Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for destroying vermin (2). To ensure a quick and certain dispatch of the vermin and to depollute is efficiently the arrangement according to the invention comprises: a device (3) for the generation of an airflow in a conveying channel (4), wherein the conveying channel (4) has an intake opening (6) for vermin (2) at one end (5), a filter element (7) which is arranged in the conveying channel (4), wherein the filter element (7) is designed to detain vermin (2) and to allow air to pass and wherein a disposal opening (8) for vermin (2) is arranged in the area of the filter element (7) and at least one radiation device and/or at least one heating device (9) for emitting a radiation (10) which dispatches the vermin (2), wherein the radiation device and/or the heating device (9) is arranged between the intake opening (6) and the filter element (7) along the conveying channel (4) or in an area abutting on the same.

Abstract: A fuel gel including an alcohol, a nontoxic denaturant, a thickening agent, and at least one neutralizing agent is disclosed. An exemplary formulation includes corn-based ethanol, denatonium benzoate, acrylic acid homopolymers, diisopropanolamine, corn-based glycerin, and distilled water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enhancing fuel combustion by organizing an amount of transformed water with a high level of stored energy into a geometric arrangement such that a central cavity is created that substantially surrounds a segment of a fuel line leading to a combustion device such as an internal combustion engine. The fuel passes within the space surrounded by the transformed water and becomes imprinted with a molecular clustering as a result of water memory transfer at a lower level of stored energy. This process alter the properties of the fuel allowing it to be utilized with a higher level of efficiency and with lower emissions of pollutants such as hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsion-type water-mixed fuel which is free from separating between an oil and a water, thereby being excellent in stability, has a high combustion efficiency, and an extremely high energy-saving effect. An emulsion fuel, in which an average diameter of the water or the combustible oil is 1,000 nm or less (more preferably, average diameter is 200 to 700 nm), is formed by finely-dividing and mixing the water and the combustible oil by a finely-dividing and mixing means, while adding 10.0 to 150.0 parts by volume of the water with respect to 100 parts by volume of the combustible oil (more preferably, 25.0 to 120.0 parts by volume of the water with respect to 100 parts by volume of the combustible oil). Further, the water to be used preferably has a reduction potential of ?100 my or lower, more preferably ?300 my or lower.

Abstract: Processes for producing biodiesel compositions are disclosed. FFAs present in the triglycerides can be removed by reaction with isobutylene, or by Kolbe electrolysis. The Kolbe electrolysis can be performed on the starting material, or on the crude glycerol. The triglycerides are transesterified to form alkyl esters of the fatty acids and glycerol. The transesterification reaction can be catalyzed by an alkoxide, rather than a hydroxide, to help keep the glycerol by-product dry. The alkoxide salt can be neutralized by reaction with a dry acid, such as gaseous hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid, and the resulting alcohol removed by distillation, and at least a portion of the neutralized salt can be removed by filtration or decantation. The process can provide improved biodiesel yields, and glycerol pure enough for use directly in glycerol ether manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing fatty acid alkyl esters and glycerin implementing a set of transesterification reactions between a vegetable or animal oil and an aliphatic monoalcohol in the presence of a heterogeneous solid catalyst so as to obtain an effluent comprising at least alkyl esters, free glycerol, bonded glycerol and alcohol, wherein at least one stage of separation of at least a portion of the effluent is carried out in order to separate the ester produced and the bonded glycerol, said separation occurring through a membrane. The invention describes the facility in which said alkyl ester production method is implemented.

Abstract: A liquid fuel production process from Cellulosic biomass and coal comprises providing a mixture of Cellulosic biomass and coal, subjecting the mixture to gasification to obtain synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas to a liquid fuel under the presence of catalyst. The catalyst includes molybdenum sulfide, alkali metal compound and a component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product, wherein the alkali metal compound is selected from the group of salts of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, the component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product is selected from Mo, V, Os, Re, Ir, Pt, Pd, Co, Rh, Ni and their mixture. Additionally, co-gasification of Cellulosic biomass and coal can reduce the ash fusion temperature of coal.

Abstract: A wall structure for retaining earth, the wall structure including a plurality of wall members, each wall member having an upper edge, a lower edge, and a respective first end edge and second end edge at either end of its length, each of the first end edge and second end edge having at least one knuckle formation adapted for engagement with a pin member; the at least one knuckle formation of the first end edge of a first wall member, and the at least one knuckle formation of the second end edge of a second wall member receiving a pin member to provide a hinged connection between the first wall member and second wall member.

Abstract: An edger is provided that includes a cylindrically shaped attachment member that includes at least one tooth for interlocking relationship with another attachment member. The interlocking relationship prevents relative motion between the attached edgers. The edger further comprises a plurality of arcuate members that help support the wall against the restrained pavers and which provide stiffness to the wall.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for enhancing plant growth in greenhouses or plant tunnels or over mulches by incorporating one or more yellow pigments or dyes into a greenhouse, mulch film or glazing and exposing the plants through or over such film to solar radiation so that specific and defined ratios of the light transmitted, emitted or reflected between 410 to 450 nm, 380 to 410 nm and 450 to 500 nm are obtained. A further aspect of the invention is the use of one or more yellow pigments or dyes as plant growth enhancing additive in polymeric films for greenhouses, plant tunnels or mulches or a coating for greenhouse glazing so that specific and defined ratios of the light transmitted, emitted or reflected between 410 to 450 nm, 380 to 410 nm and 450 to 500 nm are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular container system for use in agriculture, gardening and construction, characterised in that it comprises a parallelepiped container 1 with two partition walls 2 forming three chambers 3, its top ends each having a sleeve 4 which forms a vertical channel 5, the lower end 6 of the said sleeve extending beyond the bottom of the container but with slightly smaller dimensions and having a groove 10 around its whole periphery; connectors 9 which join adjacent containers in a horizontal plane; a base 11 which allows the containers to rest on the ground; and a lateral support 13 exactly identical to the top end of the container 1.

Abstract: A method of using a floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, or a floral grouping, the sleeve generally having a conical shape and having a bonding material disposed thereon for connecting the sleeve to a pot disposed within the sleeve or connected via a banding element to a pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates the methods, compositions and devices for priming of plant seed, preferably seed of crop plants, and seeds obtained with said methods, compositions and devices, wherein the metabolic activity necessary for germination of the seed is not controlled by water but rather by the partial oxygen pressure and/or partial carbon dioxide pressure. In the methods of the invention the partial oxygen or carbon dioxide pressure may be measured by means of an oxygen/carbon dioxide sensitive fluorescent dye. The invention further relates to processes for producing a primed seed lot of a plant species and to a container comprising primed seed under an atmosphere with a partial oxygen pressure that is below the critical oxygen pressure.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a system for producing safe and high nutrition vegetables at low cost. [Means to solve the problems] A plant cultivation system for cultivating a plant on a nonporous hydrophilic film, which comprises a nonporous hydrophilic film and a feeding means for supplying water or a nutrient fluid to the lower surface of the film in the absence of a hydroponic tank for accommodating water or a nutrient fluid and cultivating a plant therein. As the feeding means, use is made of a water absorbing material which is in contact with the film and which is disposed between the film and a water impermeable material. A system for producing safe and high nutrition vegetables at low cost can be obtained by disposing the water impermeable material directly on ground soil, whereupon the water absorbing material and an irrigation tube are disposed, followed by disposing the film thereon.

Abstract: Covers for attic trap doors and pull down attic stairs or ladders are described each of which is formed of an insulating material. The covers are structured to effectively seal a ceiling access opening. In some embodiments, a closure member constructed of insulating material is cooperatively and frictionally received within a frame formed of the same material to form an airtight seal therebetween.

Abstract: EZ2 Seal Door is a device that secures to a doorway or other opening to prevent dust or other debris from circulating from one room to another during a construction or renovation project. A kelder welt is sewn into the outer edges of a canvas door. The welt is threaded through an aluminum or plastic track and this track is then mounted to the opening of the door providing a tight seal. The canvas door has a dual double pull zipper located in the center of the door that provides access to and from a sealed area. A small window is sewn into the canvas door to allow easy viewing into the sealed area.

Abstract: A weatherstrip (30) for an automotive vehicle includes a rigid core (42) formed from a first material encompassed in an extrusion body (40) of an elastomeric material. A show surface (44), such as anodized metal or stainless steel, is roll-formed and then coextruded in a coextrusion die with the rigid core. A removable layer (94) protects an outer face (90a) the show surface during extrusion and post processing steps of manufacture. The integrated arrangement of the cosmetic strip reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, while providing the desired aesthetic appearance to the weatherstrip.

Abstract: There are provided a method and a system for regenerating a waste slurry which is disused after a slurry has been used to raise the cutting efficiency in a process of fabricating various wafers, such as semiconductor wafers, solar wafers and others.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond abrasive elements made by incorporating low levels of at least one metal boride, the metal being selected from magnesium, calcium, aluminium, strontium, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium and chromium, and the rare earth metals, particularly cerium and lanthanum. The benefits of adding boron to polycrystalline diamond abrasive compacts are exploited together with simultaneously minimising or eliminating the detrimental effects of the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond abrasive elements having a fine grained microstructure are produced from fine grained diamond particles and a catalyst solvent material, at least a portion of which is in the form of nanosized particles. The abrasive elements exhibit high homogeneity and exhibit significant increases in toughness and improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure.

Abstract: Described is a building encasement element (100) with a foil cushion that comprises an outer foil layer (101) forming the outside of a building envelope and an inner foil layer (102) forming the outside of a building envelope, wherein these foil layers form, between themselves, at least one essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space in which a fluid medium, in particular, air, is contained, and with a reinforcement element (107).

Abstract: A protective wall system enclosing a danger zone around an alternator includes a front wall disposed at a front end of the wall system; a back wall disposed at a back end of the wall system; and a first side wall and a second side wall connecting the front wall and the back wall, wherein the front and the back wall extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the alternator, and wherein the front wall, the back wall and the first and second side walls are gas-tight. The wall system further includes a gas-tight bottom; a first casing enclosing a rotor and a stator of the alternator, wherein a service area surrounds the first casing; and at least one air guiding device configured to guide at least one of gas and heat from a bottom part of the alternator to an upper part of the alternator.

Abstract: An outdoor air conduit or plenum is provided with a UV transmissive surface for allowing the air circulated through the conduit to be exposed to the UV rays of the natural sunlight, thereby providing for the sterilization of the air using free energy. The air sterilization system can be integrated to a building ventilation system or combined with a solar heat collector.

Abstract: An improved collapsible structure for, but not limited to, the safety of the launch valve voyage repair team while engaging in removal, installation or performing routine maintenance of the launch valve and the water break assembly in all weather conditions. It is quickly installed or removed and serves as a means to protect the launch tube valve and the water break assembly in all weather conditions while said valve and assembly are disassembled.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a border bock is useable for automatic production of a border block capable of expressing various colors and designs. The border block, includes a block body, and an outer plate adhered to the block body to surround the block body, the outer plate including a transparent outer mat with a picture on an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slab lift bracket that includes an collar portion with a center, an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The slab lift bracket also includes a plurality of protruding members that are distributed around and fixed to the collar portion. The protruding members extend outwardly and downwardly of the collar portion at spaced apart locations, and have a hook shaped free end.

Abstract: A ground spike is disclosed having a plurality of blades and a flat plate secured thereto. The blades each have a reinforcement deformation proximal to a longitudinal outer edge. The reinforcement deformation may be a reinforcement line stamped therein, may be a bent outer edge, or the like. Objects may be attached to the flat plate, thereby securing such objects to the ground when the ground spike is used. The ground spike may have a post receiving socket secured to the flat plate. Each component may comprise metals of varying thickness and rigidity or other suitable materials.

Abstract: This invention refers to curtain walls capable of resisting the seismic forces of major earthquakes without breakage of their glass panes and without deformation or distortion of their structure. The above can be achieved through the operational separation of the curtain wall of each storey from those of adjacent storeys, by formation of a sliding line on the top of the windows (2.3), through the mutual hooks of suspension of the windows (6.3, 6.10) so that the displacement of the one storey to be independent from the others. The structure of the curtain wall of each storey confined only to the fixed part of the curtain wall of the storey and consists of the uprights (3.1), the sill-beam (3.2), the lintel-beam (3.3) and the attachments (3.4). There are no uprights in the region of windows. The uprights of the structure of curtain wall of each storey at no case are touching the glass panels. The interstorey drifts (6) are in all directions absorbed by the suspension joints of the windows (7.5) and (7.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replacably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element maybe a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar-type supporting structure for forming a frame, comprising a plurality of nodes and bars connecting the nodes, wherein each bar comprises at least one recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the bar, wherein the respective recess continues right into the node.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming at least a partial seal between an open end of a truck, trailer, or other vehicle and an opening in a building are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming at least a partial seal includes a first side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a first side portion of an opening, a second side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a second side portion of the opening, and a head pad assembly configured to extend horizontally adjacent to a top portion of the opening between the first and second side pads. The head pad assembly can include replaceable corner pads positioned on either end of a center pad. The corner pads can be independently attached to the wall of the building and separately removed if replacement is needed.

Abstract: An improved entranceway to an enclosure for people and/or vehicles including a frame having a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions and a top wall portion which, combined, encompass an inclined pathway. The frame is adapted for contact with an exterior wall of the enclosure and is placed in surrounding relation to a first opening therein, the side wall portions extending outwardly from the exterior wall on opposite sides of the inclined pathway. The inclined pathway and the side and top wall portions cooperate so as to define a second opening distally located to the exterior wall. The first opening has a lower boundary and the second opening has an upper boundary, with the lower boundary being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary. In use, the presence of a temperature differential within the entranceway causes warmer air to be sustainably trapped in an upper portion of the entranceway and above the upper boundary.

Abstract: A flat-roof installation set for solar collector modules (5) includes a carrier frame on which the solar collector modules (5) are mounted, whereby the solar modules (5) are mounted on a first side of an installation set (1) adjacent to one another in a plane inclined from the roof surface (3) and with their upper and lower edges (6, 10) positioned in parallel to the roof surface (3) and aligned with one another. In order to compensate for wind loads using aerodynamic supports, a wind-suppressing or wind-blocking connector is provided between the lower edges (6) of the solar module (5) and the roof surface (3), and the second side of the installation set (2) between the upper edges of the solar modules and the roof surface (3) is implemented to be of enclosed design, and is inclined with respect to the solar modules (5) and opposite them. Both ends of the installation set (4) and the underside of the installation set are open to the roof surface (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a flooring system for covering a surface, the system comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being substantially rectangular in cross section and comprising a gripping material, wherein at least one channel is provided in the flooring system and the first portion is located in said channel.

Abstract: A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The above attributes of the functional units ensures that the composite window units are architecturally pleasing and appear as though they were custom crafted.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: A training device for training the techniques of forcible entry through a locked door includes a door having an inner vertical edge, the door being hingedly mounted within a door frame for swinging movement between closed and open positions, the door frame including a hollow vertical jamb having a vertical surface adjacent the inner vertical edge of the door and an opening in the vertical surface communicating with the hollow. A pin projects from the door and is received within the opening in the jamb. When the door is in the closed position the pin is clamped by a pair of vertically opening and closing hinged jaws, the jaws being operable within the hollow between open and closed positions and being biased into the closed position by compression springs.

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A system and method to attach and retain panel tiles and a top cap to a support frame of a modular wall panel system. The top cap attached to the support frame includes an elongated body having a one or more attachment clips removably attached to the elongated body at desired locations along the length of the elongated body. The attachment clips and elongated body are formed separately and assembled prior to attachment to the modular panel. The elongated body includes a pair of receiving cavities that receive spring arms formed on each of the attachment clips. The attachment clips are rotated into position such that the spring arms engage the elongated body and hold the attachment clips in position. Each panel includes a stiffener bracket having engagement tabs. The engagement tabs are received within notches formed in the vertical posts to secure the tiles to the support frame.

Abstract: A house design which incorporates a pedestal type foundation capable of facilitating construction on sites of the varying types of using a post and beam technique. The house design utilizes a central core as an essential focal point of the entire house structure. The design makes it possible to increase the size of the lower level of the structure up to 60-75%, whereby the size of the floor space can be doubled without further addition to the foundation or roof.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and systems for forming tiled transitions between surfaces. One bracket embodiment for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface forming an inside corner includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip to form the tiled transition, and a channel for receiving a filler material adjacent to the receiving slot.

Abstract: A worktop accessory, which includes an elongate body defining a first side extendible along a worktop edge and a second side extendible along a surface against which the worktop edge abuts, at least one attachment formation provided on at least one of the first side and the second side, the attachment formations for attaching the elongate body, and a flexible skirt extending along at least a portion of one side of the elongate body, the flexible skirt arranged for engaging any one of the worktop surface and the abutting surface.

Abstract: Corner profile for fastening skirting boards, comprising two walls (2, 3) forming a body (1, 1.1) and being provided with fitting up elements (4, 5, 4.1, 5.1). According to the present invention the body (1, 1.1) of the skirting fastener is made of a flexible plastics material and its outer shape fits the profile of the skirting. The walls (2, 3) are provided with stiffening inserts (4, 5, 4.1, 5.1) made of stiff plastics material, placed along the upright ends of the walls and immovable connected to the walls. The fitting up elements (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 6a, 9a) are constituting one unit with the inserts (4, 5, 4-1, 5.1).

Abstract: An edging rail for a flooring (2) has a base member (3) and a covering member (4). These are integrally joined together. In order to fix the edging rail effectively to the flooring (2), at least one drive channel (10) is supported on the base member (3). Engaging in this drive channel (10) is at least one screw (11), which passes through a bore (12) in the covering member (4).

Abstract: A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel assembly including methods of assembly and installation.