Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, a non-biomass carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and a gasification catalyst, where the gasification catalyst is loaded onto at least one of the biomass or non-biomass for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: Continuous processes are provided for converting a carbonaceous feedstock comprising biomass containing alkali metal, non-biomass components, and at least one gasification catalyst including an alkali metal recovered from solid char, into a plurality of gaseous products including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Processes are provided for capturing and recycling carbonaceous fines generated during a gasification process. In particular, the recycled fines are processed into a particulate composition which is useable as a carbonaceous feedstock and is conversion into a gas stream comprising methane.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for a safety gate that is positioned to close the opening in a catwalk to allow access to and from a ladder or stairs. The gate is urged to the closed position by springs. The improvement is an attachment for connecting to the lower side of existing gates to prevent workmen using the catwalk from slipping under the gate and falling into the opening for stairs or a ladder.

Abstract: An automobile door checker includes a case secured to a door, a check plate that runs movably through the case and is pivotably supported on a body, a detent member fitted into and retained by the case and working in cooperation with a detent face of the check plate, and a resilient member that is made of a resilient material and is provided in a compressed state in a housing chamber defined between an outer end face of the detent member and an inner end face of the case, wherein the resilient member is formed so that it substantially fills the housing chamber, the resilient member is provided with a hole portion that allows resilient deformation of the resilient member, the hole portion being sealed by the outer end face and the inner end face, and a half of the resilient member on the outer end face side and a half on the inner end face side are symmetrical.

Abstract: Internal swivel door for compartment of a vehicle The invention relates to an internal swivel door for a compartment in an aircraft with a door frame (2, 3) for entering the compartment with at least one horizontal element (3) and at least one door leaf (1) which is mounted inside the door frame (2,3) wherein the at least one door leaf (1) is turned about a vertical door rotational axis (4a) and the vertical door rotational axis (4a) is moved in parallel along a predetermined local curve.

Abstract: A modular slide gate is movable along a hanger assembly of a cantilever slide gate system between an open position where access through a secured perimeter is permitted and a closed position where access through a secured perimeter is obstructed. The modular slide gate can include a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of cross-members extending between and connected to the bottom member and the at least one wall of the frame member. The top member can include a frame member and a track member. The frame member can include at least one wall. The track member can be configured and dimensioned to receive the hanger assembly and can include at least one wall that extends continuously from and is homogenous with the at least one wall of the frame member.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly includes a fixed window panel and a sliding window panel that is movable along a guide rail relative to the fixed window panel between an open position and a closed position. A window frame is fixed to the sliding window panel and includes a first guide feature. A locking frame is coupled to the window frame and includes a second guide feature. The guide rail, in cooperation with the first and the second guide features, initially guides the sliding window panel to an offset position relative to the fixed window panel, and then guides the sliding window panel in a lateral direction to uncover an opening in the fixed window panel. A locking mechanism cooperates with the locking frame to selectively lock the sliding window panel to the guide rail.

Abstract: In order to reduce the stresses occurring during the closing of a manually closable body component, e.g. a door, a method of controlling the closing movement is proposed in which, during the closing movement, departing from an opened position, the body component passes through a first movement range in which the body component is moved towards the closed position without any action by a control member, and, following the first movement range, the body component passes through a second movement range in which the closing movement of the body component is varied in such a manner by the action of the control member that the residual kinetic energy of the body component does not exceed a predetermined limit value after passing through the second movement range, irrespective of the initial speed. The residual kinetic energy is not sufficient to close the body component automatically.

Abstract: An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure for use in drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may comprise a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed within a substantially continuous matrix, wherein the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. One or more of the amount, average size, composition, properties, shape, quality, strength, and concentration of the abrasive particles may vary within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure. Anisotropic wear resistance may relate to a selected direction, such as, for example, one or more of an expected direction of engagement of the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure with the subterranean formation and an anticipated wear direction. Anisotropic wear resistance of an abrasive-impregnated cutting structure may be configured for forming or retaining a formation-engaging leading edge thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a building with inflatable walls (3), in particular a residential building, a hotel, an office or a hospital, consisting of modules of individual components (1) each having a rigid floor assembly (2) whereon the inflatable walls (3) are fixed.

Abstract: A retractable load-bearing cover apparatus is selectively deployable and retractable along a track defining a path of travel between first and second terminus points. The load-bearing cover apparatus includes a plurality of sections that are deployable along the track in a first direction, and retractable along the track in a second, opposite direction, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are releasably engagable to one another. The cover apparatus includes a drive system for deploying and retracting the sections along the track, and a storage system for disengaging the sections and arranging such disengaged sections into a vertically stacked orientation.

Abstract: A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.

Abstract: A block (30) useful in creating, for example, a landscape edging, a patio framing for a patio is L-shaped and includes a first member (32) and a second member (34). The block (30) is adapted to be arranged in an interlocking or interfitting fashion with other similarly configured blocks (30).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a roofing tape for assisting in the installation of a plurality of selected roofing material to a roof section, the selected roofing material having a width, an offset requirement, and a gap requirement; the roofing tape including a front surface; a back surface; a first edge; a second edge; a first indicia disposed on the front surface of the roofing tape, located at a pre-determined distance from the first edge designating the starting position; a second indicia indicating placement of the first course, which is disposed at a location apart from the first indicia, the location being equal to the width of the roofing material plus any required gap space; and a third indicia indicating placement of the second course, which is disposed at a location apart from the first indicia, the location being equal to the width of the roofing material plus any required gap space minus half the width of the roofing material.

Abstract: A bracketing system is provided having two brackets joined by a flexible adhesive material that allows bridging or backing members of variable lengths and widths to be mounted between vertical studs to enhance stability of the wall construction. A wall construction assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two vertical studs and a bridge backing member mounted there between by a bracketing system, which includes a left bracket and a right bracket connected by a flexible adhesive material. Because the bridge backing member can be adjustably sized to be secured on the brackets, it can be sized to fit between studs regardless of any variation in the spacing of the studs. This obviates the need to prefabricate bridge backing members to fit between variably spaced studs. The bridge backing member can be mounted flush with the stud to eliminate unevenness in the wall structure. Bridge or backing members of various widths and lengths can be mounted to the bracketing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a base plate extension for a fire rated mullion that will firmly secure the base of the mullion in the event of a fire; to a low profile base plate; and, to a mullion assembly comprising a low profile base plate, a mullion latch, and a removable mullion in combination with a double door frame. A removable fire rated mullion is used in conjunction with double door openings to provide a securing point for rim panic bars mounted on doors. For a fire rating to be recognized it must comply with the standard, national Fire Protection Association Inc. (NFPA) 252 Fire Code. The (NFPA) 252 Fire Code was approved by the American National Standards Institute in 1995.

Abstract: A floor support structure is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, the support structure may include a surface, protrusions extending from the surface to form cavities between the protrusions, and openings adjacent to the protrusions to form pathways to the cavities. The support structure provides the openings and cavities to lay a cable in any desired configuration, in addition to the structure's established function to prevent a main floor from fracture or failure when an underlying subfloor shifts or settles. As such, the need for separate heating and support structures is eliminated.

Abstract: A system (10) for joining adjacent edges (12, 14) of respective panels (16, 18) of sheet material is provided. The system includes a first component (26) adapted to be positioned over the front of the adjacent edges and a second component (28) adapted to be positioned behind the adjacent edges. The second component (28) has a recess (38) capable of receiving at least a portion of the first component (26). A fastening device (30) for clamping the first and second components (26, 28) together is provided. The first and second components are clamped together in a manner that deforms the adjacent edges (12, 14) into the recess (38), whilst simultaneously forming a depression (48) at the front of the adjacent edges able to be filled with a compatible material (52) to conceal the adjacent edges (12, 14).

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof module with at least one ventilation duct, the ventilation duct (4) being formed from a half shell component (4) which is fastened to the lower side of the roof module (2), so that an air-guiding region (10) is delimited by a lower side of the roof module (2) and the half shell (4).

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite flat covering material, comprising supplying a web of stretch aluminium mesh which after stretching has been tempered, passing the web of stretch aluminium mesh in immersed condition through a bath of first bituminous material, passing the stretch aluminium mesh out of the bath, skimming first bituminous material along at least an upper side of the web of stretch aluminium mesh and applying a layer of second bituminous material onto the skimmed side.

Abstract: A wall block (10) comprises a substantially rectangular core (11) of substantially rigid insulating material which forms structural load bearing elements in a constructed wall. The block (10) has cladding (12) bonded to its lateral surfaces. The cladding (12) is offset from the lateral surfaces with tie cladding (12) overhanging from the lower lateral edges, the overhanging portion abutting against the core (11) of the blocks (10) on the lower course. The core (11) has a longitudinal void (14) provided in the lower surface along its whole length and al least one vertically extending void (15), extending from the longitudinal void (14) to the upper surface of the core. Furthermore, recesses (21) are formed in the vertical edges of the core (11) and being adapted to receive elongated joint seals (22) to affect scaling of the joints between adjacent blocks (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a profiled expansion element for floor or wall panels as well as an associated laying method wherein on the one hand the expansion join is integrated as well as possible into the floor covering and on the other hand the laying of the expansion join is simple.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular composite floor unit and a method for its manufacture. The floor unit is factory-made. An edge frame (10) is provided from cold-rolled sheet metal members (24 and 32) welded or brazed together to create edge shuttering. A cast concrete ceiling slab (12) is cast within the edge frame (10) over a smooth casting surface. The cast ceiling slab (12) encases a first inturned lip of the edge frame (10), a first lattice (26) of reinforcing rods or wires anchored at their ends to opposite sides and ends of the edge frame (10), and the bottom edges, or hangers (70) suspended below the bottom edges, of an array of mutually parallel spaced metal joists (18) which are welded or brazed to the edge frame (10) at their opposite ends. An infill layer is then created from blocks (16) or particulate material filling most of the height of the exposed portions of the array of mutually parallel spaced joists (18).

Abstract: A wall element manufactured from a thermal insulation material, comprising an outside board, an inside board and at least two intermediate pillars arranged between the outside board and the inside board, wherein the wall element is arranged to be filled with a grouting compound, and where a portion of an intermediate pillar protrudes from at least one of the outside board and the inside board, the protruding portion of the intermediate pillar being a complementary fit between the outside board and inside board of an adjacent wall element.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a plurality of tiles (1), and at least one hinge, each hinge (5), being adapted to be releasably connected along adjacent edges of two tiles so as to join the two tiles together and allow the tiles to pivot relative to one another.

Abstract: A joint guard (100) provided with means for protecting, and stabilizing portions in the edge region of a panel, said portions being selected from the group consisting of; a distal edge (21), a downwards protruding heel (22), a upper joint edge (25), a groove (23), a lower cheek (31), a distal end (32), an upwards protruding lower cheek heel (33), an upper joining edge (35), an undercut (34), a moveable locking element (40), a locking tongue (41), a locking tongue leg (42) and a maneuvering leg (43).

Abstract: A beam stabilizer, comprising a threaded tubular part, and a screw like part, threaded together, and can be applied to either side of an I-beam, set within a foundation wall cavity, and tightened in place so as to fix the beam within the cavity at its precise set location, to be sure that the beam remains in place, once installed, during building of a residence or small building.

Abstract: A building structure with a tubular frame structure in a hut shape may be provided with cladding in the form of curved panels to provide a temporary or emergency shelter. These panels may consist of two spaced-apart plastic sheets fused together by parallel ribs serving as webs to provide parallel channels therein, e.g., Coroplast™-like sheeting. Such sheeting is preferably stiffening with one or more battens that are inserted through the hollow channels of the panel allowing them to be used as semi-rigid cladding over the entire building structure. The outer tubular members of the frame are all curved to improve rigidity. The frame includes channels for seating the panels as well as contribute to the structural integrity of the shelter.

Abstract: An apparatus for inline base termination of a monopole structure includes an upper base plate configured to be joined to a bottom end of a monopole, a lower base plate including a plurality of bolt holes, and a plurality of web plates connecting the upper and lower base plates, such that a virtual projection of the monopole through the lower base plate intersects the plurality of bolt holes. Another inline base termination apparatus includes a hollow monopole with outer shell, a base plate having a plurality of bolt holes formed therein in a circular pattern and evenly circumferentially spaced, and a plurality of web plates, each of which has a longitudinal slot configured to receive the monopole and is joined to the base plate between two adjacent bolt holes, such that a virtual projection of the hollow monopole through the base plate intersects the plurality of bolt holes.

Abstract: A modularized bamboo frame member set is disclosed in which bamboo poles are cut into straight bamboo strip elements and then the bamboo strip elements are processed into straight, -shaped, L-shaped, smoothly curved and spirally curved bamboo rod members through a compression molding press so that the straight, -shaped, L-shaped, smoothly curved and spirally curved bamboo rod members are selectively used and connected end-to-end to construct three-dimensional bamboo frame members for making bamboo baskets, racks, shelves and the like.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A tape guide plate and finger plate assembly for the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape is provided in order to effectively prevent the leading end portion of the carton or case sealing tape from folding over upon itself whereby the adhesive material, disposed upon the front side surface portion of the sealing tape would effectively become stuck to itself and thereby foul further carton or case seal-ing operations. In addition, rollers are provided upon a finger plate so as to permit the sealing tape to be dispensed in a substantially frictionless or drag-free manner.

Abstract: A knife blade guard locking mechanism, for use in conjunction with the sealing tape application rollers of a tape cartridge assembly of a case sealing machine, is adapted to be operatively connected to a spring biasing mechanism of the sealing tape application rollers such that when the sealing tape application rollers are disposed at their inoperative positions, the knife blade guard locking mechanism is disposed at its locked position so as to effectively cover the knife blade in order to protect personnel from being accidentally cut. Conversely, when the sealing tape application rollers are disposed at their operative positions, the knife blade guard locking mechanism is automatically unlocked so as to permit the knife blade to be uncovered in order to perform its sealing tape cutting operation.

Abstract: An automated operation application module for a packaging machine comprises a frame, a suspension joined to the frame for rolls of packaging material, and a pre-unwinding unit for supplying the packaging material to the film storage unit. The application module has a film storage unit joined to the frame, a sealing station joined to the frame, a film pre-drawing unit joined to the frame for supplying the packaging material to the sealing station, and a film-forwarding unit joined to the frame for forwarding the processed packaging material to a packaging machine.

Abstract: A film roping assembly comprises a roping pulley which is disposed upon the wrapping film dispensing carriage assembly. The roping pulley is vertically reciprocable so as to be movable transversely, across the width of the wrapping film, with respect to the direction in which the wrapping film is being dispensed. The roping pulley is initially disposed at its uppermost position and engages the upper edge portion of the film. As the roping pulley is moved vertically downwardly, the film is condensed or gathered so as to form a roped section of the wrapping film. The process may be repeated throughout a single wrapping operation so as to provide the wrapped film with both roped and non-roped sections.

Abstract: An inventive device or a method, respectively, for a chamber machine for positioning at least a nozzle (11) and/or a measuring device relative with respect to a bag (9) having a bag mouth should solve the object to simplify or to accelerate, respectively, gassing the bags with protective gas or the injection of liquids or solids, respectively. The inventive device comprises a movable holding device (15) at which the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device is fixable and which is at least movable between a rest position and an operation position. The holding device (15) positions the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device in its rest position outside the bag mouth and positions the same in its operation position so that it projects into the bag mouth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a container packing filler are provided, which ensure that a net can be correctly and speedily rolled up into a bulk or ball shape. A stretchable tubular net (N) is fitted around a columnar support member (6). Then, a distal portion of the net is forcibly folded radially outward or inward by a plurality of roller belts (30) disposed circumferentially of the net (N), while the roller belts (30) are moved toward a net proximal side axially of the net (N), whereby the net (N) is rolled up radially outward or inward with the distal portion thereof being forcibly folded by circular rotation and axial movement of the roller belts (30) to form an annular roll portion (C).

Abstract: Appliance (1) for applying labels (5) to receptacles (10), which comprises a transport device (2) that transports the receptacles (10) to be labelled along a predefined transport path (T), and comprises a first pressing-on unit (6) that presses the labels (5) onto an outer wall of the receptacles (10), the first pressing-on unit (6) having a brush device (8) having a multiplicity of bristles (9) that extend in the direction of the receptacles (10). According to the invention, the first pressing-on unit (6), at least in a partial region (6a) of the first pressing-on unit (6), is shorter, in the longitudinal direction (L) of the receptacles (10), than the label (5) to be applied.

Abstract: An adjustable saddle for a horse or other animal includes a pommel with substantially opposed lower ends, a seat member connected to the pommel and a pair of substantially opposed gripping members comprising flexible panels configured to contact the flanks of the animal. The panels have rearward portions fastened to the seat member and forward portions which are substantially free of contact with the seat member. An adjustment means connects at least one of the forward portions to the pommel. The adjustment means is configured to cause the panels to flex between a retracted position where the gripping members are relatively widely spaced and a gripping position where the gripping members are relatively closely spaced together. The gripping position provides gripping action against the upper body of the animal when the saddle is in use.

Abstract: A particulate filtration device having a cleaning assembly including the cleaning nozzle that accelerates gas toward the downstream surface of the filter media. The cleaning nozzle comprises an inlet portion defining a converging inlet path, a throat portion defining a narrowest portion of the nozzle, and an outlet portion defining a diverging path and ending at an exit edge. The inlet portion, throat portion, and outlet portion collectively create an inner surface of the nozzle. The nozzle defines a centerline and an exit half angle relative to the centerline, and the exit half angle is about ten degrees. The nozzle has a throat area at the throat portion and an exit area at the exit edge. A ratio of the exit area to the throat area is about 1.4. A portion of the inlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat inlet radius, and a portion of the outlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat outlet radius. The throat outlet radius is larger than the throat inlet radius.

Abstract: An anti-flinch collar for use on a handle portion of a sports device includes a collar (100) having a substantially cylindrical shape and forming a bore (202) extending axially therethrough. The bore (202) is adapted to surround a segment of the handle portion and retain the collar (100). A plurality of anti-flinch features (112) is formed along an outer surface (206) of the collar (100). The collar (100) is adapted to engage at least one finger of a holder of the handle portion to prevent flinching of the at least one finger.

Abstract: An air cleaner having a housing body and a removable cover and a filter element, in which the cover and the filter element rotationally interfere with each other by engagement between an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element. A filter element includes a pair of end caps, filter media, and an outer wall on the end cap circumscribing the filter media, in which the outer wall is non-circular. A method of installing a filter element into a housing includes orienting a cover over an element and a housing body by engaging an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element to rotationally interfere with each other.

Abstract: A filter element and a soot filter in which the temperature distribution over the cross-section of the filter element can be kept constant in first approximation.

Abstract: An apparatus for trapping residual product of semiconductor manufacturing processes increases trapping effect and trapping capacity of residual product of reaction by maximizing an effective area for the residual product of reaction to be trapped while actively preventing the residual product of reaction generated in a process chamber during a thin film deposition and etching process from sucking into a vacuum pump, thereby easily removing the trapped residual product of reaction, including hollow housing having an inner containing space, first connection pipe connecting process chamber and housing, second connection pipe connecting vacuum pump and housing, and a protrusion extending inwardly and protruding from a housing base, cooling element disposed inside the housing for cooling the residual product of reaction flowing into the housing through the first connection pipe, and trap plates disposed inside the housing as multiple layers on which the residual product of reaction is laminated.

Abstract: A device for separating dust from dust-laden air. The device includes a first cyclone separator having an inlet portion with a tangential inlet. An axial inlet cyclone separator is disposed downstream of the first cyclone separator. The axial inlet cyclone separator has an air inlet disposed within the first cyclone separator. The axial air inlet includes a widening tubular section in the shape of a funnel extending into the inlet portion of the first cyclone separator.

Abstract: A control system for use with a ground maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. The control system may include one or more control handles movable between a neutral position and at least a first drive or reverse position. The system may further include a biasing mechanism operable to bias the control handle from the first drive position to the neutral position. The biasing mechanism may be pre-deflected when the control handle is in the neutral position, yet provide little or no biasing effect to the handle until the handle is moved towards the first drive position.