Abstract: A boresight apparatus and methods for use of same with a gun system are provided. The gun system includes a gun tube and a pointing device. The boresight apparatus is installed on an outside surface of the gun tube. Once the gun tube is adjusted to a desired gun-tube orientation, the boresight apparatus determines the gun-tube orientation, including an azimuth, an elevation, and a roll of the gun tube. The pointing device determines a pointing-device orientation at the desired angle. The gun system may be boresighted by adjusting the pointing device based on the gun-tube orientation. The pointing accuracy performance of the gun system may be determined based on offsets between the gun-tube orientation and the pointing-device orientation. The boresight may determine an azimuth using optical technologies, such as lasers, with a precision survey or using north-finding techniques with gyroscopes.

Abstract: A sighting telescope mounting system for a firearm. The firearm and/or the telescope, in a desired position, are aligned in an axial direction. A pivot foot is attached to the sighting telescope, and a pivot holding device is affixed to the firearm. The pivot foot and pivot holding device form a pivot joint that enables the telescope to pivot by a pivot angle around a pivot range on a plane formed by the telescope and the axial direction of the firearm. The pivot holding device has a connection surface and a clamping surface is arranged on the pivot foot and forms a contact area with the connection surface, so that the pivot foot is axially affixed. A clamping device is provided so that the connection surface and/or the clamping surface are arranged and/or designed compliantly. The pivot foot is axially held in a pre-tensioned state in the pivot holding device.

Abstract: A motion decoy system that includes a body with an interior space; a flexible portion extending from the body; a head portion partially received within the flexible neck portion and extending between a proximal and distal end. The distal end extends into the flexible portion and the interior space. A rod is attached to the body and is able to provide a pivot axis for the head portion. A counterweight is coupled to the head portion and positioned within the interior space. A cart is attached to the body where the cart includes a set of wheels for moving the decoy across the ground. A line is attached to the head of the decoy where the line is able to cause movement of the head between a rest position and a down position.

Abstract: A fishing rod transporter includes a hollow tubular holder coupled to an adjustable length bar. The hollow holder defines a compartment for receiving a handle-end of a fishing rod. Slots formed in the peripheral wall of the top end of the hollow holder define a limited space for receiving a neck of a fishing reel, and the adjustable length bar is extendible to securely fit between sidewalls of a bed of a pickup truck. The adjustable length bar is extendible (by threaded engagement or ratcheting action) to securely fit between sidewalls of a bed of a pickup truck. An adjustable clamp is attached to the hollow holder and configured to secure the holder to the adjustable length bar. Optionally, a lock assembly engages the top of the hollow holder and prevents removal of the rod and reel by blocking release of the reel neck from the first slot.

Abstract: A capture cage includes a cage structure with a cage door, a pedal pivotally connected in the cage structure, a rotation member being of angular displacement same as the pedal, an operation rod supported by the rotation member, a suppression member being adjacent to the operation rod, and an induction lever pivotally connected to the a top face of the cage structure. When the cage door is open, an inducible member of the cage door is confined by the inductive lever; the induction lever is restrained by the suppression member and contacts a head portion of the operation rod. The pedal keeps in suspension while the rotation member supports the operation rod. When the pedal is tilted, the rotation member moves away from the operation rod. The head portion of the operation rod pushes the induction lever away from the suppression member while the operation rod moves downwardly. The inducible member is released thereby and the cage door encloses the cage structure correspondingly.

Abstract: Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with an acid comprising phosphorus at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glycerophosphoric acid, glycerol, and a portion of the acid.

Abstract: A method of making ferrocene and other metallocenes involves adding a metal halide, such as iron chloride (FeCl3), to a solution of diethylamine, cyclopentadiene, a crown ether, and a metal (Fe° powder, Na° or K°). After stirring the boiling mixture, the diethylamine is removed, and the residue extracted with a hydrocarbon condensate. The extract is filtered and vacuum stripped to crystallize the metallocene, such as ferrocene from the solution. The method provides an improved process for producing organometallic compounds containing a transition element as the metal component. The method also provides an improved process for the production of bis(cyclopentadienil) transition element compounds marked by economy of operation and good yields. The resulting products have been shown to increase octane ratings and reduce NOx emissions in motor fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing clean petroleum fuel by reducing sulfur content, and raising the Cetane Number to a value above 50, in a process that may be carried out at one atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of fatty acids from algal biomass comprising: producing an aqueous suspension of algal biomass; subjecting the aqueous suspension of algal biomass to acid hydrolysis and extraction by the addition of at least one non-polar organic solvent and at least one inorganic acid to said aqueous suspension of algal biomass, so as to obtain the following three phases: (i) a semisolid phase comprising a slurry of the algal biomass; (ii) an aqueous phase comprising inorganic compounds and hydrophilic organic compounds; (iii) an organic phase comprising fatty acids and hydrophobic organic compounds other than said fatty acids.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a preheater, a torrefaction reactor, and a furnace. The preheater may be configured to heat biomass from a first temperature to an approximate desired torrefaction temperature. The torrefaction reactor may be configured to maintain heating of the biomass at approximately the approximate desired torrefaction temperature for a particular period of time to generate torrefied biomass. The furnace may be configured to generate and convey via one or more conduits heat to the preheater, and the torrefaction reactor.

Abstract: A method of treating a biomass material to produce a fuel comprising the steps of preheating the biomass material to a temperature ranging from about 80° C. to about 100° C. and drying the biomass material until the biomass material has a maximum water content of no more than 3%. Microwave radiation is applied to the pre-dried biomass material in a range of 3.0 to 8.0 GHz to heat the biomass material to a temperature ranging from about 230° C. to about 280° C. resulting in torrefaction of the biomass material. The biomass material is then cooled.

Abstract: A method of recovery of organic solvents required in the refining of coal comprising: mixing solvent, co-solvent and coal to form a slurry; thermally treating the slurry under pressure and high temperature to form a coal-extract; passing the coal-extract through a membrane under high pressure in an ultra filtration unit to achieve recovery of a major part of the solvent; contacting the remaining thick clarified liquid from the membrane with water to obtain precipitated coal in a slurry with a mixture of water and organic solvent; feeding the slurry to a filter to get clean coal of very low ash content as a residue and a mixture of water and organic solvent as a filtrate; distilling the filtrate to separate the balance of the organic solvent from the water. The application of a membrane for filtration minimizes the heat requirement to establish economy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conversion of biomass to biochar in subcritical water at 230-350° C. and 500-3000 psi. Under subcritical water conditions, biomass readily converts into biochar, biocrude, and some gases. In this invention, yield of biochar is significantly improved by recycling of biocrude. The process can produce hydrophobic biochar that has at least 70 wt % (dry basis) carbon as opposed to ˜25 wt % carbon in hydrophilic biomass, and has a heating value of about 29 MJ/kg (HHV-dry basis) which is comparable to good quality coals. More than 90% energy of biomass is retained in the biochar. The invention provides an effective means to convert biomass into a high energy density fuel for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The objective is to produce height adjustable plant & floral supports that require no fasteners, do not harm the plant, appear to be a natural part of the plant, enhance the look of the plant and/or floral arrangement and are made of a synthetic material which is resistant to weather, moisture, infestation and disease.

Abstract: A line, system, and method are provided for delivering a plurality of fluids to a target plant array at a plurality of pressures. The line comprises a plurality of tubes at least portions of which are hydrophilic. The tubes are connected together to form a co-extensive, multi-chambered delivery system. Each tube is connectable at a proximal end to a source of fluid, preferably comprising at least two different fluids. By having a unitary system positioned in the soil, redundancy of equipment, labor, and systems can be reduced, with the instant system able to perform the functions of multiple systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Abstract: A horticultural sloped slot pot having an upper and lower end connected together via a wall having a height and thickness, wherein the wall extends about the perimeter of both ends wherein an axis extends radially through the ends such that the upper end is smaller than the lower end in terms of the total area, and having at least one orifice in the wall.

Abstract: A multiple plant container self-watering system is disclosed which through use of an adjustable wicking system maintains for a plurality of plants a uniform water draw rate despite varying water depths among containers. The invention comprises a primary container and a plurality of secondary containers in fluid relation with one another such that when water is supplied to one container it flows through to all other containers. Gravity ensures water depth remains constant among containers on flat ground, but to offset differences in depth caused by elevational differences among containers, a wick elevator is provided so the wick may be vertically adjusted to the water level.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a fluid to a target potted plant. In an embodiment, the potted plant includes an array thereof positioned in a container; in another embodiment, the potted plant includes at least one plant not contained in a container. In both embodiments the plant is positioned in a pot having an aperture through a bottom surface thereof. The system includes a membrane at least a portion of which is hydrophilic, the membrane having an outer surface that is positionable in communication with the pot aperture. The membrane further has an interior adapted for holding a fluid desired to be delivered to the plant. The membrane interior is connectable to a source of the fluid, preferably under low pressure.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for growing an array of plants. In an embodiment, the device includes a containment membrane positionable in surrounding relation to an array of plant root systems. A plant growing medium can be positioned in an interior of the membrane into which the plant roots can grow. Portions of top edges of the membrane can be sealed, leaving apertures through which a plant stem can project upward. A fluid delivery tube can extend along and within the membrane interior. The tube can comprise a drip tube such as known in the art, or can be adapted for delivering fluid to the plant roots “on demand.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing plants in a mineral wool growth substrate, the method comprises providing at least one mineral wool growth substrate comprising binder and wetting agent, positioning one or more plants for growth in the growth substrate, characterised in that the wetting agent comprises ionic surfactant and there are plants grown in the growth substrate for a period of at least 3 weeks.

Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling steam into a grinding mill via a flow control device and a conduit. The method also includes mixing carbonaceous fuel, preheated water, and steam within the grinding mill, to form a preheated coal slurry stream.

Abstract: In the case of a device for gasification of carbonaceous fuels, having a discharge for slags into a slag bath, a solution is supposed to be created with which the gasifier discharge opening is reliably kept at a temperature that guarantees that the slag will flow out. This is achieved in that the gasifier discharge opening (6) is equipped with a ceramic drip edge (7) that can be electrically heated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for reducing and/or removing sour gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, from natural gas or from gas associated with oil reservoirs, by means of the formation of mixed hydrates, wherein a selective separation is carried out both during the hydrates decomposition, under pressure conditions close to atmospheric pressure and temperatures little below zero, and, preferably, during a preliminary step, with pressures and temperatures close to the equilibrium values.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port. In the process of phase change from liquid to gaseous phase, there is no change of chemical composition and C8H18 remains stable throughout, except for an increase in Enthalpy (heat content) per mol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant comprising an industrial manufacturing unit having a burner that burns a combustible fluid, the unit generating combustion flue gases containing CO2, characterized in that the plant comprises a combustible fluid production unit fed with organic matter, which is decomposed in the production unit to said fluid, the combustible fluid production unit comprising a thermochemical gasifier that decomposes the organic matter by the latter reacting with an oxidizing gas comprising steam or oxygen or CO2 so as to form the combustible fluid in gaseous form.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus comprising a closing assistance mechanism in which bending of a seal cap and a furnace port shutter arm is corrected, an O-ring is sufficiently pressed, and a process chamber is sufficiently sealed. The substrate processing apparatus comprises: a process chamber comprising an opening for loading a substrate therethrough, the process chamber performing a processing operation on the substrate loaded therein; a first cover configured to close the opening of the process chamber when a substrate is loaded in the process chamber; a first opening/closing mechanism configured to open/close the first cover; a second cover configured to close the opening of the process chamber when no substrate is loaded in the process chamber; a second opening/closing mechanism configured to open/close the second cover; and a closing assistance mechanism configured to assist the first and the second opening/closing mechanisms.

Abstract: A roller door system includes one or more sets of rollers configured to mount to a panel frame member on an upper end of a panel, and move through a complementary upper guide. A lower side of the panel frame can also be guided through one or more bottom tracks. These components, when coupled with the resin panel, can provide the ability to provide a smooth gliding motion for the resin panel door. In addition, the frame in which the panel is mounted can be configured with one or more components to accommodate the unique expansion and contraction properties of resin materials, and thus allow a stable, long term mounting solution. The upper guide and the lower track can also be configured with one or more components or mechanisms for pitch adjustment, as well as to adjust for uneven or irregular mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A back door structure of a vehicle comprises an inner panel and an outer panel of a back door, a latch provided at a central portion, in a vehicle width direction, of a lower side portion of the back door, a latch opening portion formed at a latch attachment portion of the lower side portion, a reinforcing member provided at the lower side portion, the reinforcing member reinforcing a periphery of the latch opening portion, and side wall portions provided on both sides of the reinforcing member, in the vehicle width direction, the side wall portions extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction between the inner and outer panels of the back door and connecting the inner panel to the outer panel.

Abstract: A cane bolt is spring biased up to allow a movable barrier with which the cane bolt is engaged to move. The cane bolt can be pushed down into a strike hole to prevent movement of the barrier. To hold the cane bolt down, a pin on the cane bolt abuts a slotted stop on the barrier. To raise the cane bolt, the cane bolt is simply rotated so that the pin aligns with and thus passes through the slot, allowing the spring to urge the cane bolt up.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for building a living space during construction of a multi-unit housing structure. In particular, the present application describes various embodiments of prefabricated building modules that may be built and equipped with plumbing, HVAC and/or electrical fixtures prior to installation in a multi-unit housing structure. Because modules may be configured prior to installation in a housing structure, the use of prefabricated building modules may increase efficiency of construction and provide enhanced customization over other non-configurable building units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panelized lightweight control enclosure, capable of being substantially manufactured before installation for housing power system devices of a power system substation. Specifically, the control enclosure is comprised of a structural frame including a plurality of vertical posts, a base, a plurality of side panels for forming the walls thereof and defining an interior space therein for housing the power system devices, and a roof for covering the interior space. The structural frame engages and provides support for the side panels and roof. To facilitate engagement between the frame, side panels and roof, the control enclosure includes a plurality of tongue-and-groove fittings. As a result, the present invention control enclosure may be constructed at and/or transported in an assembled state to an installation site.

Abstract: A support structure for curved envelope geometries, such as buildings and shipbuilding, that at least sectionally approximates a freeform surface, includes longitudinal connection elements and surface elements spanned by the connection elements. The surface elements are implemented as single-curved strip elements whose curvature runs in the longitudinal direction of the strip elements. Adjacent strip elements are connected to one another along their longitudinal edges via the longitudinal connection elements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting equipment or solar photovoltaic structures to roofs where the apparatus base plate engages the roof surface directly, creating a water resistant seal, without the need for flashing. The base plate upper surface includes an upwardly projected portion that is circumscribed by a groove. The base plate lower surface includes a counterbore. Both the counterbore and the groove are disposed to receive annular seals. A threaded fastener is received and seated the upwardly projected portion top surface and feeds through the counterbore, securing the base plate to the roof structure and creates a water resistant seal by compressing the lower annular seal and by creating surface-to-surface contact with the roof and portion of the base plate. An inwardly threaded cover portion engages the upwardly projected portion either directly or through an intermediary, creating a water resistant seal over the fastener.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: A replacement or repair stair tread assembly for covering over an existing worn stair tread includes a core that is surrounded by hardwood edge members, of which at least on edge has a bullnose. The edge members and core are mated at tongue and groove joints. The bullnose has a greater depth of section than the core. The core is a multi-ply matrix with veneer surface skins of the same grain orientation and type of wood. The multiple plies are arranged such that successive layers have cross-wise grain orientation. The plies of the core have symmetrically balanced properties relative to the neutral axis or neutral plane of the core in bending, both cross-wise and length-wise. The balanced properties may pertain to water absorption and to resistance to bending.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an adjustable door frame assembly and method for framing a door opening. The adjustable door frame assembly comprises first and second alignment members providing a first securing structure to a door opening, one of the first and second alignment members being rotatably connected to a door during installation. The adjustable door frame assembly further comprises an alignment header connecting the first and second alignment members along an upper end of the alignment members and an alignment assembly located within at least one of the first and second alignment members. The alignment assembly comprises an adjustable stop for locating the adjustable door frame assembly about the door opening. The adjustable door frame assembly also comprises first and second cover members providing a second securing structure to the door opening independently of the first securing structure.

Abstract: A plurality of columns are erected with predetermined spacing on a groundsill. Then, a wall panel composed of a plurality of paulownia plates laminated, with the grains of the paulownia plates being crossed, is fixed between these columns. One surface of the wall panel is used as an external wall and the other surface of the wall panel is used as an internal wall to form the walls of the wooden house.

Abstract: A high-rise building has a stairwell, an air supply shaft, inlet openings connecting the air supply shaft to the stairwell, and a pressure system for keeping the stairwell free from smoke. The stairwell is vertically divided into several partial spaces. The separation is performed by at least one partition. Each partition has a door enabling a passage from one partial space of the stairwell into an adjacent partial space.

Abstract: A bracket system is disclosed for allowing conventional trim to be removably connected to a wall or ceiling or both while allowing the bracket system to be concealed behind the trim. The bracket system includes a wall bracket that is attached to the wall or ceiling or both and a trim bracket that is attached to conventional trim. The wall bracket and trim bracket interlock with each other and are held together in secure but removable mating contact. The wall bracket and trim bracket can be pulled apart or pushed together to allow for removal and reinstallation of trim without mechanical modification or destruction of any components. A preferred embodiment of the bracket system includes an insert bracket that is placed inside and concealed within the wall bracket. The insert bracket helps to retain cabling within the wall bracket when the trim bracket is removed or to keep cabling running along the bracket system separated.

Abstract: A laminated floor tile includes the following layers laminated together into a single unit, a base having an underside, an upper surface, and perimetric edges, the base being formed of a high impact copolymer material designed to provide a slight flexure, the base including tabs designed to interact with adjacent floor tiles to hold the adjacent tiles fixedly in place, and panels extending upwardly from the perimetric edges of the base and forming the upper surface into a tray shape, graphic media positioned on the base within the tray, and a clear protective layer overlying the graphic image.

Abstract: A surface covering system for covering surfaces with a covering material, particularly for covering wall surfaces or floor surfaces with tile material. The surface covering system includes at least two covering modules, which can be placed on the surface so as to adjoin each other. A first covering module has at least one first sealing profile, and a second covering profile has at least one second sealing profile. The sealing profiles are designed to engage each other in a positioned state of the covering modules and form a common seal.

Abstract: A parallelepiped structure (10) comprises interleaved panels (12), each panel being moulded from concrete and being rectangular in plan and comprising a plurality of slots (22) along their top edges (16). The panels can be interleaved in order to provide the structure (10). Tongues (13) between adjacent slots (22) are supported on both sides against movement perpendicular to the plane of the panel (12) by ridges (24a,b) on the supporting panel, and so that the weakness inevitably constituted by them is mitigated. The structure (10) is suitable to accept vehicular loading, while the panels that make it up are still individually light enough to be manipulated by hand. The panels are moulded in moulds assembled from blow-or vacuum-moulded sheets placed together in a sandwich.

Abstract: Wall blocks and methods of constructing walls from the wall blocks which have a side connection system interlocking adjacent blocks whereby a side of the block is provided with a channel or slot that is configured to engage a corresponding projection on the adjacent block. The side connection system may alternatively have a connection receiving cavity formed by channels or slots on the sides of the blocks which are configured to align with a channel or slot from adjacent blocks where a connector may be received to interlock the blocks.

Abstract: A strip for use in sealing one or more roof penetrations comprising a strip including a plurality of panels positioned in a side-by-side manner, a plurality of flanges positioned in a side-by-side manner, a plurality of first hinges interconnecting the panels, and a plurality of second hinges interconnecting the panels with the flanges. The flanges being bendable relative to the panels. At least a portion of the strip configured to be disposed about the roof penetration to form a container for receiving sealant with the panels of said at least a portion of the strip extending generally perpendicular to the roof and the flanges of said at least a portion of the strip being bent relative to the panels to extend generally parallel to the roof. The remaining portion of the strip may be used to seal one or more other roof penetrations in a similar manner. A kit for sealing one or more roof penetrations including the strip, a container of adhesive and a container of sealant.