Abstract: A recoil operating pistol has a barrel and slide with at least a pair of flat mating surfaces extending along a substantial length of both the barrel and slide parallel to each other on opposite sides of the barrel. The matching flat surfaces of the barrel and slide allow relative sliding motion between the slide and the barrel when the at least a portion of the barrel is received in the hollow interior of the slide.

Abstract: A weapon protection device for enclosing a weapon. The weapon protection device protects the weapon from adverse conditions, including water, dust, dirt and sand. The weapon protection device features a transparent or translucent material that is impervious to water and is lightweight. The material is highly flexible and stretchable. The weapon protection device is compact when not in use and requires very little storage space. The weapon protection device allows a user to fire the weapon with either hand while the weapon is inside the protection device. The weapon protection device is designed to be a shoot-through device, which can be used where a weapon must be transported through a wet and/or dirty environment. The weapon protection device allows the weapon to be used on short notice and does not require removal of the weapon from the weapon protection device in order to use the weapon.

Abstract: A combined reflex/telescopic sight that includes a telescopic optical element train and a view window, offset from the optical element train. A transition assembly is positioned to receive light from the optical element train and the view window and has an image display, a collimating lens-set positioned to transmit light to the image display and a luminous reticle. This assembly may be placed in a first mode wherein light from the optical train travels through the collimating lenses to the image display and light from the view window is blocked. In a second mode light from the optical train is blocked and light from the luminous reticle travels through the collimating lens set and is combined with light from the view window and a resulting combined image appears at the image display. Finally an actuation assembly is adapted to permit a user to switch the transition assembly between modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relate to an optical sight that includes a first section, and a second section having optics thereon and having spaced first and second portions. One aspect of the method and apparatus involves: adjustably positioning the first portion relative to the first section; and yieldably urging movement of the second portion toward a target position relative to the first section while yieldably resisting movement of the second portion away from the target position, movement of the first portion by the adjusting structure effecting movement of the second portion relative to the first section.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bait rigging holder constructed from only a single block of material such as plastic. The bait holder is provided with a first pair of side members having a trough or slot extending along the entire length of these first pair of side members. A second pair of side members extend from the end of the first pair of side members and are also provided with a slot or trough therethrough. The height of the second pair of side members is less than the height of the first pair of side members. The bait rigging holder is utilized to rig a bait fish, such as a ballyhoo by allowing a fisherman to appropriately attach the bait fish to a hook, such as a circle hook.

Abstract: A fishing sinker includes a tumbled limestone body and an element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line. The element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line can include: a break-away swivel fastener including a stem in a cavity of the limestone body, an eyelet, and a swivel body coupling the stem to the eyelet, an eyelet including a loop portion and a twisted portion, or a tongue and groove fastener.

Abstract: A bait dispenser 8, for use by an angler, includes a container 9 into which bait can be loaded when the container is open. The container 9 can be closed to retain the bait therein. The bait dispenser 8 is attachable to a line for casting the bait dispenser into a body of water, where the container 9 is structured to burst open upon impact with the water.

Abstract: A fly-safe fly patch for containing and drying fishing flies having an outer injection molded cover, an inner injection molded telescoping capsule, and a gate when actuated provides access to an internal storage chamber within the fly patch's capsule. The fly patch is sized such that the fly patch may be actuated with a single hand, the thumb and forefingers. The fly patch is constructed such that the described means for actuating exposes a gate in the sidewall accessing the inner storage chamber and when manual compression is removed the gate in the sidewall automatically shuts providing a safe, loss free environment for the fishing flies. The fly patch is shaped to avoid entanglement with brush and other accessories used during angling as well as include a fixation apparatus for attaching the fly-patch to a fly-fishing vest or other articles during angling.

Abstract: A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid that together at least in part define an interior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of the station in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management station also includes at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing. The base includes a floor panel and an inner surface on which rodents move within the interior space. An upstanding rear wall extends upward relative to the floor panel about substantially less than the circumference of the floor panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insect trap which has been designed to facilitate simple and efficient servicing, maintenance and cleaning. The trap includes a back housing; a frame swing mounted to said housing; and a cover comprising openings allowing insects to enter the trap and the frame supports at least one light such that said frame and lights can be moved from a first position where they overlie the back housing, to a second position where they lie clear of the back housing such that an insect catching means which may be fitted over the back housing is readily accessible for replacement during servicing. Additionally, the trap is adapted for ease of servicing and jet cleaning by the provision of shields each of which sealably protect, from water ingress, the plurality of lights at the positions where they connect to electrical fittings.

Abstract: An device for attracting and capturing an insect is provided. The device includes a housing which defines an interior space and a plurality of entrances in open communication with the interior space, a downwardly sloping panel coupled to and disposed within the housing, and an adhesive attached to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the downwardly sloping panel. The downwardly sloping panel and the housing together define a tapering passageway which leads to a crevice opposite at least one of the plurality of entrances, and the adhesive attached to the bottom surface of the panel is adapted to capture the insect.

Abstract: A suspension may include an aqueous liquid and suspended particles. The particles may include a nonpolar and/or hydrophobic substance (e.g., a lipid) substantially contained within polar and/or hydrophilic exterior layers. A method for extracting the suspended lipids may include adding a nonpolar solvent to the suspension and disrupting the exterior layers to expose the lipids to the nonpolar solvent. In some cases, particles may also include interior hydrophilic portions (e.g., intracellular water), which may be exposed to the aqueous liquid via disruption of the exteriors. The mixture may be accelerated to segregate the mixture into first and second products. The first product may have a majority of the nonpolar and/or hydrophobic substances. The second product may have a majority of the polar substances.

Abstract: Provided are additives of formula I for use in hydrocarbonaceous compositions, such as petroleum or liquid fuels: (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein. The additives improve the corrosion resistance of the compositions. The additives also enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of any added biocides contained in such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out pyrolysis in such manner that a first raw material is fed to a combustion boiler and a second raw material is fed to a pyrolysis reactor which are integrated together, energy fractions are formed from the raw material in the combustion boiler and gaseous and liquid product fractions are formed from the raw material in the pyrolysis reactor by fast pyrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-containing feed fraction, preferably natural gas, wherein: a) the feed fraction (1) is liquefied (E1, E2), b) is separated by rectification (T1) into a nitrogen-enriched fraction (9), the methane content of which is a max. of 1% by volume, and a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-depleted fraction (4), c) the hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-depleted fraction (4) is subcooled (E3) and expanded (b), d) the expanded hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-depleted fraction (5) is separated (D1) into a hydrocarbon-rich fraction (6), the nitrogen content of which is a max. of 1% by volume, and a nitrogen-rich fraction (7), and e) the nitrogen-rich fraction (7) is added to the feed fraction (1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming biomass pellets using biomass feedstock having predetermined characteristics to form biomass pellets having desired characteristics. The process can utilize feedstock derived from a variety of biomass feedstock sources, including wood, agricultural crops, energy crops and weeds, alone or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from waste material. The waste material is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a non-grindable product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect heat-drying apparatus that is resistant to adhesion of the substance to be dried on heating pipes and gives a product having a desired and stabilized liquid content. The present invention relates to an indirect heat-drying apparatus, comprising two indirect-heating rotary dryers, i.e., the first and second indirect-heating rotary dryers that are arranged in series so that the dried substance from the first indirect-heating rotary dryer is supplied to and dried in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer as the substance to be dried; and a carrier gas-supplying means of supplying the carrier gas co-currently in the first indirect-heating rotary dryer and counter-currently in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer, with respect to the flow direction from the substance to be dried.

Abstract: A method for reducing tar fuel viscosity by steam heating, during slurrification in a rotary slurrifier, is described for creating slurries of many small tar particles suspended in a continuous water phase. This heating is done at pressure to avoid evaporation of the water. The tar in water slurry is evaporatively cooled by subsequent depressurization.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for the production of high yield agricultural and aquaculture products using separate, discrete and scalable production units that cooperate to provide a low carbon food production facility. A combination of greenhouses, hydroponic farms, fish hatcheries and on-site pyrolysis-gasification generators is used to produce and consume almost all the necessary materials from a feed stock of municipal waste, and other forms of carbon-containing waste feed stocks.

Abstract: A tree trimming method that is related to a convex method of angular trimming of trees. The methodology uses angle cuts for tree trimming and shaping of all shade trees, evergreen trees, and ornamental trees. The angle cutting of limbs is in a “convex cut”. This makes curved cuts bring the tree limbs in a radial shape and encourages them to grow which results in the tree canopy to be round or radial in shape. Angle cutting proves useful either on the outside perimeter or useful in vertical clearing inside the tree canopy for clearance (for power lines and such). Essentially any angle of clearing or directional shaping can be done with this of cutting method—under the canopy, on the sides, at the top, or clearing pathways through the middle without damage to the trees.

Abstract: There is provided a greenhouse windbreak mechanism which is less prone to collapse of cultivation greenhouses, even when the greenhouse windbreak mechanism is constructed along with the cultivation greenhouses such as plastic greenhouses with relatively-lower strength and is subjected to storm winds or strong monsoons. There are provided a windbreak fence which surrounds one or more cultivation greenhouses and is annularly placed to be erected with a larger height than that of the cultivation greenhouses, a ventilation portion which is formed, at an upper portion of the windbreak fence, to have a predetermined longitudinal width from the upper end of the windbreak fence and includes a plurality of through holes which are dispersedly placed; and a plurality of baffle plates which form a plurality of through holes in its entire surface or partially for passing strong winds therethrough when they are laterally placed above the cultivation greenhouses.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a plant is described. The apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member that engages a first surface of a structure at a first vertical position. A second substantially horizontal member engages a second surface of the structure at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A frame is coupled to the second substantially horizontal member and is shaped to support a pot containing the plant. The weight of the supported plant urges the first substantially horizontal member against the first surface of the structure and urges the second substantially horizontal member against the second surface of the structure, thereby securing the apparatus to the structure.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the quality and/or vigor of plants is described. Plants are planted in row sections and a cart is used to pass a radiometric sensor over the row sections. The cart has a radiometric sensor assembly positioned above the row section. Each sensor assembly generates a data signal and a computer receives and stores the data signals. The field cart is positioned above the row sections and measures the existence of plants in the row section and the quantity of vegetation in the row section.

Abstract: In intensive agriculture it is important to provide high-quality seeds with a good, rapid and uniform germination. The invention relates to a method for treating plant seeds. The invention also relates to a device for treating plant seeds by applying such a method.

Abstract: A seed germination device for use in connection with a drip irrigation system, which includes a drip irrigation emitter having a water inlet tube for connection to a water source, an emitter housing having a base and a perimeter wall that define a partially enclosed interior space, an open end, and a water outlet, and a cellulosic seed packet disposed within the enclosed interior space and over said water outlet tube. When the emitter housing is disposed on or under soil and the water turned on, the seed packet dissolves and the germination commences.

Abstract: A plant propagation transfer method comprising the steps of segregating plantlets (14) from a tissue-culture medium into a root permeable container (10) containing an aqueous gel medium (13) including inorganic nutrient and supported in a support tube (12). The segregated plantlets (14) are acclimated in light and air until the roots extend toward the bottom of the container (10), before separating the container (10) from the support tube (12) and planting out while still in the container (10). The container (10) comprising a root permeable sleeve formed from a heat sealable, non-woven cellulosic tissue material having a proportion of polyolefin fibre therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heating structure of a gasification tank in an action includes a furniture which is provided with an action and an interior of the action is provided with a gasification tank and a gas cylinder. A wall of the gasification tank in the action is provided with at least one electrothermal pad by which gas passing through the gasification tank can be heated up, avoiding that air pressure is reduced as air temperature in the gasification tank is too low, as the present invention can effectively and continuously heat up the air in the gasification tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing synthetic gas from bio-waste includes a chamber, a feeder, a plasma torch, a steam-providing and water-circulating system and a synthetic gas cleaner. The feeder is in communication with the chamber. The feeder feeds the bio-waste into the chamber. The plasma torch is in communication with the chamber. The plasma torch provides plasma into the chamber for gasifying the bio-waste into the synthetic gas. The steam-providing and water-circulating system circulates water for cooling the chamber and the plasma torch. Furthermore, the steam-providing and water-circulating system and provides steam into the plasma torch for the generation of the plasma. The synthetic gas cleaner is in communication with the chamber. The synthetic gas cleaner receives the produced synthetic gas and polishes it into fuel-class gas.

Abstract: A method for entrained bed gasification of biomass is provided, wherein pure biomass is first torrefied then milled and the torrefied and milled biomass is introduced to the gasification process with a fluid as a slurry. An energetically favorable process is described using the combination of torrefaction, milling and mixing with a liquid, preferably residual products from a subsequent synthesis process, but also other available suitable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device for man-door in overhead garage doors. The invention is suitable for garage doors (12) having a man-door (33) which opens into the garage. The invention includes a first supporting element (1, 1a, 45) in the garage door (12) for retaining a moving element (4, 4a, 4b) assisted by at least one spring (30, 37, 41), such that the moving element projects from the garage door (12) to the exterior of the garage. The moving element is connected to a pin (25, 25a) provided in a second supporting element (28, 45) secured to the garage door (12) opposite the man-door (33). In order to close the door (12), the moving element presses against a fixed zone (13) of the garage and maintains the pin (25, 25a) in a position in which the man-door (33) is open and, when the garage door (12) is opened, the pin (25, 25a) closes the man-door, thereby ensuring that the man-door closes when the garage door (12) opens.

Abstract: A louver rotating mechanism for louvers of a sectional covering for architectural openings is adapted to rotate the louvers between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the louvers are in generally parallel planes, and in the closed position, the louvers are generally in a common plane. The rotating mechanism includes a slot and gate system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system intended to enable the translational movement of sliding doors and to actuate the blocking of same, whereby blocking means (14) can be actuated in a sequential and synchronised manner at the end of the translational movement of the doors.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel and an electrical conductor mounted to the fascia panel. The conductor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the fascia panel while the conductor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the conductor changes due to the conductor capacitively coupling with the object. The assembly may further include a controller operable for driving the conductor with the electrical charge and for measuring the capacitance of the conductor to determine whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the fascia panel. The controller controls a vehicle function such as movement of a movable panel like a lift gate associated with the fascia panel depending on whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the fascia panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrotherapy device comprising at least one door which is operable between an open condition in which access is provided to the interior of the device and a closed condition in which access is prevented to the interior of the device. The door closing mechanism according to the present invention may be designed to quickly provide either a “left hand” or a “right hand” configuration to the door.

Abstract: A flexible door panel cold storage door system incorporates a flexible movable door panel having an internal support frame assembly and the door panel has a plurality of gasket sections removably attached to a cold space surface of a door panel jacket with each gasket section having at least one ferrous gasket target and the gasket sections are aligned and cooperate with a plurality of electromagnets that are mounted in a doorframe assembly when the door panel is in a closed position. The electromagnets are mounted in wells in the doorframe assembly and are powered on when the door panel is in the closed position and the wells are interconnected by a ventilation channel that conducts air heated by operation of the electromagnets through the ventilation channel and into and through a bottom sweep assembly of the door panel in a closed loop.

Abstract: A friction material has a resin amount distribution that is the largest at a portion near a non-friction surface, that becomes lower toward an inside and that is the lowest at a portion near a friction surface. For example, such friction material is manufacture as follows. First, two friction materials are overlapped while the friction surfaces faced with each other. Then, the friction materials are dried at a room temperature. At this time, the resin has such a characteristic as to move while dragged by a solvent that dries from the non-friction surface located outside. Using such characteristic, the resin amount at the portion near the friction surface is lessened. Then, a temperature at the friction surface is made low and a temperature at the non-friction surface is made high in a drying step of the friction material. Thereby, the resin amount at the portion near the friction surface is lessened.

Abstract: An abrasive tool has a body including an abrasive portion having abrasive grains contained within a matrix material, and a first reinforcing member contained within the abrasive portion, wherein the body comprises a porosity variation difference through at least half of a thickness of the body of not greater than 250% from a mean porosity of the body.

Abstract: A gutter cover is formed through expanded metal manufacturing techniques to create alternating areas of solid metal and diamond-shaped openings to facilitate the shedding of leaves while passing water into the gutter. The gutter cover is mounted without fasteners by securing a hook portion underneath the front lip of the gutter and arcing the body portion of the gutter cover to press the rearward drip foot against the gutter and the drip hip adjacent to the fascia board into a pressure fit. The length of the gutter cover from the rearward edge to the front end being slightly longer than the corresponding length of the gutter structure. The gutter cover includes an integral drip leg projecting downwardly from the drip hip and being formed with an area of expanded metal diamond-shaped apertures to direct water into the gutter trough. A front drip lip directs water away from the gutter face.

Abstract: A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided.

Abstract: Rainwater diverter comprises a base member and a sleeve member. The base member includes a tubular conduit having an upper end and a lower end sized to closely fit within an upper end of a lower downspout section. Surrounding the tubular conduit is a fluid chamber having an open upper end and a closed bottom, and a discharge opening adjacent the bottom. The sleeve member has a lower end sized to have a close sliding fit inside the open upper end of the chamber, and an upper end sized to have a close sliding fit over a lower end of an upper downspout section. The sleeve member is shaped to provide a narrow gap between the sleeve member and the upper end of the tubular conduit leading into the chamber surrounding the tubular conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to converting lines for manufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, to converting lines having modular process equipment modules and converting mechanisms reconfigurable for making different absorbent articles.

Abstract: A prefabricated, transportable, ADA compliant, temporary addition, providing ADA accessible bathing, hygiene, and optional laundry facilities to the disabled occupants, eliminating the need to negotiate stairs to access a second floor bath or basement laundry. The addition is designed to be transported, lifted, connected and disconnected multiple times. The addition contains a walk-in shower with grab bars, ADA sink and sink base, tilt mirror, raised toilet with grab bars, egress door, light, heating unit, and exhaust fan. The addition is supported on a foundation of piers and attached to a ground floor room of an existing home by way of a connecting collar, minimizing the surface area connection to the house. The addition is pre-plumbed and wired with plumbing and electrical access points at the base of the addition that are connected to the existing home's utilities through a hole into the basement.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device is presented having a base that is at least partially composed of a metal or metal composite. The base can be configured such that the base has sufficient resiliency to revert to an original form after being bent at least 15° . A plurality of spikes can be coupled to the base so that the device is stackable with other such devices while the spikes are oriented at least 5° out of parallel with respect to a plane of the base. It is contemplated that the devices can be stacked such that the base of one device is less than 3 cm from the base of an adjacent device in the stack.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing element is provided having laterally spaced-apart placement indicators in a headlap portion thereof, defining a spacing zone between the placement indicators, with the placement indicators comprising a means for providing a visual indication of proper placement of spaced-apart edges of adjacent roofing elements in a next-overlying course of roofing element. The placement indicators can comprise vertical lines, and can include instructions in text. Spacing nibs can also be used. The placement indicators can include markings for placing corners of tabs of next-overlying roofing elements. A roof comprised of such roofing elements and a method of applying such elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: An replacement floor panel is provided for a raised floor, and includes a top plate with corner-forming sections and leveling legs for height adjustment. Foot-print-expanding brackets engage the leveling legs for extending their foot print outwardly so that the floor panel can be used on different raised floor systems without misalignment problems with stanchion supports. A handle is pivotally mounted in the top plate between a flush position and a raised position for grasping to lift the replacement floor panel, the handle having a decor matching the top plate for aesthetics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient.