Abstract: A plant watering system comprising a sensor (20) buried in the soil (32) in the root region of a plant (40), the sensor (20) passing a low voltage current through the soil (32) to measure the moisture content of the soil (32) and with the sensor (20) being switched on and off in a pulse like manner. The detected moisture level is processed by the system and water supplied to the plant when said moisture level is below a predetermined moisture level for that particular plant or group of plants (40). The systems predetermined moisture level may be adjusted to account for different plants within the system and to stimulate different growth cycles of the plant. The sensor (20) may also determine when said predetermined moisture has been reached and then terminate said supply. The electric current stimulates plant growth and the intermittent operation of the sensor helps prevent corrosion of the sensor and reduces power consumption.

Abstract: A decorative plant pot holder including a substantially waterproof plant pot sleeve and a decorative plant pot fabric covering. The waterproof plant pot sleeve may be affixed to a plant pot using one or more zippers oriented to close around the sides of the plant pot. The zippers may end some predetermined distance above the bottom of the plant pot so as to minimize the possibility of water leakage through the zipper mechanism.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved container and method for growing a plant to be subsequently transplanted. In one embodiment, an upwardly extending container wall is adapted for retaining soil. A plurality gutters are disposed on an interior portion of the container wall. The gutters extend along the container wall to one or more openings, thereby guiding roots to the openings for air pruning the roots. A root guiding surface of the gutter may extend downwardly and outwardly to the container wall, to form a substantially v-shaped gutter. Alternatively, an upwardly extending lip may be disposed on an inner portion of the root guiding surface, forming a substantially u-shaped gutter between the lip, ledge, and the interior portion of the container wall. The gutters may also slope downward in a direction along the container wall to better accommodate the geotropic nature of plant roots.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing substitute natural gas and electricity, while mitigating production of any greenhouse gasses. The system includes a hydrogasification reactor, to form a gas stream including natural gas and a char stream, and an oxygen burner to combust the char material to form carbon oxides. The system also includes an algae farm to convert the carbon oxides to hydrocarbon material and oxygen.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas; and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: A process to prepare a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock containing between 0.1 and 4 wt % ash comprises performing a partial oxidation on a hydrocarbon feed using a multi-orifice burner provided with an arrangement of separate co-annular passages, wherein the hydrocarbon flows through a passage of the burner, an oxidizer gas flows through a separate passage of the burner and wherein the passage for hydrocarbon feed and the passage for oxidizer gas are separated by a passage through which a moderator gas flows and wherein the exit velocity of the moderator gas is greater than the exit velocity of the oxidizer gas.

Abstract: A device for controlling a platform door (14) located at the guideway (1) of a vehicle (2) is described. According to the invention, the devive comprises, a sensor unit (17), which is mounted at the guideway (1) and which serves to detect a preselected state of the vehicle (2). An evaluating device (18) connected to the sensor unit (17) permits an opening of the platform door (14) only when the vehicle (2) is in the preselected state.

Abstract: A sliding door drive assembly is used with a motor vehicle having an electric energy source and a sliding door. The sliding door drive assembly includes a motor that is electrically connected to the electric energy source. The motor converts electric energy into a rotating force. The sliding door drive assembly also includes a transmission that is operatively connected to the motor for transmitting the rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates with the output shaft. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along a path to the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the path toward the sliding door. The sliding door drive assembly also includes support guides extending tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces.

Abstract: A safety system for a door-to-door jamb interface is provided. The safety interface uses several slidably joined members which are coupled to the door and its associated door jamb to prevent interaction between a user and the door-to-door jamb interface.

Abstract: A prefabricated windows and doors system includes a window frame including upper and lower frame, a window holder suspended from the upper frame, a window support slidably inserted into the lower guide recess to support a roller, which is rotatable, on the rail, and a window coupled to the window holder and the window support, and being attachable to or removable from the window holder and the window support. The upper frame has an upper guide recess, and the lower frame contains a stepped portion to have a staircase shape and contains a lower guide recess on a sidewall of the stepped portion. A guide bar extended in a sliding direction of the window may be further installed in the upper guide recess. A suspension portion of the window holder may have a ring shape surrounding the guide bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particularly reliable sliding door construction for platforms, by means of which a passenger area of platforms may be separated from a track area when closed, preventing entry to an arriving train and permitting access to the arriving train in an open state, comprising stationary regions and sliding doors, both the stationary regions and the sliding doors having a height of 1-2 m above the floor level of the passenger region above which no separation of passenger region and track region is arranged. The construction is characterized in that the sliding doors have a self-supporting embodiment and are guided to move in or on the stationary regions with provision of an upper and lower guide and one guide is embodied as a roller guide or ball bearing linear guide and one guide is embodied as a slide guide or roller guide.

Abstract: A tunnel barrier (11) adapted to seal a mine tunnel, the tunnel barrier (11) comprising an inflatable bladder having a front wall (14), a rear wall (15) and a side wall (16) and being adapted to be inflated by a suitable gas, wherein the side wall is adapted to contact the tunnel walls, including the roof and floor to thereby seal the tunnel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door arrangement with an inside door subassembly which separates a dry space from a wet space and outside space of the door arrangement includes a window pane, a window lifter with an adjustment device for setting the position of the window pane and a seal, which is assigned to the inside door subassembly, for sealing off the dry space with respect to the wet space and the outside space. The adjustment device includes a drive and an adjustment mechanism, which is connected downstream of the drive, in order to transmit the driving torque produced by the drive to the window pane. The entire adjustment mechanism of the window lifter is arranged in the dry space.

Abstract: Ceramic materials and articles comprising at least 35 percent by weight Al2O3, and a plurality of cells having an average cell size of less than 3 micrometers.

Abstract: A slurry for polishing a phase change material, such as Ge—Sb—Te, or germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST), includes abrasive particles of sizes that minimize at least one of damage to (e.g., scratching of) a polished surface of phase change material, an amount of force to be applied during polishing, and a static etch rate of the phase change material, while optionally providing selectivity for the phase change material over adjacent dielectric materials. A polishing method includes applying a slurry with one or more of the above-noted properties to a phase change material, as well as bringing the polishing pad into frictional contact with the phase change material. Polishing systems are disclosed that include a plurality of sources of solids (e.g., abrasive particles) and provide for selectivity in the solids that are applied to a substrate or polishing pad.

Abstract: An abrasive tool having an elongated handle member, an ultrasonic vibration source operationally connected to the elongated handle member, and a toughened foamed glass ceramic portion operationally connected to the vibration source. The toughened foamed glass ceramic portion includes a first glassy phase and a second glassy phase, wherein the second glassy phase puts the first glassy phase into compression.

Abstract: Metal oxide particle agglomerates prepared by adding an aluminum phosphate agglomerating agent with mixing to an aqueous dispersion of metal oxide nanoparticles to form an aqueous homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles and agglomerating agent and then adjusting the pH of the dispersion with mixing to about 3.5 to about 6.5 to produce the particle agglomerates and use of the particle agglomerates to prepare ink receptive coatings, as catalysts, as reinforcing fillers, as polishing abrasives and as flattening agents.

Abstract: A multi-configurable platform seating system with chairs mounted to the nose of each deck where seating is desired. The system includes a structural member disposed at the front of each deck, and each chair is removably secured to the deck by a pair of standards that are removably secured to the structural member. The system may include program supports that mount to the standards to support the forward end of a deck without removing any chairs. The program supports are removably mountable so that they can be installed to support decks at different heights when the system is in different configurations. The system may also include a handrail system that is mounted to the standards. The handrail system is removably mountable so that it can be installed in essentially any desired location as the system is placed in different configurations. The system may also be reconfigurable to convert a section of seating into a team box.

Abstract: An eavestrough (10) formed from a single piece of material, the eavestrough (10) having a rear wall (12), a front wall (16) and a bottom wall (14) extending between the rear wall (12) and the front wall (16), and a perforated top wall (18) extending between the rear wall (12) and the front wall (16), the top wall engaging a rear surface (22) of the rear in a locking relationship. The bottom wall and the front wall have recesses (15) and (22) for attaching decorative members (42).

Abstract: A gutter cover comprising a sheet having a front portion, a rear portion, and a central portion extending between said front portion and said rear portion; said central portion having a plurality of openings for passage of water therethrough, said front portion comprising an upper wall segment, a bend segment, and a lower wall segment, wherein said upper wall segment extends forwardly from said central portion to said bend segment, said bend segment joins said upper wall segment and said lower wall segment, and said lower wall segment extends rearwardly from said bend segment and underneath said upper wall segment, wherein a space is formed between said upper wall segment and said lower wall segment, wherein a first fastener extends through openings in said upper wall segment and said lower wall segment, and wherein a distance between an upper surface of said upper wall segment and an upper surface of said lower wall segment is greater than or equal to an axial height of a head portion of said first fastener.

Abstract: A roof diffuser adapted to be mounted to a roof portion, the apparatus comprising: a top edge portion; a side edge portion having a substantially straight portion being substantially perpendicular to the top edge portion and a curved portion in communication with the substantially straight portion; a protrusion, wherein the protrusion meets the curved portion of the side edge portion; at least two steps, wherein each of the at least two steps is substantially parallel to the top edge portion and located above the protrusion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laying a floor covering (14) on a floor (12). The method comprises the step of painting the floor to be covered (10) with a floor paint comprising ferromagnetic particles, and placing a magnetic floor covering (14) thereon.

Abstract: A space division system (600) includes side sections (604) connected to an overhead structural channel system (606) through support pole assemblies (617). Material support linkage assemblies (610) include an upper material support linkage assembly (614) and a lower material support linkage assembly (612) coupled to the side sections (604). The material support linkage assemblies (610) include adjustable links (616) pivotable relative to each other for forming various configurations of the space division system (600).

Abstract: A wire rope tension grid is a walking surface comprised of interwoven wire rope. The wire rope is supported by a framework of steel angle and tubing. The framework is supported by mounts that are hung from the support beams in the ceiling of a structure, often a performing art center, a television studio, a black box theater, museum dioramas, theme park scenes, live animal pens, or other entertainment venues. These grids are not intended for public usage, but rather are intended for operation staff. New improvements to these grids are listed in this document.

Abstract: An elongate drainage conduit section comprises a channel portion having at least one perforated surface allowing liquid to flow into the channel, and at least one lower surface for directing the flow of water in a lengthwise direction. The conduit further comprises an elongate, movable cover for sealing at least a portion of the top of said channel portion.

Abstract: A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece.

Abstract: A solar roofing kit for placing over a section of roof deck to generate electricity. The kit comprises at least one elongated strip of flexible photovoltaic material having a predetermined length and at least one panel supporting the strip. The panels have a riser or rib that extends generally perpendicularly away from the edge to engage and elevate a part of an adjacent panel. The kit also includes at least one side flashing for extending along and sealing at least one of the left and right edges of a panel; at least one splice plate for interconnecting adjacent left and right edges of two panels; at least one top flashing for extending along and sealing the top edge of a panel; and at least one bottom flashing for extending along and sealing the bottom edge of a panel.

Abstract: A bathroom floor panel for use in an airtight and water tight space is configured to be efficiently dried in a few hours under ambient conditions. When water drops onto the floor panel, the surface tension of the water is broken by irregular-shaped portions and the water spreads without forming waterdrops. Also, the irregular-shaped portions reduce the flow velocity of the water due to a gradient of the panel, so as to prevent the water flowing in channels to a drain from being discontinued. With this, although the drain velocity of the water is low, substantially no water remains as isolated drops. Further, even if some water remain on the irregular-shaped portions after the water flows out the channels to the drain, any amount of water remaining in the channels is evaporated in a relatively short period of time because the amount of the remaining water is very small.

Abstract: A portable staircase for use at construction sites that comprises fold-down railings to facilitate transport from one construction site to the next. The portable staircase includes a plurality of horizontal treads supported by stringers. Handrails are provided which pivotally connect to the stringer utilizing a plurality of handrail support posts. A permanent pivot pin pivotally connects the handrail to each of the handrail support posts. Another permanent pivot pin pivotally connects each of the handrail support posts to the stringer. The handrail can be locked into one of two pre-selected positions: a first folded-down position to facilitate transportation and a second upright position for use at construction sites. Two removable pins may be employed to lock the handrail in position: a first removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the stringer and a second removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the handrail in the up and usable position.

Abstract: A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming.

Abstract: A fastening device for substrates, for example for glass substrates assembled as a multiple glazing unit, including retaining elements placed between at least one of the two substrates facing one another and a supporting structure for transferring loads of the substrates to the supporting structure. The retaining elements include a mechanism to compensate for dimensional variations. The compensation mechanism allows a relative movement between the substrates.

Abstract: A door frame which employs jambs or jamb assemblies which are essentially devoid of wood and other materials which are susceptible to being damaged by the affects of weather. The side jambs are fabricated of e.g. extruded aluminum moldings which extend an underlying floor/substrate to the header, and can be fabricated from a common-profile extruded aluminum molding. The jambs can also have an e.g. polymeric insert assembled thereto which can receive nails or screws, optionally without pre-drilling, in a similar manner as wood receives nails or screws. The jambs can further include a nosing either integral with, or snap assemblable thereto. The molding can further include a nail fin kerf which accepts a rigid or a flexible nailing fin.

Abstract: A punch (42) is used to form a circular opening (46) in the web (28) of a framing member (26). A first tool (50) is provided having a head (56) with a first end and a circular cross section that increases in diameter as it extends from the first end axially inwardly of the tool (50). The first end of this head (56) is inserted into the circular opening (46) and the tool (50) is rotated and is moved axially into the opening (46), for stretching the metal surrounding the opening (46) and forming a flare (60) that surrounds the opening (46). A second tool (62) is provided having a head (68) with a first end and a circular cross section that increases in diameter from the first end axially inwardly of the tool (62). The first end of this tool is inserted into the flare (60) from the second side of the web (28).

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device (1) for sealing off a joint (4) between a first and a second structural body (5, 6), in particular between concrete bodies, in the region of the joint (4) an injection duct (3) being provided, which is filled or can be filled with a sealing medium in order to seal off the joint (4) and/or voids (4a, 4b) present in the region of the joint (4), the injection duct (3) having arranged in it an extruded spacer body filling the injection duct (3), and the injection duct (3) being formed solely by walls of the structural bodies (5, 6), the extruded spacer body being a hollow profile extrusion (2) which has inside it at least one hollow profile duct preferably continuous in the longitudinal direction and a three-dimensional shape which withstands the hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete during the pouring of the second structural body and can be pressed in when sealing medium is pressed into the injection duct (3) and which narrows the cross section and is set back from t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a securing cap for use in fixing a wall with a floor or ceiling mounting. The securing cap is snap fitted within the space between the wall and floor or ceiling mounting thereby fixing each component in position. The present invention is also directed to a wall assembly for use in buildings or sheds where wall panels are positioned relative to each other to form a wall and held in the desired position with the use of the securing caps. The securing caps also serve to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris within the space formed by the wall and the floor or ceiling mountings.

Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.

Abstract: An innovation is disclosed which relates to a wind turbine foundation. A circular foundation using fiber reinforced concrete has optional circular reinforcement rods. The foundation includes a vertical stanchion that rests in the bottom of an excavated hole and supports anchor bolts and reinforcement bars in a predetermined configuration while concrete is poured into the hole. All the necessary foundation materials can be combined in a simple and compact kit which can be shipped to a customer.

Abstract: A concrete pad with drainage holes is created using an in-situ form that is preferably biodegradable with a matrix of spaced, vertically aligned conduits having upper ends with removable caps and connector means connecting the conduits. The form is horizontally positioned at the area where the pad is to be created and concrete is poured into the form until the concrete surrounds the walls of all of the conduits and the upper surface of the concrete is in a plane with the upper ends of the conduits. After the concrete has cured, the caps are allowed to biodegrade or are removed to permit water to flow from the top of the pad through the conduits for drainage from the lower ends of the conduits into the soil beneath the pad.

Abstract: A generally rigid batt for use as wall board, insulating paneling or acoustic paneling. The batt is formed of wood chips, recycled paper and a binder synthetic fibers, and a binder which are thoroughly mixed and evenly dispersed throughout. The wood chips, recycled paper and synthetic fibers are compressed into a batt of desired density, height and width. The shaped batt is heated causing the binder to become molten and bond the synthetic fibers, wood chips and reconstituted paper together. The shaped batt is cooled forming a generally rigid structure.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional decorative panel is disclosed to easily embody a wanted 3-dimensional shape by using Styrofoam having good heat insulation and workability. The panel includes a drain groove (22) formed on a side of the Styrofoam (20) for draining a rainwater, and a metal plate (10) coupled to a rear surface of the Styrofoam (20), the metal plate having a plurality of bent portions (11), and a reinforcing core (12) being attached to the metal plate 10. A polygarde (30), silicon (31), a polygarde (30), a primer (32), and a colored layer (33) are sequentially layered on a surface of the Styrofoam (20) in order to enhance a durability of the Styrofoam (20).

Abstract: A fibrous mat-faced cementitious article comprising (a) a cementitious core, and (b) a first fibrous mat comprising polymer or mineral fibers and a hydrophobic finish on at least one surface thereof, wherein the hydrophobic finish is in contact with the cementitious core, and a method of preparing a fibrous mat-faced cementitious article, as well as a method of preparing a water-resistant cementitious article comprising (a) preparing an aqueous siloxane dispersion, wherein the dispersion comprises about 4 wt. % to about 8 wt. % siloxane, (b) combining the siloxane dispersion with a cementitious mixture to provide a cementitious slurry, (c) depositing the cementitious slurry onto a substrate, and (d) allowing the cementitious slurry to harden, thereby providing a cementitious article.

Abstract: A reinforced insulating element for a wall made of concrete and insulation with one-sided insulation that is preferably prefabricated. It also concerns a wall made with this prefabricated insulating element. The insulating element according to the invention has at least one insulating panel that is equipped with holding elements that are attached to the first flat surface of the insulating panel and are arranged at a distance from each other perpendicularly to the flat surface of the insulating panel; it also has at least one reinforcing mat attached to the holding elements at a distance from the insulating panel, with spacers arranged at those ends of the holding elements facing away from the insulating panel, and/or on that side of the reinforcing mat that is facing away from the insulating panel.

Abstract: A mounting for a protective panel to a structure that provides a block with an angled surface that forms a lateral groove facing downward that is attached to the top of the panel. A hook is attached to the structure with an upward facing angled surface that matches the downward facing lateral groove of the clip. The panel is raised to where the clip is above the hook and then pulled down so that the groove and the hook mate securing the panel to the structure. There is no need for an installer to climb to the top of the panel. The lower end of the panel may be secured to the structure by standard methods including screwing directly to the structure. The panel may also include lateral center supports to prevent the panels from bending during high winds.

Abstract: A hook for mounting a protective panel to a structure. The hook provides an angled extension that matches the top notch and the wider opening of a keyway in the top of the panel. The panel keyway engages the hook and slides down to a section where the top notch matches and seats onto a horizontal section of the hook. This horizontal section can be elongated to seat two or more panels with no vertical offset. The hook may be used to support any of the various types of protective panels, but the panels may be decorative or useful. The bottoms of the panels are secured to the structure by known methods.

Abstract: This invention in some embodiments includes a mobile compartment system with a first panel member and a second panel member, each with a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a first edge, a second edge, the first edge including a male edge connector and the second edge including a female edge connector; and wherein the male edge connector of a first panel member and a female edge connector of the second panel member are configured to operatively attach together.

Abstract: An arrangement for framing a lolly column, includes two U-shaped framing members adapted to be wrapped and secured tightly about a lolly column. Each framing member has a U-shaped profile and includes a center member, first and second legs in parallel, spaced apart relation, and a tab extending from an end of each leg in a direction transverse to a lengthwise direction of each leg. There are also four equi-angularly spaced wall members secured to outer surfaces of the framing members for securing elongated 4×4 inch wood framing members thereto such that the wood framing members extend in a direction parallel to the lolly column. Each wall member includes first and second walls forming an outwardly facing right angle therebetween and presenting outwardly facing planar surfaces to which an elongated wood framing member is adapted to be secured.

Abstract: A snap tight system including at least one fastening device is used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly. The snap tight system includes a splice assembly having a first splice portion and a second splice portion. Further, the snap tight system includes a first structural member having one or more first openings, and a second structural member having one or more second openings. Further still, the snap tight system includes the at least one fastening device having a housing with a spring that actuates a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the first splice portion and the one or more first openings and, the second pin extends through the second splice portion and the one or more second openings so as to form the architectural assembly.

Abstract: A fastener used to attach adjacent, parallel boards to a transverse support structure such as in a deck, dock or similar structure. The fastener consists of two sides that are generally perpendicular to each other. One side is longer with respect to the other resulting in tabs extending out on opposite ends of the fastener. The short side of the fastener is attached to the underside of a board. The board is then turned upright and placed into position. One of the tabs is attached to the support structure. The other tab extends under, and is held down by, a previously installed board.