Abstract: A device can capture small pests with a sheet overlaying a perforated panel. The sheet may be one layer or several separable and disposable layers with pest detaining adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outer side. The sheet has a marginal recess with a deflected pull tab that is no longer or wider than the recess. The perforated panel has a handle and a peripheral wall with a first and a second section rising in opposite directions from the panel. The panel has at least one overhang projecting inwardly from the peripheral wall for holding the sheet in place. The outer side of said sheet is adhesive free in a region located under the overhang. A cover can fit on the panel and at least partially cover it. The cover has at least one internal detent for engaging the panel and holding it in place.

Abstract: A process has been developed for producing aviation fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal fats and oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide n-paraffins having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms. At least some of the n-paraffins are isomerized to improve cold flow properties. At least a portion of the paraffins are selectively cracked to provide paraffins meeting specifications for different aviation fuels such as JP-8.

Abstract: Disclosed is the direct conversion process for producing biodiesel from a biomass. The direct conversion process for producing biodiesel from a biomass comprises reacting a feed stock comprising a biomass and an alkylation reagent in a substantially oxygen free environment at a temperature sufficient to hydrolyze one or more lipid glycerides in the biomass and alkylated one or more fatty acids in the reaction. The process may comprise reacting a feed stock comprising an algal biomass and tetramethylammonium hydroxide in a substantially oxygen free environment at a temperature between 250° C. and 500° C. The direct conversion process for producing biodiesel may further comprise reacting oil containing lipid glycerides with an alkylation reagent at a sufficient temperature to esterify the oil. The fatty acid alkyl esters produced from the reacted feed stock are recovered. The recovered fatty acid alkyl esters, as an essential component of biodiesel, may be formulated into biodiesel.

Abstract: Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel comprising at least in part a biodiesel fuel component, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C.

Abstract: A process for the production and purification of fatty acid esters of lower alkyl alcohols with improved filtration characteristics comprising the steps of: a) transesterifying a mixture of fatty acid esters of glycerol with a lower alkyl alcohol while using an alkaline catalyst; b) separating the reaction mixture resulting from step (a) into a glycerol phase and a fatty acid lower alkyl ester phase; c) inactivating the catalytic intermediates present in said fatty acid lower alkyl ester phase; d) removing the lower alkyl alcohol from the mixture resulting from step (c) by evaporation at reduced pressure to a value of less than 2% by weight; e) treating the evaporation residue resulting from step (d) with water; and f) isolating the fatty acid esters of lower alcohols by drying the product resulting from step (e); and biodiesel containing FAME produced according to this process.

Abstract: Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel, in particular a diesel base fuel, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C. In component (b), the ratio of the percentage of epsilon methylene carbon atoms to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms is suitably 8.2 or below. Its pour point may be ?30° C. or lower. Also disclosed is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil in a middle distillate fuel composition, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of a cold flow or flow improver additive in the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MMT containing motor fuel additive composition which synergistically interacts with the MMT additive to reduce both fuel intake system deposit formation and combustion chamber deposit formation, thereby reducing engine ORI and maintaining desired engine performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leaded motor fuel additive composition which synergistically interacts with the alkyl lead additive to reduce both fuel intake system deposit formation and combustion chamber deposit formation, thereby reducing engine ORI and maintaining desired engine performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the oxidation stability of biodiesel, in which at least one aging stabilizer of the structure I where: R=hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl or aryl group A=R5 (AI) or —NR1R2 (AII) and B=R6 (BI), where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6=hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cyclo-alkyl, hydroxyl or aryl group, are the same or different, and the phenyl or naphthyl structural unit in structure I, BII and BIII has one, two or three substituents of the R3, R4 and/or R5 type, is added to the biodiesel to be stabilized in an amount of from 5 to 20 000 ppm (w/w), to the use of these aging stabilizers to increase the oxidation stability of biodiesel, and to the correspondingly oxidation-stabilized biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method by which high moisture low rank coal or other carbonaceous material may be transformed into a high-energy, water resistant product. The raw feed is comminuted then mechanically compacted by a roller press with rolls of a specified profile to mobilize the inherent moisture and collapse most of the interstitial pore space. The mobilized moisture is then removed by low-temperature drying and the material is sized and shaped to form a product that is resistant to re-absorption of water or other liquids. The present invention will promote the use of low rank coal for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: A mulch mat made of recyclable material is provided having a surface made of recycled material such as rubber and another surface made of a weed inhibiting fabric. The fabric extends from at least one edge of the mat to provide an overlapping area upon which another of the mats sits to prevent weed, grass and other plants from growing between the mats.

Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.

Abstract: A mulch mat made of recyclable material is provided having a mulch-appearing surface made of recycled material such as rubber and another surface made of a plant inhibiting fabric. The fabric extends beyond the mulch-appearing surface on at least one edge of the mat to provide an area upon which another of the mats may be positioned to prevent weed, grass and other plants from growing between the mats. In addition, the mulch mat may include fertilizer to nourish nearby trees, bushes and the like.

Abstract: A watering and fertilizing device comprises at least one fertilizing column and a water supply system. The fertilizing columns are vertically inserted in soil, surrounding roots of a plant to be watered. Water from the water supply system enters the fertilizing columns, taking along fertilizer contained therein and further dripping into surrounding soil at a constant rate, so that the plant is effectively supplied with water and nutrients without waste of water. The water supply system optionally provides besides water water-soluble fertilizer, which flows into soil along with water.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of a growing medium and the root structure of a plant surrounded by the growing medium while maintaining the integrity of the growing medium and root structure. The apparatus comprises a U-shaped connector body having a first blade and a second blade extended down there from. The first blade has a first end and a second end to which the first end of the U-shaped connector body is connected. The connection of the first blade to the U-shaped connector body is at an angle causing the first blade to extend downward when the U-shaped connector body is positioned horizontally. The second blade has a first end and a second end to which the second end of the U-shaped connector body is connected. The connection of the second blade to the U-shaped body is at an angle causing the second blade to extend downward when the U-shaped connector body is positioned horizontally.

Abstract: A method for restoring aquatic marsh vegetation in situ on an open body of water, including the steps of (A) floating on the body of water at least one buoyant system which comprises at least one flotation apparatus connected to a matrix, sized and configured to support the vegetation, and water-contacting means for raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water, (B) suspending marsh vegetation within the matrix, and (C) periodically and repetitively raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water by action of the water-contacting means so that a varying level of water is provided to at least a portion of a root region of the vegetation.

Abstract: A structure of fixing a planting base 100 supporting a planted raising member 106 by a bottom plate 101 to a laying face 300, provided with a cylinder portion 105 which is projected from the bottom plate 101 of the planting base 100 to a top side and top and bottom of which are opened in which an inner diameter is gradually contracted from a top end to a bottom side, a bolt 110 constituting a fixing member is inserted to the cylinder portion 105, the bolt 110 is screwed to and fixed by an anchor holder 120 of the laying face 300 until a position at which a bolt head portion 110a is brought into contact with and caught by an inner face of the cylinder portion 105, and a top face of the bolt head portion 110a is arranged at a height the same as that of a top end of the cylinder portion 105, or arranged at inside of the cylinder portion 105. The planting base can be fixed with an excellent construction performance without deteriorating an outlook of a planting equipment.

Abstract: A hanging planter provides a growing environment that allows a plant to grow in a substantially downward direction. The planter includes a structure with an interior surface that defines an interior chamber. The interior chamber receives a liner made of a material of the type suitable for retaining growing medium therein. The structure and liner include at least one opening that permits the plant to be positioned within the growing medium such that the root structure grows within the interior chamber and the stem portion grows downward without the need for external structure. Optionally, a self-watering system is included.

Abstract: A flag holder is selectively removably attached to a cemetery flower vase and is adapted to hold one or more flags therein. The flag holder comprises a pair of clamp members which are clamped onto the vase at the lower end thereof with one of the clamp members having holes formed therein adapted to receive the staffs or poles of flags therein.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping or another item such as a basket. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot, floral grouping, or other item such as a basket to form a decorative wrapper, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative wrapper. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a FCC unit having a regenerator and a reactor having overall CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises compressing syngas to define compressed syngas. Separating a first stream of gas comprising CO2 from the compressed syngas. A second stream of gas comprising O2 is expanded with the first stream of gas to produce a feed gas. The feed gas is introduced to the regenerator at gasification conditions to burn coke from coke heavy spent catalyst advanced from the reactor, producing syngas and heat for operating the reactor at reaction temperatures.

Abstract: A fixed bed coal gasifier (300) includes a coal gasification chamber with a coal lock above the chamber. A static coal distribution device inside the gasification chamber includes a hollow coal distributor which flares downwardly outwardly with a skirt depending downwardly from an inside of the coal distributor so that a gas collection zone is defined between the skirt and the coal distributor. The gasifier (300) has an ash discharge outlet (606) and a rotatable grate (600) above the outlet (606). The rotatable grate (600) includes at least one upwardly projecting finger or disturbing formation (500) to disturb the ash bed formed in use above and around the grate (600).

Abstract: This invention relates to an oxidative autothermal reformer (1) comprising a reforming layer (2) at least partially filled with a reforming catalyst for producing a reformed gas composed mainly of hydrogen through a reforming reaction by contacting a mixture of a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol and steam with the reforming catalyst; and an oxidative exothermic layer (3) at least partially filled with an oxidation catalyst for generating heat by oxidizing a part of the reformed gas, in which the reforming layer (2) is disposed at an upstream side of the oxidative exothermic layer (3); the reforming layer (2) and the oxidative exothermic layer (3) are in the form of a cylinder and have a triple circular tube structure formed by disposing an inner reforming layer (2A), an oxidative exothermic layer (3) and an outer reforming layer (2B) from the inside in a radical direction in this order; and at least a part of the reforming catalyst filled in the inner reforming layer (2A) and the outer reforming layer (2B)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogenolysis process and catalyst for conversion of ethane to methane in a natural gas stream when such streams contain large quantities of ethane. Such natural gas streams include the product of the in situ treatment of oil shale to produce oil and gas. Hydrogenolysis catalysts have been identified that produce high yields of ethane at low light-off temperatures.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of recovering energy from a FCC unit having a reactor and a regenerator for overall CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises cooling syngas to a predetermined low temperature to define cooled syngas. A turbo-expander including a first compressor is provided. The turbo-expander train is configured to combust and expand gas to drive the first compressor. The cooled syngas is compressed with the first compressor to define compressed syngas. A first stream of gas comprising CO2 and a second stream of gas comprising CO are separated from the compressed syngas. O2 and the first and second streams of gas are introduced to the turbo-expander train. The first stream of gas is expanded and the second stream of gas is combusted and expanded with the O2 to recover energy, driving the first compressor and producing the syngas.

Abstract: Systems and methods of reducing refinery carbon dioxide emissions by improving the overall synthesis gas yield in a fluid catalytic cracking unit having a reactor and a regenerator are discussed. In one example, a method comprises introducing spent catalyst and a feed gas comprising oxygen to the regenerator at gasification conditions. The method further comprises heating the spent catalyst to burn coke therefrom to produce a synthesis gas. The method further comprises combining the synthesis gas with a dry gas comprising hydrogen, creating the overall synthesis gas and thereby increasing the yield of the overall synthesis gas produced in the FCC unit.

Abstract: A method for the gasification of biomass, wherein the biomass feedstock is combined with a light hydrocarbon composition to form a slurry; followed by feeding the slurry to a gasifier to produce a fuel gas. In another embodiment, a method for the gasification of biomass is described. The method includes the steps of combining a biomass feedstock with water to form a slurry; feeding the slurry to a gasifier to produce a fuel gas; and injecting a light hydrocarbon into the gasifier, to generate gasification temperatures greater than about 900° C., by partial or complete combustion of the light hydrocarbon. In some other embodiments, the biomass gasifier product gas is coupled to a reformer, wherein a light hydrocarbon is injected to generate high temperatures.

Abstract: A method for transporting a solid particulate within a gasifier system is provided. The method includes discharging solid particulate through an inlet into an opening defined within a rotor, wherein the inlet and the solid particulate are at a first pressure. The method further includes rotating the rotor such that at least one end of the opening is aligned in flow communication with a duct at a second pressure that is different from the first pressure. The solid particulate is discharged from the rotor opening through an outlet such that the solid particulate is at the second pressure, and the rotor is rotated such that at least one end of the rotor opening is aligned in flow communication with a pressure source that is at approximately the first pressure, and such that the opening is at the first pressure.

Abstract: A door grating extension/contraction structure includes a frame and an extension/contraction mechanism. The frame is comprised of a plurality of bars. The extension/contraction mechanism is mounted to two parallel bars of the frame and is comprised of a telescopic tube set and a release assembly, wherein the telescopic tube set comprises a movable rod and the release assembly is coupled to the telescopic tube set and comprises a release button, a pawl member, and a transmission unit. The release button is coupled with the transmission unit and the transmission unit is coupled with the pawl member to form a resilient interconnection. The pawl member corresponds to and selectively forms an adjustable engagement with the movable rod of the telescopic tube set.

Abstract: Improvements in and relating to safety gates Disclosed is a safety gate assembly for positioning on a step of a flight of stairs and for impeding access to the flight of stairs, the assembly comprising: a frame, arranged to span an entry to the flight of stairs; and a gate, attached to the frame and movable between a closed position, where access to the flight of stairs is barred, and 10 open position, where the stairs are accessible, an wherein the frame comprises a pair of substantially upright, generally parallel, members for engagement with parts of the flight of stairs and/or the wall or walls adjacent to it, and a substantially horizontal member, linking the upright members such that the frame is generally u-shaped and the substantially horizontal member is arranged to be positioned, in use, below the surface of the step.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism is provided in a supply port through which powder is supplied to a second device from a first device. The shutter mechanism includes a shutter that opens and closes the supply port in conjunction with attaching and detaching operation of the second device with respect to the first device and a guide groove that is provided in a recess manner so as not to be exposed from the supply port as viewed from the second device and guides the opening and closing operation of the shutter. A space is formed between the guide groove and an end portion of the supply port making contact with the shutter when the shutter closes the supply port.

Abstract: A side door of a vehicle includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a reinforcing member, a front attaching part, a rear attaching part, and an acceleration sensor. The reinforcing member is located between the outer panel and the inner panel. The front attaching part and a rear attaching part are coupled with the reinforcing member. The front attaching part is fixed to a front attached portion provided at one of a front end portion of the outer panel and a front end portion of the inner panel. The rear attaching part is fixed to a rear attached portion provided at one of a rear end portion of the outer panel and a rear end portion of the inner panel. The acceleration sensor is disposed at one of the end portions.

Abstract: A method of opening an appliance door includes translating the door up and away from a unit so as to clear a lower edge of a physical constraint, thus allowing for gaps to be minimized, further translating the appliance door out so that its handle would not make contact with an adjacent door should the adjacent door be closed or opened while the appliance door is opened, thus allowing the appliance door to be lowered when the same is fully opened in order to increase the usable height and to reduce the gaps below and above the appliance door.

Abstract: Superabrasive elements, methods of fabricating such elements, and applications utilizing such elements. In one embodiment, a superabrasive element includes a mass of polycrystalline diamond including ultra-dispersed diamond grain structures present in an amount greater than zero weight percent and less than about 75 weight percent of the mass of polycrystalline diamond. Various structures and apparatuses that utilize the superabrasive elements, such as polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) and drill bits are disclosed. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A highly protective vented firewall (28) is supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. Vent openings (35) are provided to enable flow of cooling air through the firewall during normal operating conditions. A heat-activatable means (35) automatically closes the vents should a fire occur.

Abstract: A multifunction wall structure which comprises hydraulic connections and hydro-sanitary accessories is characterized in that it comprises a subhorizontal functional cross-member which is fixed to a fixing wall and two panels supported by the said functional cross-member. The multifunction wall structure may be used both for delimiting a shower box and for providing a functional support for the conventional components of bathrooms.

Abstract: There is set forth a retractable roof system of a specified arrangement including a first elongated track and a second elongated track, and a beam extending between the first elongated track and the second elongated track. The beam is described as supporting a cover. There is also set forth apparatus for moving the beam in relation to the first elongated track and the second elongated track.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force, or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.

Abstract: An improved device for use in a cavity-wall construction includes a water-permeable body yielding a first-average opening size that is large enough to permit water to pass therethrough, but small enough to substantially prevent mortar and other debris from passing therethrough. The device includes a water-permeable material likewise adapted to permit water to pass therethrough, but also forms a barrier to insects which are of an effective size that is much smaller than the first-average opening size.

Abstract: An air-floating-type base isolation system having a plurality of air chambers defined and surrounded by a sliding expanding pipe shielding material. A groove in one plate receives a sliding expanding pipe of shielding material made of airtight material. A plurality of air pressure chambers are defined by placement of the grooves and shielding material at selected locations in the plate, so that the top plate can be allowed to float horizontally by adjustment of the pressure in the air pressure chambers, regardless of the position of the center of gravity of the building.

Abstract: An improved muntin bar clip for ease of installing bars to the air space of a double-paned window in order to achieve the colonial style window appearance. The clip is configured for one end to be inserted into the frame which provides separation between the lights. The opposite end of the clip points toward the center of the window and provides a quick and easy means of mounting the bars.

Abstract: An anchor tube for an injection-securable anchor includes a through-opening (13) for receiving a fastening element (8) and at least first connection element (32) provided on at least first end (14) of the anchor tube (12) for securing, on the anchor tube (12), a further part of the injection-securable anchor (11).

Abstract: A wall system protects a building structure from pressure caused by explosive blasts. The wall system includes vertical studs. Outer blast wall panels and inner blast wall panels are secured to the opposing sides of the vertical studs. An upper mounting system is attached to the building structure. An upper mounting system includes a fixed track, a movable mounting track, and an energy absorbing system that flexibly couples the movable mounting track to the fixed track. The upper ends of the vertical studs are attached to movable mounting track. A lower mounting system includes a mounting track that aligns the lower ends of the vertical studs. A respective attachment clip is attached to a lower portion of vertical stud. Each attachment clip is attached to the building structure with an energy absorption pad that resists vertical and lateral movement of lower end of the respective vertical stud.

Abstract: Non-cementitious tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the non-cementitious tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower. This foundation structure may be filled with non-cementitious fill of any type to provide the required mass to stabilize the foundation and the tower. A non-cementitious tower foundation structure includes a central shaft; a storage tank; and structural members coupling the central shaft to the storage tank. The storage tank comprises one or more voids for containing non-cementitious fill as ballast to stabilize the central shaft. The total volume capacity of the voids may be at least a threshold volume.

Abstract: An overlay encasement molding comprised to match in length the preexisting molding trim where the sides and corners of the overlay will have tight fit to the sides and corners of the preexisting molding and will adhere to the preexisting molding. The present invention further provides a method of attaching sections of planar members to side and corner moldings where the molding has a flat face and right angle corners. Each channel on the planar surface shall mate with the flat right angle corners of the preexisting molding. Such attachments thereby form corners that have a channel and cutout.

Abstract: A screed rail comprises first and second elongate plate members arranged in face-to-face configuration, the first plate member being attached to leg members by height-adjustable lock means and the second plate member being attached to the first plate member by frangible joining means with the upper edges of the plate members in registration. The second plate member is attached only to the first plate member and the first plate member is attached to the leg members and by independent frangible connections to the second plate member whereby the plate members can separate laterally as the concrete cures without the attachment of the leg members inhibiting movement of the second plate member relative to the first.

Abstract: A multiple sheet building wrap for wrapping the structural components of a building in order to protect the underlying structural components and optional building sheathing from moisture is provided. The building wrap is particularly useful under facades such as wet applied stucco or engineered stone, demonstrating good drainage of liquid water and moisture vapor permeability. The building wrap is a composite of a water resistive barrier, a three-dimensional mesh layer and a porous intervening layer which acts to filter the stucco as it is applied. An exterior wall construction incorporating such building wrap is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll-formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.

Abstract: A top down trap lock shingle system that includes a plurality of identical shingles, each shingle having a bottom layer, an intermediate layer permanently attached to the bottom layer along the intermediate layer top edge forming a pocket between the bottom layer and the intermediate layer and a top layer permanently attached to said intermediate layer and permanently attached to said top edge of said bottom layer forming an extended tab along the top of the shingle that includes strips of adhesive and said bottom layer having an enlarged nailing or stapling zone that extends beyond the bottom edge of the intermediate layer, said attachment flange including a top adhesive layer and a bottom adhesive layer. The shingles are trapped and locked by inserting the top tab portion of the top area in a top down manner onto an above shingle row staggered to protect the seams and fastening the bottom edge of the shingle to the plywood roof thus trap locking each of the shingle rows in place.