Abstract: The mineral and salts dispensing system is a filtration bag designed out of high strength woven geotextile fabric that is intended to filter fresh minerals/salt to the ground for deer, elk, or other animal consumption. The bag's functionality should last 2-3 years with normal use as it is UV stabilized to resist biodegrading; it is refillable with ease of installation and a cost-effective customizable solution for hunters.

Abstract: A remote control system is disclosed for controlling a remote animal collar of the type which includes one or more electrodes or sensors which protrude from the inside surface of the collar for contacting the neck of the animal and electronic devices located within the body of the collar to receive electronic control signals or sensor input and to generate a stimulus, which is transmitted to the animal through the electrodes or by a speaker or other devices on the collar. The remote control system uses a master and slave remote transmitter combination.

Abstract: The decoy structure is formed of a central upper spine and lateral ribs, with a support rod resiliently attached to the approximate midpoint of the spine. The lower end of the support rod has a weighted base. A removable flexible cover is patterned to resemble the object game, and is open at the bottom. This allows the ribs to be curled inwardly toward one another with their distal ends and lower portions of the cover overlapping to reduce the structure diameter for compact storage. The support rod swings rearwardly through the open bottom of the structure, allowing the decoy to be stored in a small diameter tube. The decoy is quickly deployed by withdrawing it from its tube and tossing it to the desired location. The weighted base deploys downwardly, with aerodynamic drag holding the body above the base as it lands to orient the decoy properly in the field.

Abstract: An improved slip sinker having a hollow non-buoyant tubular body mounted intermediate a flanged head piece having a fish line receiving aperture and a weighted ballast piece. Surface projections at the head and ballast pieces mount and fasten to the bore of the tubular body. Alternative sinker configurations provide body pieces that support a ballast connector that receives mating interchangeable ballast weights. The hollow bodies of other sinkers support reflective devices, luminous materials, luminous devices, rattle pieces, granular ballast materials, scents, and/or a plug end. Profile expanding filaments can be adapted into the ballast, head or body pieces.

Abstract: The invention provides a trap for capturing and/or killing a mouse, the trap comprising: an enclosure comprising a base connected to at least one movable part and which houses a trigger; the trigger comprising an adhesive section; wherein the at least one movable part is urged against the force of a biasing means from a first position wherein the trap is in a closed state into a second position in which the trap is in a set state; wherein the at least one movable part is maintained in the second position by releasably engaging the trigger; and wherein the trap is triggered upon the mouse contacting the adhesive section and elevating the trigger so as to disengage the trigger from the at least one movable part so that it moves from the second position to the first position under the force of the biasing means.

Abstract: Herein we describe crab traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that crab traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable crab traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into crab traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Abstract: Biogas is converted to a liquid fuel by passing the biogas through a liquid reaction medium that contains a petroleum fraction in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, and doing so at an elevated but non-boiling temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide lubricity additive or a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinamide lubricity additive for low sulfur diesel fuel. The additive is derived from an olefin having little to no terminal double bonds and a very high proportion of internal double bonds. The succinimide or succinamide is made by combining the alkylated succinic anhydride with ammonia. Also provided is a method for reducing wear scarring in a compression ignition engine comprising providing to the engine a middle distillate fuel comprising an effective amount of the hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide and/or hydrocarbyl-substituted succinamide. A method for reducing an average coefficient of friction of a middle distillate fuel in a compression ignition engine comprising providing to the engine the disclosed fuel is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of reducing the viscosity of a residue stream from the production of bisphenol-A, the residue stream is combined with at least one of (a) a bottoms stream comprising polyalkylaromatic compounds and remaining after the fractionation of an effluent from an aromatics alkylation process to remove monoalkylaromatic compounds, (b) a stream containing at least 90 wt % phenol and (c) a mixture of phenol and said bottoms stream (a) to produce a combined stream.

Abstract: A closed loop biomass energy system includes at least one agricultural facility that produces agricultural waste; a waste processing system operable to convert the waste into biomass; a wastewater treatment system operable to treat wastewater created by the waste processing system and an energy production system operable to utilize the biomass to produce energy and provide the energy to an energy end-user. In one form, the energy is steam and the energy end-user is a biofuel production facility that utilizes the steam to power production of a biofuel. In a further aspect of this form, wastewater created as a byproduct of the biofuel production is transferred to and treated by the wastewater treatment system. However, additional forms, embodiments, features and aspects are contemplated as discussed in further detail in this document.

Abstract: The method for making a turf provides a seedling tray (1), for example, of plastic material, having a plurality of cells (5) having flaring or prismatic shape. Each cell (5) has a hole (6) at the basis (7) suitable for outflow of the irrigation water throughout cultivation of the plant species. In particular, the method provides the introduction in each cell (5) of a measured amount of growth substrate (13) containing the nutritive substances necessary to ensure the development of a seedling (10) of herbaceous species ready for being planted in a plantation site (20), once achieved a suitable maturation. The seedling (10) can be obtained starting from seeds (16), or alternatively, starting from parts of plants. The cultivation in the seedling tray (1) carried out starting from parts of plants is particularly advantageous in case seeds are not available of the chosen grass species, for example in case of hybrid species.

Abstract: Drainage systems for plant gardening in flowerpots, specifically a shaped porous rock or perhaps even an enclosed pouch having soil preservation capability and filling inside the enclosed pouch. Embodiments may include a pot hole locator which may place an enclosed pouch in a bottom of a pot prior to adding soil and planting a plant in a flowerpot. Other embodiments may include the addition of soil amendments, water retention elements, drying elements and the like. Filling may include plastic, various rocks, various stones, pebbles, synthetic materials and the like.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant pot comprising at least one container wall for containing a growing medium and a container base attached to said at least one container wall, whereby said at least one container wall and said container base are made of ply-starch material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reservoir on a base supported at an elevation by a support member above a plurality of plants to be watered. A mechanical fill assembly, containing a flush valve and a float connected to a water supply line, automatically keeps the reservoir filled with water for extended periods. The plants are watered by gravity through a plurality of main valves in the reservoir that provide a controlled amount of water to main lines extending to each group of plants. Branch lines extend from each main line that terminate at perforated plant lines at each plant to be watered. A plant valve controls the amount of water each plant will receive on a continuous basis. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bird porch is attached to the reservoir to automatically provided a bird waterer and to provide a bird feeder. Also, a removable fertilizer tray can be provided to fertilize the plants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to plant hedges or barriers and provide a method, system and apparatus for creating artificial plant hedges or barriers. In one embodiment of the invention, an artificial plant barrier system can be provided. The system can include a starter unit, a middle unit coupled to a top of the starter unit, and a top end unit coupled to a top of the middle unit. The starter unit can include a channel defined between a first opening in a top of the starter unit and a second opening in a bottom of the starter unit, wherein the bottom of the starter unit is coupled to a base support. The middle unit can include a channel defined between a first opening of a top of the middle unit and a second opening of a bottom of the middle unit, wherein the bottom of the middle unit is coupled to the starter unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for gasifying a solid fuel that supplies a solid fuel such as coal by dry condition to a gasification furnace of an entrained-bed type is constructed so as to be able to collect the char discharged from the gasification furnace and re-supply the char to the furnace without using a lock hopper and without changing the char into slurry form. The char discharged from the gasification furnace along with produced gases 53 produced in the gasification furnace is brought into contact with water by a gas cooler 9 and collected. After being dehydrated by a dehydrator 10, the collected char is loaded into a mill 2 or a raw-coal bunker 1. For loading into the raw-coal bunker 1, the char is dried by a drying machine 14, preferably, after the dehydration. According to the present invention, a mixture of the collected char and water can be re-supplied to the gasification furnace without using a lock hopper or a dry feeder.

Abstract: A reaction device 10 is used for producing water gas from polyhydric alcohol and water. The reaction device 10 includes a reactor 13 which has a reaction field 14 where a catalyst is provided inside and a reaction fluid flows. The catalyst 17 has a surface extending in a direction of flow of the reaction fluid.

Abstract: A safety door, door lock and door lock release mechanism for preventing a child from opening a door while permitting an adult to do so includes a weight sensor and a height sensor for unlocking a locked door. An alarm is used to indicate a child's attempt to open the door and a sensor for sensing a dangerous condition such as smoke or carbon monoxide is also provided for unlocking the door in the event of a dangerous condition and activating a more discernable alarm at that time.

Abstract: A removable storm window system for insulating a permanent window that is fixed in a wall opening circumscribed by a casing with walls that project frontward from the permanent window. The window system includes a system frame with structural members that form a peripheral frame and a subframe attached therein. The subframe includes at least one structural member that extends between members of the peripheral frame, thereby creating a plurality of window openings in the system frame. A system attachment device is on the peripheral frame, for removably attaching the system within the casing. Sashes are dimensioned to sealingly fit in the window openings, each sash having a sash frame that holds a window pane, and a sash portion of a sash attachment on the sash frame. A frame portion of the sash attachment is on the system frame. Thus the removable storm window system provides a removably installable storm window that has a plurality of individually removable and/or operable framed sash windows.

Abstract: A damp rail assembly for a garage door opening system is provided. The rail assembly includes a beam member configured for mounting to a support structure, and for slidably supporting a trolley member. A viscoelastic laminate structure is attached to the beam member to absorb and attenuate vibration and structure-borne noise directly therefrom. The viscoelastic laminate structure includes a constraining layer and a viscoelastic layer spanning substantially the entirety of the constraining layer and bonded thereto. The viscoelastic laminate structure may include a plurality of planar viscoelastic laminate structures each having an adhesive layer spanning substantially the entirety of a respective viscoelastic layer such that each of the planar viscoelastic laminate structures may be individually adhered at different predetermined locations along the beam member. Alternatively, the viscoelastic laminate structure and beam member may be preformed as a single, unitary structure.

Abstract: An overhead door with rollers on its sides is provided with a pair of elevated, non-vertical tracks into which the rollers move as the door is moved to the open position. The door is opened by cables that extend from a pair of drums, to pulleys at the distal ends of the tracks, and then to the top corners of the door. Provision is made for transitioning curved portions of the tracks, and, in some cases, vertical portions below the curved portions, by a plurality of links provided between the cable ends and the door upper corners.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes sensors (30, 50) such as microswitches positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (26). The sensors provide an indication of different levels of relative movement between the door panel and the door frame member at an interface (28) between them. Such relative movement includes an increase in a gap between them that corresponds to a situation when an object is at the interface (28) and may be caught. The sensors (30, 50) respectively provide an indication of when an object may become caught and when one has. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door.

Abstract: In a drive apparatus (1) for a swiveling swing-out element (6) of a motor vehicle, in particular for a swing-out window, which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, an adjusting lever (4) that is flexurally elastic in the x direction in relation to the motor vehicle coordinate system is provided for compensating the swivel movement of the swing-out element (6).

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin, a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin and a door operator disposed between the first door skin and the second door skin. An arm extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.

Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

Abstract: A pneumatically inflatable structure includes first and second parallel spaced apart pneumatic end support tubes and at least two opposed pairs of bowed criss-crossed pneumatic bracing tubes and an arched canopy extending over the support tubes and bracing tubes. Each of the end support tubes has first and second opposed ends each mountable to a base surface wherein each of the end support tubes forms a vertical arch having an apex when the structure is erect. The pneumatic bracing tubes have first and second ends wherein each of the first ends of the bracing tubes are secured to one of the first or second ends of one of the first or second end support tubes. Each of the second ends of the pneumatic bracing tubes are securable to substantially the apex or thereabouts of an opposed tube of the first or second end support tubes.

Abstract: A gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively forces the gutter to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity. The gutter is supported by a number of spaced brackets, each of which includes an upper leg that is inclined downwardly and forwardly from the rear of the bracket so as to be hidden from view and to channel rainwater falling into the bracket into the gutter as opposed to against the building or outside of the gutter.

Abstract: A roof-mounted actuator of a gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively engages a support for the gutter and forces it to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity.

Abstract: A foam insert for a rain gutter for a residential dwelling is provided. The foam insert prevents debris such as leaves, pine needles, gravel, and dirt from entering the rain gutter and permits water to pass through the foam and into the gutter. The foam insert has a channel in the outer side to receive the inwardly projecting lip of a gutter when the foam insert is placed into the gutter. As the foam inserts are installed in the gutter, the lip of the gutter is positioned within the channel. The foam is flexible, which permits the foam insert to be bent and maneuvered into position within the gutter. The foam inserts are formed with a pore size of 14 ppi or below. The foam inserts are inexpensive and may be quickly and easily installed or removed from the gutter by a single individual.

Abstract: A panel with a receiver is used to install a component into a wallboard. The panel is inserted into an opening into a wallboard, and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is taped and spackled so that the wallboard and panel appear to be a single surface. A spackle rim with a gradient extending from the spackle rim along the surface of the panel is used so that spackle can be spread thinly across the entire surface of the panel.

Abstract: An electric junction fixture is provided for preparing a wall or ceiling to accept an appliance such as an electric light fixture, inserted and mounted through a hole in the drywall or panel. Reduced stress levels in the drywall or panel are obtained by providing large areas of contact between the fixture and the drywall or panel.

Abstract: Among other things, a nacelle of a wind-driven electric generator is supported by a structure that includes at least three legs that define a lower tower that is relatively broad at its lower end and rises to a relatively narrow waist, and a nacelle support that is relatively narrow at its lower end where it is attached to the waist and relatively broader at its upper end where it supports the nacelle.

Abstract: Presented is a passenger terminal that includes modular room units that include facilities necessary for passenger traffic. The modular room units are configured to be shipped in standardized containers by means of ordinary transport vehicles by at least one of land, sea, and air to a predetermined construction site. The modular room units are also configured to be assembled at the predetermined construction site in a short amount of time to produce a functional passenger terminal building according to a predetermined planning grid.

Abstract: Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.

Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).

Abstract: An easy-to-install outdoor wooden flooring, with possibly treated, very high durability materials, suitably robust and safe for passers-by and characterised by low manufacturing costs. An assembly method of the aforesaid flooring is advantageously provided capable of simplify the installation operations, specifically in virtue of the use of appropriately configured assembly templates.

Abstract: A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provided an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.

Abstract: There is provided a portable riser having an operator actuated lifting assist assembly operatively coupled to a riser deck. In one aspect, there is a first pivot mechanism coupled to a first support leg and adapted to initiate upward movement of the portable riser from a collapsed position when a downward force is applied to the first support leg, and a second pivot mechanism coupled to a second support leg and adapted to continue the upward movement. The lifting assist assembly provides a lifting force that continues upward movement to an upright position where the portable riser in locked. There is included a riser unlocking means for unlocking the lifting assist assembly. The portable riser remains in the upright position until the riser unlocking means is operated and a collapsing force is applied to the portable riser sufficient to overcome the lifting force and enable collapsed of the portable riser.

Abstract: A multi-story building is constructed by first erecting at least one modular stairwell tower on a concrete base pad. The tower includes a number of horizontally alternating precast concrete modular stairwell units arranged in a stack and corresponding to twice the number of floors in the building. Each stairwell unit includes a precast reinforced concrete tower section having opposite side walls and opposite end walls defining an open top and an open bottom and a height generally equal to one half the vertical distance between two adjacent floors. An inclined stairway and a horizontal landing platform are formed within each tower section and are rigidly connected to the walls. Anchor members are embedded in the base pad and in upper and lower portions of the walls of each tower section, and adjacent anchor members are connected by weld plates. Each stairwell unit has a handrail supported by the corresponding stairway.

Abstract: A fastener for removably securing a protective panel to a structure includes a shaft having a first portion and a second portion. The shaft includes a first opening extending through the second portion of the shaft. The fastener also includes a sleeve sized to fit over the second portion of the shaft. The sleeve includes second and third openings extending through the sleeve that are spaced apart by a distance greater than a thickness of the protective panel to be secured to the structure. The second opening corresponds to the first opening in the shaft and the third opening is located in the sleeve beyond an end of the second portion of the shaft when the first and second openings are aligned. The fastener also includes a first pin that is insertable into the first and second openings and a second pin that is insertable into the third opening.

Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.

Abstract: The fan filter mounting frame is useful in installation of equipment in a cell of suspension grid systems when the equipment is passed through and is placed in a corner of the cell. The equipment is supported partially directly by the grid and partially indirectly by the grid through an adapting frame insert. The frame insert is connected between the equipment and the suspension grid system and may have two legs that meet at an apex, a first leg extending along a first grid rail and a second leg extending along an adjacent second grid rail. Each of the two legs also extends between its respective rail and the equipment, supporting the equipment on the respective suspension grid rails. Thus, the grid system may be in its design position or condition prior to and during placement and replacement of the equipment without disruption.

Abstract: A corner panel for a veneer wall panel system includes a body having a fastener section extending in a first plane and a fastenerless section extending in a second plane. The first and second planes define an included corner angle A. In addition, a method is provided for securing a corner panel of a veneer wall panel system to a corner of an underlying support structure. That method includes the step of positioning the corner panel on the corner of the underlying support structure, fastening the corner panel to the support structure only along a first section of the corner panel and maintaining a second section of the corner panel free of any fasteners. In this way, it is possible to decouple any corner stresses between the corner panel and the underlying support structure.

Abstract: An insert panel is provided for a cast veneer wall panel system. That wall panel system has a standard panel including a series of design elements wherein each of the design elements has a length L1. The insert panel includes a precast body having at least one filler design element having an initial length L2 and a cut length L3 wherein the body, including the at least one filler design element cut to the length L3, fills an irregular space between a first end design element on a first standard panel and an end point such as a second end design element on a second standard panel so as to enhance the aesthetics of the wall being constructed using the cast veneer wall panel system. In addition a method of providing a cast veneer wall panel system for producing a wall having an enhanced aesthetic appearance is provided. Further, the invention includes a method of enhancing the aesthetics of a wall being constructed.

Abstract: A protective cover unit for temporarily sealing an opening 13 of a floor sleeve as a floor remains almost flat includes a disk-like protective cover 3 large enough to cover the opening, an upper compression plate 5 provided under the protective cover 3, fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b provided under the upper compression plate 5, a lower compression plate 7 provided under the fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b, and a bolt 1 and nut 8 for integrating the protective cover 3, upper compression plate 5, fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b and lower compression plate 7. The fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b seal the opening of the floor sleeve when the protective cover 3, upper compression plate 5, fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b and lower compression plate 7 are integrated by the bolt 1 and nut 8. The disk-like protective cover 3 and fixing water-resistant rubbers 6a, 6b double-seal the opening of the floor sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is (in some embodiments) a system of decorative siding panels made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, such panels configured for overlapping, having interlocking tongue and groove structure. These panels for covering a surface, such as wall sheathing, of a structure.

Abstract: An architectural material comprising a bulk polymeric foam material which includes additional structural support which provides increased strength and durability at the front surface of the architectural material. The architectural material includes a mesh material which is disposed near the front surface of the architectural material. The architectural material may additionally include a barrier layer which further protects the surface of the architectural material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable panel having numerous favorable characteristics. The panel comprises a core having a length, a width, a first side and a second side. A first fiber layer is attached to the first side while a second fiber layer is attached to the second side. A first polyurethane layer is impregnated in the first fiber layer while a second polyurethane layer is impregnated into the second fiber layer. A first skin is attached to the first polyurethane layer while a second skin is attached to the second polyurethane layer. The panel can be used in the manufacture of tables, flooring, risers, stages, bleachers, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing a blast mitigation coating system to a building structure and kits of the system. The method comprises the steps of: mixing and applying a water-based flexible polymer, a micro-fiber material, a mineral filler material, and other additives to the building structure to form a layer of coating; embedding one layer of glass-fiber reinforcing meshes into the coating; applying the second layer of coating; and embedding a second layer of meshes. The water-based flexible polymer comprises acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl-acetate ethylene. The micro-fiber material comprises polypropylene. The mineral filler material comprises ground silica and/or mica. The kit of the blast mitigation coating system comprises the water-based flexible polymer, the micro-fiber material, the mineral filler material and glass-fiber reinforcing meshes.

Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes a base tie and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.