Abstract: A system and method are provided for growing algae with improved photoefficiency. The system includes a bioreactor formed with a conduit for growing algae cells in a medium. Further, the system is provided with a means for moving the medium through the conduit at a predetermined fluid flow velocity. In order to ensure that algae cells are efficiently converting light energy to chemical energy, a plurality of barriers is positioned in the fluid stream. Specifically, the barriers are separated by predetermined distances to create von Karman vortices in the medium. As a result, algae cells are sequentially flowed to the surface of the fluid stream to receive light energy for predetermined intervals of time.

Abstract: A hydromulch root ball includes a root system and hydraulically compactable mulch interspersed into the root system. The hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed into the root system by soaking the root system in an aqueous mixture of water and mulch, then draining the water away from the root system to hydraulically compact the mulch into and around the root system.

Abstract: A hydromulch root ball includes a root system and hydraulically compactable mulch interspersed into the root system. The hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed into the root system by soaking the root system in an aqueous mixture of water and mulch, then draining the water away from the root system to hydraulically compact the mulch into and around the root system.

Abstract: A plant containing vessel that is modular in construction and attaches to narrow horizontal surfaces such as office partitions, movable walls, narrow ledges and window sills. It is a low profile design with a relatively small cross section that conforms to the approximate width and length of the surface to which it is mounted. The planter can accommodate a variety of organic or inorganic mediums. Active growing systems utilizing an air pump or water pump may be used as dictated by the oxygen requirements of the plants. The planter can exist as a stand-alone unit or be connected together to comprise a continuous network that extends across adjacent walls. Various means are described for securing the planter to the mounting surface. Various means are described for providing structural support to the plants. The support structures serves to raise the line of sight to promote privacy for the office occupants.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a holder for individual containers used in the production and growth of plants. It is essentially characterised in that the configuration thereof is a cross formed by at least two arms 2 and 3 connected to each other, each of them being provided with transversal notches 4, 5 and 6 to connect and fix the containers by their edges.

Abstract: The fixed-bed gasifier and method in accordance with the invention operates with a solid material batch that is perfused by air and/or steam in opposing direction. Compared with the resultant pyrolysis coke batch, the actual pyrolysis zone is thin enough so as to result in a material dwell time in the pyrolysis zone of only a few minutes, while the dwell time of the pyrolysis coke in the pyrolysis coke layer may last up to several hours. The pyrolysis occurs in an allothermic manner. High-energy low-dust and low-tar gas is formed. The process control can be automated in a reliable manner. The exhaust of reaction gases and pyrolysis gases occurs through the heating chamber, whereby the last tar components are eliminated.

Abstract: Methods for carrying out high temperature reactions such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification using solar energy. The biomass particles are rapidly heated in a solar thermal entrainment reactor. The residence time of the particles in the reactor can be 5 seconds or less. The biomass particles may be directly or indirectly heated depending on the reactor design. Metal oxide particles can be fed into the reactor concurrently with the biomass particles, allowing carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide particles by biomass pyrolysis products. The reduced metal oxide particles can be reacted with steam to produce hydrogen in a subsequent process step.

Abstract: A door assembly having a multi-panel door connected to a casing that is inserted into a structure opening. The multi-panel door can be operated by a control assembly operatively coupled to the casing and the multi-panel door. The multi-panel door can be a bi-fold door having an upper panel and lower panel operatively coupled together. The upper panel can be pivotally coupled to the casing at one end and pivotally coupled to a portion of the lower panel at its other end. The control assembly can control movement of the door between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating plant, especially a vacuum coating plant, with a charging lock, especially a rectangular vacuum lock for a coating chamber, with a lock aperture (13) having a length of at least 1000 mm that comprises a shutter (6) for closing and opening the lock aperture and a latch (7) to secure the shutter, wherein there are provided means for moving the shutter and the latch from a first open position to a second closed position, and vice versa, these means assuring also that the movements of the shutter (6) and the latch (7) will be coupled with each other in such manner that the shutter (6) will be automatically secured by the latch (7) after the shutter has been closed and will be released again before it is opened.

Abstract: A curved portion formed on a guide rail is sandwiched between an inscribed projection and a circumscribed projection. Therefore, a carrier plate can turn around a curving center of the inscribed projection. Even when the guide rail is twisted, an element to be guided and the carrier plate can turn in accordance with the twist, a prying force is reduced, and the carrier plate can vertically move smoothly.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor polishing compound which is excellent in dispersion stability and removal rate and which has a stabilized polishing property, as it is less susceptible to an influence even when contacted with an alkaline polishing compound during its application to CMP comprising a multistage process. A polishing compound for chemical mechanical polishing to polish a surface to be polished in the production of a semiconductor circuit device, said polishing compound comprising cerium oxide abrasive particles, water and a dicarboxylic acid represented by the formula 1: HOOC(CH2)nCOOH??Formula 1 wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 4, and the pH of said polishing compound at 25° C. being within a range of from 3.5 to 6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sol of spinous silica-based particles in which silica-based particles having peculiar forms, spinous forms are dispersed in a solvent. The spinous silica-based particles have verrucous projections formed on surfaces of spherical silica-based particles. In the spinous particles, a value of the surface roughness (SA1/SA2, SA1 indicating a specific surface area measured by the BET method or the Sears method and SA2 indicating a specific surface area converted from an average particle diameter (D2) measured by the image analysis method) is in the range from 1.7 to 10. Furthermore the average diameter (D2) measured by the image analysis method is in the range from 7 to 150 nm.

Abstract: A shield for protecting doors from damage caused by contact from construction equipment, furniture or other objects carried in and out of a doorway. The door shield comprises a corrugated cardboard rectangular panel with top, bottom, left, and right side edges. The panel includes perforations along a plurality of parallel and spaced apart vertical lines in its right portion and a plurality of parallel and spaced apart horizontal lines in its top portion. The perforations enable tearing of portions of the panel along the vertical and horizontal lines to make the door shield adaptable to different lengths and widths of the doors. The panel also includes perforations along grid lines at a location so as to receive a door handle through a hole formed by tearing portions of the panel along the grid lines.

Abstract: The housing G of a downpipe filter A, which housing is to be mounted between downpipe ends 1, 2, has an exteriorly oriented outlet 6, an inner sieve device 32 and a collecting trough 27 communicating with the outlet 6, upper and lower housing parts 3, 4 each comprising a mounting socket S1, S2 for square downpipe ends 1, 2, and a housing intermediate section 5 at which the outlet 6 is provided and which housing intermediate section 5 is rotatable in relation to the housing parts 3, 4 about a housing axis X.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes at least one vertical shaft (32) extending between at least two levels (24, 36) of a building (22). One of the levels (24) includes at least one passageway (28) between an interior of the building and the outside environment. At least one second shaft (40) extends between the other building level (36) and at least one other level within the building. The interior of the second shaft (40) is isolated from airflow on the building level (24) that includes the passageway (28) to the outside environment. Disclosed examples include enclosures (52) for isolating the first shaft (32) from airflow on at least one of the levels to which the first shaft provides access.

Abstract: A device for partitioning off a space includes posts which are fixable to a floor; a wall or wall segments that are carried by the posts; impact members which are adapted to be arranged underneath the wall or wall segments and rest on the floor; a strut that connects respective adjacent posts; wherein at least some of the impact members are supported on the strut.

Abstract: A drywall construction and method including an installation element, such as shelving, a cupboard shell, or the like, for the keeping of objects including a frame construction with vertical upright profiles having a C-shaped cross section with legs, wherein the installation element is fastened to the upright profiles. The installation element may have, on at least part of its outer surfaces, a first groove and a second groove parallel to the first groove and spaced away from it, and in a fastening condition, the legs of the upright profiles are inserted into the first groove and the second groove.

Abstract: A laminate composite wallboard panel is disclosed having multiple layers whose cross sections may contain internal and external non-uniformities and whose surfaces may be rough and non-uniform. The wallboard panel is similar in size and weight to a standard gypsum panel and can be handled and installed in a manner similar to such a panel. The wallboard panel also provides high degrees of noise attenuation, thermal insulation, fire resistance, shear strength, mold resistance and moisture resistance.

Abstract: A dimpled sheet, with a flat area and a plurality of dimples protruding over the flat area, each having a dimple casing and a dimple cover, wherein contact surfaces for placement of the dimpled sheet against a subsurface are formed on the side of the dimples by the outer sides of the dimple covers. The proportion of the total contact surface of all dimples of the total surface of the dimpled sheet is greater than 35%, with the base surface of the dimpled sheet being formed from the flat area and the base surface of all dimples at the level of the flat area. The dimpled sheet has a protection coefficient (PC) of more than 10.000, whereby the PC is: PC=(CS)2×DH with CS=total contact surface of all dimples in [%] of the total base surface of the dimpled sheet DH=dimple height [min].

Abstract: A storm shutter for protecting building windows from severe weather. A single size storm shutter fits a wide range of window sizes and configurations and can be easily installed in less than a minute by one person of ordinary strength and skill using no tools of any kind. No assembly is required and there is no damage to home left behind. The shutter includes a foldable hinged panel for covering a window's exterior. A pair of ordinary ratchet tie-down mechanisms have a strap affixed to each end. Each strap then threads through the panel's exterior surface via four slots, wraps 180 degrees around a roller and then threads through the center of an inset track to ultimately connect to a shoe. The shoes, which hold the shutter solidly in place by gripping a window frame with great force, are snugly, yet slidably fitted within the track. The shutter folds to allow easy transport and storage and a flexible exterior handle is provided to enable easy handling.

Abstract: A blast-resistant window assembly (19), including a window opening (22), and a window (20) sized to fit within the window opening. The assembly further includes at least one anchor (28), which consists of a base plate (60) connected to the window opening. The anchors have a tongue (36), which is connected to the window and is fixed to the base plate at a shear region (61) that is configured so that under force of a blast against the window, the tongue shears away from the base plate, thereby absorbing energy of the blast.

Abstract: A frame for a window, a door or a similar facade element as a casement frame or wing frame has a profiled frame section. The frame has an interior side and an exterior side. Attachment profiled sections are provided, wherein a first one of the attachment profiled sections is arranged on the profiled frame section on the interior side and a second one of the attachment profiled section is arranged on the profiled frame section on the exterior side. At least the second attachment profiled section is secured on the profiled frame section so as to be positionally adjustable for compensation of thermal length changes and is removable from the profiled frame section.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a flexible ceiling panel preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.

Abstract: A tensionable hold down clip system for erecting metal studs for building walls, the system including a tensionable member; and a hold down clip having a base portion, a leg portion orthogonal to the base portion, and a mount on the leg portion configured for adjustably connecting the tensionable member to the hold-down clip. A wall using the system may include two main studs and a plurality of common studs extending between a sole plate and a top plate, and hold down clips are disposed on both ends of both main studs. Two tensionable members extend diagonally through the studs and cross each other, and the tensionable members are fastened to mounts on the hold down clips on the upper and lower ends of the main studs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable wall-partition that includes a wall panel that having a first edge and a second edge transversely connected to the first edge. A swivel wheel mechanism is connected to a central position of the first edge. At least one end panel that has an intermediate portion and a hinged connection connecting the intermediate portion of the end panel to the second edge of the wall panel are also included in the portable wall-partition. Alternatively, the portable wall-partition can include a plurality of wall panels. Each of the plurality of wall panels has a lower edge and a transverse side edge; and each of the plurality of wall panels is connected at its transverse side edge to a successive wall panel. A swivelable elongate wheel frame is connected at its midpoint to a midpoint of the lower edge. A first wheel is connected to a first end of the elongate wheel frame, and a second wheel is connected to a second end of the elongate wheel frame.

Abstract: An improved composite structural panel and method of fabrication are provided. In one embodiment, the panel generally includes two outer layers or sheets arranged in substantially facing relationship to each other and an intermediate layer spacing the outer layers apart. The intermediate layer includes a generally rigid stiffening or reinforcing core that preferably is bonded to outer layers to form a unified composite structure. In one embodiment, the core has an open structure defining a plurality of open cells 15. An insulating material is preferably disposed in the cells, and in one embodiment is a rigid foam that structurally reinforces the core 14 and strengthens the panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed an acoustic mount for dampening vibrations between two structures mounted or coupled in use to each other. The mount includes a vibration dampening member having a first portion, a neck and a second portion. The second portion has a head. The dampening member has a bore running through the first portion, neck and head to receive a component, such as a fixing member such as a screw, for engaging or coupling to a first one of the two structures. A support member is also described to which a second one of the two structures is secured or coupled in use. The support member has an aperture to receive the dampening member. The dampening member is an integral unit and the head can be passed through the aperture and positioned such that said head resists withdrawal through the aperture. The support member is interposed between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-seismic reinforced structure of a building, and particularly to a fiber reinforced cement siding and an anti-seismic reinforced structure of a building using the fiber reinforced cement siding for improving moisture transmission performance by using a structural face material such as a fiber reinforced cement external wall material and the like in a wooden building.

Abstract: A kit for forming a hollow block assembly to be used to construct a wall, the kit consisting of two face panels and a plurality of fasteners, each face panel comprising a plurality of spaced apart flanges extending perpendicularly from and attached to each panel so that a hollow block structure is assembled when the flanges of the face panels are connected together, directly or indirectly, by the fasteners.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material includes a laminate panel, a strengthening panel that includes a reinforcement embedded therein, and a layer of adhesive disposed between the laminate panel and the strengthening panel to adhere the laminate panel and the strengthening panel together. Preferably, the reinforcement in the strengthening panel may be fiberglass fibers, randomly oriented, or it may be provided in the form of a mesh or the like. In either case, the strengthening panel is preferably a plastic (polymeric) material of the type known as fiberglass reinforced polyester. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.

Abstract: A roofing shingle has low density granules adhered to at least a headlap region on a front surface of the roof shingle.

Abstract: A frame includes an aluminum-extruded body having top, middle, and bottom sections, which are integrally connected together in a vertical direction. The top section forms a top channel having two spaced racks mounted thereto by webs respectively. Each web defines a slit. The bottom section forms a bottom cannel having two spaced side wall extending therefrom, and each side wall forms a rib. The top and bottom sections are connected by the middle section therebetween and sideways extend beyond the middle section to form a slot for receiving and holding a slide rail therein. The ribs and the slits are formed and positioned in such a way that the ribs of the frame are slidably engageable with the slits of an identical frame positioned just under the frame so as to expand the frame.

Abstract: A brick for a brick-based construction toy, wherein the brick is of rectangular form comprised of end walls, side walls, and a top wall defining an open bottom configuration. The top wall has a plurality of predictably spaced studs projecting upwardly therefrom which can be frictionally gripped in the open bottom of a brick positioned above. The side and end walls are with joined with said top wall to form arcuate upper edge contours of the brick, and are also formed with arcuate bottom edge contours such that, in an assembly of two bricks, one above the other, access grooves are formed by adjoining upper edge contours and bottom edge contours of the respective bricks to facilitate subsequent disassembly thereof. A separating tool is also provided, for insertion in the access grooves, to assist in initiating separation of the bricks, where necessary.

Abstract: Structural metal element for door-, window or the similar applications with improved thermal properties, having at least one interior surface, one exterior surface and one internal surface, where at least one surface of the element have improved optical properties by means of a surface treatment or coating. The surface in accordance with the invention has improved thermal emissivity and/or solar reflectance. Further, the invention also relates to a method of making the structural element, treated in a preferred manner or with preferred coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated members; such as rebar, rods or reinforcing bars; used in the support and strengthening of poured hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, grey beam and asphalt. More particularly, the present invention is ideal for use in suspension of elongated members used for the strengthening of the above hardening materials to prevent the entry of rust into the hardening materials.

Abstract: A metallic T-joint patch is provided for application to intersecting and overlapping portions of a single ply membrane system of different heights. When applied to the joint formed by the intersecting and overlapping membranes, the metallic joint patch having an adhesive layer conforms to the void formed by the joint and assures a water tight seal. A method of making a metallic joint patch and a method of applying a metallic joint patch to a void formed by intersecting and overlapping membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a sub-assembly plant for assembling planar sections of a home according to production schedule for custom homes. The embodiment also includes at least one final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes are to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

Abstract: The present invention is a hardwood flooring board including a middle layer formed from a non-hardwood flooring material and a hardwood material upper layer which is secured to an upper surface of the middle layer that is thick enough to include decorative designs. The middle layer forms between 45% and 75% of the overall material of the board and enables the board to be manufactured to be more dimensionally stable, i.e., wider and longer, than conventional hardwood flooring boards such that the boards can be more uniformly constructed. Also the use of the non-hardwood material in the middle layer greatly increases the dimensional stability and long term performance of the flooring boards, while providing a genuine hardwood appearance to the floor. The board also includes a lower layer that can be formed from either a hardwood material or a non-hardwood material to function as a base for the board.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes is to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

Abstract: A method for fastening two or more steel framing members together with a fastener. The fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: Structural elements and features are provided to significantly reduce the time and effort required in the household laundry process of collecting dirty laundry, washing, drying, hanging, and storing laundry. These same structural elements improve the quality of the laundry output. A reduction in time and effort is accomplished by locating a laundry facility central to a plurality of rooms within the building structure and placing closets within the walls separating the laundry facility from the adjacent rooms. These closets are accessible from the laundry facility on one side and the respective room on the other. In another aspect of the invention, rooms that are not directly adjacent to the laundry facility may be located on a hallway common to the laundry facility and the non-adjacent rooms. The walls dividing the non-adjacent rooms from the common hallway may likewise include closets that are accessible from the common hallway on one side and the respective room on the other.

Abstract: An invention of composite, hybrid radiant/forced and natural convection, integrated, sandwiched, multi-role panel (1) optimally integrates heating, cooling, ventilating, air-conditioning, thermo-electric effect, energy recovery, and energy storage functions at very moderate operating temperatures such that it can directly utilize renewable and waste energy resources having very low energy. The composite hybrid panel or building element (1) having a diffuser layer (2) that is thermally conductive, a porous layer (3) providing uniform air diffusion, a thermal insulation layer (4) simply attached or embedded or integrated to a building wall ceiling, floor or stands alone for indoor space partitioning purposes.

Abstract: The insulating panel has a honeycomb structure core made of repulpable material and two skins sandwiching the core. Insulating particles can be used in the cells. One or both skins can have a layer of thermally insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene, for example. Nonetheless, by incorporating some repulpable components, the insulating panel can be made more interesting to recycle than an all-expanded-polystyrene insulating panel. The process of making can include driving a honeycomb web made of repulpable material and having a first and a second opposite faces, and adhering a first skin web to the first face. Optionally, the cells can be filled by insulating particle. A second skin web is applied to the second face.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for variably opening envelopes, such as for an inserting system. A deck is provided that creates a conveying path on which insert material can travel. A feeding guide that holds open a mouth of each envelope can be attached to the deck. Based on the physical characteristics of the material to be inserted into the envelope, the deck and feeding guide are movable to control the amount that the mouth of each envelope is held open.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: A display stand for shipping and displaying goods is disclosed. The display stand preferably eliminates the need for separate inner boxes in a shipping container, resulting in less waste and less time being spent stocking shelves with products.

Abstract: A bag manufacturing and packaging system includes a vertical bag manufacturing and packaging machine, a conveyor part, a pair of rotating brushes and a guide member. The vertical bag manufacturing and packaging machine is arranged to manufacture a bag, and to cut out and eject the bag. The conveyor part is disposed in a downstream portion to receive the bag at a predetermined position to convey the bag. The rotating brushes are positioned between the vertical bag manufacturing and packaging machine and the conveyor part to sandwich the bag ejected from the vertical bag manufacturing and packaging machine to send the bag to the predetermined position. The guide member is disposed between the rotating brushes to guide the bag conveyed between the rotating brushes toward a center portion of the rotational brushes with respect to a direction parallel to rotational axes of the rotating brushes.

Abstract: A lobster banding machine having a tube feeder for feeding a tube of elastic material, a guillotine assembly to cut individual elastic bands from the tube material, jaws to grip and move the tube of elastic material, the gripping assembly having first and second arms, each arm having a finger mechanism mounted at a distal end for gripping a single elastic band.

Abstract: An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members.