Abstract: Genetically engineered cells and microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use. The products are particularly useful as biofuels.

Abstract: Provided is a synergistic biocidal composition comprising a biocidal N-(2-nitroalkyl) morpholine compound of formula I: where R, x, and y are as defined herein, together with an aromatic alcohol. The composition is cold temperature stable and is therefore useful for the control of microorganisms in a variety of matrices, including liquid fuels.

Abstract: Succinimide dispersant produced by reacting a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic anhydride and an amine having at least one primary amino group and at least one secondary amino group where the succinimide detergents are useful as additives in fuels.

Abstract: The use of a mixture comprising (A) 5 to 95% by weight of at least one oil-soluble polar nitrogen compound which can interact with paraffin crystals in middle distillate fuels under cold conditions, and (B) 5 to 95% by weight of at least one oil-soluble aliphatic compound with an alkyl or alkenyl chain having at least 8 carbon atoms, obtainable from aliphatic mono- or dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 300 carbon atoms or derivatives thereof with mono- or polyamines or with alcohols, for lowering the cloud point in middle distillate fuels which, before the addition of additives, have a CP of ?8.0° C. or lower by at least 1.5° C. compared to the unadditized middle distillate fuel at a dosage of the mixture of 50 to 300 ppm by weight, with no simultaneous deterioration in the response behavior for the lowering of the cold filter plugging point on addition of cold flow improvers.

Abstract: Molten metal or molten metal alloy catalysts for transesterification reactions are provided. In particular, readily available molten tin is used as a catalyst for biodiesel production. Catalysts comprising tin alloys with low melting point temperatures to allow for low operation temperatures are also provided. The molten catalysts remain in the reaction zone and do not contaminate the product stream, thereby product separation and recovery are manageable. By using molten tin catalysts, it is possible to produce a high quality glycerol as a second valuable product. Furthermore, wide quality ranges of reactants (alcohol and oil) are available for biodiesel production with molten tin catalysts.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns the synthesis and use of novel polymers based on ethylene and vinyl esters, modified by conjugation to improve their solubility in liquid hydrocarbons, as double-purpose additives to improve the filterability and flow of liquid hydrocarbons at low temperatures, in particular for middle distillates derived from the distillation of petroleum and crude oil.

Abstract: A process of preparing alkyl esters of free fatty acids, including, but not limited to, biodiesel, is described herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a plant for biofuel production, such as with biogasoline and/or biodiesel. The process includes the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a remainder. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to a biofuel material and using the remainder for generation of power or further downstream conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a composition comprising at least two different ethers using ethanol, or a combination of ethanol and methanol, as a starting material.

Abstract: Blind system comprising a number of strip elements or blinds. Each strip element comprises a bilaterally light-translucent material which, on the side directed towards the outside world, is infrared-reflective. This material is also preferably ultraviolet-reflective or capable of transforming ultraviolet light into a different (visible) frequency. The blind strips may be formed of horizontal and vertical strip elements and it is also possible to mount these on a roll so that a retractable shade can be achieved. The blinds are preferably mounted on the interior of a building. The strip elements comprise a number of superimposed layers with different specific optical properties, the combination of which results in the desired light effects.

Abstract: A natural fiber lining material 10 for horticultural containers 16 which is placed below soil 14 and will not absorb or release water 30 until soil is saturated with water.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. The tubing along the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: A method of recycling a tail gas includes converting sulfur present in an acid gas stream into elemental sulfur to produce a tail gas and recycling the tail gas to at least one of a gasification reactor and a gas removal subsystem.

Abstract: A dry feed two stage gasification system and process is disclosed for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials with improved energy efficiency, along with reductions in feedstock consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The feedstock is first dried and pretreated with the hot syngas in the upper section of the gasifier to generate a dry char that is low in volatile-matter content. This dry char is sent to the first stage of a two stage gasifier where it reacts with oxygen in the presence of steam to produce a hot syngas stream.

Abstract: A multi-stage method and apparatus for producing methane from biomass in which the biomass is hydropyrolyzed in a reactor vessel containing molecular hydrogen and a deoxygenating catalyst, the output of which is hydrogenated using a hydroconversion catalyst. The output from the hydroconversion step is provided to a water-gas-shift process providing a mixture of H2O and product gases including CO2, H2, and methane. The mixture components are separated, resulting in a product stream comprising substantially only methane.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the va

Abstract: A pit cover open/close device including a closing limiting stopper for a pit cover which is disposed in a position corresponding to a top of a roller of a chassis dynamometer, guides disposed on a stationary side of the pit in an opposed relation to both side faces of the roller of the chassis dynamometer and extending along a circumferential direction of the roller of the chassis dynamometer, a two-part split pit cover supported by the guides and including two pit cover parts into which the pit cover is split from a portion thereof corresponding to the position of the stopper, the two pit cover parts being movable in an opening direction and a closing direction, respectively, and a cylinder including a movable rod that is connected to one of the two pit cover parts and a body that is connected to the other of the two pit cover parts, the cylinder being driven to allow the two pit cover parts to move along the guides in the opening direction and the closing direction.

Abstract: To provide an enclosure structure for a building, which can maintain a high power generation efficiency without formation of irregularities on the surface of the enclosure such as a roof, nor application of an external force to solar battery modules, and which can form a lightweight enclosure capable of photovoltaic generation. An enclosure structure for a building, comprising an outer film material made of a light transmitting material and arranged on the outer surface side of the building, an inner film material arranged along inside of the outer film material, an intermediate film material disposed between the outer film material and the inner film material, an air supply means for supplying air to the space between the outer film material and the inner film material, and solar battery modules 7 provided on the inner surface of the intermediate film material.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing apparatus includes a drum unit disposed on the side of one face of an inner panel constituting a vehicle door and including a take-up drum capable of taking up a length of cable disposed between the vehicle and the vehicle door, a drive unit disposed on the side of the other face of the inner panel and configured to drive the take-up drum, a power transmission mechanism configured for transmitting a rotational drive force of the drive unit to the take-up drum, with allowing engagement and disengagement between take-up drum and the drive unit, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the drive unit to the drum unit, with the inner panel being clamped therebetween.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments of entry systems that minimize water infiltration due to a wind driven rain. In one embodiment, the entry system includes a corner pad that includes an upper portion that seals against the weather strip when the door is closed and a lower portion that is spaced apart from the weather strip to form a gap between the lower portion and the weather strip. The lower portion seals against the door when the door is closed.

Abstract: A door seal assembly includes a gasket and at least one door seal clip. The gasket includes an inner core and an outer jacket. The at least one door seal clip is formed from a wire segment and is adapted to be mounted to the gasket. The door seal clip includes an attachment portion and a base portion. The attachment portion is formed as a first loop extending along a longitudinal axis of the door seal clip. The attachment portion is capable of undergoing elastic deformation transversely about the longitudinal axis. The base portion is formed as a second loop oriented in a substantially perpendicular manner about the first loop. The base portion is adapted to be mounted between the inner core and the outer jacket.

Abstract: Standard ground track slide gates roll along a piece of inverted angle iron fastened to the ground the entire length of travel from the fully open to the fully closed position. Typically this is accomplished by a stationary post set on either side of the gate with rollers attached to where the top horizontal frame member passes. With this arrangement of rollers, a situation exists in which there is a heavy steel gate panel moving past two stationary posts. This can be a potentially dangerous situation since the chance of entrapment is a distinct possibility.

Abstract: A tool for grinding an inner diameter even when holders having grindstones are axially connected. A gap enclosed by the inner peripheral surface of a divided tool holder, a draw bar and O-rings is formed in a state in which the draw bar is inserted into a tool holder in which a plurality of divided tool holders are connected in series. A filler is filled into the gap to fix a support bush to the divided tool holder. An adjustment screw of each arm held circumferentially away from each other on the divided tool holder is turned to adjust a distance between a pin and the arm, and the radial projecting amount of each of grindstones is adjusted. The projecting amount is adjusted such that the plurality of grindstones rotate along the same rotational trajectory and the center of the rotational trajectory corresponds to the axis of the draw bar.

Abstract: A plastic soft composition is formed of soft base material constantly provided with plasticity, porous fine particles for polishing contained in the base material, and the like, and a polishing process and a coating process are performed to a painted surface and the like using the plastic soft composition. The fine particles for polishing are impregnated with a coating agent (a surface protective agent) added with an activator which is emulsified by contact with water, and the coating agent is held in concave portions formed in the fine particles. Both polishing work and coating work are achieved by sliding the plastic soft composition on a painted surface by a palm pressure of a user.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article includes a backing and fused alumina-zirconia abrasive grains attached to the backing with a binder. The fused alumina-zirconia abrasive grains include between about 35 wt % and about 45.5 wt % ZrO2+HfO2, between about 43.7 wt % and about 65 wt % Al2O3, less than about 0.8 wt % SiO2 and less than about 10 wt % other oxides. The fused alumina-zirconia abrasive grains simultaneously satisfy both a granulometric and densimetric condition.

Abstract: A gutter system is provided to guard a gutter from the entry of leaves, debris, pine needles, twigs, and the like, and to prevent water and animals from entry. In at least one embodiment, a hanger bracket is configured to secure a gutter to a building, and configured to secure an upper gutter cover and a lower gutter cover, in a tiered, stair-step manner, to the gutter. In another embodiment a gutter system is provided that includes a gutter, an upper gutter cover, a lower gutter cover, and a hanger bracket configured to secure the gutter to a building having a roof and rainwater runoff, and configured to secure the upper gutter cover and the lower gutter cover, in a tiered, stair-step manner, to the gutter. In yet another embodiment a method for protecting gutters from debris other than rainwater runoff is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved safety nosing component including a base element with channel member and a light emission element. The safety nosing component is manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, triple-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two-shot molding or a combination thereof. The present invention allows safety nosing components to be installed on architectural structures while also providing additional functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system for tall structures, characterized by prefinished rectangular floor plates or cover plates and pillars or posts which can be disposed and/or attached at the plate corners in each case between one floor plate and one cover plate.

Abstract: A computer system may include a connecting hub having a plurality of docking regions and be configured to provide to each docking region electrical power, a data network interface, a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a plurality of shipping containers that each enclose a modular computing environment that incrementally adds computing power to the system. Each shipping container may include a) a plurality of processing units coupled to the data network interface, each of which include a microprocessor; b) a heat exchanger configured to remove heat generated by the plurality of processing units by circulating cooling fluid from the supply through the heat exchanger and discharging it into the return; and c) docking members configured to releaseably couple to the connecting hub at one of the docking regions to receive electrical power, connect to the data network interface, and receive and discharge cooling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular construction system to be applied to buildings, comprising a steel structure composed by octagonal tubing that acts as external beams, octagonal tubing that acts as external beams, octagonal tubing that acts as internal beams, structural connections, cross members for the roof structure, a hollow roof ridge member, panels acting as structural walls and partitions, bracing plates to connect the panels, external finishing member and internal finishing member, whereas the whole structure is anchored to the floor. When creating an edge column to connect the panels to the steel structure, internal angular shaped bracing plates are used and external ones with a shape similar to letter “C”, provided with holes along the length for the bolts and connection slot to connect the external finishing member by means of internal clips with a rim for connection to the clamp through the recesses arranged in the interior.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each, of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic cementitious article with one or more pre-formed shaped regions. The shaped regions are generally channels that extend through a portion of the article or span the full article. The article includes one or more openings at least one of its ends. The article has a low apparent density with a high strength as well as high performance characteristics. The article when manufactured is suitable for use as a building product, such as siding, panel, trim, fascia, roofing, crown moulding, decking, and fencing.

Abstract: A bird repellent system comprising a round shaft and shaft base installation securely fastened to a tower, wherein the shaft is inserted perpendicularly into the tubular recess of the shaft base and held upright. The shaft comprises through which links can be formed to create a mesh or grid pattern to repel birds from landing or roosting on top of a tower structure.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tower sections, each tower section having a pressure member that engages with a respective pressure member on a respective tower section when the tower sections are moved from a nesting condition to an extended position, the engagement of the pressure members occurring at the overlap of the tower sections to increase stability of the telescoping tower and reduce unwanted play at the overlap regions.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members of injection molded plastic which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The window frame members have alignment elements to assist in assemble and have engagement elements located about their peripheries which snap together in mating fashion to mount the frame members within the window opening. The engagement elements are adjustable to accommodate garage door panels of varying thicknesses and window panes of varying thicknesses. The engagement elements are also disengageable with a hand tool to separate the frame members and remove the members from the window opening.

Abstract: An antenna mast system includes an antenna mast and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart upper cable tensioning arms each coupled at one end proximate the top of the mast. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart lower cable tensioning arms are each coupled at one end to the mast at a selected distance below the upper cable tensioning arms. A plurality of stay cables are each coupled at one end to one of the upper cable tensioning arms and at the other end to an anchor affixed to the ground. The stay cables are each coupled to a respective one of the lower tensioning arms. The system includes means for tensioning the stay cables.

Abstract: The seismic isolation apparatus 1 is an apparatus for damping the vibrations of an upper section A of a structure with respect to a lower section B of the structure, and provided with a plurality of U-shaped seismic isolation members 10, a first coupling plate 20 to which one end of the seismic isolation member 10 is fixed, and a second coupling plate 30 to which the other end of the seismic isolation member 10 is fixed. The seismic isolation members 10A are placed between the first coupling plate 20 and the second coupling plate 30 in a direction. The seismic isolation members 10B are placed between the first coupling plate 20 and the second coupling plate 30 in a direction oppose to the direction of the seismic isolation members 10A.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting ingress of radon into a room (20) of a building (1a, 1b), the room is at least in part below ground level, the apparatus comprises a waterproofing structure (10), the waterproofing structure defines with at least one of an adjacent wall, floor and ceiling a cavity (11) therebetween, and the cavity is sealed from the interior space of the room, and the apparatus further comprises at least one of a positive pressure pump (8) to apply positive air pressure into the interior space and suction apparatus (7) which is in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.

Abstract: The modular flooring element (1) according to the invention comprises a panel element (2), two hooking brackets (404) arranged on a longitudinal side, two shallow recesses (44) arranged on the other longitudinal side, a hooking bracket (604) arranged on a transversal side and a shallow recess (64) arranged on the other transversal side. The brackets (404) couple with the shallow recesses (44) of another modular element, and similarly the brackets (604) couple with the shallow recesses (64), so as to block the flooring elements both longitudinally and transversally. The hooking brackets (404, 604) are provided with bearings for making the same brackets slide easier. The modular floor so provided can be assembled and dismantled quite quickly. Tongue and groove joints along the longitudinal and transversal edges render the assembled floor quite strong.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a base or film and one or more attachment members. As an exemplary use of a connector to install tiles, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that an attachment member faces upward and attaches to the first tile. One or more other tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that the same or other attachment members of the connector attach to the adjacent tiles. In certain embodiments, an attachment member comprises projections that form a mechanical connection with the undersides of the tiles. For example, a connector may comprise a plastic unit with raised ridges that interact with corresponding indentations on the undersides of the tiles. A connector can also or alternatively form a connection with tiles and/or the underlying floor surface by having a high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: There is a frame casing kit configured to couple to a door frame, including a plurality of casing strips; wherein each of the casing strips are non-ductile. Each of the plurality of casing strips includes ends shaped to couple together to form a complete covering of a rectangular frame. The frame casing includes a clip orthogonally coupled to a side panel, and coupled to a step orthogonally, and also coupled to a face. The clip is configured to couple about a door jamb behind a weather stripping, and the face is configured to cover an exterior portion of a door frame. The frame casing kit further includes an adhesive, such that when the fluid adhesive is applied to an interior surface of a casing strip, to couple to a frame by the adhesive. The frame casing kit further includes an accessory face selectably coupleable to the face.

Abstract: A fenestration construction member includes a monolithic frame having a front surface, a rear surface, and peripheral wall extending between the front and rear surfaces. The peripheral wall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. The inward facing surface of the peripheral wall defining a through opening into which is positionable a window assembly in sealing contact with the inward facing surface. The monolithic frame further having a sill pan flange extending continuously around the interior facing surface in a direction inwardly therefrom. The monolithic frame further having a fastening flange extending in a direction outwardly from the outward facing surface. The monolithic frame being positionable in a wall frame having a rough opening defined by a sill, a header and a pair vertical jambs extending therebetween with the peripheral wall extending into the rough opening and with the fastening flange abutting an exterior surface of the wall frame.

Abstract: A receptor buck and receptor system for securing a window or door frame. The receptor buck includes a longitudinal rack, a surface of the rack that includes an aperture for accepting a first fastener to fasten the rack to a wall opening surface, and another surface that includes another aperture for accepting a second fastener to fasten the window or door frame to the rack. The receptor system includes the rack, the first and second fasteners, and the fasteners extend in generally the same direction.

Abstract: A buck for use with concrete form systems, such as insulated concrete forms and the like, is provided. The buck is particularly suitable for an opening in an insulated concrete form and comprises a main section having first and second ends, the first end for attaching to a first panel in the insulated concrete form, an angle section having first and second ends, the first end connected to the main section and the second end of the angle section for attaching to a second panel of the insulated concrete form, for providing an angle between the angle section and the main section, wherein at least one of the main section and the angle section is disposed non-perpendicularly from the first panel or second panel.

Abstract: A self-cleaning flooring system for catching waste products has at least one module comprising a drain pan and a floor grid. The drain pan has a ramp and a central drain outlet. The ramp extends around the drain pan defining a drain pan periphery. The ramp slopes downward from the drain pan periphery towards the drain outlet. The drain pan periphery has a plurality of discharge ports spaced therealong for discharge of flushing fluid onto the ramp such that the waste products are washed down the ramp towards the drain outlet. The floor grid extends across the drain pan and is mounted upon the drain pan periphery for supporting personnel standing thereon while permitting waste products to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A wall mounted panel system wherein panels are permitted three directions of expansion and contraction since each of panel is affixed to the wall at a single point. For example, the system includes a first and second panel adjacent to one another. An upper bracket and a lower bracket are affixed to the back of each panel, wherein the upper brackets are affixed to the wall and wherein the lower bracket of the first panel is movably engaged with the upper bracket of the second panel. The panels do not communicate with any sealing members, thereby allowing for air to flow freely behind the panels for providing a means of removing moisture from behind the panels. A brace member in communication with the interior surface of each panel has an upper end affixed to the upper bracket and a lower end affixed to the lower bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively.

Abstract: A simulated shingle structure comprising a wood board with a base and an upper edge, the base having a thickness greater than the upper edge, and a plurality of vertical cuts extending partially through a front face of a board. In one embodiment, a portion of the base is removed such that the shingles will appear to have differing lengths.