Abstract: An AR-15/M-16 rifle variant bolt cleaning and polishing tool comprising three pieces designed for scraping the carbon build up off of a dirty AR-15/M-16 rifle variant bolt, then polishing the residual carbon completely off the bolt tail. The scraping is accomplished by means of a scraping blade with a radius that matches the bolt tail and rotating the bolt tail against this blade while applying pressure. The polishing is accomplished by inserting a scouring pad between the polishing arm and the main body of the tool and then applying pressure to the polishing arm creating torque to polish off residual carbon.

Abstract: The disclosed Invention is that of a rifle rest, comprised of a rocking base formed by first and second generally arc shaped members, each having a generally convex bottom surface adapted for rocking motion, joined together in a generally parallel spaced relationship by cross-members or blocks at either end of the generally arc-shaped members, and including grips or supports attached to these cross-members or blocks, upon which grips or supports the rifle rests, in a generally horizontal position. The Invention is mechanically simple, lightweight and portable, easily attached to any rifle, is highly stable when shooting, and is easily re-aligned with any available target, in either the vertical plane by the rocking motion mentioned above, or by swinging the Invention laterally in the horizontal plane upon its curved base, in the manner of a gun turret.

Abstract: A night sight includes a notched bottom portion, permitting the use of a large objective lens for maximized light gathering capability while also permitting the night sight to be mounted with its center line relatively close to the center line of the barrel of the weapon with which it is used. This configuration permits the night sight to be mounted so that its center line is the same as the center line of a daytime telescopic sight used in conjunction with the night sight. The night sight includes a focusing assembly having decreased sensitivity to tilt or decenter, and a collimator mounted within a spherical bearing so that the collimator may be precisely aligned during assembly of the night sight. The night sight thereby ensures that an image viewed through the night sight appears to originate from the same angle as that with which the image entered the objective lens, and further resists a need to compensate for parallax during aiming.

Abstract: A remote controlled decoy for hunting includes a ground engaging element, a chassis, a motor, a video recorder, a game caller, and an animal shell. To move the decoy with respect to the ground, the motor and ground engaging elements are actuated via the remote control. To record images from the decoy, the video recorder is actuated via the remote control. To produce audio, the game caller is actuated via the remote control.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for handles configured to selectively engage with an article and methods for using such handles. Some of the handles are configured for use with a fishing pole and include a connector configured to couple to a portion of a fishing pole. The handle may include a multiple layers and can be selectively removed from the article. Methods are also provided for selectively coupling exchangeable handles to articles including fishing poles.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting pest infestation. The method includes introducing a pest-killing material into an interior compartment of a closed piece of luggage, thereby exterminating pests residing within the interior compartment.

Abstract: In processing of biomass by catalytic cracking in a fluidized catalytic cracker having a reaction zone, a separation zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone, the feedstock oil containing the biomass is processed in the reaction zone using a catalyst containing 10 to 50 mass % of ultrastable Y-type zeolite under the conditions: outlet temperature of the reaction zone 580 to 680° C., catalyst/oil ratio 10 to 40 wt/wt, reaction pressure 1 to 3 kg/cm2 G, and contact time of the feedstock oil with the catalyst in the reaction zone 0.1 to 1.0 sec, and the catalyst is then treated in the regeneration zone under the conditions: regeneration zone temperature 640 to 720° C., regeneration zone pressure 1 to 3 kg/cm2 G, and exhaust gas oxygen concentration at the regeneration zone outlet 0 to 3 mol %.

Abstract: A municipal solid waste material is converted to a refuse derived fuel then to syngas which is processed to produce a liquid feedstream via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. The Fischer-Tropsch liquid feedstream is combined with a triglyceride feedstream then hydroprocessed to produce a distillate fuel end product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of biodiesel and esters are provided. The methods can include converting a fatty acid rich material to biodiesel using a homogeneous catalyst, and electrodialysis to remove or concentrate the catalyst.

Abstract: The use of polycyclic phenolic compounds which have up to 20 benzene rings per molecule and are obtainable by reacting a tetrahydrobenzoxazine I where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals with one or more of the same or different phenols II where R7, R8, R9 and R10 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals, and/or with one or more of the same or different tetrahydrobenzoxazines I, with the proviso that at least one of the substituents has from 13 to 3000 carbon atoms and the remaining substituents, when they are hydrocarbyl radicals, have in each case from 1 to 20 carbon atoms as stabilizers for stabilizing inanimate organic material against the action of light, oxygen and heat.

Abstract: Methods are provided for refining natural oil feedstocks. The methods comprise reacting the feedstock in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesized product comprising olefins and esters. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise separating the olefins from the esters in the metathesized product. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise hydrogenating the olefins under conditions sufficient to form a fuel composition. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise transesterifying the esters in the presence of an alcohol to form a transesterified product.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in hydrocarbons, gas mixtures of hydrocarbons and the like may be scavenged therefrom by being brought into intimate contact with a mercaptan scavenger formulation of quaternary ammonium alkoxide or hydroxide in the presence of a high oxidative state metal such as cobalt, iron, chromium and/or nickel. The high oxidative state metal, being an oxidizer, acts as a catalyst when combined with the quaternary ethoxide or hydroxide for improved mercaptan scavenging performance.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide that is collected as a by-product of hydrogen production from a steam methane reformer (SMR) is used as a feed stock for growth of algae biomass for various purposes, e.g. biofuel production, chemical intermediates, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals. This invention helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, and helps to optimize algae growth that is used for the production clean biofuel to reduce the dependence on petroleum and fossil fuels.

Abstract: A bubble column for facilitating algae growth comprised a tank adapted to contain a volume of growth medium with algae growing therein, with a light pipe disposed centrally therein and extending from near the top surface of the growth medium in the tank to near the bottom of the tank. The light pipe illuminates substantially the entire volume of the growth medium. A diffuser is positioned at or near the bottom of the tank and receives a gas stream, and converts the gas stream to a stream of bubbles that agitate the algae without creating a fluid flow within the tank.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a sheet of material is provided optionally for plant support and/or protection. A fencing device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. A shading material, or a protective barrier material, such as a wire mesh, a plastic netting or a deer netting material, or a solar energy collection panel may be attached to distal ends of the flexible arms and may extend for seven feet or more from a ground plane to a top height of flexible arms above the ground plane. Flags may extend vertically above the barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of fencing posts to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material. A trellising device may be coupled with and above another trellising device to provide layers of shading and plant support.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a string and/or a sheet of material, such as a rope, a length of twine, a trellis netting or a barrier material is provided. A ground anchored device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. The arms may be configured to support two or more sheets of material, wherein the sheets of material may further support plant growth. Alternately or additionally, one or more arms may be positioned to maintain string optionally bearing flags and/or barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of devices to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material.

Abstract: A plant pot holding device includes one or more panels each having a number of compartments formed with a wider front portion and a narrower rear portion for detachably engaging with plant pots, the plant pots each include a lower notch for engaging with the lower inclined surface of the panel and an upper engaging surface and a latch for engaging with the panel and for detachably attaching and latching the plant pots to the panel, the panels each include one or more couplers and one or more socket openings for selectively engaging with each other and for detachably coupling the panels together to form various spatial or three-dimensional shapes and for detachably supporting a number of plant pots.

Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterised in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder.

Abstract: A reforming apparatus includes: an evaporation part that heats reforming water to generate steam; a reforming part having a reforming catalyst that is supplied with a mixture of the steam generated by the evaporation part and reforming fuel and generates reforming gas; a mixing part that is disposed on the lower side of the reforming part in the gravity direction and mixes the reforming fuel with the steam; a reforming fuel supply pipe having a desulfurizer for removing a sulfur content of the reforming fuel; and a reforming fuel connecting pipe connected at one end to the reforming fuel supply pipe and opened at the other end to the mixing part. A connecting part between the reforming fuel supply pipe and the reforming fuel connecting pipe is disposed above the mixing part in the gravity direction.

Abstract: A voltage is supplied at an output of a switched mode power supply to a component of the movable barrier operator system. A change in a current being supplied to the component of the movable barrier operator system is sensed by the current sensing circuit. A change in the voltage being supplied at the output of the switched mode power supply is responsively effectuated based at least in part upon the change in the current sensed by the current sensing circuit.

Abstract: Some methods include rotating a crossing gate actuator around a vertical swing pivot of a crossing gate mount, along a vertical swing path and into a down position to block a path such that a crossing gate coupled to the crossing gate actuator blocks the path, with a spring biased crossing gate release mechanism maintaining the crossing gate in a center position blocking the path and decoupling a bar segment from the crossing gate to decouple a spring from biasing the crossing gate into the center position such that the crossing gate is free to swing around a horizontal swing pivot, perpendicular to the vertical pivot, and out of the path.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism includes a case, a fixing part, a first rotatable lid, and a second rotatable lid. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the case. The first rotatable lid is rotatably disposed on the first opening and pivotally connected to the fixing part for covering the first opening. A first protruding part is formed on the first rotatable lid. The second rotatable lid is rotatably disposed on the second opening and pivotally connected to the fixing part for covering the second opening. When the first rotatable lid and the second rotatable lid cover the first opening and the second opening respectively, the first protruding part abuts against the second rotatable lid.

Abstract: A chicken coop door module having a frame, a door, and a motor drive unit. The motor drive unit is configured to move the door toward the open position in response to receiving an opening signal so that the frame opening is unobstructed, move the door toward the closed position in response to receiving a closing signal so that the frame opening is obstructed, and prevent the door from moving when no signal is received. The door module receives an opening signal in the morning to let the chickens out of the chicken coop, and a closing signal in the evening to close the door to secure the chickens in the coop. When no signal is received, the door is prevented from moving by the motor drive unit so that when open, the chickens may freely enter and exit the coop; and when closed, predators cannot open the door and attack the chickens. The chicken coop door module may include a controller to provide the opening signal and the closing signal base on a signal from a timer or light detector.

Abstract: A drive system for driving and for guiding a wall element, in particular for a room partitioning wall system, with a carriage unit, which is guided to be longitudinally movable in a guiding rail. The carriage unit has a roller carriage disposed within the guiding rail, and a drive unit disposed below the guiding rail. A guiding device is provided in the transition area between the roller carriage and the drive unit that cooperates with the guiding rail for guiding the carriage unit.

Abstract: A sliding wall including at least one panel configured to slide and a multiple glazing unit that includes at least two glass sheets separated by at least one basically flat interlayer fixed via one of its faces to edge faces of the glass sheets on at least part of a periphery of the glazing unit. The glazing unit has no interlayer along at least part of one of its edges to create a lateral opening, a space between the two glass sheets forming a receiving area for the panel configured to slide in by being introduced through the lateral opening.

Abstract: A sash window restrictor (20) has a housing (22) which is to be let into a vertical frame member (10) of one sash (normally the upper, outer sash) of a window, at a position, say, 10 cm above the top rail of the lower sash when the windows are closed. A tab (24) is mounted in the housing and can be retracted into the housing or extended from the housing. A mechanism acts between the tab and the housing and allows the tab to be pressed into the housing and held in the housing for a period of time before the tab is released to allow the tab to extend. With the tab extended, the lower sash (12) can be lifted until it reaches the tab (24) but no further, so that a 10 cm gap will be opened at the bottom of the window.

Abstract: A draft blocking apparatus for a door is described. A hinge for attachment to a door is described. A rotating assembly attached to the door permits the rotating assembly to rotate about the hinges, and to rotate relative to the door, the rotating assembly arranged to accommodate a draft blocker. A mechanism to convert motion of the door as the door is closed into motion to lower the draft blocker into a position to contact a floor by rotation about the hinges, in order to block a draft which would otherwise pass under the door when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a lightweight automotive vehicle door construction including an inner panel partially formed from a lightweight metal casting. The casting provides a toe pan, hinge pillar and beltline. A lightweight stamping connected with the casting provides a remainder of the inner skin. The stamping provides an opposite pillar and latch mount. A header connected to the casting along a first end and with the beltline at a second end provides a window frame. A side intrusion beam extends between the hinge pillar and the opposite pillar. An outer panel is connected with the inner panel.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: An aqueous slicing fluid comprising (A) 0.01-20 wt % of a modified silicone is combined with abrasive grains to form an aqueous slicing slurry which has advantages of dispersion stability of abrasive grains, viscosity stability, and a higher machining accuracy.

Abstract: An abrasive article which is made from a liquid resin composition containing no formaldehyde, which replaces the resol or urea-formaldehyde resin used as an adhesive in coated abrasives and the resol used as an impregnation resin in bonded abrasives. The liquid resin composition comprises a product that results from the oxidative cleavage of an unsaturated plant or animal oil, chosen from aldehydes, peroxides and mixtures of these compounds. The liquid resin composition can be used for the manufacture of coated and bonded abrasive articles.

Abstract: A unitary device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure includes a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abuttingly engageable with a top generally horizontal surface of the support beam and a second portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to the first portion and having a first end thereof disposed at a first end of the first portion. A third portion has a first end thereof disposed at an opposed second end of the second portion and has an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of the first portion. The third portion is disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to the first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to the second portion. An aperture is formed through a thickness of the second portion.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tray adapted for placement on a roof surface and including a bottom surface and sidewalls defining an interior region of the tray. A dovetail projection extends outwardly away from the interior region in one sidewall, and a dovetail recess extends inwardly into the interior region in a sidewall opposite the dovetail projection. An interlocking roof tray assembly is formed from a plurality of the roof trays. Adjacent interlocking roof trays are secured together by dovetail joints formed form the dovetail projections and dovetail recesses.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.

Abstract: A structure for sheltering and optimizing highway systems includes an arcuate structure extending over a highway and a cover over the structure to create an enclosure. The enclosure protects the highway and users of the highway from rain, snow and sun while the surrounding scenery remains visible to drivers. A number of different additions optimize use of the highway. For example, a plurality of solar panels are layered on the cover and wind turbines are used to create usable energy, an air current generation system reduces wind resistance on vehicles to increase gas mileage, and an elevated rail system transports many persons great distances along the highway.

Abstract: A blast-proof window and mullion system for sustaining and mitigating an explosion and/or blast to the window and mullion system on a multi-storied building or structure. The window and mullion system includes a blast-resistant mullion having a mullion housing with mullion walls with outer surfaces; and a pressure bar member having a pressure bar housing with an interior wall and a pair of outer walls being connected to the interior wall to form a center channel opening. The outer walls are angled for reducing the space between the angled walls and for reducing the size of the center channel opening for reduction of bullet and/or blast penetration to the interior wall of the pressure bar member. Also, one of the mullion walls of the mullion housing includes a mullion tongue thereon having a pair of tongue extension arms for forming a vertical bolt receiving channel therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention uses insulating concrete forms (ICF) in the construction of residential buildings. An entire wall panel is formed from polystyrene panels that may be cut by a hot wire machine. If necessary, hat channel shaped metal may be inserted into hat channel slots. Columns of polystyrene are removed so that concrete posts may be poured therein after the wall panel has been secured into place with rebar being located therein. Rebar and concrete also are formed along the top of the wall panel. Electrical and plumbing connection pathways are provided in the wall panel at the time of cutting with hot wire. Each wall panel is separately designed and cut by hot wire while still at the factory, but are all connected together to form an ICF residence. Openings are provided for doors and windows and are buck framed. Hat channels are inserted as necessary for strength and/or connection thereto.

Abstract: A number of pre-casted elements are stacked vertically to build the tower, while parts of the elements are forming the tower wall. Each element of the tower is fixed on its position and is connected with a tower foundation by a number of assigned post-tensioned cables. These cables are running inside the tower and they are pulled through the tower without embedding in dedicated channels. The post-tensioned-cables are fixed at certain points with the tower wall via damper-means to prevent their oscillation.

Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire block device can be a strip that includes a fire-resistant material strip comprised of a material that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. An optional foam strip comprised of a foam material can be placed side-by-side with the fire-resistant material strip. A cover layer covers the fire-resistant material strip and the optional foam strip, if present. The cover layer includes opposing side portions positioned on opposing sides of the fire-resistant material strip and foam strip, if present. The cover layer is comprised of a tape having an adhesive on an underneath surface thereof such that adhesive on the side portions are capable of securing the fire block strip to a wall component. The fire block strip can be applied to a header track, footer track or wall stud, among other possible components.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems UL 2079.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: This invention designed a vinyl panel and panel trim in such ways that hollow channels within the panel (and trims) are connected by thin vinyl walls and two flat surfaces on both side of a panel are formed through the extrusion process. The hollow channels reduce over 80% (depending on the thickness of the wall and surfaces) of vinyl needed for building such a panel in comparison to a solid vinyl panel of same size. The sides of the panel have tongue and groove formed in the extrusion process. The surface(s) of the panel can be further worked on with methods such as laminating patterned (such as wood-grains) PVC veneer, painting, pattern (such as wood-grains) printing, etc. Such panels and trims can be used as wainscot (or wall covering) as a more environmentally-friendly substitute for wood.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanically-held tile is disclosed by providing a tile having a durable surface, an underside and an anchoring region, locating the tile in a mould, and injecting a polymer into the mould to form a substrate with an integral coupling region. Alternatively, a substrate can be provided in addition to the tile; the injected material mechanically anchors the substrate to the tile. A surrounding grout gasket can also be formed during injection. Injections can be consecutive or concurrent to tailor the properties of the substrate, grout gasket and other layers or regions. Also disclosed is a multi-part tile made by such a process, and a tile with intrinsic manufacturing deviations compensated by a grout gasket. The tile can be interconnected via the coupling regions with other surface-covering materials.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a composite floor system having increased shear transfer between a slab and support members of the system is described. The composite floor system may include any combination of the following elements: a support member, a reinforcing member, a transfer member, a decking material, a fastener, and/or a slab. The transfer member may be connected to the support member.

Abstract: A vertical shear wall system including vertical metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The shear wall system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A falling-prevention ultra thin stone composite board is provided with a composite board body 1 composed of ultra thin stone veneer 11 and a light base board 12 sticking to the rear surface of the stone veneer. At least a pair of opposite bottom edges of the composite board body is separately fixed with connecting battens 2 which fasten the stone veneer 11 and the light base board 12 together. The cross section of the connecting batten 2 is general L-shape. And the connecting batten 2 is integrally formed by front plate and rear plate. The rear plate is fastened to the rear surface of the light base board 12 and the front plate is laid against the side surface of the composite board body 1, then the front plate of the connecting batten and the side surface of the stone veneer 1 are fixed together by a fasten device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.

Abstract: A quick assembled house comprises a frame including a plurality of side walls and a roof, characterized in that: the side walls and the roof are formed of a number of first and second planks, wherein each of the first and second planks includes an engaging groove fixed on one side thereof and a locking tenon secured on the other side thereof, wherein the locking tenon includes two downwardly-tilted fastening arms extending outward from a top portion thereof, wherein the fastening arms of the locking tenon of the first plank is inserted to the engaging groove of the second plank so as to connect the first and second planks together.