational axis (22), whereby the first rotational axis (21) and the second rotational axis (22) are each formed from a front (21a) or (21b) and a rear (22a or 22b) rotational axis element. The operating devices (B1, B2) are connected to and cooperate after a fashion with a rotational axis control device (M), with a control element (150) and with operating bars (161, 162) which cooperate with the operating devices (B1, B2), such that on operating one of the operating elements (110 or 120) for activation of the first or second rotational axis (21 or 22) a control element (150) locks the other operating element (120 or 110) respectively.

Abstract: A lid opening mechanism (A) for opening a lid element (1) on a first side (Y1) around the first axis of rotation (21) of the lid or selectively on the other side (Y1) around of the second axis or rotation (22), wherein each first (21) and second (22) axes of rotation are formed by the front (21a or 21b) or rear (22a or 22b) element of the axis of rotation and a lid actuating device (B) comprises hinge strips (30a, 30b) each of which is rotatably mounted in the area of the first lid-opening side (11) on the thrust sides (6a, 6b) of the lid element (D) transversally with respect to longitudinal sides (11, 12) and bearing devices (63a, 63b; 62a, 62b) for receiving the elements (21a, 21 or 22a, 22b) of the axes of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency release for a garage door drive with a sliding latch, wherein the sliding latch is linearly movable by turning a rotary knob.

Abstract: An adapter system for mounting conventional four-bar hinges within window assemblies that include elongated channels for mounting window hardware. One or more clamps having attachment features aligned with openings in a linkage bar of the four-bar hinges are received within the elongated channels of window sashes. The attachment features provide for aligning the linkage bars to the channels and for both temporarily and more permanently securing the vent bars to the channels.

Abstract: A window clamp is used to hold a vehicle window within a vehicle door. The window clamp includes first and second clamp arms that are secured together with a fastener. A seal is inserted into a gap between first and second clamp arms. The seal includes first and second seal arms that engage both side surfaces of the vehicle window. The first and second clamp arms each include a slot. Portions of the seal are snapped into each slot to secure the seal to the window clamp.

Abstract: A vault cover assembly including a vault door and a vault frame is disclosed. The vault door may be rotatably mounted to the vault frame, and have an open first position and a second closed position. The vault cover assembly may include a biasing member with a first arm and a second arm. There may also be a support member which cooperates with the biasing member. The vault cover assembly may also include a lever lock rotatably mounted to the vault door, which may include a latch configured to engage a latch stop mounted to the vault frame.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for a pushing outward window frame comprises a frame substrate fixed to an outer frame of a window; a window substrate fixed to an upper and a lower window frame; a first driven unit and a second driven unit connected between the frame substrate and the window substrate; a pivotal unit connected at a pivotal portion of the first driven unit and the window substrate and having a supporting block; a first protrusion and a second protrusion installed on the frame substrate; the first protrusion being formed with a second pivotal hole; one end of the first driven unit being positioned to the frame substrate; the second protrusion having a pivotal hole; one end of the second driven unit being pivotally connected to the frame substrate; and the first protrusion having a first pivotal hole aside the second pivotal hole for installing a limiting block.

Abstract: Method for mounting an auxiliary member on a window or door frame already installed and whereon is mounted a drive assembly comprising at least one actuating member and at least one transmission rod mounted in at least one slot of the frame. The method comprises the steps of, providing, between the auxiliary member and said rod, a coupling that is slidable in a longitudinal direction and fixed in any direction orthogonal to the direction of sliding, and forming a through hole in the rod by means of a screw carried by the auxiliary member, and fastening the auxiliary member to said rod by the engagement of a tip of said screw with said through hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix liquid for producing machining suspensions, a machining suspension produced with the matrix and a method of fractionating the used machining suspension yielded after use. The invention also relates to a homogeneous mixture of a polymer or various polymers and water. The mixture can be used especially advantageously in all technical applications requiring a liquid with lubricating properties. In the present invention, a mixture of water and a thickening agent, respectively a polymer or a multiplicity of polymers, is utilized as the matrix liquid or lubricating liquid. The cutting grains can be separated very easily and quickly from the used machining suspension produced with this matrix liquid; for reuse. Less process water is required and the process water can be simply purified as there is no complicated getting rid of an alcohol charge.

Abstract: A composition suitable for tantalum chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) comprises about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of a zirconia or fumed alumina abrasive, about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of an alkali metal iodate salt and an aqueous carrier. The composition has a pH of at least about 10. The composition is utilized to polish a surface of a tantalum-containing substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high strength, high wear-resistant cBN sintered body with excellent wear resistance and chipping resistance in high-speed, high-efficiency cutting of hard, hard-to-cut, iron-based materials, and a cutting tool that makes use of this cBN sintered body. A cBN sintered body containing cBN component of at least 45 wt % nad not more than 9.9 wt %, wherein said cBN sintered body comprises carbon at least 0.001 wt % and not more than 0.15 wt % with respect to the cBN component, in an interior of cBN particles of the cBN sintered body and at a grain boundary between cBN particles, and a cutting tool in which this cBN sintered body is used for at least a portion involved in cutting.

Abstract: A system for improved exterior shading devices of highly adaptable configurations. The system comprises several cantilever shade structures usable in the shading of land vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to rain gutters installed on houses and other buildings, and in particular to covers installed on rain gutters to prevent debris from accumulating in the rain gutters and adversely affecting the water diversion function of the gutters. The subject invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a gutter cover that is both readily installed and removed—and effectively prevents leaves, nuts, berries, pine cone, and needles from the gutter and holds its structural integrity under snow loads.

Abstract: An LNG full containment system is provided. The LNG system generally comprises a primary container, and a secondary container positioned around the primary container. The secondary container generally comprises a first end wall, a second end wall, and at least two side walls. At least one of the walls is fabricated from a plurality of prefabricated wall panels. Each of the wall panels is fabricated from a combination of concrete and steel. The wall panels are preferably prefabricated offsite, and then transported to the construction site where they are adjoined together in end-to-end fashion to form walls. A method for constructing a full containment LNG system is also provided. In one embodiment, walls and a roof for a secondary container are assembled, but leaving an end open. At least one primary tank is brought into the secondary container. A second end wall is then erected to form the enclosure for the secondary container.

Abstract: A modular structure system component includes a body having a substantially spherical core that includes an outer surface. The component further includes a plurality of nodes that each of the plurality of nodes has a first end disposed adjacent to the outer surface and a second end distal to the outer surface and a receiving means provided within each of the plurality of nodes, wherein each of the receiving means is configured to removably cooperate with a corresponding coupler. The body is configured to cooperate with a plurality of structural members that each include one or more of the couplers, and wherein the body and the structural members define a modular structure.

Abstract: A building with a roof having a wind deflection system. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention provides tie guides for affixing trusses and rafters and other cross members to the supporting walls of a building. The tie guide includes a longitudinal base plate with a horizontal component and a vertical component. Fixing members are transverse to the base plate, and are supported by triangular flanges extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An improved building structure is provided that is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble and provides stable and sufficient shelter to inhabitants. The structure includes a plurality of support beams with each beam having an arch beam and a cross beam. The arch beam is in the form of a downward opening arch having first and second ends and defines radially inner and outer surfaces. The cross beam spans the arch and a loft may be supported on the cross beams. A skin is supported on the support beams forming the walls and ceiling for the structure. The skin engages the outer surface of the arch beam of each support beam and extends between the ends of the arch beam. End panels may be coupled to a support beam at either end of the structure to enclose the interior space.

Abstract: A metal panelized wall system having a plurality of generally parallel vertical wall studs with an opening formed in each one. A top horizontal member is connected to a top end of each of the vertical wall studs and a bottom horizontal member is connected to a bottom end of each of the vertical wall studs. Extending from the bottom horizontal member to the top horizontal member is at least one diagonal member. The diagonal member extends through the openings formed in the vertical wall studs such that loads from the vertical wall studs are not transferred to the diagonal member. In accordance with one embodiment, the wall system includes a web hole reinforcing system around the opening in at least one of the vertical wall studs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a self-centering energy dissipative brace apparatus. A bracing system is often needed to stabilize, strengthen or stiffen structures such as buildings which are subjected to severe or extreme conditions. The brace apparatus may be installed in a structure to dissipate input energy and minimize residual deformations related to exceptional loading imposed on the structure by winds, earthquakes, impacts or explosions. The apparatus integrates self-centering properties and energy, dissipative capacities which help minimize structural damage.

Abstract: A footing form for supporting posts or other upright structural members of buildings and the like includes a primary web, and a plurality of structural webs extending upwardly from the primary web. The webs include structural webs that extend radially outward from a center portion of the base web, and a plurality of ring-like concentric webs that provide additional structural support. The webs form a plurality of upwardly-opening pockets, and apertures through the base web provide for drainage of water and the like from the upwardly-opening pockets. The footing form may have a one-piece molded construction. The footing form provides sufficient support to thereby eliminate the need for concrete or the like to support the posts.

Abstract: A facing structure for a forward portion of steps of the stair comprises a working member made of a resilient material, a horizontal and a vertical fastening members connected to rearward and lower surfaces of the said working member. The thickness H of the working member and the modulus of elasticity E of a resilient material satisfy the relationships: H>h+h1, E H×k, where: h—the thickness of a facing material of the horizontal surface of stair steps [m], h1—the thickness of the horizontal fastening member [m], k=1011 [n/m3].

Abstract: Profile rail for a facade system for the facing of a building, which can be secured in place on a substructure of the building for the fastening of filler elements, wherein the cross sectional profile of the profile rail formed of steel comprises a bolt groove section, cooperating directly with securement bolts, as well as at least one further holding section disposed next to the bolt groove section for sealing means, wherein in the region between the bolt groove section and the holding section adjoining hereon, window-like through-holes are provided, through which the underside of the bolt groove section is accessible for applying a welding seam between profile rail and substructure.

Abstract: An improvement in a rolling shutter assembly for covering an opening of a structure defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and oppositely disposed side walls. The rolling shutter assembly includes a shutter housing, a shutter support member rotatably disposed within the shutter housing, a shutter coupled to the shutter support member, the shutter comprising a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats, and a pair of side tracks. The shutter rolls between a rolled position wherein the shutter is rolled onto the shutter support member and an unrolled position wherein the shutter covers the opening and the ends of the slats are disposed within the channels of the corresponding side tracks. The improvement comprises a support frame having top, bottom and side rails mounted to the walls defining the opening with the side tracks each mounted to a corresponding one of the side rails of the support frame.

Abstract: Frames are disclosed for mounting windows within the walls of enclosures for isolating or sealing substances such as radioactive or other hazardous substances from the surrounding environment. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a two-piece frame that is welded into the wall of an enclosure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a three-piece frame that is clamped to the wall of an enclosure. The frame assemblies may also be used to mount structures other than windows to enclosure walls, such as ducts or pipes intended for passing power, gas, vacuum, or other utilities into the interior of an enclosure.