Abstract: A method for producing a gasoline blend having a high concentration of a butanol isomer and having good cold start and warm-up driveability performance.

Abstract: A method for improving the combustion properties of a coalcomprises treating said coal with a metal porphyrin. The invention also provides a coal having a metal porphyrin deposited thereon, and a method of producing heat, comprising combusting the coal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method cultivate trees by preventing freezing and frost damage and inhibiting root stalk sprouts. The apparatus is a frustoconical cover that rests on the ground to cover the root ball of the tree. The stalk and leaves are extended from a hole in the frustum. Water such as mist is injectable within the cover to prevent cold and frost damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet for agricultural use. The inventive sheet comprises biodegradable cellulose paper (1), the surface of which is coated with celluloses, waxes, resins and pigments. The sheet is intended to be placed on agricultural soil such as to enable the growth of one or more plants through holes (12) that are defined therein. The resins comprise acrylic resins and the waxes can be polyethylene or paraffin waxes.

Abstract: A modular structural system including a plurality of elongate structural members. The structural members are formed of a fiber-reinforced polymeric material and have a common cross sectional configuration with a circular outer perimeter and two oppositely disposed T-shaped grooves. A central opening is disposed between the first and second grooves. A reinforcement member can be positioned in the central opening for additional strength. Bracket members having first and second flanged edges. The flanged edges can be securely engaged with the T-shaped grooves disposed on the structural members to secure two of the structural members together at an angle. The system may be used as a trellis and wire stays securable in the T-shaped grooves and a pivot bracket are also disclosed. The wire stays include a base positionable in the T-shaped groove and a shaft that extends outwardly. The pivot bracket pivotally joins together two of the elongate structural members.

Abstract: A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A multi container system of at least one each of the first container, and at least one second and at least one third container, each of which has a chamber therein. The first container has a water retaining chamber with water input and water output as well as a water self leveling means. The second container has a water transfer chamber in which a wicking tray loaded with a wicking medium is placed, preferably on a drainage tray, said medium being used to transfer the water to the plants disposed in a third container's plant receiving chamber. The container #3 nests within the water transfer chamber of container #2, to receive water therefrom by capillary action. Container #1 is fluidly connected to a first container #2 for water transfer, and a series of containers #2 may be linked, as space limitations and grade permit, or as may be desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a growing system for enhanced yield. In an exemplary embodiment of the growing system, a plant stand is provided, and a plurality of plant pots can be further provided. The plant stand can include a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of brackets securing the plant pots to the first frame and the second frame. The plant stand is configured such that the plant pots have a tiered formation. In some embodiments, the brackets each have a segment upon which a corresponding plant pot is seated and segments for securing opposing sides of the plant stand. In some embodiments, the plant stand has a substantially x-shaped elevation.

Abstract: A vegetation block frame and a vegetation block. The vegetation block frame includes a bottom plate; outer walls 120, which define an inner space with the bottom plate; and a plurality of partitions extending crosswise and lengthwise inside the inner space, thereby forming a plurality of unit vegetation spaces. Each of the bottom plate and the partitions has a plurality of holes, and concavities and convexities are alternately formed in the upper and lower parts of the outer walls. A step block is selectively inserted into one of the unit vegetation spaces. The internal space is partitioned into the unit vegetation spaces by the partitions having the holes, so that herbs, plants and trees can easily take root and grow. The concavities and convexities are formed in the outer walls of the vegetation block frame engage with each other, thereby preventing twisting and upward separation after construction.

Abstract: An expandable hydroponic growing system comprising a multiple of upper bases, lower bases and bars connecting the bases in a fashion that the upper bases (and lower bases) can be conveniently pulled together or pushed farther apart.

Abstract: In a gasifier system, the gas thermal conductivity of the producer gas may beneficially be used as a control variable in controlling the combustion parameters of the gasifier process or gasifier system. For example, the control variable may be used to modulate the volume amount of air provided to a gasifier vessel or to modulate an oxidizer delivery rate.

Abstract: A port assembly for controlling the delivery of gases into the horizontal rotating reactor such as kiln gasifier is disclosed for introducing reactant gases. The port assembly comprises a cylindrical conduit is divided into noncommunicating four or more sections extending through the entire length of the kiln and supported by the stationary end plates of the rotating kiln gasifier. Each section of the conduit communicates with external supply of the reactant gases and each supply of reactant gases is independently controlled in terms of the composition and quantity. Each section of the port assembly communicates with the interior of the kiln gasifier through the plurality of nozzles are confined in the lower part of the conduit. The number and the size of the nozzles in individual section of the conduit is based on the desired flow of gases and available pressure for the supply of the reactant gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door comprising a frame and an apron (4) which can be moved by drive means between a closed position and an open position. The apron comprises obstacle-detection means which are connected by a cable (20) to a device for controlling the drive means. A first end (21) of the cable is associated with the. apron, while the second end (22) thereof is associated with the frame. The first and/or second end(s) of the cable comprise(s) a connector (19,23) which is mounted to an area of the apron or the frame such that it can rotate around an axis (26, 34) that is perpendicular to said area and which can be separated into two reconnectable parts by means of pulling. In this way, it is possible to detect one end of the cable associated with the apron or the frame.

Abstract: A removable security structure interposed between two window configurations is comprised of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. One or more vertical members engages a gear junction of each horizontal member such that upon rotation of the vertical member, the horizontal member telescopically collapses. The reduction of length of each horizontal member disengages each horizontal member from a frame outlining the opening. The rotation of the vertical members also frees the upper portion of the vertical members of the security structure. With the upper and side portions of the security structure disengaged from the frame, the security structure can be rotated and removed from the opening allowing egress.

Abstract: The invention concerns a constituent element, in particular a window or a door, comprising a casement sash and a pane, in particular a glass surface. The invention is characterized in that, the pane has an inner surface and an outer surface. A plane perpendicular to the surfaces intersects a grooved region designed to receive fittings.

Abstract: The hunting blind with one-way windows is constructed of four rigid panels to have four walls and a fifth rigid roof panel. Preferably, at least three of the panels are provided with a window frame, the frames having multiple tracks for multiple sliding panes in each frame. The window panes are coated or formed to provide one way vision, i.e., the hunter or photographer in the blind can see out through the panes, but wildlife exterior to the blind cannot see into the blind. When the hunter wishes to make a shot, he/she slides one of the panes open to provide a clear shot to the outside from the blind. The panes may be removed and replaced with inexpensive opaque panels when the blind is unused for some time, thus allowing the one way panes to be stored and protected from damaging sunlight and ultraviolet.

Abstract: The sliding material is obtainable by extrusion of a raw material containing an olefin-based polymer and a silicone compound as the essential components. A part of the olefin-based polymer forms a crosslinked material in the sliding material. The crosslinked material forms domains to disperse in the sliding material so as to prevent uneven distribution of the silicone compound in the extrusion direction. The residual fraction of hot xylene reflux of the sliding material is in a range from 33 to 75% by weight based on the total weight of the sliding material, and the content of the silicone compound based on the total weight of the sliding material is in a range from 5 to 35% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing system for refrigerator door and, more specifically, to a sealing system of the kind that comprises a gasket to be inserted in a receiving channel (60) disposed in the refrigerator door. The sealing gasket of the present invention comprises an attachment part (40) joined to the sealing bag (50), the attachment part (40) comprising an end portion (41) having a substantially triangular profile and a body portion (42) having a W-shaped cross section with bulged walls (45, 46). The end portion (41) is formed by two flaps (43, 44) symmetrically opposed, each of the flaps (43, 44) forming an angle with each of the bulged walls.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is identified as a chimney block for use in the jamb channels of window frames. The chimney block impedes or substantially reduces the vertical movement of air through the jamb channel. The reduction in air movement improves the insulating properties of the window and minimizes the amount of dust and fine dirt that might otherwise enter the jamb channel resulting in a progressively increasing force required to move the sash through the jamb channel. It consists of a vertical structural element which is secured to a planar sealing element that conforms to the cross section of the jamb channel. Legs or struts are attached in proximity to the other end of the vertical structural element to insure that the chimney block essentially remains in the same position to provide an air block.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abrasive wherein abrasive grains are embedded in a matrix comprising a non-cellular, particularly non-foamed thermosetting binder for the abrasive grains, and wherein a contact surface covered by abrasive grains is configured for abrasion of a workpiece. In accordance with the invention the matrix is elastically compliant to such an extent that the abrasive grains covering the contact surface are impressed into the matrix during abrasion. The abrasive grains are dispersed in the matrix such that the consumption of the matrix perpendicular to the contact surface covered originally with abrasive grains releases a further contact surface covered with abrasive grains. The abrasive grains are dispersed in the matrix such that they comply with the return force of the matrix both perpendicular and parallel to the corresponding contact surface of the abrasive. The matrix is bonded to a flexible backing.

Abstract: An attic access apparatus comprises an access frame with sidewalls extending upward from a flange member and configured to extend upward into an attic opening between structural members forming the attic opening. A recessed groove along inner surfaces of the sidewalls is configured such that fastening screws can be located in the groove. A trim flange extends outward from the sidewall to cover fasteners used to fasten the ceiling to the bottom of the structural members, and a support flange extends inward from the sidewalls to form a support flange. An insulated lid drops into the access opening formed by the inner surfaces of the sidewalls and rests on the support flange, and a seal member provides a seal between the lid and the access frame to prevent air movement between the lid and access frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction element (1) for use in interior decoration of a building construction (5), comprising a body (2) having a functional, non planar shape by which the construction element is adapted for fulfilling an additional function with respect to wall plastering (6) and which is provided to remain uncovered by wall plastering. The construction element (1) comprises joining elements (4) at one or more peripheral edges (3) of the body (2), adapted for being covered with wall plastering (6) which is applied around the peripheral edges (3) for covering part of the building construction (5). The body (2) and the joining elements (4) are constructed in a reinforced wall plastering material.

Abstract: A portable lactation module in which a mother can breastfeed or change her baby in private and in safety within a public space. The module includes a comfortable seat and a changing table in which the mother can breastfeed and then change her baby inside the module. The module includes side walls and at least one door with one-way glass or frosted glass that will allow the mother to see outside but prevent people from the outside to see clearly the mother inside in order to provide for privacy. Across from the seat and under the changing table is an opening for a baby stroller to be parked. The opening allows for the mother to access items from the stroller from inside the module without having to bring the stroller inside the module. A stroller locking device is provided for inside the module to prevent the stroller from the removed from the opening while the mother is inside.

Abstract: An contiguous inverted shelf kick flashing apparatus is provided and includes a sheet of metal folded at a first angle along a bend joint to form a first sheet face and a second sheet face, and an inverted shelf bent inward at an second angle from the bend joint at a point of shelf inversion, along an inverted shelf edge, having a first and second triangular faces at an third angle to each other.

Abstract: A building having a structure fastened to the ground comprises walls structured by means of facade and gable frames fastened between columns. The roof is formed by a structure comprising rafters and purlins. The purlins and the rafters respectively rest on a column and are held laterally in place between two vertical members each belonging to a frame. Prefabricated panels fastened to the frames and to the columns complete the closure of the walls and roof. The whole structure is self-stable and self-braced.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay and a riser overlay made from solid wood for fitting over a conventional, exposed wooden stair having a generally rounded nose like those found in most residential general construction staircases and prefabricated staircases. The tread overlay and riser overlay cover the exterior surface of a conventional wooden stair from stringer to stringer to hide a construction grade stair tread and riser below that are made from a composite material or unsalvageable hardwood to present an attractive, solid wood surface that is finishable.

Abstract: A stairway with a finished skirt/fascia board is formed using parallel stringers and tread/riser support brackets spaced and aligned along the stringers. The brackets are temporarily and pivotally attached to stringers and the stringers are moved parallel to and relative to each other to orient the stringers for the slope of the stairway. The pivotal attachment of the brackets to one of the stringers and the unattached stringer is moved into contact with the other stringer at mating faces. The brackets are them permanently attached to the parallel stringers. The mating faces of the stringers form a finished skirt/fascia board for the stairway. Several variations in contoured faces, including tongue and groove contours, for the mating surfaces provide for a smooth and clean looking skirt/fascia board on a finished stairway.

Abstract: A mantel for attachment to a wall, comprising a substantially flat elongated base having a back face to confront the wall and an opposite front face. The elongated channel is recessed in the base whereby the front side of the ornamental feature projects from the base. The ornamental feature has a back side insertable in the elongated channel. The channel has a bottom through which attachment hardware can be driven to attach the frame element to the wall before the ornamental feature is inserted in the channel.

Abstract: A window frame surrounds a window box in a wall having horizontally extending siding elements that are connected along overlapping horizontal seams and unconnected edges that are juxtaposed with the window box. The window box has top, bottom, and opposed side elements connected together to define a rectangle, wherein the top element has a transverse outer edge. The window frame has top, bottom, and opposed side frame elements connected together to define a rectangular frame, each element having front and back faces and inner and outer edges whereby the back faces of the window frame elements cover the unconnected edges of the siding and the inner edges of the frame elements closely surround the elements of the window box. A rigid strip is attached to the inner edge of the top element of the window frame and projects over and is vertically supported by the outer edge of the top element of the window box.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A glazing system for use with a barrier that has a panel with an opening is disclosed. An impact glazing, which covers the opening, includes an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of apertures around its periphery. A fastener having a fastener head passes through each corresponding aperture and into the panel. The glazing system also includes an elastically deformable washer positioned between each fastener head and the impact glazing. The glazing system may also include an inner bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the inner surface and an outer bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the outer surface, wherein the bezels are secured to the barrier and the glazing by a corresponding piece of adhesive tape.

Abstract: A window frame comprising top, bottom, and opposed side frame elements connected together to define a rectangular frame, each element having front and back faces and inner and outer edges whereby the outer edges define the frame perimeter. An inner channel extends along the outer edges of at least the side elements, closer to the back face than to the front face. The frame optionally has another channel extending along the outer edges of at least the side elements, closer to the front face than to the back face. Mounting strips are located in the inner channels, having outer edges outside the perimeter of the frame, forming a flange for mounting the frame to a wall surrounding the window to be framed.

Abstract: A window assembly and method of constructing a window assembly is disclosed. The window assembly comprises a base frame assembly, an external cladding assembly, an interior trim assembly and a sash assembly. In one embodiment, the base frame assembly, external cladding assembly and interior trim assembly are constructed from one of three different types of materials. The external cladding assembly may also be snap-fit onto the base frame assembly. Further, the interior trim assembly can include a jamb extension assembly that can also be snap-fit onto the base frame assembly. The interior trim assembly may also include head, sill and side stop assemblies which can be push-fit onto the base frame assembly. Another aspect of the disclosure is a sash assembly that can be assembled as a snap-fit assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a re-usable protective cover for an anchor bolt, that prevents wet concrete, dirt, and other debris from coming into contact with the threads of an anchor bolt during a concrete pour, and subsequently. The protective cover is made of a flexible material that fits over the exposed threaded end of an anchor bolt, like a sock fits over a foot, and is removable, and re-usable at any stage.

Abstract: A structural insulating panel for use in a flat roof structure comprises upper and lower structural layers and an intermediate layer between the upper and lower structural layers. The intermediate layer is shaped such that the upper structural layer is sloped relative to a generally horizontal plane when the structural insulating panel is installed in a flat roof structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drain installation kit adapted to maintain alignment of the center of a sloping floor aperture with the center of a drain throughout the construction process. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes an upper flange that is rigidly connectable to a drain base and multiple sloping guide bars that are rigidly connectable in a radial fashion to the upper flange. A user can use this preferred embodiment by assembling it, adding cementitious material between the guide bars, and making an upper surface of the cementitious material flush with a top edge of the guide bars. Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of advantages over conventional drain installation kits. For example, many embodiments provide improved functionality, many embodiments are easier for do-it-yourselfers to use, and many embodiments can be manufactured more efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing insulated panels, comprising in sequence two congruous sheet fines, a former, a foaming structure, and an extrude.

Abstract: A system for installing pre-painted moldings. The system includes pre-painted moldings each configured to be fastened to a wall by fasteners. The system also includes a caulk material, filler material, concealer material, and touchup paint each color matched to the paint color applied to the moldings. The caulk material is configured to fill a gap defined between each of the moldings and the wall to which the molding is fastened. The filler material is configured to fill a gap defined between any abutting portions of the moldings. The concealer material is configured to conceal any surface disturbances caused by the installation of the fasteners. The touchup paint is configured to adhere to the paint pre-painted on the moldings. The system may also include a marker configured to apply a coating color matched to the paint applied to the moldings, a scraping tool, and/or a buffing tool.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling segment known as a cloud, lengths of flat, flexible sheets form panels that are held in the grid of the segment by tracks on the panels that engage tracks on the main beams of the grid. The flexible sheets can bend to conform to the vertical contour of the segment as the tracks are engaged.

Abstract: An interlocking panel configured for lightweight insulating concrete has channels which form a profile that includes transversely protruding anchoring cavities. When the lightweight insulating concrete is poured into the channels and hardens, the concrete interlocks and forms an underside interlocking which resists vertical separation of the concrete from the deck panel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an insulating wall system for a building structure, wherein said wall system comprises a first wall having an exterior surface with insulation material attached to said exterior surface of said first wall by elongated fastening members extending through at least one wall member of a second wall and the insulation material and being fixed to the first wall, wherein said elongated fastening members are mounted substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the first wall and that the elongated fastening members are mounted pre-stressed with a predetermined amount of tension so that frictional forces between the insulation material and the exterior surface of the first wall and the inner surface of the second wall, respectively, are established. A wall system according to the invention includes fewer components and may provide an improved insulation as the components constituting thermal bridging may be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wooden building element for producing planar constructions, especially for constructing the upright walls of a building. The invention also relates to a corner building element adapted to the wooden building element and to a building constructed using said elements. The wooden building elements have two approximately rectangular support bases (1, 2) and two wall panels (3, 4) that are approximately equal in area. The support bases (1, 2) are maintained at a distance from each other by a plurality of supports (9) that are aligned vertically in relation to the finished building and that delimit an interior compartment for the insertion of insulating material and building installations. The wall panels (3, 4) are fastened to the outer surfaces of the support bases (1, 2) and are set off therefrom in relation to longitudinal edges that are aligned approximately horizontally to the finished building and high edges that are aligned approximately vertically.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. Pre-determined front faces can include front faces having pre-determined patterns and textures, front faces having pre-determined shapes, front faces made from different material(s) than the remainder of the block, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A metal panel generally constructed from sheet material, such as sheet metal, and assemblies thereof which can be used to construct an enclosure, and specifically a no-through-metal enclosure. There is also provided methods for constructing a floor, walls, and roof of a no-through-metal enclosure utilizing such panels or construction techniques. The construction can still utilize metal fasteners such as rivets, bolts, or screws for maintaining strength which still maintaining the no-through-metal construction.

Abstract: The invention regards a connector (100) for the connection of a steel beam (6) and a concrete slab (11), characterised in that it has a substantially rectangular-shaped base (1) fastenable against the beam or possibly against a trapezoidal corrugated sheet (7) interposed between the beam and the connector, through at least one fixed fastening element (2); in particular, it is provided that from said base (1) there be two substantially flat-shaped side-edges, arranged slanting with respect to the abovementioned base in such a manner to widen moving from the base upwards.

Abstract: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.

Abstract: A structural tie or strap in the form of a connector for use in the construction industry. The connector is substantially rectangular with fixing points at either end for fastening to walls or the like and includes an acoustic attenuation mechanism to enhance acoustic performance between the walls. The acoustic attenuation mechanism is embodied as folds, apertures and/or openings through the connector which prevent direct passage of sound and vibration waves through the connector, between the walls. An embodiment as a party wall strap is described.

Abstract: A rolled sheet product, the sheet product comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being less ductile than the bottom layer, and the top layer facing outward in the rolled sheet product. A method of packaging a sheet product comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being less ductile than the bottom layer, comprising winding the sheet product into a roll such that the top layer faces outward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of creating a decorative aggregate concrete surface on both a slab on grade installation and a podium deck or topping slab installation. The preparation includes washed decorative aggregate surfaces using a variety of decorative aggregate materials imbedded within a standard concrete mix having a one inch maximum aggregate. A 6-mil polypropylene sheet 435 Visqueen material covered with a two-inch layer of sand is used directly below the concrete to retard the curing time. Roller tamping is used to move the large aggregate below the surface of the concrete material. Power brushes are then used to expose the decorative aggregate prior to the final process of applying a densifing sealer. This process has been designed to reduce installation time, as well as overall labor and material costs.

Abstract: A composite floorboard is formed by two outer wooden layers and an intermediate flexible layer which has two longitudinal edges, two transverse edges. The flexible layer may be foam, sponge or any kinds of soundproof material. The composite floorboard has two surfaces, a transverse tongue, a longitudinal tongue, a longitudinal groove and a transverse groove each respectively defined in or formed on corresponding edges of the composite floorboard. Because the tongues are made by the flexible layer, the composite floorboard is easy and convenient to assemble. Because the flexible layer acts as a buffer, the composite floorboard provides a soundproofing function. The composite floorboard also requires less timber so may be lower cost to manufacture.