Abstract: A monofilament line straightening device and a monofilament line straightening method according to the present invention perform steam blow and/or pressing using a heated trowel member to a monofilament line in the state where its tension is loosened by a predetermined amount relative to the state where it is suspended without being loosened, thereby removing curls in the monofilament line. Thus, a reduction in the line strength which might occur when removing the curls in the monofilament line by heating can be suppressed.

Abstract: Methods for producing C10-C30 hydrocarbons from fatty materials, such as triglyceride compounds, are provided. Hydrocarbon compounds, particularly those boiling in the temperature range of between about 80° F. to about 1000° F., are produced by contacting a fatty material with at least one catalyst comprising cobalt and molybdenum on a zeolite support under hydrotreating conditions. Additional hydrotreating catalysts may also be used to further improve the properties of the hydrocarbon product.

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: Provided is an artificial plant growth medium that is useful as a substitute for naturally produced soil in supporting plant growth. The artificial plant growth medium includes a cohesive mass of polymer fiberballs. The artificial plant growth medium may include a cohesive mass of fiberballs that are composed of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation. The artificial plant growth medium provides the optimal balance of water, and air to support plant growth.

Abstract: A house watering system for watering a plant with the fluid includes an exterior housing including a rigid top member for housing the house watering system, and an interior housing having a flexible sidewall for supplying the house watering system with the fluid. The rigid top member supports the plant, and the flexible side wall allows the fluid to be pressurized and supply the plant with the fluid. The house watering system includes a sealable opening member to allow the fluid to be replaced and to be sealed, and the house watering system includes an adjustable plant feed valve to adjust the fluid flow from the interior housing.

Abstract: Systems and processes for adjusting hydrogen content of a synthesis gas are provided. At least a portion of carbon monoxide in a syngas can be converted to carbon dioxide to provide a shifted syngas and condensed water. The syngas can have a first hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio and a first temperature, and the shifted syngas can have a second hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio and a second temperature, both greater than the first. Heat from the shifted syngas can be at least partially transferred from the shifted syngas to the condensed water to at least partially vaporize the condensed water. The syngas can be at least partially saturated with the at least partially vaporized condensed water. A ratio of the water vapor to syngas can be about 1.0 or less.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for the storage and delivery of hydrogen by the reversible hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of an organic compound wherein the organic compound is initially in its hydrogenated state. The improvement in the route to generating hydrogen is in the dehydrogenation step and recovery of the dehydrogenated organic compound resides in the following steps: introducing a hydrogenated organic compound to a microchannel reactor incorporating a dehydrogenation catalyst; effecting dehydrogenation of said hydrogenated organic compound under conditions whereby said hydrogenated organic compound is present as a liquid phase; generating a reaction product comprised of a liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound and gaseous hydrogen; separating the liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound from gaseous hydrogen; and, recovering the hydrogen and liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing hydrogen and steam in a reaction chamber, the method including: feeding a metallic contiguous element towards a discharge source; intermittently providing by the discharge source a discharge sufficient to initiate a reaction between at least a portion of the metallic contiguous element and water vapor; and continuing the reaction in absence of discharge.

Abstract: A catalytic element useful for promoting catalytic gas phase reactions is provided, comprising a porous ceramic body comprising a multiplicity of open pores having a coating comprising a basic oxide material and a catalyst material selected from transition metal and noble metal compounds

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for conveying fibrous, solid and slurry materials, such as granulated wood, rice hulls, chopped cane and the like, to a pressurized vessel, wherein the material being conveyed is compacted in the feeder in a controlled manner to create a seal at the feeder exit into the pressurized vessel whereby the processing pressure in the vessel is maintained. The invention is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a biomass reactor for the production of gas selectively rich in hydrogen and carbon containing components, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane, which in turn, may be converted into a select end product fuel, such as methanol or ethanol or used as a feed gas for an industrial power plant, such a the biomass reactor for producing gas.

Abstract: In a method for limiting the excess force of a closing part of an adjusting device, the closing part is actuated by external force. An anti-jamming system determines, during an adjusting operation, current adjusting force values at least within a partial area of the adjusting path and respectively, in predetermined positions of the closing part, and compares the values to adjusting force comparative values which are already stored in a storage device. At least one of the stored adjusting force comparative values are adapted to mechanical technical conditions of the adjusting device and the extent of the adaptation is predetermined according to the service life.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a drive system for a motor vehicle door (1), in particular a sliding door (1). This comprises a drive motor (4) and a connected drive means (6, 7, 8, 9) for moving the motor vehicle door (1) along an opening/closing path (R). According to the invention, a gear (5) or generally a torque converter is provided between the drive motor (4) and the drive means (6, 7, 8, 9), said gear or torque converter acting with different torques on the drive means (6, 7, 8, 9) depending on a respective load and/or signal.

Abstract: A jalousie window in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a jalousie window insert having parallel side rails and a plurality of window louvers extending between the side rails for simultaneous rotation around parallel horizontal axes. A window frame includes a frame head, a frame sill, and a pair of spaced frame jambs interconnected with the frame head and sill in a rectangular frame geometry. A pair of opposed jamb adapters include outer portions secured by snap fit to the frame jambs and inner portions that receive by snap fit an associated one of the insert side rails such that the side rails and the jalousie window insert are secured by the jamb adapters within the window frame. A head adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame head, and a sill adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame sill.

Abstract: A window pane for a motor vehicle including plastic for closing a pane opening of a motor vehicle and which is moveable with a window lifter out of the pane opening includes a pane element enclosed by an outer edge and a device provided on the pane element for coupling the window pane to an adjusting mechanism of the window lifter. For coupling the window pane to the adjusting mechanism of the window lifter, a guide region is formed on a surface of the pane element via which the window pane is engageable with a guide device of the adjusting mechanism, displaceable in a direction of adjustment. The guide region forms at least one stop, which counteracts a pivoting of the window pane about an axis extending perpendicular to a plane of the window pane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable guide for changing direction of an inner cable for operating a sliding door of a car, comprising a pulley casing having a box shape with an opening at its top and a guide recess at an inner side of its bottom, a slider provided with a sliding plate slidably guided by means of the guide recess of the pulley casing and a shaft extending upward from a top of the sliding plate, a pulley rotatably supported by the shaft of the slider, an urging member urging the slider along the guide recess toward a direction for giving tension to the inner cable, and a casing cover covering the opening of the pulley casing, and being configured so that an inner side of the casing cover and a top face of the shaft are slidable each other.

Abstract: A device is provided for pivoting a lid, especially a motor vehicle lid, around a pivot axis. The pivoting device has a first actuating unit on one side of the lid and a second actuating unit on the opposite side of the lid. The two actuating units have substantially the same drive forces in a first section of the lid travel distance and different drive forces in a second section of the lid travel distance.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed window panes spaced from each other defining an opening therebetween. A sliding window pane is moveable relative to the first and second fixed window panes for covering and uncovering the opening. First and second tracks are spaced from each other and are connected to the first and second fixed window panes. The first and second tracks are coupled to the sliding window pane for guiding movement of the sliding window pane relative to the first and second fixed window panes. The first track and the second track are rigidly interconnected only by the first and second fixed window panes.

Abstract: A multipoint lock for sliding doors. The multipoint lock mounted to a sliding door generally includes an active locking device having an active latch, and two passive locking devices, each having a passive latch. The latches are independently depth adjustable relative to an edge of the sliding door. The active locking device further includes sets of fastener apertures for receiving and securing a handle assembly thereto in at least two different positions. A lever having an actuator pin of the handling assembly can be positioned at various locations on the handle assembly such that fastener apertures of the handle assembly align with a different set of handle apertures of the active locking device depending on the position of the lever, Actuation of the active locking device by movement of the lever shifts the active latch and the passive latches simultaneously between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A device for displaceably holding a glass pane (1) in a sliding rail has at least one fastening part (2) to which a hot-melt adhesive cushion (7) is fitted and which has at least one locking element (10, 11). Furthermore, there is an elongate holding rail (3) which can be brought into engagement with the or each locking element (10, 11). The or each locking element (10, 11) can be moved between a locking position, in which the or each fastening part (2) is connected fixedly to the holding rail (3), and a release position in which the engagement with the holding rail (3) is released and the glass pane (1) can be removed from the holding rail (3). As a result, repair due to wear of the holding rail (3) is less cost-intensive, since the glass pane (1) is connected releasably to the holding rail (3).

Abstract: A mixture article for cleaning superficially-adhered substances consists of colloid material (25 wt %˜60 wt %), resin (10 wt %˜20 wt %), abrasive powders (15 wt %˜30 wt %), stabilizer, fibers, and natural turpentine that are bonded together to form a mixture article having high density and high binding, cohesive and adhesive capacities as well wherein the natural turpentine has the property that can greatly reduce the manufacturing temperature in the processing of the mixture article and lower the emission of exhaust to fit to environmental protection benefit thereby. The abrasive powders are utilized to boost the suction power between the mixture article and a working surface so as to shovel up substances adhered onto the working surface thereon. Besides, the colloid material and the resin are equipped with the adhesion property to viscously grip the substances bonded onto the working surface so as to remove them there-from for cleaning purpose.

Abstract: An abrasive tool having a spray-formed brazing filler layer and a manufacturing process thereof are described, in which drawing and adhering steps performed on a conventional brazing filler layer are simplified through spraying. A solvent, an adhesive, and a powder are sequentially mixed to form a brazing filler slurry; next, the brazing filler is sprayed on a substrate, so as to form a brazing filler layer with an appropriate thickness; and then, abrasive particles are adhered to the brazing filler layer, and then the abrasive particles are combined with the substrate through the brazing filler layer by brazing. The conventional drawing and adhering steps are omitted through spraying, and it is applicable for substrates with complicated shapes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wear-resistant particle which can be substantially uniformly dispersed in a molten pool. Specifically disclosed is a wear-resistant particle (13) which is dispersed in a matrix metal for improving wear resistance thereof. The wear-resistant particle is characterized by being composed of a material containing a first hard material and a second hard material while having a particle diameter of 0.2-9 mm. The wear-resistant particle is further characterized in that the material consists of 60-96% by volume of a carbide and the balance of a metal.

Abstract: An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.

Abstract: Seat-assembly movement system, for collecting up and deploying rows of seats (1) at the installation site, by means of sliding on guides (2) arranged in the floor, the movement of the rows of seats (1) being managed by means of a control system comprising a master PLC or a computer unit, for governing the installation, in combination with respective slave PLCs arranged on the carriages (3) carrying the rows of seats and in connection with devices for controlling the position of said carriages (3) on the mounting guides (2).

Abstract: The gutter cover to be utilized with a gutter that is attached to a building below a roof comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, a fourth section, a water channel, and a barrier. The first section may be installed over or under roofing material. The second section may be coupled to the first section and generally overlies the open portion of the gutter. The third section may be coupled to the second and may include a hem along the length of the gutter cover. The fourth section may be coupled to the third section and may include cutouts for water to drain into the gutter. A lip may also be coupled to the fourth section and may engage the upper front portion of the gutter. The water channel may be formed between the third section and the lip. The barrier may couple with the hem to cover the water channel and allow water to flow into the channel while blocking debris from entering the water channel.

Abstract: A hanging device attachable to overlapping siding members for supporting objects comprises an insert edge extending outwardly from an upper section, an offset section, and a lower section. The insert edge is insertable into the joint between adjacent siding members and the lower section includes a support element adapted to retain objects. The offset section extends between and joins the upper section with the lower section, with the offset section spacing the lower section from a siding member when the insert edge is inserted between adjacent siding members. The hanging device may be biased about a pivot area when an object is held by the support element such that the insert edge is urged into the joint between adjacent siding members. The insert edge defines an obtuse angle relative to the upper section and the support element may comprise hook members or mounting holes.

Abstract: A hidden edge connector includes a connector body which includes a base guider for biasing against a rear surface of a frame, an edge guider for biasing against a surrounding surface of a frame opening, and a panel guider which is extended from the base guider and is perpendicular to the edge guider. The connector body is adapted for mounting to the frame at the frame opening thereof to keep a front surface of the frame in a clean and obstructing free manner, such that the connector body is adapted for guiding the panel being mounted within the frame opening in a hidden manner when a rear surface of the panel is biased against the panel guider to align with the rear surface of said frame so as to substantially align the front surface of the panel with a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: A curb-mounted screen for roof-top equipment has wall structure spaced outwardly from the curb for concealing the equipment from view. Fasteners secured to generally horizontally extending support members are hooked over the curb to secure the screen thereto without attaching the screen to the underlying roof or the equipment thereon.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for preventing the vortex effect, comprising three corrugated tubes which extend helically from the upper end (2) of the tower (3), such as to cover only the upper part thereof. The helix pitch defined by the corrugated tube (1) along the length of the tower (3) is fixed using cords (5) which are attached at each revolution of the tube. The corrugated tube (1) is lifted with a cathead (6) which is disposed on the structure that is used to anchor (4) the tool to the tower (3), said structure comprising three T-shaped sections which form an X having sectors (9) fixed to the ends thereof. In addition, four legs (14) are welded to the aforementioned sectors and the tubes are wound around said legs.

Abstract: A decorative bird perching deterrent for spaces between building eaves and downspouts is a substantially right-triangle structure of a preselected material with at least 50 percent of the area bounded by the sides of the right triangle structure filled with the preselected material in a decorative fashion. Various ways of attaching to the downspout or the building are provided near at least one edge of the right-triangle structure.

Abstract: A weep hole screen and method for installing the same in the exterior wall of a masonry building in order to prevent small animals such as insects and rodents from entering the building through the weep hole. A weep hole screen in accordance with the present invention preferably comprises a rectangular mesh screen with an angle bracket attached to each end. The weep hole screen is sized such that the angle brackets sandwich the bricks that form the weep hole, preferably on the interior faces of the bricks. The interfaces between the weep hole screen and the bricks are preferably sealed with mortar or-another suitable sealant. The weep hole screen may be installed easily during original construction of the wall without the need for any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: The device is specially designed to facilitate the collapsing of towers (4) in movable structures that are frequently assembled and dismantled, such as, for example, in the field of the staging of events. The invention consists in establishing, on the tower (4), a fixed, lower base (2) of scant height, which is securely connected to the general structure (1) on which the tower (4) is to be raised, whilst the remaining, principal sector of said tower (4) is connected to the base (2) via a hinging shaft (3), there being established, between the principal sector (4) of the tower and the fixed structure (1), a connecting rod (6) joined in an articulated manner to both elements, which together with those elements and with the base (2) forms a deformable quadrilateral.

Abstract: The roof or facade cladding comprises panel-shaped construction elements (1) arranged in a scale-type pattern, and each construction element (1) comprises at least a panel part (2), a frame and at least one retaining element (6). Each construction element (1) is secured by the at least one retaining element (6) on an essentially horizontally disposed support element (27). Each retaining element (6) is disposed on the respective construction element (1) adjacent to a bottom, essentially horizontally oriented edge (5) of the construction element (1) and the point (20) of the retaining element (6) contacting the support element (27) lies closer to this bottom edge (5) than the top edge (11) of the construction element (1). Each construction element is protected from mechanical damage all the way round at the edges the frame.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Abstract: A simplified protective cover assembly used to cover and protect openings such as doors, windows, or other openings for homes, office building, commercial buildings, and other wall structures from the destructive forces of a severe storm such as a hurricane. The current form of the preferred embodiment consists of high strength fabric covering an opening and be supported by steel bar and circular tube and being attached to wall. Once installed, the high strength fabric is stretched over the opening using a lever and pin. The high strength fabric, once stretched, will provide protection form high winds and wind borne debris common in storms such as hurricanes. There are additional features presented in the patent that will hide the simplified protective cover as well as turn into an awning which can reduce the heat into the house during summer months and reduce electric bills.

Abstract: A component (10) for glazing of a building which has at least one glass pane (12) and a shatter-proofing element (30) which is connected to the glass pane. In the peripheral edge region (14), the shatter-proofing element has at least one holding device (18) for attachment to the building. Furthermore, in this approach, it is advantageous that, on the one hand, a comparatively light glass pane can be used which does not release dangerous fragments into the building or into the vicinity of the building by virtue of the shatter-proofing element when a pane breaks.

Abstract: A beam for a shelter that can cover an area (12) that integrates a swimming pool, a terrace, etc., whereby the shelter includes a load-bearing structure that integrates the beam, on which covering elements are supported, characterized in that the beam (14) includes abutting segments (26) as well as at least one connecting element (28) of which a first end is connected to a first segment that is located at a first end of the beam and of which the second end is connected to a second segment that is located at the other end of the beam.

Abstract: A concrete product is provided having a body including an ornamental surface layer, an intermediate strengthening layer and a concrete substrate layer. The intermediate strengthening layer functions as a buffer between any air bubbles remaining in the concrete substrate layer and the ornamental facing layer following curing of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of printing an image on an object, such as a door facing or a door. An object having an exterior surface is provided. A first image component is printed on the exterior surface. A first transparent coat is applied on the exterior surface so as to cover the first image component. A second image component is printed on the first transparent coat. Optionally, a second transparent coat is applied to the first transparent coat and second image component so as to cover the first and second image components. The resulting object, such as a door, having the printed image thereon is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable insulation containment apparatus for insulating about duct work having a plurality of foldable sections or members that can be selectively ganged together by connection to each other to make a run. The members can be adjusted for width of the conduit. Alternatively, the apparatus can be formed by a pair of scored planar sheets held in position by end panels and spacers.

Abstract: A floor repair kit (1) for repairing a damaged area (22) on a flooring material (21). To use, a user first adds tint (6) to a filler (9) to create a tint/filler mixture (26). Then, the user adds a hardener (15) to the tint/filler mixture (26) to create a tint/filler/hardener mixture (27). The tint/filler/hardener mixture (27) is then applied to a damaged area (22) on a flooring material (21) and permitted to harden. A protective material (14) is secured over the hardened tint/filler/hardener mixture (27) and over an area of the flooring material (21) surrounding the damaged area (22). The protective material (14) located over the hardened tint/filler/hardener mixture (27) is cut to expose the hardened tint/filler/hardener mixture (27) and the exposed hardened tint/filler/hardener mixture (27) is then sanded. Finally, the user removes the protective material (14) from the flooring material (21) to reveal a repaired floor (28).

Abstract: Size tailorable tracks useful for connecting a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a surface of a subfloor). In certain non-limiting embodiments, tracks which are scored during the manufacturing process to form weakened break junctions at which sections of the tracks may be separated by hand (e.g., typically “on site”) without the use of a cutting device. In certain additional, non-limiting embodiments, methods of using size tailorable tracks as well as track manufacturing systems, machines, and methods.

Abstract: A decking system that consists of a clip that complements a slot in deck planks to securely fasten the deck planks to a substrate such as deck or floor joists, masonry, concrete, wood or any other substrate. Generally, the clips fit into slots cut or formed into the side deck surface boards or alternatively into a keyhole on the bottom of the plank. In one of the preferred embodiments a series of clips are fastened to the substrate with a fastener such as a screw. The clips mechanically grip the plank to secure the plank to the deck joists. Ridges and/or nubs on the clips reduce the occurrence of rot or discoloration of the planks.

Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

Abstract: A cladding element for constructing a facade of a building includes a substantially platelike element provided with a plurality of angular protrusions of essentially angular cross section which protrude from a front side of the platelike element.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. The floor elements are alternatively provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge also is provided with male vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.

Abstract: An inner area of a framing or framework is divided into a plurality of openings by metal frame bars arranged in a lattice pattern. Particular openings are closed by surface glass panes fitted therein, and the remaining openings by metal plates fitted therein. Spacers 10 softer than the surface glass panes and frame bars and capable of transmitting external forces through the frame bars and surface glass panes are mounted in the openings, between end surfaces extending along sides of the surface glass panes and the frame bars. The spacers not adhering to the surface glass panes are spaced from corners of the surface glass panes.

Abstract: A tubular steel frame housing module built in a factory and then transferred within a standard intermodal shipping container for installation within a structural framework at a remote building site.