Abstract: The foregoing describes methods and systems for co-processing vegetable oil and petroleum diesel to yield a hybrid diesel biofuel composition. As previously stated, in some embodiments the present invention is directed to methods/systems by/with which a mixture of vegetable oil and petroleum diesel is co-processed in two stages: the mixture is first hydrotreated to yield a reduced-sulfur hybrid intermediate, and then the hybrid intermediate is processed in an isomerization unit to yield a low cloud point hybrid diesel product that is partially derived from biomass. A notable benefit of at least some such methods/systems is that interstage removal of H2S and NH3 is not required between the stages of hydrotreating and isomerizing, wherein such benefit is afforded by sulfur- and nitrogen-tolerant isomerization catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid diesel fuel and method of manufacture. The fuel composes a petroleum diesel fuel mixed into a biosynthetic waste or virgin oil and further containing a stabilizer. The hybrid fuel consists essentially of about 10% to 50% of Diesel Number 1, Diesel Number 2, or Farm Diesel petroleum fuels, and up to 90% filtered and polished biosynthetic oil, measured by volume. The biosynthetic oil can contain all levels of common commercial vegetable and animal fats in any ratio. The hybrid fuel also contains up to about 0.17% stabilizer, which further contains cetane boosters, cleaning agents to remove deposits from the fuel system, a lubricant, demulsifiers, and anti-gelling agents. The invention functions as biocide to inhibit bacterial growth. The invention is substantially equivalent to Diesel Number 2 in terms of power and engine speed, but is cleaner burning and considerably less costly.

Abstract: Accordingly, the current invention provides a method for the manufacture of a mixture of a furfural and a 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural derivative by reacting a C5 and C6 sugar-containing starting material with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by the hydrogenation and/or etherification of the mixture of furfural and 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural to convert the aldehyde function of both 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural and furfural into an alkoxymethyl function or methyl function.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a biogasoline component comprising: (I) obtaining at least one biooil and, if necessary, liquefying the biooil component; (II) adding the bio-oil in liquid form to a FCC unit along with at least one mineral oil; (III) cracking the components added to the FCC unit to form at least a bio-LPG fraction and a bio-naphtha fraction; (IV) alkylating or catalytically polymerising at least part of the bio-LPG fraction; and (V) combining at least a part of the product of step (IV) with at least a part of the bio-naphtha fraction to form a bio-gasoline component.

Abstract: Liquid fuels such as a diesel engine fuel mixture or a light heating oil have as a main component, a fossil diesel engine fuel and/or a biodiesel and/or a vegetable oil and additives. The object is to provide an alternative mixture component for diesel engine fuels or light heating oil which is suitable not only for fossil diesel engine fuels but also biodiesel or vegetable oil, which may be produced inexpensively and which meets the requirements as a pure bio propellant. It is proposed that diesel engine fuel mixture or light heating oil contains, as a mixture component, diethyl oxalate. The heating oil can be made of a mixture which originates from the refining of crude oil and is admixed with up to 25% by volume diethyl oxalate. In addition, for the heating oil, use can be made of a mixture which consists of vegetable oils and up to 50% by volume diethyl oxalate.

Abstract: Pellet damaging is prevented at the time of pellet charging into a storage tank. There is provided a method of storing a gas hydrate in which pellets obtained by compression molding of powdery gas hydrate are conveyed into a storage tank by the use of a slurry liquor, which method includes pouring a liquid for impact absorption in advance into the storage tank so that the impact on the pellets charged in the storage tank is absorbed by the liquid for impact absorption.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the production of solid biofuel (pellets, briquettes, etc) made from biomass that has, been produced in organized cultivation of the weed Cynara cardunculus, and its utilization instead of oil for heat production on a domestic or industrial use or for electricity production. The shifting conventional cropping systems to cynara cultivation will multiply the farmers profit and will open new horizons for the development of Greek rural areas also with the respective creation of many new jobs. Additionally, the produced biofuel will be much cheaper than oil or gas for heating, and its use will reduce the dependence from international energy monopolies and the exporting of precious exchange.

Abstract: A chemical shell for insertion into a tree comprising an elongated hollow tubular member having a closed first end and an open second end with a rim portion extending outwardly from the closed end. A non-aqueous chemical is contained within the tubular member and a water-soluble tubular sleeve extends over the open second end of the tubular member and at least a portion of the tubular member to maintain the chemical in the tubular member until the shell has been inserted into a tree so that the sap in the tree dissolves the sleeve to permit the chemical in the tubular member to be released into the tree when dissolved by the sap in the tree.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device is comprised of two parts which may be assembled and placed upon a plant growing medium or assembled over a plant growing medium and existing plant. The device includes a sheet, and aperture defined by the sheet and a chamber. The chamber is suspended below a first portion of the sheet and above the plant growing medium. Liquid is delivered to the chamber through at least one hole defined by the cover and the liquid is dispersed from the chamber to the plant growing medium. The chamber includes a baffle for diverting the liquid to provide even distribution of the liquid to the plant growing medium.

Abstract: The feeding of coal slurries into a gasifier for the production of synthesis gas is improved by modifying the rheological properties of the coal particles so that conventional liquid transfer equipment can be used in the feed transfer process to the gasifier. The coal particle surface modification is accomplished by adsorbing asphaltenes derived from petroleum onto the surfaces of coal particles prior to and/or during contact with the slurry liquid. The coal particles with their surfaces thus modified exhibit lower particle-particle interaction in the liquid slurries to form a shear independent Newtonian fluid or a weakly shear thickening pseudoplastic fluid. The rheological properties of the slurries permit them to be transported reliably into a pressurized, entrained feed gasifier vessel using convention slurry pumps with a low potential expenditure of energy.

Abstract: A process for the co-gasification of carbonaceous solids (coal, coke) and biomass in which the biomass material is pyrolyzed to provide a biomass pyrolysis oil and biomass char or coke which are then mixed with the carbonaceous solid to form a slurry. This slurry is then heated if necessary to achieve a viscosity which can be processed conveniently in the gasifier. The heat required for pyrolyzing the biomass can conveniently be obtained from the heat exchanger used to cool the hot synthesis gas product emerging from the gasifier.

Abstract: A process for providing fast pyrolysis or gasification of feed material, such as biomass, by mixing it with inert inorganic hot solids in a fluidized mixer/reactor and utilizing released gas from the resulting reaction to transport the mixture from the mixer/reactor.

Abstract: A barrier for the inside of a home. The barrier includes two partitions that slide relative to each other to increase and decrease a distance between ends of the barrier. The partitions slide into and out of confronting relationships with each other. The partitions engage each other at upper and lower locations and further at a medial location where an elongate member of one partition is received in a tube engaged to the other partition. A threaded piece upon being turned brings pressure to bear upon an end of the tube such that the partitions can be incrementally expanded apart and thereby pressurized between two locations within the home so as to block off one portion of the home. The threaded piece is slideable along the elongate member.

Abstract: A combination tilt/sash lock for mounting to a window sash rail, the combination including a sash lock and tilt lock being mounted in linear relationship to each other; the tilt lock having a latch element latching to a window frame that is manually movable within a tilt lock housing between a latched position and an unlatched position; the sash lock having a rotatable cam movable by rotating a locking lever between a locked position and an unlocked position; the sash lock locking lever being located in a superimposed linear relationship to and blocking manual movement of the tilt lock in the locked position and allowing movement of the latch element in the unlatched position; and the tilt lock mechanism being movable from a latched position to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a manipulation unit, a control unit that drives a motor in a normal rotation direction or a reverse rotation direction, a catch detecting unit that detects a foreign substance caught in the opening and closing body, a first relay circuit that connects one of terminals of the motor to a power supply when the motor is driven in the normal rotation direction, a second relay circuit that connects the other terminal of the motor to the power supply when the motor is driven in the reverse rotation direction, a switch element that cuts off connection to the power supply when the normal rotation command is fed into the control unit from the manipulation unit, a detection circuit, and a feed circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compartment door assembly that provides for a compartment door that has controlled movement between a closed position and an open position. The assembly includes a compartment door for covering a compartment, the compartment door movable between the closed position and the open position. A cam having a cam arm, an elongated member and a tension member can also be included.

Abstract: A passive brush seal effectively to limit conditioned air such as humidity, temperature or filtered air, or contaminated air such as smoke or fumes from an area of greater pressure to one of lower pressure. The passive brush seal is in the form of a strip brush with triangular filaments that provide an improved block to the flow of gases. The shape of the filaments is such that they inter-fit or interlock and separate less readily. Important applications are as elevator seals or clean room or computer room seals.

Abstract: A structure having a first member of the structure having a first end and a second end; and a second member having a front side, a back sides, a first end, a second end, a first leg, and a second leg; wherein the first end of the first member is perpendicularly connected to the back side of the second member; wherein the first leg extends from the front side of the second member in a vicinity of the first end of the said second member and has a mating protrusion on its distal end; wherein the second leg extends from the front side of the second member in a vicinity of the second end of the said second member and has a mating protrusion on its distal end; and wherein the mating protrusions of the first leg and the second leg of the second member mate with a surface of a side of a window frame to create a barrier between the window frame and a building structure.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool excellent in strength and wear resistance. The cutting tool has a cutting blade formed using a highly hard diamond polycrystalline body made substantially only of diamond and produced by directly converting a raw material composition including a non-diamond type carbon material into diamond and sintering the diamond at an ultra high pressure and an ultra high temperature without adding a sintering aid or a catalyst, the polycrystalline body having a mixed construction including fine-grained diamond crystals with a maximum grain size of less than or equal to 100 nm and an average grain size of less than or equal to 50 nm and plate-like or particulate coarse-grained diamond crystals with a minimum grain size of greater than or equal to 50 nm and a maximum grain size of less than or equal to 10000 nm.

Abstract: A dispersion comprising cerium oxide particles and particles of one or more sheet silicates, where the zeta potential of the sheet silicate particles is negative and that of the cerium oxide particles is positive or equal to zero, and the zeta potential of the dispersion is negative overall, the mean particle diameter of the cerium oxide particles and the mean particle diameter of the sheet silicate particles is not more than 100 nm and the pH of the dispersion is from 7.5 to 10.5, preferably from 9 to 10.

Abstract: An inflatable shutter is provided. The shutter comprises a protective layer and at least one air bladder, and is attached to the outside of a building structure. The shutter is positioned outside the building structure adjacent a window or other opening in order to protect the window or other opening from high velocity winds and flying debris during storms. The shutter may be removed from the outside of the building and compactly stored during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A transportable workstation suitable for providing a closed environment for spraying a vehicle has a base sheet and a cover sheet connected to the edges of the base sheet and at least partially releasable therefrom. First and second further sheets are provided within the cover sheet and are also releasably connected to the base sheet in order to define first and second end chambers, between which is formed a work chamber. An air blower drives air into the first end chamber and passageways allow the flow of air from the first end chamber into the work chamber and from there into the second end chamber before release to the ambient. A filter is associated with the air flow through the second end chamber to prevent pollutants entering the atmosphere. Closable access openings are provided in the first end chamber, respectively from the exterior and to the work chamber.

Abstract: A protective tarp, with connectors arranged in a geometrical pattern, for covering a mass, comprising: a) flexible sheet material having top, bottom, predetermined surface area and peripheral edge; b) a plurality of unconnected anchor tank receiving pockets permanently attached to sheet material and separate and apart from one another, and being arranged in a predetermined pattern, each of the plurality of unconnected anchor receiving pockets adapted to receive an independent, removable anchor tank, the independent, removable anchor tank having at least one fill orifice and closure means, and being adapted to be inserted and removed from the anchor tank receiving pocket; and c) a plurality of male/female connectors arranged in a geometrical pattern on the top and the bottom such that when the tarp is folded, at least one the male connectors and at least one of the female connectors are connected, the surface area of the tarp is decreased.

Abstract: A mounting and attachment system, which can easily mount a continuous snow rail for snow protection above the seams of a metal roof and also attach lower members or snow flags which are located between the seams to stop the snow from sliding under the height of the seam. This system reduces the requirement for holes and threaded holes to be drilled into the mounting block, saving manufacturing time and money. The mounting block is configured so that there is a slot which runs through the mounting block to fit over a raised seam. This slot can have parallel walls or can be shaped to match the form of a particular seam. This block will also have slots or linear indentations on the sides or ends of the block in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the slot for the seam. A second piece of the assembly is a snow rail long enough to connect two or more of the seam-mounted blocks together. Finally, a top rail may be secured to be positioned parallel to said seam and be mounted on two or more seam mounted blocks.

Abstract: A roofing system for application on a roofing substrate wherein flexible supports alleviate fatiguing of the roofing sheeting which typically occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction, thus enabling thicker roofing sheeting to be used and thus extending the usable life of the roofing sheeting.

Abstract: A prefabricated panel comprising autoclaved aerated concrete for constructing residential, commercial and industrial buildings and other structures including a first facing bonded to one side of the autoclaved aerated concrete, a second facing bonded to the other side of the autoclaved aerated concrete, and reinforcement members that provide structural integrity to the panel and enable the panel to be readily transported to the construction. A method for constructing residential, commercial and industrial buildings and other structures with the prefabricated panels, including constructing the prefabricated panels, transporting the prefabricated panels, and securing together the prefabricated panels with securement means.

Abstract: The invention is directed to develop for Billiard Mode Aseismatic Architecture converting earthquake vibration into idling operation as well as rotating operation by use of sphere pillars and bearings rested on the stabilizer respectively on the bottom floor with view to prevent from energy of earthquake from being transmitted to the above construction.

Abstract: A profiled cover strip system (1) for finishing a bottom covering (2) on a step (3) open on at least one front side (4), the system having an upper covering profiled element (12). A facing device (16) having a facing cap (18) provided with a facing plate (17) for facing the profiled cover strip system (1) on the front side, and at least one facing cover strip (19, 20) separate from the facing cap (18), for facing the bottom covering on the front side (2), is used.

Abstract: A storage building is provided. The building includes an exoskeleton with an interior cover. The exoskeleton is formed from horizontal rings connected by trusses. The building typically stores particulate material, including grain and other crops. The exoskeleton bears the load of the stored material, and allows for storage of greater amounts of material.

Abstract: A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane.

Abstract: Frames can be fashioned from metal bent at right angles to accommodate standard window or door. For example, an 8¾? flat strip metal, having at least three right angle breaks, forms a buck. Alternatively, a slip-over buck has a first pair of walls substantially parallel to one another which are used to affix the buck to the structure. A second pair of walls substantially parallel to the first two walls rises above the first pair of walls. The second pair of walls is joined at the tops with a perpendicular wall. This perpendicular wall is used as the frame mount. The window or door is attached to the buck as per the manufacturer's specifications. The buck provides the builder with the ability to frame an exact margin for a window or door, improves finishing interior and exterior facades, and provides a better seal against water infiltration and drafts.

Abstract: A joining structure, having a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and at least first side; at least one spacer; wherein the sleeve connects a first mullion from the first end of the sleeve and connects a second mullion from the second end of the sleeve; wherein the sleeve extends longitudinally within the first and the second mullions; wherein the at least one spacer extends longitudinally along the length of the at least first side of the sleeve and is situated between an external surface of the at least first side of the sleeve and an internal surface of at least first wall of the first mullion and an internal surface of at least first wall of the second mullion; and wherein the at least one spacer prevents direct mating between the at least first side of the sleeve and the at least first wall of the first mullion and the at least first wall of the second mullion.

Abstract: An interior sash covering gives a vinyl sash the mortise and tenon look of a traditional wood window. The covering can be equipped with an optional decorative coating, such as wood, while retaining the advantages of the strength and durability associated with vinyl. The invention also relates to fenestration assemblies containing the same. As the covering of the present invention is not involved in the glazing process, a e.g. insulated glass unit, may be replaced without the need to destroy the decorative covering.

Abstract: A welded door frame assembly including a hinge jamb joined to a lock jamb via a frame head jamb, all of which are joined with existing studs and an existing wall. The hinge jamb has a bottom end and a top end and includes a door side base, a door contact flange, and a non-door side trim attachment track including one or more fastener holes. A hinge jamb trim piece includes a connector portion configured to be removably retained within the non-door side trim attachment track and is adapted to cover the non-door side trim attachment track, any fastener holes, and any fasteners. Both the lock jamb and frame head jamb include a door side base, a door contact flange, and a connection flange including one or more fastener holes. A lock jamb or frame head jamb trim piece covers the connection flange, any fastener holes, and any fasteners.

Abstract: A panel trim including a cover and a base joined at opposite ends of a flange to form channels on opposite sides of the flange. The channels are adapted to receive panels, with the cover adapted to conceal the gap between the panels. The panel trim can include at least one ramp joined with the base. The panel trim can also include a flex region to enable independent flexing of opposite sides of the cover as panels are inserted into respective channels. The panel trim can be modified to accommodate linearly aligned panels, as well as panels that are at an angle to one another.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for insulating piping installed in an exterior wall in a manner that protects the piping from freezing. Generally, the system includes an insulation block that has an interior side, an exterior side and a slot formed therein for receiving a pipe to be insulated adjacent the interior side, wherein the block is dimensioned particularly for installation into a building wall cavity. When installed, the block insures that the piping is positioned immediately adjacent the back surface of the interior sheathing material. The insulation block reliably provides a thickness of insulation material behind the piping such that the insulation material is positioned between the piping and the exterior wall surface while also maintaining the piping in contact with the rear surface of the interior wall sheathing to facilitate heat transfer from the interior of the building and into the piping.

Abstract: A closure wall assembly comprises a pair of horizontal framing members spaced from each other and at least a pair of vertical framing members also spaced from each other and extending between the horizontal framing members. The framing members comprise a web and a plurality of elongate flanges spaced from each other and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the web and at least one of the faces of the web to define a plurality of elongate channels in substantially side by side relationship to each other. The respective channels have widths which differ from each other so as to be able to selectively receive the edges of substantially rigid sheets of closure material of differing widths. Female elongate receptacles are located adjacent the edges of the web and the receptacles have an elongate opening spaced from the edges of the web.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clip and associated method and building structure. The clip is provided for repairing building surfaces. The clip includes a first generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face, and a second generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face. The first elongate portion and second elongate portion are joined to define a generally U-shaped member having a generally elongate gap defined by the inner faces of the first and second elongate portions, the gap being adapted and configured to receive a building member therein.

Abstract: A flooring panel for a flooring system comprises a core interposed between a first decorative surface and a second decorative surface. The core has opposing first and second side surfaces extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second decorative surfaces. The first and second decorative surfaces have different visible designs, and at least the first side surface is provided with at least a portion of a locking member.

Abstract: A method of erecting a wind turbine comprising the following steps: Providing the hub (9), the blades (11), the nacelle (13) and a lattice tower (15) comprising first and second sections (21, 27) pivotally connected along an axis (17) at a height H, in which the tower lower part, below height H, is composed by the second section (27), including the tower lower and upper legs (31, 33) and a first part (23) of the first section (21) and in which the tower upper part, above height H, is composed by a second part (25) of the first section (21). Assembling on ground the wind turbine, with the nacelle (13) resting on a carrier (19). Raising the second section (27) and fixing the upper legs (33) to second foundation corners (43). Raising the first section (21) and fixing its first part (23) to the second section (27).

Abstract: A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss.

Abstract: A framing system (1) comprises track frame elements (3) and stud frame elements (4) which are interconnected at joints (2). The framing system comprises connection means for interconnecting the frame elements (3, 4) on assembly. The connection means comprises an adaptor (10) for a frame element and fixing means for fixing the adaptor to the frame elements. The adaptor conforms to at least part of the profile of at least one of the frame elements. In one case the adaptor (10) is of generally channel profile comprising a web (11) and side flanges (12). The side flanges of the adaptor (10) are engagable in the end of the stud frame element (4) such that the flanges (12) of the adaptor engage with the flanges (8) of the stud frame element (4). Rivets (30) are used to fix the stud frame element (4) to the adaptor (10). Track fixing means comprising a fixing bolt (25) extending to engage with a receiver (26) which is captive in the web (11) of the adaptor (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: A split column includes two half sections with locating features for aligning the half sections. A whole column is formed and then split into half sections. The locating features are formed on the inner surfaces of the half sections after the column is split into half sections.

Abstract: An installation pilot device includes: a base having a bottom surface and a top surface, the bottom surface being arranged to couple to a top surface of a first construction member; a bore extending through the base at an angle in the range from 50 to 70 degrees with respect to the lower surface, the bore configured to receive a fastener to be driven therethrough; a first positioning stop and a second positioning stop, each of the first and second positioning stops extending from the lower surface, the first and second positioning stops configured to receive the first construction material therebetween when the lower surface is coupled to the top surface of the decking board, and an immovable handle attached to the top surface of the base, wherein the base, the first positioning stop, and the second positioning stop are formed as a single monolithic piece.

Abstract: A strip-pack apparatus is positioned between an upstream mechanism and a downstream mechanism and adapted to process products and to manufacture a strip pack. The strip-pack apparatus includes a moving mechanism, an affixing mechanism, an operating mode selecting unit and a control unit. The moving mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively move the products to an affixing position or the downstream mechanism. The operating mode selecting unit is configured and arranged to receive a selection input for an operating mode between a strip pack manufacturing mode in which the moving mechanism moves the products to the affixing position and a product passing mode in which the moving mechanism moves the products to the downstream mechanism without moving the products to the affixing position. The control unit is configured to control operations of the moving mechanism and the affixing mechanism according to the operating mode that has been selected.

Abstract: A bag tying apparatus for tying a ribbon about a gathered neck is provided. A holder-shear drive assembly moves a holder-shear assembly from side to side to grip and cut the ribbon. An over-travel compensation assembly compensates for over-travel of the holder-shear drive assembly relative to the travel of the holder-shear assembly.