Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the yield of harvested seed in plants by the application of selected doses of a physical plant stressor such as UV-C light (253.7 nm), X-rays, gamma ray, and electron beam irradiation to sowing seeds. This method can be used alone to enhance seed yield or in combination with standard seed treatments.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for preconditioning a whitetail deer forage plot. The disclosed whitetail deer forage plot preconditioning method includes the steps of: 1. selecting an area of soil to be preconditioned in a locale accessible to whitetail deer; and 2. sowing plant seed in the selected area of soil that includes Lapsana communis seed. In another aspect, the present disclosure is a method for preparing a seed blend for use in sowing a forage plot for whitetail deer. The seed blend preparation method includes the steps of: 1. selecting a seed type other than Lapsana communis seed for inclusion in the seed blend; and 2. combining a first quantity of plant seed of the selected seed type other than Lapsana communis seed with second quantity of Lapsana communis seed to thereby produce the seed blend.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a gasifier shell, means for introducing fuel into the shell, and means for introducing oxygenate into the shell. The gasifier also includes means for discharging gas from the shell, which can be located below the means for introducing oxygenate. The gasifier can also include means for re-circulating gas prior to gas being discharged from the shell.

Abstract: The gasification process according to the invention involves an installation comprising a treatment chamber in which the materials to be treated pass successively through a drying/pyrolysis zone of variable dimensions in which a pyrolysis gas extraction takes place, then through a gasification zone of variable dimensions in which a syngas extraction takes place. The pyrolysis gas is injected into the roof of the treatment chamber (8) with an oxidizing gas, so as to generate an exothermic oxidation reaction provides the energy necessary for the pyrolysis and gasification reactions. The dimensions and/or the position of the drying/pyrolysis and gasification zones are controlled as a function of the amounts of material to be treated introduced into the treatment chamber (8), their nature and/or energy requirements.

Abstract: An electronically-activated roof access hatch is described that allows an operator to unlock the roof access hatch safely from the ground before ascending to the roof access hatch. The opening of the roof access hatch is controlled by a control panel that unlocks the roof access hatch and causes the roof access hatch to open.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection port, and a housing with an inspection port, for use in inspecting an interior volume. The housing has a housing enclosure with an inspection opening at or over which the inspection port is mounted, either directly to the housing enclosure or to a base which in turn is mounted to the housing enclosure. The inspection port has a rotatable assembly, rotatably secured to the housing enclosure or base for rotation about an axis of rotation at the inspection opening. The rotatable assembly has a plate defining an access opening and an inspection enclosure attached to the plate around the access opening and adaptable to extend into the interior volume. The inspection enclosure has a region with a window opening which has a window axis and is adaptable to provide lines of sight into the interior volume.

Abstract: A door assembly for use in a building includes a glass door panel having an outer surface and an inner surface and a perimeter region. The door assembly includes at least one metallic hardware element bonded via a layer of cured adhesive to the inner surface of the door panel and at least partially along the perimeter region of the door panel. The layer of cured adhesive bonds the at least one metallic hardware element to the inner surface of the door panel without exposure of the metallic hardware element on the outer surface of the door panel. The door assembly may include a perimeter frame portion bonded to the inner surface of the door panel via another layer of cured adhesive. At least a portion of a door handle assembly may protrude through an aperture formed in the glass door panel.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a garage door opener. The garage door opener has a user interface and a motor operatively connected to the garage door, at least one sensor, and an integrated motor control circuit. The integrated motor control circuit has a motor control microprocessor and a memory. The memory contains previous operation data. The motor control microprocessor receives data from the user interface, the memory and the sensors to control the motor.

Abstract: A door configuration (1a, 1b) comprising a door (6a, 6b) for opening and closing an access (4), wherein the door (6a, 6b) can be pivoted about an axis S relative to a main frame (9) of the door configuration (1a, 1b), wherein the door (6a, 6b) has a sliding door (10a, 10b) that is disposed on a casement (7a, 7b) of the door (6a, 6b) such that it can be displaced in a direction V, and wherein the casement (7a, 7b) can be pivoted about the axis S relative to the main frame (9).

Abstract: A powered vehicle door system and method in which a motor-driven door opening and closing mechanism and a motor-driven latching mechanism cooperate to enable the door to open from a latched, fully-closed position with improved noise control and improved smoothness of operation. The door can be a tailgate or a swinging or sliding door, and the opening and closing mechanism is operative to place the door in an over-closed position, thus reducing or eliminating the inherent tension placed upon the latch from the compressive force of the seal interposed between the door and the door frame. Optionally, the door latching mechanism assists the door opening and closing mechanism in placing the door in the over-closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear door includes a door panel, a door frame, a division bar, and a movable window. The movable window has a flange portion formed with teeth. The division bar includes upper and lower division bars which are separately arranged and respectively guide the flange portion so that a part of the teeth is exposed between the upper and lower division bars. Each of the upper and lower division bars has a guide wall that guides an end surface of the flange portion which is opposite to the teeth. Each of the upper and lower division bars has a mount portion. The vehicle rear door further includes a motor unit bracket fixed to the mount portions of the upper and lower division bars and supporting a pinion that is engaged with the exposed teeth between the upper and lower division bars.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing drive device for an opening-and-closing member for a vehicle includes an electric driving source serving as a power source for opening and closing the opening-and-closing member, which is supported by a vehicle body so as to be opened and closed, an output portion connected to the electric driving source and transmitting a driving force generated by the electric driving source to the opening-and-closing member in order to open and close the opening-and-closing member via a connecting member, and a clutch mechanism provided on a power transmission path between the electric driving source and the output portion and including a viscous fluid for transmitting a power between the electric driving source and the output portion by viscosity.

Abstract: A system may selectively block an area at an end of an astragal. The system may include an expandable boot and an actuator. The expandable boot may be positioned at the end of the astragal, and the expandable boot may be movable between a compacted shape and an expanded shape. The actuator may be operable to move the expandable boot between the compacted shape and the expanded shape.

Abstract: A resin window includes a plate-shaped main body portion and a gear projection portion that is molded integrally with the main body portion so as to project in a thickness direction of the main body portion from a rear end portion of the main body portion. A part of a side face of the gear projection portion is surrounded by a gear-side guide frame for guiding the raising/lowering of the resin window. The gear projection portion includes a meshing gear provided along a vertical direction to mesh with a drive gear, and positioning members provided respectively on upper and lower end portions of the gear projection portion to abut on an inside surface of the gear-side guide frame. When the drive gear is rotated, the positioning members slide relative to the inside surface of the gear-side guide frame, and thus the resin window can be raised or lowered along the gear-side guide frame.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door consisting of a body separated into a wet region and a dry region, and to an associated door module. The vehicle door has a body separated into a wet region and a dry region, the wet region being defined on one side by the door covering and on the other side by a door module, and the dry region being connected to the part separating the wet region and the dry region in the direction of the interior door moulding. The wet/dry region separating part comprises at least one double sealing lip arranged on the door module, said lip consisting of soft plastic and sealing the dry region twice from the door covering.

Abstract: A method of production of a manufactured cover item equipped with seal includes the steps of forming a manufactured cover item using injection of plastic material into a main mold, forming anchoring means associated with the manufactured cover item and forming the seal by means of overmolding on the anchoring means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush filament for industrial applications and a brush made with the same. The brush filament comprises a matrix resin, a hydrolytic stabilizer and/or an acid-absorbing agent, and an antioxidant. The brush filament of the invention is suitable for industrial applications, in particular, for grinding, polishing and cleaning of marbles and/or metals after they have been cut.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry, abrasive article, and method is provided for forming an abrasive coating on a surface of a backing. The abrasive slurry includes a continuous phase, a first discontinuous phase of abrasive particles dispersed in the continuous liquid phase, and a second discontinuous phase of binder precursor particles dispersed in the continuous liquid phase, so that the continuous liquid phase carries the first and second discontinuous phases. A coated abrasive article is formed by coating the abrasive slurry onto the surface of the backing, and then removing the continuous phase.

Abstract: A flexible attic access cover positionable for attachment to the framework of an attic access opening of an attic access door for the purpose of reducing heat transfer between the attic and conditioned portion of a building or house.

Abstract: The present invention is a sleeping complex having small sleeping units stacked together. Each unit has a front door and a back door. The space between the two doors is divided into sleeping zone and reception and storage zones. Such sleeping units provide larger space feeling, even though the units are small. This large space feeling is achieved by making the units multi-zone and also having windows on the walls.

Abstract: A construction system is based on a plurality of interlocking panels, each panel formed of a non-woven, needle-punched, thermo-mechanically compacted fabric, each panel having dual density gradients, a first density gradient extending from the first outer surface to the center of panel and a second density gradient extending from the center of the panel to the outer surface, wherein less dense sections of each panel provide acoustic and thermal insulating properties and more dense sections of each panel provide strength and load-bearing properties.

Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for installing an edge seal. In one illustrative example, a pre-cured edge seal is placed on an edge of a composite structure with a sealant to form a placed pre-cured edge seal. The placed pre-cured edge seal is then cured on the composite structure. In another illustrative embodiment, an edge of a structure is prepared with solvent, and a brush coat of sealant is applied to the top and the edge of the structure. A fillet is applied to the base of the edge of the structure. A pre-cured edge seal is applied to the edge of the structure, and the edge is cured.

Abstract: A foam core cement construction panel having shear members and lateral rails that form a channel-beam-like structure and novel methods of using the panels to form an integrated roof structure that serves three separate functions: (1) the roof load structure assembly; (2) the roof's exterior waterproof assembly; and (3) the roof's exposed interior ceiling assembly and which can include internal hydronics for added climate control.

Abstract: A barrier and a method to bar the passage of termites across the surface of a structure is provided, the barrier being applied to the surface of the structure and comprising a sticky adhesive substance capable of obstructing and entrapping termites which venture onto the surface of the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A structural brace for a pre-fabricated housing module includes (a) a temporary beam connecting two opposite side walls of the pre-fabricated housing module along an open side of the pre-fabricated housing module; (b) ceiling bracing panels each providing horizontal temporary structural support between a third side wall of the pre-fabricated housing module and the temporary beam; and (c) wall bracing panels each providing temporary vertical structural support between the temporary beam and a floor of the pre-fabricated module. A further transverse beam may be provided to connect the ceiling bracing panels for greater structural support and to facilitate lifting of the module during transportation. A tarp may be provided to cover the top and exposed sides of the pre-fabricated housing module to prevent damage to the interior on route to an installation site.

Abstract: A seismic bracing assembly has a first subassembly and a second subassembly that are connected by a sleeve. The first subassembly has a structural yoke used to secure the first subassembly to a structural member. The second subassembly has another yoke used to secure the second subassembly to an anchoring member. The first and second subassembly have a sufficient length to allow rough in assembly of the two subassemblies with the sleeve that couples them together.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy through non-linear yielding as a structure experiences lateral displacement. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. One or more interior apertures are formed in the plate, and cut-outs may be formed along outer edges. External nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other. Multiple tension straps may also be on the same surface. Multiple tension straps on the same surface may be nested and parallel.

Abstract: A shearwall adapted for use in a building or other structure includes a main concrete portion and structural reinforcement positioned within the main concrete portion. The shearwall is configured to resist lateral forces to which the building or other structure may be subjected. Further, the shearwall is configured to accommodate a vertical load such that the need for at least one separate structural column is eliminated.

Abstract: An impact absorbing pole 5 is disclosed. The pole is formed as a one-piece unit that includes an outer wall 7 and a hollow interior 9 and has a base section 11 for locating the pole below the ground and a pole section 13 for extending upwardly above the ground. The pole is formed so that, in use, the pole can deform above and below ground level when the pole is installed in the ground and is contacted by a vehicle.

Abstract: A flooring system configured to accommodate sports play and other activities, wherein the flooring system comprises a support base having a synthetic component, such as a synthetic support structure, wherein the support base is configured to provide a support surface for receiving and supporting a flooring configuration. The support base may further comprise a filler material operable with the synthetic support component, wherein the synthetic support component is integrated into the filler material.

Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.

Abstract: A door frame system including a spline. Each door frame section includes a brickmould and a jamb each having a groove on at least one side and the door frame sections are joined together by the spline. The spline includes a polymeric material having a shape such so as to form a moisture-resistant seal along the length of the joint. The spline is concealed from view when the brickmould and a jamb are connected together to form a frame including a uniform reveal.

Abstract: Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) windows (10) that employ glass-bump spacers (50) and two or more glass panes (20) are disclosed. The glass-bump spacers are formed in the surface (24) of one of the glass panes (20) and consist of the glass material from the body portion (23) of the glass pane. Thus, the glass-bump spacers are integrally formed in the glass pane, as opposed to being discrete spacer elements that need to be added and fixed to the glass pane. Methods of forming VIG windows are also disclosed. The methods include forming the glass-bump spacers by irradiating a glass pane with a focused beam (112F) from a laser (110). Heating effects in the glass cause the glass to locally expand, thereby forming a glass-bump spacer. The process is repeated at different locations in the glass pane to form an array of glass-bump spacers. A second glass pane is brought into contact with the glass-bump spacers, and the edges (28F, 28B) sealed.

Abstract: A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend.

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 cover strip (28), which extends parallel thereto and is fastened thereto by holder means (26). The cover strip (28) has a leg (28a), which is inserted into a pocket (27) formed between the holder means (26) and a supporting surface (25) of the sectional element (17). The cover strip (28) is extractable from a retracted position in the pocket (27) to an arbitrarily extracted position so as to provide, when the frame device is mounted between the balcony slab and the roof slab (2), a visual screening off of a gap (S), which is formed between the roof slab (2) and the sectional element (17).

Abstract: This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the vertical edges of the cover are provided in a manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. Optional hangers are also used to hang the top edge of the cover to a support structure.

Abstract: A tubular hollow profile, particularly a spacer tube for the production of spacer frames for insulated glazing, has a profile wall. The profile wall is configured to be double-walled and has an outer wall made of metal, particularly stainless steel or aluminum, and an inner wall made of plastic, which are connected with one another, preferably in firm, i.e. non-displaceable manner. A device and a method for production of the hollow profile are also provided.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A thin brick system and method for forming a thin brick wall includes a matrix in which channels are formed for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the matrix using mortar and the same mortar can be used to fill spaces between adjacent bricks. The matrix may be attached to a substrate using fasteners. The channels can be formed in the matrix on-site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.

Abstract: A self-sealing furring assembly includes a spacer and a sealing member abutting the spacer. In another aspect of the disclosure, a self-sealing furring assembly configured to be installed between plaster lath and a frame for a structure, includes building paper mounted on framing for the structure, a sealing member, and a fastening member supporting the sealing member, wherein the fastening member includes a head a and a shank and extends through the plaster lath, the sealing member, and the building paper into the framing so that the plaster lath is between the head of the fastening member and the sealing member, the sealing member being compressed to seal the hole formed by the shank of the fastening member in the building paper. A method for installing an exterior building material to a framing is disclosed.

Abstract: A modular layout form has a substantially planar rear for attachment to a support structure, and a substantially planar front having a two-dimensional array of receptacles for holding objects to be embedded in a settable material (e.g., concrete) in a predetermined pattern with staggered courses. The form has substantially straight lateral edges, which results in a pattern of incomplete receptacles along the lateral edges. Object-retention members (e.g., clips, tabs or elastomeric rims) extend into the receptacles for securing objects in the receptacles. Adjacent forms can be combined by abutting their lateral edges with their incomplete receptacles aligned to create completed receptacles. Objects are then inserted into the completed receptacles to engage the object-retention members and hold the adjacent forms together.

Abstract: Insulation is partially divided into segments (200a), wherein each of the segments (200a) has an R-value and thickness and has length and width dimensions of, at least somewhat greater than 9.5 inches by at least somewhat greater than 14.5 inches to fill band joist cavities between spaced apart joists (106); and the batt (200) is either three segments (200a) in length or four segments (200a) in length, or is folded at intervals of the three segments (200a) in length or four segments in length (200a), and the batt (200) has a width of either one segment (200a) or two segments (200a), and the segments (200a) of the same batt (200) are partially divided from one another and remain in the batt (200) until separated at the point of use or installation.

Abstract: A building panel, comprising a concrete portion with an inner and outer face, and an enclosing boundary portion around the inner face perimeter, with a rigid planar plastic sheet against the inner face, and spacing studs against the outer face, the studs including fasteners protruding through to embed into the concrete. Also, a method of forming the building panel comprising the steps of forming an enclosed-perimeter outer framework, positioning a plurality of spacing studs which include fasteners extending upwards within the outer framework, placing a planar plastic panel within the frame over the top of the studs with the fastening members protruding through, then pouring concrete into the frame to cover the panel, and fill the framework to the required depth, then removing the outer frame from the cured concrete.

Abstract: In a method for connecting a reinforcement or facing of hydraulic-setting material of cement mortar mixture or concrete mixture on a structural component, a multi-layer reinforcement mat is attached to a structural component. A smoothing cement of hydraulic-setting material is filled into outer fabric layers of the reinforcement mat. The smoothing cement is allowed to set to form a substitute formwork. Into the space between the substitute formwork and the structural component a flowable cement mortar mixture or concrete mixture is filled in.

Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for an insulated wall panel. An embodiment of the insulated wall panel having an insulating layer with sheathing on one side and a plurality of studs on the other. Another embodiment of the insulated wall panel having a removable chase portion formed in an insulating panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment element for studded plastic sheets comprising a base body with at least one stud projecting from a front of the base body. To provide an attachment means that results both in a tear-resistant attachment of the studded plastic sheet to the building wall and in extensive surface contact at a top edge of the studded plastic sheet, it is provided that a head portion is arranged on the base body, which fully or at least partially projects from the front of the base body with a resiliently deformable area.