Abstract: A method of preparing cellulosic biomass material for subsequent processing first comprises moving at least one stream of biomass material along a flow path. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be explosively dried and pulverized to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds, and to reduce a moisture content and a particle size of the cellulosic biomass material. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be electrically degraded the stream of cellulosic biomass material to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds. Additional pre-treatment and post-treatment processes can also be included.

Abstract: A process for treating mixtures of solid coal and fly ash containing metallic oxides, silicon dioxide and sulfur compounds in order to produce treated coal and substantially pure silicon dioxide comprising (1) reacting a mixture of the coal and fly ash with hydrogen fluoride in water to produce a liquid stream comprising silicon fluoride and metal fluorides and a solids stream comprising unreacted coal and sulfur compounds; (2) reacting the sulfur compounds with metallic nitrates dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution of nitrate, metallic and sulfur ions; (3) separating the aqueous solution of nitrate, sulfur and metallic ions from the solid coal; (4) washing the previously treated solid coal with water; (5) reacting the silicon fluorides and metal fluorides with metallic nitrates in an aqueous mixture to form solid silicon dioxide; and separating the solid silicon dioxide from the aqueous mixture.

Abstract: This invention concerns the beneficiation of coal, in particular a process for improving mined coal. The invention is a commercial scale process for improving coal, comprising the steps of: Comminuting coal to a particle size at which individual Macerals are available. Extracting reactive Macerals from the comminuted coal as froth from the top of a deep-column flotation cell. And, dewatering the extracted Macerals. In another aspect the invention concerns a commercial scale processing plant for mined coal.

Abstract: Floating ponds for the cultivation of algae are disclosed. The floating ponds consist of a buoyant framework, a liner, a culture, and a mooring system. Submersible floating ponds are disclosed with a buoyant framework built from tubes that may be filled or partially filled with, for example, air, or water, or the surrounding water, or the culture, and thereby the present invention provides a framework in which the buoyancy may be modulated. Use of submerging lines and spools are disclosed to control the orientation and depth of the floating pond during submersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a full spectrum sunshine simulation apparatus for developing biological growth which comprises a full spectrum light emitting diode module and a photoperiod controller. Therein, the full spectrum light emitting diode module includes a printed circuit board and a plurality of full spectrum light emitting diodes, wherein the luminescence spectrum of the full spectrum light emitting diodes has a wavelength range of 350 nm to 800 nm. The photoperiod controller, connected to the full spectrum light emitting diode module, is in charge of lighting periods of the plurality of full spectrum light emitting diodes, color temperatures and emitting angles of the lights emitted from the plurality of full spectrum light emitting diodes, thereby simulating a environment under artificial sunlight.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member.

Abstract: A plant pot which is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots.

Abstract: A planter includes a center post and a series of upwardly-opening disc-shaped growing compartments which are arranged in a sequential relationship along the length of the center post and are suspended from the top of the center post. Each of the growing compartments has a center opening through which the center post extends so that the growing compartments are maintained in a centered relationship about the center post. Furthermore, a lowermost growing compartment has a substantially solid bottom for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein, and the remainder of the growing compartments have bottoms within which including relatively large openings are defined to accommodate the passage of relatively large clumps of dirt or potting soil through the bottoms thereof so that each of the growing compartments can be filled with dirt or potting soil placed into the uppermost growing compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of steam, syngas, a hydromethanation catalyst and an oxygen-rich gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the hydromethanation of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and a hydromethanation catalyst.

Abstract: An anti-pinching device (18) for a pivotable actuating element (6) of a motor vehicle (2) is specified. Said device comprises a capacitive sensor (8) which is intended to contactlessly detect an obstacle in the path of the actuating element (6) and has an electrode (14) for generating an external electric field opposite a counterelectrode (16), wherein the electrode (14) extends in a radial direction (R) of the pivoting movement of the actuating element (6), and a control unit (10) which is set up to interpret a change in a measurement capacitance (CM), which is formed between the electrode (14) and the counterelectrode (16), as pinching when the changed measurement capacitance (CM) exceeds a triggering threshold (A) which is predefined on the basis of an opening angle (?) of the pivotable actuating element (6) and to track the triggering threshold (A).

Abstract: A sensor assembly and method for detecting the position of an openable pane in a sliding vehicle door includes a window regular mechanism having a main lift arm supporting the pane and a drive mechanism for moving the pane in downward and upward directions. The main lift arm includes a sector gear plate at one end thereof. The sector gear plate is drivingly rotated by the drive mechanism. A slot is defined in the sector gear plate and the guide of a sensor mechanism is received in the slot. The guide is moved along the slot as the sector gear plate is rotated such that the guide is moved into a first portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a first rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its closed position and moved into a second portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a second, opposite rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its open position.

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 which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The front and rear members are brought toward each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and while also capturing an associated transparent pane. The rear frame member has a rib formed about an inner peripheral edge which is received in locking engagement within a cooperating peripheral groove provided on an inner side of the transparent panel. The rib and groove locking arrangement transfers impact forces on the pane to deformation forces on the front and rear frame members. A series of fastening members are used to hold the front and rear frame members securely against each other.

Abstract: A sectional folding up garage door refers to constructions with moving sectional elements intended for closing apertures in buildings and edifices. The area of invention's application is its use as automatically operated door both for private and commercial use. A sectional folding up garage door provides the sectional panel lifting up in vertical plane, folding such panel in consecutive order by two sections inside a premise as the door is being lifting, and piling compactly inside in the top part of an aperture. The door includes a panel of sections joint one by one like an accordion, a frame and sections power mechanism.

Abstract: A safety door automatic opening/closing device is capable of freely (arbitrarily) setting and controlling the opening/closing speed and the open position to shorten a waiting time required to open/close a safety door and capable of eliminating a touch switch; and a method of controlling the same.

Abstract: A drive system for an entry/exit facility with at least one pivotably and/or slidably mounted door, ramp, tread or the like of a passenger transport vehicle, the system including at least one actuator or drive motor and a mechanical system driven by it and/or a gear unit for effecting the pivoting or sliding movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, with an absolute value encoder for acquiring a momentary position during the pivoting or sliding movement, where an evaluation unit is configured to compare the momentary position with at least one reference position stored in a non-volatile memory of the evaluation unit in order to generate an output signal dependent thereon, and the absolute value encoder is flange-connected to a pin that fixes the pivoting movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, and the gear unit includes a first reduction gear unit, a second reduction gear unit, and a controllable coupling is provided between the reduction gear units.

Abstract: To improve the strength of a door handle, facilitate decorating of a door handle, simplify assembly, and improve the outward appearance of not only a door handle but also a door, there is provided a door handle for a refrigerator including: a handle holder fixed to a side of a door of the refrigerator; a handle bar body formed to extend in one direction, with extended ends thereof fixed to the handle holder and having a catching rib respectively formed at either side thereof; and a handle cover disposed at a front of the handle bar body and catching on and supported by the catching ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to, but not exclusively to, a door or window including a sealing arrangement. The invention provides a door or window 1 movable between an open position and a closed position where the, wherein the door or window 1 comprises a first face 4 and a second face 5, and a resiliently deformable strip 6 located at least partially between the first face and second face. When the door or window 1 is in the closed position, the resiliently deformable strip 6 is movable between a sealing position, in which the resiliently deformable strip 6 is in sealing contact with a perimeter of the door or window opening, and an unsealed position, in which the resiliently deformable strip 6 is not in sealing contact with the said perimeter. The door or window further comprises at least one pressure bar 17 for moving the resiliently deformable strip 6 between the sealing position and the unsealed position.

Abstract: The invention is for a polycrystalfine diamond composite material comprising intergrown diamond particles and a binder phase, the binder phase comprising a tin-based intermetallic or ternary carbide compound formed with a metallic solvent/catalyst. The invention extends to a polycrystalline diamond abrasive compact comprising such a composite material and to a tool insert comprising such a diamond abrasive compact.

Abstract: The system includes a substantially rigid body providing underlying support for a filtering layer, such as in the form of a screen. The body includes a heating wire or other heat source coupled thereto with the body formed of heat conductive material. The body is configured with multiple ribs extending up from a floor so that heat transfer from the body to the screen can occur in a variety of different locations to keep the screen sufficiently heated. The body also includes a wing for interfacing with roofing and openings to allow water filtering through the screen to migrate down into the gutter. A cover overlies a channel which can contain one or more heating wires that experience resistive heating when an electric current is applied thereto.

Abstract: A collapsible temporary housing system including a base, four walls being connected along each respective edge extending between at least two of the four corners, the walls being pivotally connected along the edges of the base so that when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration each wall is laid upon a previously collapsed wall creating a nearly horizontal surface extending across a top surface area of the base, and a flat roof, the flat roof being detached from the four walls while the four walls are pivoted into an erected position, secured to the walls once the walls are erected, and set upon the nearly horizontal surface when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration, wherein a plurality of other temporary housing systems may be stacked where a lean of the stacked housing systems which could result in the stacked housing systems falling over is not present.

Abstract: A wall module for the construction of a housing module comprises two beams, two primary studs, two bracing members, primary reinforcements and a plurality of secondary studs. The two beams are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The two primary studs are perpendicularly connected between different extremities of the two beams so as to define four wall corners. The two bracing members are connected substantially diagonally between two different opposed wall corners. The primary reinforcements are located at the wall corners and are connect one of the two beams to one of the two primary studs and to one of the bracing members. The secondary studs are attached to the two beams and to at least one of the two bracing members. The wall module may further comprise a sheathing attached to the secondary studs and a finishing sheet attached to the sheathing in between the secondary studs.

Abstract: An improved roofing method and assembly having a fascia cap designed to prevent water from moving through capillary action back towards the roof. The assembly has an a elongated drip edge running back the bottom edge of the fascia cap that displaces water away from the roof, preserving the integrity of the roof and building walls below. A blocking strip attaches the fascia cap to the roof, maintaining the assembly and helping the flow of water away from the roof.

Abstract: An architectural structure comprises a core column structure (1), a plurality of recessed platform structures (2) vertically spaced apart from each other and supported by the column structure, and landfill filled in the recessed platform structures form plots. A water reticulation system moves through all the plots from a central water supply system. Dwellings (4) are built on the plots.

Abstract: The gas fill device for multiple pane windows includes a tube installed through the peripheral spacer bar between two glass panes in an insulated glass assembly for a window, door glass, skylight, or the like. An elbow is pivotally attached to the external end of the tube. A supply of an inert, insulating gas may be attached to the elbow to refill the space between the two panes with the insulating gas, as needed. Two such tubes may be installed in each multiple pane window assembly, one to refill the space with insulating gas and the other to vent air from the space to the atmosphere as the space is refilled with the insulating gas. When the multiple pane window has more than two panes, the tube may be branched and supplied through a common elbow.

Abstract: Modular elements for roofs of buildings, comprising curved channel tiles (2), disposed in partially superposed mutually predefined position on the roof support surface, such as to form side by side rows extending substantially along the lines of maximum roof slope with their concavity facing upwards, and curved cover tiles (20, 44, 84) disposed with their concavity facing downwards in partially superposed condition to form rows straddling pairs of side by side rows of channel tiles, characterised in that the channel tile (2) presents the following characteristics:—it has an upwardly open longitudinal cavity bounded by two raised side portions (4),—said raised portions (4) are provided with downwardly facing legs (6),—said legs (6) are provided lowerly with feet (8) fixable to the feet of a side by side channel tile and, simultaneously therewith, to an underlying roofing plane,—its upstream transverse edge is provided with a rib on which the overlying channel tile pertaining to the same row (16) rests,—when se

Abstract: A wooden structure for a stair having tread and riser surfaces includes a tread member including a tread core layer made of lower quality wood and having a tread bottom face, and a tread lamella layer fixed on top of the tread core layer, made of higher quality wood, and having a tread top face. The tread member has a first height, and tread front and rear end faces respectively interconnecting front and rear ends of the tread top and bottom faces. A front nose member has a front nose rear face connected to the tread front end face and having a part extending downwardly from the tread front end face and adapted to face the riser surface, a front decorative face, and front nose top and bottom ends spaced apart from each other by a second height that is larger than the first height.

Abstract: A stairway system, kit and method for assembling the kit are provided, the system including pre-fabricated components such as steps, stringers, decorative mouldings and panels or boards, etc., on site. The kit comprises a step module and an adjacent step module, the step module comprising a riser and a tread, the riser being adapted to abut the tread on a first side thereof and being adapted to define a fastener-mating portion on a second side thereof. The tread is adapted to be secured atop the riser on one side thereof. The adjacent step module comprises a riser and a tread, the adjacent step module being adapted to be assembled with the step module by engaging a fastener with the fastener-mating portion of the step module and securing the fastener to the tread of the adjacent step module to secure the two step modules together.

Abstract: A structural frame typically comprised of steel metallic material that is utilized in retrofitting a small basement window in an older residence with an egress window is described that comprises pieces of linear L-channel that has been formed into a rectangular frame. The thickness of the channel is relatively thin permitting an installer to retrofit the smaller window with a larger one that is only marginally less wide without having to cut an opening within the foundation wall that is wider than the original window's steel buck. Excepting the bottom side of the original window's buck, it can be left in place during retrofit. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the foundation wall's load carrying capacity around the window opening is maintained during retrofit eliminating the need for additional reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double layered window having indoor and outdoor windows. The present invention provides a double layered window having horizontal cross-ventilation means installed at an upper end portion and/or a lower end portion of a vertical window frame so that air may flow in spaces defined between indoor and outdoor windows of each region through the horizontal cross-ventilation means without installing an openable window to all of the regions divided by the vertical window frame or without opening all openable windows.

Abstract: A door framing system includes a header including a header jamb, first and second legs each including a leg jamb dimensioned to abut against and extend downwards from a respective end of the header jamb, and, for each leg jamb, at least one adjustable connector for establishing a connection between the leg jamb and the header jamb and permitting selective tightening or loosening of the connection.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a connector assembly can comprise: a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel. The first side collector and second side collector can be configured to directly mate with each other to hold to panels together.

Abstract: A concrete beam assembly has a concrete beam with two vertical webs spaced apart from one another that extend along the length of the beam. A horizontal first flange extends between the first edges of the webs, so that the webs and first flange define a channel extending along the length of the beam. Horizontal second and third flanges extend laterally outward in opposing directions from the second edges of the webs. A flat flooring structure is supported by the upper surfaces of the beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a building façade having an inner wall, an insulation layer, an outer cladding layer and profiles for securing the outer cladding to the inner wall. Air gab for ventilation is provided between the insulation layer and the outer cladding. The insulation layer comprises insulation panels having two major large surfaces and four minor edge surfaces and the insulation panels have layers of insulation of different densities extending parallel to the two major surfaces, where a layer with a density above an average density of the panel is facing the outer cladding.

Abstract: An exterior wall assembly includes a wall frame supporting an interior wall layer and an exterior wall layer opposite the interior wall layer, a flexible sheet disposed within the exterior wall assembly, and a seal attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the wall frame. The flexible sheet is configured to transport moisture from between the interior wall layer and the exterior wall layer to a location outside of the exterior wall assembly.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes a wall frame, a trough, a moisture transport spacer coupled to the wall frame and providing a substantial barrier to the passage of air and moisture vapor through the wall assembly, a moisture wicking sheet disposed at a bottom of the wall frame and extending from the moisture transport spacer to the trough, and an air seal disposed between the moisture wicking sheet and the bottom of the wall frame. The trough communicates with a dynamic ventilation system configured to remove moisture collected in the trough.

Abstract: A building envelope assembly includes a first structural frame supporting a first interior layer, a second structural frame parallel with the first structural frame supporting a second interior layer and an exterior sheathing layer opposite the second interior layer, and a flexible sheet disposed within the assembly and configured to transport moisture from between the first structural frame and the second structural frame to a location outside of the assembly. A drain assembly is configured to transport moisture from the flexible sheet. A seal is attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the first and second structural frames.

Abstract: A prefabricated rain screen wall panel is provided comprising inner and outer concrete panels secured together by shear connectors. Intermediate members provide insulation, a drainage channel and a vapour barrier.

Abstract: A prefabricated rain screen wall panel is provided comprising inner and outer concrete panels secured together by shear connectors. Intermediate members provide insulation, a drainage channel and a vapour barrier.

Abstract: A glass element for forming glass brick walls, which has an overall parallelepiped shape and side walls shaped to enable insertion-engagement with the adjacent elements.

Abstract: A method and a system for reducing energy consumption, preventing excessive humidity and preventing contaminated air. The method includes locating the respective penetrations, applying an insulator sheet across the penetrations and sealing the surface of the sheets around the penetrations. The system includes a set of insulator sheets which prevents or substantially reduces the leakage of treated air from a home or other building through penetrations. Each insulator sheet in the set of insulator sheets in the form of a flexible, impervious cellular sheet with a fire retardant adhesive for sealing the respective sheets around the respective penetrations.

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly to the foot. The second arm may also extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: A profile rail system (1) is used to cover a covering edge (2). The profile rail system (1) consists of at least one base rail (4) and at least one cover rail (5) that can be adjusted relative to the base rail. The base rail (4) and cover rail (5) are held together by at least one permanent magnet (20) in such a way that the cover rail (5) is pulled towards the base rail (4). At least a section of the base rail (4) and cover rail (5) can be magnetized to achieve a polarity-independent force effect of the permanent magnet (20).

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: An open web low thermal conductivity steel stud, having a web defining a longitudinal axis and a web plane, side edges along each side of the web, main web openings formed through the web defining two lengthwise sides parallel to the web axis, ribs extending diagonally across the web between the main web openings, right angle flanges formed around the main web opening and along the ribs, bent away from the web, and having flange extensions formed along the right angle flanges formed along the two lengthwise sides of the main web opening, bent at further right angles into planes parallel to but spaced from the web plane to define three sided parallel spaced apart reinforcing channels extending lengthwise along the web, rib openings at each end of each rib defining narrow throat portions of the web for reduced heat transmission, at least one stud leg formed along at least one web side edge, at right angles to the web, and, two parallel screw receiving grooves formed in the at least one stud leg, the grooves bei

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for manufacturing a slab of extruded material, with a die relief, in which an outlet is arranged, of which the outlet edge determines an outlet cross-section with a given shape and size, wherein at least one peripheral portion of the outlet edge is arranged in a manner displaceable inwards and outwards transversely to the axis of the outlet and can be adjusted inwards and outwards by an adjustment device.

Abstract: In a cement anchor for use in connection with light-weight construction panels, wherein the anchor comprises a cylindrical body with at least one piston forming with the cylindrical body a displacement area in which a meltable cement is disposed together with a heatable melt body, the melt body is heated just before the anchor is inserted into a bore in the panel so that the cement is liquefied and, upon compression of the anchor, is displaced from the displacement area into the space around the anchor, so that, upon solidification of the cement, the anchor is firmly connected to the lightweight construction panel.

Abstract: In a cement anchor for use in lightweight construction panels which anchor comprises a cylindrical body and at least one piston body and which includes a sealed cylinder interior filled with a flowable cement, the cylindrical body has at opposite ends at least one discharge opening which is closed but can be opened by a pressure-controlled valve structure for discharging the cement to the ambient area when installed in the lightweight construction panel.