Abstract: A weight or sinker adapted to be received within a bait projectile formation canister, a projectile including the weight and associated fishing tackle and bait/lure(s), and an apparatus and method for making the projectile. The sinker is preferably shaped to be substantially matingly received within canister, which canister preferably assumes the shape of a ballistic projectile. The preferred shape of the sinker is substantially that of the tip of a ballistic projectile. Following insertion of the sinker into the canister, water is poured into the canister to engulf any bait and hooks, bait, lures and/or floats that may be attached to the sinker. The canister is then placed into a freezer to unite the sinker and any attached fishing tackle and bait into a unitary ballistic projectile.

Abstract: A lure trolling device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the lure trolling device includes a body having an elongated main panel and an end panel disposed at a generally obtuse angle with respect to the main panel, an elongated rail carried by the body, a flexible tail hook carried by the rail and a guide wire carried by the rail.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a fishing system capable of reducing loss due to entanglement with environmental obstacles. The most common form of device is a sinker. The construction of this system allows the user tension the line in different direction to extricate the fishing element from obstacles by easily reversing the direction of line tension.

Abstract: A novel, low cost fishing line resolves various problems posed by conventional fishing lines of braided structure, such as breaking strength, knot strength, low breaking elongation, drape insufficiency and producible length. The fishing line is made up of multiple filaments bound and united by means of a water dispersible resin adhesive. This fishing line realizes reduction of yarn damaging though avoidance of knitting and braiding steps, having such a structure that, due to buildup with enhanced linearity, the inherent strength of fiber can be easily exploited and the structure can be made with high productivity.

Abstract: A method for detecting infestation of grain-damaging insects in grain stored in a storage facility. This method comprises a first step of placing an insect trapping device that traps grain-damaging insects in the storage facility and leaving the device in the storage facility for a predetermined length of time, and a second step of detecting infestation of grain-damaging insects in the grain on the basis of how many grain-damaging insects have been trapped in the insect trapping device after the first step. The insect trapping device has a base that is impermeable to water or oil, a porous substrate that is disposed on one side of the base and is capable of holding water or oil, and water or oil held in the porous substrate.

Abstract: Fuel formulations may be produced from vegetable oil without the need to remove glycerin from the vegetable oil prior to use. The fuel formulations may be used in diesel fuel vehicles and/or as a home heating oil. The fuel formulations may include vegetable oil, kerosene, a fuel stabilizer, and a cetane boost additive.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the operation of diesel fuel combustion systems in a combustion system includes supplying a fuel and additive that includes a manganese compound to a diesel fuel combustion system. The fuel is then combusted in the combustion chamber to produce at least one byproduct including the manganese compound. The manganese compound is supplied in an amount effective to complex with the combustion byproduct. The diesel fuel combustion system operation is enhanced by improving the attributes of lubricating oil loaded with the combustion byproduct soot particles.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel pellets is described. The pellets are obtainable from a particulate carbon-based material and a binder, the process comprising the following steps: admixing the material and binder, and agglomerating the so-formed mixture by tumbling. The tumbling action, such as in a rotary drum, serves to agglomerate the particles and bind the mixture into the pellets, usually with a variable size distribution. No mechanical compression force is required, and with the binders used, the process can be carried out at ambient temperature. The process provides a simple but efficient process for using waste carbon-based materials, and forming a useable fuel product, which is easily transportable and efficiently combustible. Rotating drum or pan agglomerators are relatively low cost to build, and are capable of very high tonnage throughputs. Customised products can be produced and the process enhances the economics of ash and sulphur removal in coal upgrade plants.

Abstract: A method and system for making solid fuel from brown grease includes providing brown grease, dewatering the brown grease, and combining the dewatered brown grease with a combustible material under conditions effective to make a solid fuel. A method and system for making a fertilizer material from sewage sludge includes providing sewage sludge, providing steam generated by combusting a fuel comprising brown grease, and contacting the sewage sludge with the steam under conditions effective to dewater the sewage sludge and render a fertilizer material.

Abstract: The tree ring is a one-piece device formed from a planar member shaped as an annulus that defines a central opening. Disposed along an outer edge of the planar member is a raised wall for retaining mulch, soil nutrients, and the like in the immediate region surrounding a tree. The raised wall extends to an upper portion to form an arcuate, inverted U-shaped lip directed away from the central opening. When the tree is disposed through the central opening, the wall and planar member cooperate to retain mulch material about the base of a tree. The upper portion lip limits encroachment of grass and weeds upon the tree while providing an esthetically pleasing appearance. The lip is designed to provide sufficient clearance so that a lawn mower, string trimmer, and the like, may be run proximate to the device without disturbing the tree or surrounding mulch.

Abstract: A device and method of production therefor yielding a two color or two finish flower pot formed in a single injection molding process using a single extrusion operation. The method and device yielded thereby providing pots with an upper cylindrical area colored or finished differently than a lower truncated portion of the pot.

Abstract: A picture decoration includes a casing having a front open side and configured with an inner accommodating space that has a plant-receiving space portion, a transparent cover mounted sealingly on the front open side of the casing for closing the inner accommodating space in the casing, a decorative member assembled to the casing and having a front side surface formed with a decorative pattern, and a plant unit disposed in the plant-receiving space portion of the inner accommodating space in the casing and including a living plant that has a growing portion extending outwardly of the plant-receiving space portion and disposed between the cover and the decorative member.

Abstract: A plant pot is provided comprising a first plant pot housing with an open bottom; a first plate member supported by the first plant housing at its open bottom, wherein the first plate member is separated from the plant pot during transplanting; and a second plate member nesting with the first plate member after the first plate member is separated from the plant pot, wherein the first and second plate members are supported by a second plant pot housing also having an open bottom to complete a sequence of transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective biomass gasification method and system for converting biomass materials into gaseous fuel, wherein the system is capable of converting at least about 50-70% of the carbon in the biomass material into gaseous carbon at a temperature lower than about 1300° F. Also provided is a highly-efficient, cost-effective biomass gasification system comprises a combustor and a gasifier with an inside diameter of at least about 36 inches and a height of at least about 40 feet.

Abstract: This invention relates to high purity hydrogen production in a steam-carbon cell, which may be operated either in fuel cell mode thus generating electricity at the same time, or in electrolysis mode where the hydrogen production rate is augmented by an externally applied voltage. Introduction of a solid carbonaceous fuel at the anode eliminates the uphill barrier of the open circuit voltage for the reduction of H2O to hydrogen. This novel concept nearly doubles the conversion efficiency of conventional electrolysis and offers near-zero emissions. The improved efficiency would mean that nearly half the greenhouse gases and other pollutants are produced. The product stream from the anode compartment primarily consists of CO2 and, hence, it is easier and cheaper to capture and mineralize the CO2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering methane gas by adding a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases to natural gas hydrate and reacting them. The method for recovering methane gas from natural gas hydrate of the present invention comprises the step of replacing CH4 gas in natural gas hydrate with a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases by adding the gas mixture to the natural gas hydrate. The method for recovering methane gas of the invention assures a recovery rate of CH4 gas much higher than prior art method without dissociating natural gas hydrate layer and utilization of flue gas as a gas mixture containing N2 and CO2 gases, which makes possible its practical application for the production of natural gas in terms of economy and environmental protection.

Abstract: The process of the invention describes a set of steps for preparing a solid lignocellulosic biomass type feed, alone or mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon phase with a view to supplying a unit for gasification of said feed. The various steps include drying, torrefaction, milling and constituting a suspension of particles of biomass in a hydrocarbon cut.

Abstract: A door signaling system can warn a forklift driver on one side of a closed door that a pedestrian may be on the other side, thereby averting a collision between the forklift and the pedestrian. In some embodiments, the signaling system includes an elongate light prominently disposed along a perimeter of the doorway. In response to the pedestrian being at the door or in response to some other predetermined door-related event, the light warns the forklift driver of the situation or event. In some embodiments, the signaling system warns the driver by sounding a horn on the driver's vehicle or by shining a light upon tile door or against the floor.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting an electronic control board to the stator windings of an electric motor for roller blinds having a base with, on a first face, an element for centering on the stator of the motor at an end face of the stator. A first body for accommodating first electrical terminals for direct connection to first leads of the stator windings and a second body for accommodating second electrical terminals for direct connection to second leads of the stator windings protrude from the opposite second face of the base. The second electrical terminals are in direct electrical contact with an electronic board; the second body has a slot which intersects the seats on which the second electrical terminals are provided; the electronic board can be inserted in the slot.

Abstract: In a brace part for the driving rod brace (4) of a window, the housing (10) is attached to a jacket rail (9) via brackets (16, 17). The jacket rail (9) has recesses (18, 19) through which the brackets (16, 17) are guided. The brackets (16, 17) with bends (22, 23) extend behind shoulders (20, 21) which are located in the recesses (18, 19). In this way the housing (10) is positioned especially exactly on the jacket rail (9) and avoids components which project over the jacket rail (9).

Abstract: This invention relates to a door such as a balcony or patio door, featuring a threshold which, to accommodate handicapped traffic, is partly retractable, automatically dropping from its normal base position into its transit position, while by the actuation of a control mechanism it is restorable from the transit position to its normal base position, in a manner whereby in its transit position it permits unimpeded passage for handicapped persons from the inside to the outside and vice versa.

Abstract: A weather seal for a door of a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to the door. At least one seal lip extends longitudinally along the base and outwardly from the base, the seal lip configured to sealingly engage a door sill of the vehicle to close a gap formed between the door and the sill. At least one shield is coupled to at least one of the base and the seal lip. The shield is located proximate a predetermined exterior portion of a body of the vehicle when the door is proximate the sill, the shield covering the exterior body portion.

Abstract: A window regulator, e.g., for a vehicle window, which includes opposing block and pulley arrangements that interact via a lift pulley mounted to a lift plate that slides along a rail. Operative movement of a crank assembly in a first sense tensions a cable to move the lift plate towards a first end of the rail and operative movement of the crank assembly in a second sense, opposite the first sense, tensions a cable to move the lift plate towards a second end of the rail. The regulator enables the reduction of the operating torque requirements without affecting the packaging of the crank assembly.

Abstract: This door lining fixing construction is constructed such that: an assist grip provided on a vehicle interior side of a door lining is fixed to a bracket provided on a vehicle exterior side of the door lining; the bracket is extended to an inner handle opening that is formed in the door lining; the bracket is fixed to a door inner panel through the inner handle opening; an inner handle is disposed between the bracket and the door lining; and an operation hole is formed in the inner handle for fixing the bracket to the door inner panel.

Abstract: A diamond disc manufacturing process includes the following steps. Firstly, a container is provided, and an adhesion layer is formed in the container. A hollow member having a plurality of meshes is covered on the adhesion layer. A plurality of diamond particles is implanted on the hollow member and embedded into the meshes of the hollow member, so that the diamond particles are adhered onto the adhesion layer. Then, a resin material is infused into the container, so that the diamond particles are bonded on the resin material. Finally, the resin material together with the diamond particles is released from the container, so as to obtain a diamond disc base with the diamond particles having uniform distribution and orientation.

Abstract: An embodiment is the use of an inflatable enclosure for amusement purposes and it comprises an air cooling system which is operated by a plurality of interconnecting vinyl tubes, panels and reservoirs which has air forced into it via the same blower that keeps the enclosure inflated that allows a strong stream of cool air to be forced out under pressure from gauze based vents placed in a number of predetermined positions mainly on the inside of the enclosure that cools the users, preferably children to allow the play within the enclosure to be at a lower air temperature thus facilitating better and prolonged use and if the air cooling system is not required it can be turned off using a series of closing valves and flaps concealed within he walls of the enclosure and accessed from the outer walls.

Abstract: A system for attaching gutter protection systems to roofs having shingle/tile like style. A roof clip is adapted to be positioned under a shingles such that a tab extends vertically upward through a keyway between two adjacent roof shingles. The tab receives and secures an upper end of the gutter protection system. The tab is folded over the gutter protector and secured to the based of the roof clip through the keyway.

Abstract: A composite integrated module, comprising: a floor member having a plurality of frames extending in horizontal direction and a formwork placed on said frame, wherein anchor members engaged with removable tightening apparatuses from above said formwork are provided on a lower surface of said formwork.

Abstract: An adjustable jig for assembling curved section panels of a dome structure includes a support surface, multiple arm guide members disposed on the support surface and multiple drives independently moving each of the guide members to position the arm guide members along an arc of a desired curvature. Each arm guide member further includes an adjustable bracket positioning horizontal and vertical components of the curved section panels and a gripping device securing these horizontal and vertical components.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a dome structure. The method comprises forming a plurality of sections, each section include a top shoulder plate, a bottom shoulder plate, and a plurality of ribs disposed therebetween. The ribs and shoulder plates have an arc-shaped cross-section. The method further includes placing at least two of the sections adjacent to one another to produce a first ring. Respective top shoulder plates, ribs and bottom shoulder plates are secured together. At least two of the sections are placed adjacent to one another to produce a second ring. The second ring is placed on top of the first ring, the second ring having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first ring.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mobile plant for producing prefab elements for the building industry. The mobile plant comprises a covering canopy structure (A) that can be dismantled, such as a large tent or a hall, assembly tables (1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) for producing elements in brick material and mortar, an installation (14) for preparing the reinforcing irons for the panel elements of brick and mortar, a concrete mixer plant (3) for supplying the mortar, and/or a plant for generating auxiliary means (steam, electric current, compressed air, etc.) and/or a service container (7) for the personnel and for managing the plant. All these equipment elements are mounted on trailers and/or in containers that can be transported by road or by rail to the building site or the buildings to be erected. The main advantage of the mobile plant is seen in the maximum work rationalisation that yields considerable savings in time and in means.

Abstract: A composite structure including a shear wall panel having at least one horizontally-disposed structural member at least partially embedded in a floor slab such that horizontal forces exerted on the floor slab are transferred to the shear wall panel through the structural member.

Abstract: A portable staircase includes a stairhead that can slide along a support track to extend and lock the stairhead away from a vehicle. The staircase can further be locked in either an upward storage or downward use position. Vertical support frame members provide support to the staircase when in the downward use position. A further embodiment of the staircase includes a vertical support frame member cover, along with a plurality of moveable vertical support frame members used to move the staircase into one of three positions: front-, right-side-, or left-side-facing.

Abstract: A simple-to-use apparatus install around a pipe which passes through or under a building partition and maintains the structural integrity of the pipe in accordance with a typical building codes. More specifically, the apparatus preferably includes an inner sleeve composed of an elastomer (e.g. synthetic or natural rubber) or a foam-like material that surrounds the entirety of the portion of a pipe or conduit that passes through the building partition. The inner sleeve is entirely surrounded by an outer sleeve composed of a harder material than the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve can each be formed by extrusion, molding, or any other conventional manner. The inner sleeve maintains a circumferential spacing between a pipe passing through the apparatus at the outer sleeve thereby isolating the pipe from forces exerted by the building partition.

Abstract: Multi-directional, one-piece, tested and rated, inside-mount fire barriers requiring no splicing to fit into expansion joint corner-type spaces are presented. Accompanying low-cost, re-useable, size-adjustable installation tools designed for one-step, drop-in, installation of each style barrier, are also taught. To insure a tight-fit between each installed barrier and the building units forming the joint space, spreader press-fit tools which, if desired, may serve as fire barriers covers are taught. Described herein is a barrier that needs no splicing to be installed into a T-shaped joint space that is created by the convergence of three building structures. The present invention contemplates inside-mounted, one-piece barriers shaped to fit cross-shaped and various L-shaped expansion spaces. L-shaped fire barriers include barriers having a horizontal and a vertical arm that can occur in various configurations and barriers having two horizontal arms.

Abstract: A weep hole barrier for use in conjunction with a weep hole and includes a housing frame having an opening a weep hole cover for covering the opening to prevent pests from entering the weep hole, and a peripheral seal to seal the housing frame around the weep hole.

Abstract: A system for mounting and supporting an HVAC system on a curb in which a collar is provided and fitted on the curb, and the collar provides risers which connect to the supply and return lines of the system. The HVAC unit is fitted on the collar and engages the supply and return risers in air tight relation. The system further accumulates moisture and water on, or in proximity to, the system and directs it to a remote location.

Abstract: An adapter including a central body portion and a mount for connection to each of an HVAC register cover and duct-engaging boot. A surface of the central body portion includes mounting apertures, each configured to accept a fastener so that the central body portion can be mounted to a support structure, such as a ceiling joist. The adapter includes a register cover mounting surface that is adjustable so that it can accommodate different-sized register covers. The adapter also includes a boot mounting surface coupled to the register cover mounting surface such that, upon engagement between the register cover mounting surface and the register cover and upon engagement between the boot mounting surface and the boot, fluid communication between the boot and the register cover is established. Preferably, the adapter is made from a plastic, and more particularly an injection-molded plastic.

Abstract: A floor drain with a bottom part having at least one discharge opening, a front part that is integral with the bottom part and which has a first part inclined to the bottom part at an angle of at least 30°, and a flange part that is horizontal or inclined to horizontal at an angle of less than 20°, two side walls integral with the bottom part and first part, and a back part that is integral with the bottom part. The back part extends vertically from the bottom part, through and above the plane defined by the flange part.

Abstract: A system for holding poured concrete in a desired shape until it sets is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of forms having two opposing end sections. Each of the end sections has an end bracket attached to it. A plurality of footing stakes are used to connect the end brackets together such that the forms maintain the desired shape. At least one whaler bracket may be secured to a top of the forms to maintain the spacing between them. A skin panel can be used to bridge gaps between forms. Bulkhead brackets can be attached to the ends or centers of the forms and secured to allow end walls to be created where desired. Vertical footing panels can also be used to pour concrete onto adjoining inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A knocked-down insulating concrete form including two spaced apart lightweight panels maintained in position by a tie assembly.

Abstract: A method of enveloping a building in a weather resistant wrap is disclosed. A weather resistant building or house wrap is disclosed. The wrap is of a thin flexible web or sheet of material having multiple layers. The layers include a metallized polymeric layer (e.g. polyester metallized with aluminum) adhered to a closed cell foam layer. The metallized portion preferably faces the adhesive layer. The polymeric layer is an outside surface layer as is the closed cell foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an element (1) of brick material for realising prefab panel elements for the building industry. The inventive element (1) of brick material is of rectangular form, with an underside (2), an upper side (3) and one or a plurality of through-passing openings or ducts (7, 71, . . . 713) on the underside (2) as well as on the upper side (3) and in the central zone between the two sides (2 and 3). On the upper side (3) distancing members (13) can be inserted into suitable recesses (12), which consisting of a pin (21) and two mushroom-shaped heads permit combination of the inventive elements (1) in such a manner that an inter-space is formed, into which cement mortar as well as the reinforcing elements (16) can be inserted. In the central zone of the element (1) also insulating material can be inserted according to the requirements, or connecting line ducts.

Abstract: Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the invention involves means 1 for controlling cracking in a body of cementitious material, for example concrete, having an elongate base 2, elongate side wall portions 3 and 4 extending from the base and angling towards one another, and an aperture of apertures in the side wall portions. When the means for controlling cracking is in use it can be positioned base down so that a cementitious substance prone to cracking can be poured around and at least partially through it such that cracks which form in the cementitious substance occur at or in the vicinity of the means for controlling cracking.

Abstract: A coupling beam, and method for constructing multi-story buildings. A coupling beam design using multiple rebar groups is provided for use in coupled shear walls in multi-story buildings. First and second sets of a first rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. First and second sets of a second rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. The first and second sets of the first group of rebar, and third and fourth sets within a second group of rebar, are provided in a configuration that ends at or near the middle of the coupling beam, providing an open or partial-X configuration of reinforcing steel. Such coupling beams may also include transverse reinforcement, such as stirrups, hoops, or cross-ties, to restrain the concrete and to provide a confined beam structure, as well as vertical reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A structural member for supporting joists to be attached to the member. The structural member may be in the form of a rim track member, may be cold-formed light gauge steel, and includes a web. The rim track member includes longitudinally spaced, vertical slots through the web. Elongated mounting members, such as clips, are inserted through the slots and are attached to the rim track member and a corresponding joist such that the joist is mounted to the rim track member. One arm of the clip is fastened to the back side of the rim track member, and the other arm of the clip is fastened to the joist. A floor support system may include rim track members supported by walls, joists spanning between the rim track members, and elongated mounting members. The slots in the rim track members may be spaced in conformance with standard construction industry practice.

Abstract: Structures built from square metal tubing and methods for their construction, wherein curved sections of square tubing are welded to substantially straight sections of metal tubing according to the design requirements of the structures. The curved components are stronger and lighter than equivalent components made by bending. In addition, the curved components can be manufactured in a much wider range of configurations, sizes and dimensions than equivalent components made by bending.

Abstract: The surface structure of said floor covering is characterized by a minimum of two inclined planes (1,2) forming an angle respective to the vertical (FIG. 1). The resulting elements are arranged successively in such a way that each inclined plane is parallel to the corresponding plane of the consecutive element. This results in the floor covering being able to display a minimum of two distinct representations, which can each be an image, text, pattern, symbol, colour, texture or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A building material (40) is provided comprising fiber-cement (10) laminated to gypsum (20) to form a single piece laminate composite. This single piece laminate composite exhibits improved fire resistance and surface abuse and impact resistance, but achieves these properties without the excessive weight and thickness of two piece systems. Additionally, because of the reduced thickness, the preferred laminate building material is easier to cut and is quicker and easier to install than two piece systems. Furthermore, forming the fiber-cement and gypsum into a single piece laminate eliminates the need to install two separate pieces of building material, thereby simplifying installation. In one embodiment, a ?? thick laminate composite is provided comprising a ½? thick gypsum panel laminated to a ?? thick fiber-cement sheet, the laminate composite having a fire resistance rating of 1 hour when measured in accordance with ASTM E119.

Abstract: A portable worker support bracket for releasable engagement of a work surface such as a truss member or other construction member.