Abstract: An improved stripping basket for fly fishing is disclosed. The stripping basket is easily compacted for stowing while on board a boat, or for packing the stripping basket in a suitcase for travel to a fishing destination. The basket comprises multiple removable line separators and drainage holes in a base plate. The base plate folds towards the front wall of the stripping basket. The front wall has multiple slits that correspond to the arrangement of the line separators. With the line separators still attached to the base plate, the stripping basket can be quickly unfolded for use. This is convenient when on board a boat, awaiting a turn to fish. For longer term storage, such when packing in a suitcase for travel, the line separators can be removed for maximum portability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel oil composition comprising a renewable fuel or a blend of petroleum based fuels with renewable fuels, also containing an additives composition to enhance the base and combined fuel's resistance to forming insoluble particulates upon storage at diminished operating temperatures. Further described is the additive package used to inhibit particulate formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-soot diesel fuel comprising a fuel additive, to the uses thereof and to the use of the fuel additive for producing low-soot diesel fuels. The diesel fuels are mineral-based, optionally with additions of FAME or XTL diesel fuels, which are formulated with polyoxaalkanes of the general formula (I): R1(—O—CH2—CHR2)m—O—R3??(I) In the formula (I), the R1 radicals are each a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical, R2 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical or H, and R3 is likewise a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical. In addition, m is ?1, and the fuel additive is essentially free of toxic constituents. Diesel fuels formulated in this way, even at a low polyoxaalkane content, have significantly reduced soot formation. The proportion of premixed combustion and the density are increased, and the volumetric reduction in calorific values which occurs when CH2 groups in long-chain alkanes are replaced by O groups can be compensated for.

Abstract: This invention describes the preparation of fatty acid esters of glycerol formal either by a triglyceride transesterification process or, alternatively, by an esterification process of fatty acids previously obtained from the hydrolysis of triglycerides (fat splitting), with glycerol formal in the presence of an acid or basic catalyst. Also the invention describes the use of these fatty acid esters of glycerol formal prepared by said process as biofuel. In an embodiment, such biofuel is used in the preparation of other biofuels by its mixture with a product selected from a group formed by: glycerol formal, biodiesel, petrol-derived diesel, and mixtures thereof. The biofuels thus obtained are characterised to allow the complete incorporation of the glycerol obtained in the current biodiesel production process in a biodiesel fuel.

Abstract: Alternative fuel compositions, blends of the alternative fuel compositions and gasoline, and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The alternative fuel compositions ideally include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and one or more of sec-butanol and t-butanol, and ideally include no more than 3% methanol, and no more than 15% C5 or higher alcohols. The fuel compositions can be prepared using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to convert syngas to a product stream comprising C2-4 olefins, and hydrolyzing these olefins. The process facilitates isolation of C2-4 alkanes, because the boiling point difference of these alkanes is significantly lower than that of the C2-4 alcohols. Ideally, the compositions provide more energy per unit volume than E85, even without the addition of gasoline, although the compositions can be blended with gasoline in any desired ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems that include light sources and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an algae cultivation system including a tank configured to hold a liquid medium and a rotor disposed within the tank. The rotor can be configured to be rotated while disposed within the tank. The system can also include a light source coupled to the rotor such that the light source rotates within the tank when the rotor rotates within the tank. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: A cover element for greenhouses or the like is formed as a panel-like element that includes a first substantially transparent layer having alternate strips with optical means for deviating and concentrating light that are alternated with optically neutral strips, and a second partially opaque layer having optically neutral and substantially transparent strips that are alternated with opaque strips and that include a photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A device is described for repelling pests from fruit and other trees as well as certain plants. The device consists of an adjustable collar that is strapped tight around the tree trunk, tree branches or plant stem. The collar consists of a liquid absorbing foam strip and a tying mechanism such as a pipe clamp, or Velcro strap. To be most effective, the foam strip should completely surround the tree trunk or plant stem so as to not allow any way of passage for ants and other tree-crawling pests to make it through the repelling barrier without having to crawl over it. A repellant or insecticide is poured on top of the collar's foam strip. Thus a repelling barrier is created that crawling pests will not cross or that causes a repelling aroma to engulf the tree or plant and which repels flying insects.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting plants growing from the ground includes an elongated rigid pole with a plurality of axially-spaced apertures along much of the pole. Flexible cord ties are threaded in a spiral fashion through at least three apertures in the long wall of the elongated pole, and knots at the ends are tied around plant stems or branches thereby preventing disengagement from the holes and simultaneously supporting the plant. One end of the elongated pole is cut at an angle to the axis to form a point.

Abstract: A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.

Abstract: An irrigation distribution and reservoir product and method ecosystem employing a substantially continuous panel on the soil surface on which ornamental landscape plantings is placed or produced, the panel having a primary, lateral water distribution structure which distributes water from a water charging inlet through the lateral area to the panel periphery, where it is restrained, the primary water distribution structure being such that when filled with water or completely submerged in water air is trapped by the gaps and spaces of the material for ornamental landscape plant usage. According to another aspect of the same invention, an apparatus and method for supplying irrigation water to the root zone of one or more plants in a container.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for potting plants are disclosed. The system can include a drain shield, a filling material, and a liner for placing between the filling material and a growing medium. In particular embodiments, the filling material comprises expanded polystyrene spheres. The liner is a porous material allowing passage of fluids and preventing passage of substantial amounts of growing medium. The drain shield can include a top wall, at least two supports, at least two bottom walls, and a bottom member having a plurality of openings. The drain shield may include adhesive strips for securing the drain shield to a bottom wall of the container. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for potting a plant in a container having at least one drain hole in a bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A method of producing a horticultural display containing more than one variety of the same or different species of plant is disclosed. The plants are produced from unrooted cuttings that are rooted in a single growth cell and cultivated in a single container so that the final product includes more than one plant species or more than one plant variety or both. A plant growth cell having rooting media and more than one plant cutting from more than one plant species or plant variety or both rooted therein is also disclosed. Further, a horticultural display having more than one plant of more than one plant species or plant variety or both initially rooted together from unrooted plant cuttings in a single growth cell is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of creating a hydroponic growing medium. The method includes retrieving polyurethane constituents and mixing the polyurethane constituents in a shear spray mix, creating a resultant foam. Thereafter the resultant foam is placed in a form to cure and a forced heated air is convected in a post-processing step, whereby the hot air convected upon the resultant foam causes additional cracks throughout cell walls within the resultant foam. These fissure cracks allow for a wicking action to occur in the foam, making the material suitable for a hydroponic growing medium.

Abstract: A method of constructing an inner thermal lining or jacket of a jacketed gasifer having an outer shell with an opening allowing access to an interior of the gasifer includes inserting jacket wall segments (40) into the gasifer interior through the opening, the jacket wall segments (40) each comprising an elongate jacket plate (42) with an annulus face (44) and a plurality of transversely extending longitudinally spaced stiffener formations (46) standing proud of the annulus face (44). The jacket wall segments (40) are arranged side by side leaving an aperture or space between adjacent jacket plates. The stiffener formations (46) of adjacent spaced jacket wall segments are welded together through the aperture or space between said adjacent spewed jacket wall segments, and the apertures or spaces with window plates (58).

Abstract: Acidic contaminants are removed from a natural gas stream comprising hydrocarbons and acidic contaminants in a process comprising the steps of: (a) expanding the natural gas stream, thereby cooling the natural gas stream and allowing at least part of the acidic contaminants to liquefy with the proviso that no solid acidic contaminants are formed, thereby obtaining a cooled natural gas stream that contains liquefied acidic contaminants; (b) separating at least part of the liquefied acidic contaminants from the cooled natural gas stream in a separator comprising centrifugal separation means, to obtain a contaminants-depleted natural gas stream; and (c) treating the contaminants-depleted natural gas stream with a liquid physical solvent to obtain a sweet natural gas stream and a liquid solution of acidic contaminants.

Abstract: A system for collecting carbon dioxide in flue gas includes a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from an industrial facility to outside, a blower that is installed at the downstream side of the stack and draws the flue gas therein, a carbon-dioxide collecting device that collects carbon dioxide in the flue gas drawn in by the blower, and a gas flow sensor arranged near an exit side within the stack. A drawing amount of the flue gas by the blower to the carbon-dioxide collecting device is increased until an flow rate of the flue gas from the stack becomes zero in the gas flow sensor, and when the discharged amount of flue gas from the stack becomes zero, drawing in any more than that amount is stopped, and the carbon dioxide in the flue gas is collected while the flue gas is drawn in by a substantially constant amount.

Abstract: An overhead door control system includes an input shaft drivably connected to an overhead door axle and a load brake shaft drivably connected to the input shaft. The control system includes a load brake which releases the load brake shaft in response to rotation of the input shaft. The load brake engages the load brake shaft in response to the rotation of the input shaft being driven to zero.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (200) comprises a motor (201) having an output drive shaft that itself comprises a first end (202) and a second end (203) that is disposed opposite to the first end. The movable barrier operator also comprises a hand-operated chain hoist (204) that is connected to the second end of this output drive shaft. By one approach, the movable barrier operator also comprises a reduction mechanism (207) and a transmission (210). The reduction mechanism is disposed parallel to and laterally of the motor and comprises a movable barrier drive shaft (208) and an input drive shaft (209). The transmission, in turn, is disposed to couple the first end of the output drive shaft of the motor to the input drive shaft of the reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A window regulator has a separation inhibiting portion that inhibits separation of first and second arm portions forming an equalizer arm, which is formed of a hole formed to penetrate through the second arm portion and a rising wall portion (convex portion) formed in the first arm portion, a part of which protruding to an outside from the hole of the second arm portion when inserted into a hole of the lift arm and the hole of the second arm portion is caulked so as to come into contact with a rim of the hole of the second arm portion, and a rotation inhibiting portion that inhibits relative rotations of the first and second arm portions, which is formed of a hole (concave portion) formed in the first arm portion and a notch portion caulked so as to engage with the hole of the second arm portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a door panel for use with a preexisting sliding-type patio door. The door panel comprises an outer frame, an inner frame member, an upper panel and a connection between the outer frame and the preexisting sliding-type patio door. The connection between the outer frame and the preexisting sliding-type patio door may comprise one or more fasteners, a hinge mechanism, or a tongue-groove mating between the fame and the bottom track of the sliding-type patio door. The outer frame has a top, a bottom opposite and spaced apart from the top, a left side between the top and the bottom and a right side opposite and space-apart from the left side. The inner frame member is connected between the left and right outer frame sides at a location spaced apart from the bottom. The upper panel is disposed within the outer frame between the top and the inner frame member. This upper panel may be made of a transparent-material.

Abstract: A method of forming a coated abrasive article includes providing a composite binder and abrasive grains on a backing. The composite binder includes at least 5 wt % of a particulate filler having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. The method also includes curing the composite binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycrystalline ultra hard material cutting elements, and more particularly to a method of forming a polycrystalline ultra hard material cutting element with a thicker ultra hard layer than cutting elements formed by prior art methods. In an exemplary embodiment, such a method includes pre-sintering the ultra hard material powder to form an ultra hard material layer that is partially or fully densified prior to HPHT sintering, so that the ultra hard layer is pre-shrunk. This pre-sintering in an exemplary embodiment is achieved by means of a spark plasma process, or in another exemplary embodiment by a microwave sintering process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultra-hard cutting elements, and in particular cutting elements or compacts formed by a pulsed electrical field assisted HPHT sintering process or a spark plasma HPHT sintering process. In an embodiment, a method of forming a polycrystalline ultra-hard material includes providing a mixture of ultra-hard particles, placing the mixture of ultra-hard particles into an enclosure, placing the enclosure into a press cell assembly having a heater, applying a repeated high-energy pulse of direct current to the heater to heat the ultra-hard particles, and pressing the enclosure at sufficient pressure to form a polycrystalline ultra-hard material.

Abstract: A building energy storage and conversion apparatus includes at least a control unit, an electric power conversion unit, an energy conversion unit and a thermoelectric conversion unit to regulate energy sources of the electric power conversion unit. The energy conversion unit generates cold/heat energy which is stored through a heat storage equipment (for cold/heat energy). The cold/heat energy can be released when needed. When the cold/heat energy is in a surplus state, it can be converted to electric power through the thermoelectric conversion unit or stored in the form of electric power. Thus energy resources can be converted and utilized in an optimal fashion to achieve energy self-sufficiency of a building. Moreover, energy exchange with other buildings in the neighborhood can be done to balance demand and supply.

Abstract: A tower and wind turbine supporting structure which at least partially envelops the tower. The tower is of uniform cross sectional configuration throughout and has a plurality of outriggers. The outriggers are connected with the tower after the wind turbines and their supporting structure have been positioned at the base of the tower, raised to their point of attachment and secured in place. Individual foundation members for each vertical tower member and for each outrigger are in the form of micro piles. Another aspect of the method of the invention involves providing a tower of uniform cross section, positioning wind turbines and their supporting structures sequentially at the base of the tower, raising them and mounting them on the tower sequentially, and thereafter providing a plurality of outriggers and their foundations and attaching them to the tower.

Abstract: A roof structure may be made with one or more sandwich panels having a round corner and installed with a drainage slope (e.g., 5-10 degree) to facilitate removal of liquid (e.g., water, rain, snow, sleet, etc.) from the roof structure. The round corner may have any desired curvature and/or angle for establishing a drainage area. A bonding material may be used to secure and/or seal the underlying interface of the round corner. The roof structure may be secured to an exterior wall by the bonding material.

Abstract: A breakable veneer for simulating the appearance of stone, tile, concrete, etc., is disclosed. The veneer may be made by producing a mold of a desired texture, filling the mold with a mixture including portland-type cement, resin, and colorant. The veneer may be made to have an average thickness between about 1/16 and ¼ inches in a sheet form, and may have a peel coat applied to the finished surface. When produced, the veneer is flexible, being able to conform to various surfaces and applied to various surfaces using any of various adhesives, and able to be transported is a finished form to an installation site. The veneer may be scored and then broken or fractured along the scoring lines to create simulated broken stone, ceramic tiles, cut stone, etc.

Abstract: An extendible mast includes at least three columns having a plurality of column sections that telescopically nest one inside another. A base plate is connected to each column, and each of a plurality of brackets is also connected to each column. The plurality of brackets are positioned along the length of the mast when extended.

Abstract: A telescoping shoring post having an inner tube having a plurality of projections spaced longitudinally thereon, longitudinally adjacent projections forming a groove there between to create a plurality of grooves on the inner tube; a hollow outer tube, the outer tube dimensions to allow the inner tube to slide therein; a load plate, the load plate having a collar adapted to affix the load plate to the outer tube and tongues projecting from the load plate, the tongues adapted to project over a hollow portion of the outer tube when the load plate is affixed to the outer tube, wherein the inner tube can slide within the outer tube to a gross adjustment extension length and wherein the tongues on the load plate are adapted to engage the grooves on the inner tube.

Abstract: A method of constructing a concrete structure and an adjustable brace system therefor includes a plurality of adjustable brace assemblies capable of providing structural support for construction of a floor structure above and for an uncured concrete wall in the concrete forms. The adjustable brace system comprises an elongated first support, an elongated second support, and a cap. The first and second supports have dimensions to allow the first support to slidably engage at least a portion the second support. A plurality of apertures are positioned in the first and second supports to enable the apertures in the first support to align with the apertures in the second support, and fasteners are secured through aligned apertures to provide for adjustability of the adjustable brace system. The cap is capable of supporting a steel truss in position for a floor structure above.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an axial member and a restraining unit. The axial member extends along an axial direction, and has two coupling sections for connecting respectively to two connecting plates of a framework of a building, and a middle section connected between the coupling sections. Each coupling section has a supplying plate portion coplanar with an elongated plate body of the middle section, and a contacting plate portion extending perpendicularly from the supporting plate portion. An outer end of the supplying plate portion of each coupling section has a groove formed therethrough along a transverse direction of the axial member, extending along the axial direction, and permitting a respective one of the connecting plates to engage fittingly therewith and contact the corresponding contacting plate portion.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Crushable Filling Layer: a layer made of crushable, thermally isolating and fire resisting material surrounding the outer walls of the main structure and filling a space between the main structure and an outer shield. (c) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (d) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: An access system is provided that employs a floor panel and pedestal assembly designed to provide a non-magnetic environment with no metal on metal contact making the system particularly suited for EMI machine room use. The access floor eliminates the difficulty in calibrating the EMI machine due to minute movement in the access floor panels that arises from metal on metal contact. Moreover, the system ensures that the floor panels themselves contain no metallic parts thereby eliminating the static white pixel noise associated with the more powerful magnets now used in the current generation of EMI machines. Thus a considerably more versatile access floor is provided that can support the need of the current generation of EMI machines to be movement free and to not generate static interference in their visual output.

Abstract: A lightweight interior sidewall and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lightweight interior sidewall is formed by a plurality of adjacent slabs. A method for fabricating the slabs includes forming a concrete block made of cement, fine sand, bamboo-shaped short fibers and a lightweight aggregate material, cutting the block to form multiple slabs, and grinding a central region of two sides of each slab to form a longitudinal groove therein. The method for fabricating the lightweight interior sidewall includes disposing multiple slabs adjacent to each other, securing each slab between a reverse U-shaped clamp on the ceiling and a support element on the floor, and filling a cement mortar into the longitudinal grooves to bind the slabs together. The lightweight and robust sidewall can be thereby formed in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Moulding is formed by first making a longitudinally extending cut in the bottom wall of a conventional eavestrough in order to separate the eavestrough into two segments. The inner portion of the bottom wall is then attached to the exterior wall of a building beneath its eaves or elsewhere such that the back wall of the eavestrough projects outwardly. The front wall of the eavestrough is then hung from the projecting back wall so that it extends downwardly and inwardly toward the exterior wall of the building. The eavestrough is cut by means of a machine having a guide plate and a pair of cutting wheels. The guide plate has an opening of a shape similar to that of the cross-section of the eavestrough but slightly larger so that as the eavestrough is fed through the opening it is guided by the guide plate. The cutting wheels are positioned such that after the eavestrough exits from the opening, its bottom wall passes between the wheels where it is cut.

Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).

Abstract: A surface veneer for simulating the appearance of stone, tile, concrete, leather, wood, stucco, etc. is disclosed. The veneer may be made by producing a mold of a desired texture, filling the mold with a mixture including portland-type cement, resin, and colorant, with the mixture being impregnated with a support mesh. The veneer may be made to have an average thickness between about 1/16 and ¼ inches in a sheet form. When produced, the veneer is flexible, being able to conform to various surfaces and applied to various surfaces using any of various adhesives, and able to be transported is a finished form to an installation site. The veneer may also be finished prior to installation with a wide range of surface finishes and textures.

Abstract: A forms structure, a panel support member, a panel support member for internal corner, a panel support member for external corner, and a construction method of forms capable of realizing such features as enhancing safety in transportation work and assembling work through reduction in the number of components and compact unitization, eliminating lack of experience and shortening the assembling work by eliminating the fastening work by form tie or the boring work of a forms panel, preventing a crack in a concrete wall from expanding by narrowing the interval between induction joints, and concealing a P cone removing hole remaining due to the induction joint.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is a composite sheet which includes a roofing substrate having a front side and a back side. An asphalt material impregnates the substrate and coats at least the front side of the substrate. A polymer film is attached to the back side of the substrate and forms a back surface of the roofing shingle. The polymer film was applied to the substrate in the form of a film. The roofing shingle does not include backdust on the back surface. The composite sheet is formed into the size and shape of the roofing shingle. A method of manufacturing roofing shingles includes continuously supplying a roofing substrate having a front side and a back side. An asphalt material is applied to the substrate so that it impregnates the substrate and coats at least the front side of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a prefab wall structure which provides a reduced thermal conductivity. More particularly, the prefac wall structure comprises a stud assembly made of at least two studs secured one to the other through a contact surface lateral to said stud. This reduces the conductivity of the temperature exchange throughout the wall.

Abstract: A clip for bridging a longitudinal gap between a pair of grid tee lengths, the clip having a cruciform shape in plan view formed by a set of four integral arms, one pair of the arms extending along a first line in opposite directions from a center of the clip, and another pair of arms extending along a line perpendicular to said first line in opposite directions from the center of the clip, said arms when oriented for installation having an inverted U-shape cross-section proportioned to fit over a respective one of four intersecting lengths of grid tees having an inverted T-shape with a reinforcing hollow bulb at its upper edge, at least one of said arms having a longitudinally extending fastener receiving slot and other of said arms having locations for receiving respective fasteners, said slot and receiving locations each being arranged to receive a fastener and allow the fastener to be anchored into the bulb of an associated tee, said slot being arranged to allow its respective grid tee length to telescope

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for protecting and restoring a surface by applying thereto a preformed polymer based film and securing the film to the surface. Particular application is found where the surface is a deck surface.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a wide span steel building is disclosed. The assembly employs columns and rafters formed from two pieces of webbed channel stock that are joined together at their webs. A pre-drilled haunch plate connects the column and rafter. A brace formed from two lengths of channel stock joined together at their webs extends at an angle between the columns and rafters and each respective end of the brace is connected to the respective column and rafter via a brace plate. The brace provides increased strength in the frame assembly and enables the construction of wide span steel building from channel stock.

Abstract: A frame device adapted to be mounted between a balcony slab and a roof slab (2) located above the former supports wall elements (16, 16?, 16?) for building-in a balcony. The frame device has an upper horizontal sectional element (17), which supports a second sectional element (31), which is parallel thereto and which is connected to the upper horizontal sectional element pivotally about a pivot axis parallel to the upper horizontal sectional element (17). The second sectional element (31), which is arranged to support a blind device (35) adapted for the balcony, is pivotable relative to the upper horizontal sectional element (17) between an inwardly pivoted position and an outwardly pivoted position for use of the blind device (35).

Abstract: Substructure for a construction that is self-supporting without the substructure and use of the substructure. The invention relates to a substructure for a construction that is self-supporting without the substructure, which construction has at least one carrying component accommodating at least one force, wherein the substructure can be arranged relative to the construction in such a way that it is located at least partly in direct proximity to the at least one carrying component, accommodating at least one force, of the construction. The invention also relates to the use of the substructure as an underpinning structure or as a reinforcement for the construction.

Abstract: A space frame connector is provided for attaching an oblique strut tube to an axial chord of a space frame. The space frame connector includes a collar adapted to fit over an axial chord. The collar is equipped with one or more attachment flanges. The space frame connector also includes a strut tube having an extrusion flange formed in at least one of its ends. The extrusion flange is made up of two parallel leaves that define a slot between them. The slot is sized and shaped to fit over an attachment flange on the collar that is positioned over the axial chord. The extrusion flange can be formed using simple press and punch tools. Space frames used to support solar energy collector arrays can be assembled in the field, including formation of the extrusion flanges on the oblique strut tubes, or multiple strut tubes can be attached to axial chords and compactly packed and transported to the field for use in constructing space frames, for example for supporting large parabolic trough solar collectors.

Abstract: A method of producing a simulated natural surface, such as stone, tile, brick or wood planking uses all environmentally friendly components. First, a water-based polymer liquid is applied to the existing surface using a roller. Next, a self-leveling mixture of water, polymer, cement and sand is applied with minimal trowelling in order to spread the mixture evenly over the surface. The applied mixture settles in a self-leveling manner. When partially cured, a desired grout pattern is scored in the applied cementous mixture to create the desired pattern (i.e., brick, stone, tile, wood planking). Next, the entire surface is painted with a prime coat of an acrylic paint including the scored grout lines. Once the prime coat dries, shading containing an organic oxide pigment is applied using a sponge.

Abstract: If a concrete slab is poured with a very smooth upper surface and coated with a grease of low viscosity, it can serve as the base of a thick reinforced concrete slab, which if made an integral part of a building built above it, will protect that building against sideways forces that are the main source of destruction during an earthquake.