Abstract: In a system and method for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests, a container having an interior chamber, is located in an area in which pests are to be at least one of monitored and controlled. At least a portion of the container is constructed of an environmentally degradable plastic. At least one of a pest monitoring material and a pest bait material is disposed within the interior chamber of the container for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests. The container is inspected at least once prior to the end of a predetermined time period to determine whether pests are present within the container. The container is replaced, along with the at least one of the monitoring material and the bait material, no later than about six months beyond the predetermined period of time following placement of the container in the area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas oil composition that can achieve environment load reduction, low temperature properties and low fuel consumption all together and is suitably used in a winter season. The gas oil composition comprises an Ft synthetic base oil in an amount of 60 percent by mass or more on the basis of the total mass of the composition and has a sulfur content of 5 ppm by mass or less, an aromatic content of 10 percent by volume or less, an oxygen content of 100 ppm or less, an end point of 360° C. or lower, an insoluble content after an oxidation stability test of 0.5 mg/100 mL or less, an HFRR wear scar diameter (WS1.4) of 400 ?m or smaller and a specific relation in normal paraffin contents and the total content thereof.

Abstract: This invention describes genes, metabolic pathways, microbial strains and methods to produce methyl butanol and other compounds of interest from renewable feedstocks.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator (10) device comprising a raft (12) having a means for applying a substance to plants (14) and a means to drag the raft (22). The raft (12) is dragged over the top of the plants and the means for applying the substance (14) mounted to the raft (12) applies the substance onto said plants.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.

Abstract: A grow light fixture that may be used for the replacement of high intensity discharge (HID) lamp fixtures used for growing plants includes a housing containing a plurality of both red and blue high power LEDs mounted to a circuit board, and powered by an onboard power supply. Control circuitry may include separate, infinitely variable controls to enable independent adjustment of the red and blue LED light output. A plurality of thermal vias made of copper or other thermally conductive material extend through the circuit board to conduct heat from the LEDs to a heat sink mounted on the back of the circuit board, and a fan may be used to vent the heat to the outside of the housing. The housing is mounted an appropriate distance above a plant in a growth media to provide user-controlled lighting for enhanced plant growth.

Abstract: A buoyant plant habitat and a process for manufacturing it. In one embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix to produce a buoyant mass; wherein said buoyant foam units envelope a portion of said fibers. In another embodiment, the invention is a process for making a buoyant plant habitat comprising: providing a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and injecting a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix. In another embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a top layer of nonwoven matrix material; a bottom layer of nonwoven matrix material; a plurality of edge pieces of nonwoven matrix material that are attached by means of polymer plugs to said top layer and said bottom layer; and a plurality of closed-cell polymer foam pieces that are disposed between said layers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.

Abstract: A closing system for refrigeration cabinets comprises a plurality of panels mutually connected two by two and movable along a direction of actuation, between a first position of opening of a compartment of a refrigeration cabinet, whereat the panels are in compact configuration, mutually superposed and laying on planes that are transverse to said direction of actuation, and a second position of closing of the compartment, whereat the panels are in extended configuration, distributed along the direction of actuation. The closing system also comprises at least one element for supporting and guiding the panels and at least one traction device of the panels, to allow their actuation. The closing system can be coupled to each compartment constituting the refrigerating cabinet, to reversibly close access to the products contained within the compartment.

Abstract: Brackets for interrupting the opening of a multi-panel garage door and methods for their use, the brackets including a first plate having an inner face and an outer face, a pin located on the outer face of the first plate, and a protrusion associated with the first plate, the protrusion and pin defining a gap capable of accepting a garage door opening cable.

Abstract: A window regulator having a rail (20) with a mounting hole (24). A bracket (30) is mountable to a vehicle door. The bracket (30) has a cam guiding feature (38) and a surface (34) for seating the rail (20). The seating surface (34) has an elongate slot (36) therein. A cam (40) having a keyhole (42) and a cam surface (44) engages the cam guiding feature (38) of the bracket (30). A fastener (50) has a shaft fitted through the rail mounting hole (24), cam keyhole (42) and elongate slot (36) and connects the rail (20), cam (40) and bracket (30). The fastener has a key (54) mating with the cam keyhole (42). Thus, rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the cam and a coincident translation of the rail.

Abstract: A latching and locking mechanism for a door includes a locating pin passing through a portion of a door frame and a handle. A tapered portion formed at an end of the locating pin mates with a tapered opening formed in a casing of the machine to position the door frame relative to the casing. A cam surface defined on the casing engages a latching pin connected to the locating pin and extending radially therefrom adjacent to the tapered portion such that the latching pin pulls the door frame toward the closed position when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A window up-and-down-winding-type shielding apparatus for a conveyance according to the invention includes: a pair of guide rails that are parallel to each other and that extend in an up-and-down direction; a moving member that is connected to a lower end of a shielding member and that can be moved in the up-and-down direction along the guide rails; a winding mechanism that has a rotation section for retractably winding the shielding member; a biasing force application means that applies a biasing force to the rotation section of the winding mechanism in a direction along which the shielding member is wounded; a motion conversion mechanism that converts the movement of the moving member in up-and-down direction along the guide rails to a rotational motion; and an axis member that is coordinated with motion conversion mechanism to have a rotational motion in accordance with the up-and-down movement of the moving member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a composite diamond body from powders of diamond particles and powders forming a binder phase comprising cobalt powder having mainly a fcc-structure and a grain size (FSSS) of from about 0.2 to about 2.9 ?m., with a pressing and sintering operation. The present invention also relates to a composite diamond body made according to the method.

Abstract: This invention related to the field of drains and rain gutters typically attached to a house or commercial building. This invention describes gutter inserts that block, or deflect vegetation and other debris from entering rain gutters.

Abstract: A tile guard for use in a method of installing a plurality of tiles on a floor surface includes a layer of film having opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a generally smooth texture and the bottom surface including an adhesive. The method of installing the tiles includes the steps of positioning the layer of film on a top surface of respective tiles of the plurality of tiles such that respective film bottom surface are in contact with respective top surfaces of the respective tiles. The method includes positioning the respective tiles on the floor surface such that the film top surface faces upwardly and such that predetermined gaps are left between the respective tiles. The method includes spreading grout over the positioned tiles and directing the grout into the gaps between the respective tiles and then removing the layer of film from the respective tiles.

Abstract: A folding loft stair assembly (1) has an outer mounting frame (2) for mounting in a ceiling ope giving access to an attic space in a building. An inner stairway support frame (3) is pivotally mounted on the outer frame (2) for movement between a nested position within the outer frame (2) and a downwardly extending In-use position, A two-art collapsible stairway (4) is movable on the inner frame (3) by a remotely controlled actuator (5) between a raised collapsed stored position and lowered in-use position. The stairway (4) Includes an upper part (30) and a lower part (31 ) hingedly connected (38) to the upper part (30). An upper end of the upper part (30) Is hingedly mounted on the inner frame (3). The lower part (31) is slidably connected to the inner frame (3) by a pair of slide arms (40).

Abstract: A plurality of elongated panels of light transmitting plastics sheet material each have longitudinally extending parallel spaced ribs and longitudinally extending co-planner opposite edge portions. An elongated support member for each panel has a base portion secured to the opposite edge portions of the panel adjacent the upper end portion of the panel and includes a hook portion adapted to engage a hook-shaped support rail mounted on a building over a window or door opening. Each hook portion has end surfaces recessed inwardly from opposite edge surfaces of the panel and provide for overlapping edge portions of adjacent panels. The lower end portion of an outer panel is supported by a sill bracket mounted on the building under the opening and receives a U-shaped track member secured to the panel. The bracket and track member are connected by pull pins located within the ribs of the outer panel.

Abstract: A screen for a glazed area such as a window or a door to reduce heat transfer has a board with a light reflective face and top and bottom tracks to permit attachment to the wall around a window or door opening. In a variant a transparent fluted plastic board has frame extrusions on the top and bottom edge to close the flutes and is supported in top and bottom tracks enabling the assembly to be lifted in and out and slid laterally. This variant can be installed in a window opening and exerts a double glazing and noise reduction effect.

Abstract: Masonry blocks are provided with at least one pre-formed or easily formed opening for an electrical box without requiring that an opening be cut with a saw or a chisel. One exemplary masonry block has at least one integrally molded opening for receiving an electrical box. Another exemplary masonry block has at least one integrally-molded knock-out that provides a selectably removable opening for receiving an electrical box. The knock-out may be formed of the same material from which the masonry block is molded, and may be, for example, formed with a thinned portion of a wall of the block or a plurality of cuts in a portion of a wall shaped the same as the electrical box opening.

Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.

Abstract: Fixing a framing plate to a support structure, using one or more anchor bolts embedded within the support structure. A first hole drilled into the plate is to an oversize diameter which accepts a threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve extends an effective length of the anchor bolt and may comprise a drive head and an interference member, which engages the plate directly or through a washer to fix the plate to the support structure.

Abstract: An energy absorptive impalement protection system is utilized in preventing impalement and minimizing injuries due to impact with the end of a concrete reinforcing bar or other similar type of bar. The energy absorptive impalement protection system is comprised of a protective cover apparatus that has a simplified construction comprised of a base that is removably attached to an end of a reinforcing rod, a metal band on the base that surrounds the rod end and reinforces the base against side-to-side movement relative to the rod in response to an impact force, a metal impact plate on the base that absorbs and distributes the force of impact, and a resilient, compressible and stretchable cover on the base that together with the base encloses the band and cover in the apparatus and also absorbs some of the force of impact.

Abstract: A building structural component, such as a wall, roof, ceiling, floor, or the like, is resistant to weather and moisture while facilitating the drying and elimination of water vapor and liquid water. The component includes a vapor-permeable membrane that resists penetration of liquids including water, but that permits gases including water vapor to pass through the membrane to resist buildup of moisture in the building component, A batten, such as an insulated batten, forms a cavity in the building component to facilitate air circulation, and reduces heat flow through structural studs of the building component to increase the overall insulation value of the finished component.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compositions including PVC; fibrous material; and a primary plasticizer component including a low extractable plasticizer are disclosed. The compositions can be useful in the production of flooring products that exhibit improved plasticizer hydrocarbon extraction resistance.

Abstract: A low-cost and easy to manufacture static structure and method for soundproofing walls, floors, and/or ceilings of rooms in new and/or existing construction utilizes an asphalt based flexible membrane as one or more sound absorbing layers which may be applied to an existing wall panel or first applied to one or more unmounted wall panels to form a laminated structure which is then affixed to the walls, floor or ceiling to be soundproofed. The wall panel is preferably gypsum wallboard. Each sound absorbing layer, in addition to soundproofing, may also serve to prevent or at least reduce air or water infiltration to and from the room.

Abstract: A structural element for use as a brick, construction block, panel, floor or suchlike in the building trade, comprises at least one part made of conglomerate material, such as concrete and suchlike, to which an insert made of insulating or filling material is constrained, to define peripherally at least a connection face for connection to another structural element, the connection face has visible a first surface of the insert and at least a connected second surface of the part made of conglomerate material. On the connection face one or more other structural elements are able to be combined, along a support plane (R, R1, R2) provided in correspondence with the connection face, so as to be laid and stably connected by means of a layer of binder material. The second surface has a seating made longitudinally and lowered with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2), on which seating the layer of binder material is located. The seating has a determinate depth (D), with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for mounting a roof using a log-like structural element. The structural element used herein comprises a top surface and a bottom surface that are complementary to each other. The structural element comprises at least two notches on the bottom surface that have a shape complementary to the shape of the top surface. To mount the roof according to the method of the present invention, pairs of structural elements are disposed generally perpendicularly on each other. For a portion of the structural elements, the distance between the notches is decreasing from bottom to top.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system for packaging a vacuum apparatus includes a first accommodating room, a second container, a vacuum room, a first hatch, a second hatch, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, and a heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transports the vacuum apparatus from the first accommodating room to the vacuum room to the second accommodating room. The discharge device discharges a sealing element to seal an exhaust through hole of the vacuum apparatus. The heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline to heat and soften the sealing element.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a vacuum room, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, a second heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transport the pre-packaged container into the vacuum room. The discharge device discharges a sealing material to seal an exhaust through hole of the pre-packaged container. The discharge device includes a vessel configured for containing sealing material, a transport pipeline, a first heating, and a controlling element. The first heating apparatus softens the sealing material into viscous liquid. The second heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a lifting unit comprises at least a spindle and a spindle nut. It is the object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having a lifting unit which can substantially receive the same forces in any lift position and which exhibits shorter moving times. For this reason, the spindle is motor-drivable and stationary relative to a frame (2).

Abstract: A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.

Abstract: It is disclosed a vacuum skin packaging apparatus equipped with a cutting device. The apparatus comprises an arrangement for packaging products between a bottom thermoplastic web and a top thermoplastic web, wherein the top web forms a tight skin all around the products to be packed, thus sealing wherever the two webs contact each other. The cutting device comprises a laser source (LS) producing a laser beam (LB) at a first optical power and means (MR) for directing said laser beam at said first optical power towards the area where the two webs contact each other in a manner that the reflected laser beam (RLB) at said first optical power follows a predetermined path (CL) so that the two webs become cut and the products become packaged singularly.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.

Abstract: Biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic lenses, and methods of making such devices having a surface coating including at least one polyionic layer. A preferred method involves spray coating a polycationic material onto a core lens, rinsing and drying the lens, followed by spray coating a polyanionic material, rinsing and drying. The coating process may be applied a plurality of times to achieve a multi-layer coating on the lens surface. A particularly preferred embodiment is a contact lens comprising a highly oxygen permeable hydrophobic core coated with a 5 to 20 bilayers of hydrophilic polyionic materials.

Abstract: A deflator apparatus for use in a form, fill and seal bagging machine to deflate excess air from and form a filled or partially filled package of bulk goods includes a first deflator having a plurality of first flexible bands that extends between a pair of first arms. The apparatus further includes a second deflator having at least one second flexible band that extends between a pair of second arms. The first and second deflators are spaced from one another and movable relative to one another to sandwich the package of bulk goods between the plurality of first flexible bands and the at least one second flexible band to remove excess air from the package and form the package.

Abstract: A wrapping method and unit for producing a package containing a group of cigarettes and having a cigarette extraction opening; a sheet of wrapping material, complete with the cigarette extraction opening, is fed into a pocket of a wrapping wheel so that the sheet of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket; then the group of cigarettes is fed into the pocket containing the U-folded sheet of wrapping material.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting a postal item into an envelope, the envelope is fed with its flap fold trailing its envelope body and its flap along a flap opener. A free flap opener edge enters between the flap and the envelope body until the flap fold abuts the free flap opener edge. While holding the flap against the flap opener, the flap is pivoted relative to the envelope body about the flap fold to an open position and subsequently the postal item is inserted into the envelope body. An apparatus for carrying such a method is also described.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting postal items into an envelope, the envelope is brought in an inserting position where the flap of the envelope is held open. A postal item is transported along a postal item transport path towards the inserting position and inserted into the envelope in the inserting position. The envelope with the postal item inserted therein is transported away from the inserting position and closed. A gummed portion of the flap is moistened, wherein the moistening is at least started before the transportation of the envelope away from the inserting position. An apparatus for carrying out such a method is also described.

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a packaging machine main body, a film transport unit, a former and a former insertion guide assembly. The film transport unit is coupled to the packaging main body to transport a film from a first end part of the packaging main body towards a second end part of the packaging main body opposite from the first end part. The former is disposed in the second end part of the packaging main body to form the film transported by the film transport unit into a cylindrical shape and to direct the film downwards. The former insertion guide assembly is configured and arranged to guide the former to a predetermined position in the second end part of the packaging machine main body while the former is rotated from a lateral side of the packaging machine main body when the former is mounted to the packaging machine main body.

Abstract: An equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, a concave portion formed in the base portion, an orthopedic pad disposed in the concave portion, and at least one sling strap connected to the base portion, the sling strap being configured to apply an upward force on the concave portion.

Abstract: An air/oil separator includes a housing having an inlet for aerated oil or hydraulic fluid and outlets for the separated air and oil or fluid. The housing is generally cylindrical and defines an upper, inlet portion, a center, separator portion and a lower collector portion. The upper, inlet portion of the housing includes a first, tangential inlet passageway which merges with a second, spiral or circular passageway. The spiral or circular passageway communicates with the cyclonic separator portion which may be either cylindrical or frusto-conical. A coaxial outlet in the upper, inlet portion allows separated air to return to the engine or transmission housing while an outlet in the lower, collector portion returns oil or hydraulic fluid to the device.

Abstract: An air filter housing (1) has at least one filter chamber (2, 3) for receiving at least one filter unit (F), an access opening (4, 5) in a side wall of the housing leading to the filter chamber, a door (6,7) for closing the access opening and a clamping device (10, 11) for holding the at least one filter unit in abutment against a first end wall of the filter chamber. A portion (16) of the clamping device is, when a filter unit (F) is held by the clamping device (10, 11), sealingly in abutment with a circumferential portion (15) of the wall of the housing (1) in the second end of the filter chamber (2, 3) so that air or decontamination gas that has passed through the filter unit (F) can not enter the filter chamber outside of the filter unit.

Abstract: Said structure comprises first and second filtering elements (15A, 15B) respectively comprising a first and second lateral surface (24A, 24B) disposed opposite each other. A joint (17) linking said surfaces (24A, 24B) extends between the surfaces (24A, 24B). The first lateral surface (24A) comprises, in the upstream part (36A), a first region (35C) of low or zero adherence with the joint (17), said region being defined longitudinally upstream by an upstream region (33A) of high adherence with said joint (17). The upstream region (33A) of high adherence is longitudinally defined upstream by a second region (35A) of low or zero adherence with the joint (17). Application: particle filters for the exhaust gases of an engine.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric. steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A system or method for controlling the position of one or more feed rolls in a forage harvester includes at least one fixed feed roll arranged to rotate around a rotation axis which is fixed with respect to a chassis of the harvester, and in cooperation with the at least one fixed feed roll, a movable feed roll arranged to rotate around a rotation axis which is movable towards or away from the corresponding fixed roll. The system includes means for measuring parameters related to the feed rolls, such as the driving force exerted on the rolls, and means for actuating movement of the movable rolls by hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangements, installed in connection with the movable rolls.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A system for reducing oil usage from a sump in a gas turbine engine. Two sources of oil usage, which usage includes leakage and consumption, have been identified: (1) during idle, leakage of oil from an oil sump through seals and (2) during high-power operation, consumption of oil entrained in vent air exiting from the sump. At idle, the invention reduces pressure in the sump, to thereby increase airflow across the seals into the sump, to inhibit the oil leakage across the seals. At high power operation, the pressure reduction is terminated, but flow exiting the vent is artificially restricted.