Abstract: Kits are disclosed for starting plant seedlings from seeds. The kits can employ self-watering structures and can create microenvironments that foster seed germination and seedling growth. The kits can include structures that minimize the transplanting stress to transplanted seedlings. Methods for growing seedlings from seeds also are disclosed.

Abstract: A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper.

Abstract: An example pot includes a sump and water wick assembly for providing water to a plant supported within the pot. The sump includes an inner diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the pot. The sump is disposed about an outer perimeter of the pot and includes the water wick that extends into the pot and soil supporting a plant. The pot assembly includes an edge with a curved surface to provide desired appearance that nests within corresponding features of a second identical pot to aid in stacking many example pots for shipment and display.

Abstract: The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.

Abstract: The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.

Abstract: A dual-swing breach training system is provided that includes a door having a removable strike plate therein and a removable means for adjustably securing the door and the doorframe in a coaxial position, that is readily removable to meet various training needs. A base for the system that does not obstruct access to the door during training is also provided.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include an elongated drive member with fixed, offset ends extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, the partition hanging from a trolley disposed at least partially within the track, a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member engaged with the elongated drive member, and a clutch coupled with the motor configured to engage or disengage the rotatable drive member from the motor. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while a clutch mechanism is engaged, and manually moving the partition along the track while the clutch mechanism is disengaged. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a trolley to a rotatable drive member and placing the trolley within a channel of a track.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher, includes an appliance door which has a front operating panel with a handle shell which is formed at least from a bottom handle-shell part and a handle-shell cover. The handle-shell cover has a side wall which is directed towards the front operating panel and, together with the front operating panel, forms a double-wall structure with a free installation space arranged therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes sensors (30, 50) such as microswitches positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (26). The sensors provide an indication of different levels of relative movement between the door panel and the door frame member at an interface (28) between them. Such relative movement includes an increase in a gap between them that corresponds to a situation when an object is at the interface (28) and may be caught. The sensors (30, 50) respectively provide an indication of when an object may become caught and when one has. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door.

Abstract: A method for making a polycrystalline diamond construction is disclosed, which includes the steps of treating a polycrystalline diamond body having a plurality of bonded together diamond crystals and a solvent catalyst material to remove the solvent catalyst material therefrom, wherein the solvent catalyst material is disposed within interstitial regions between the bonded together diamond crystals, replacing the removed solvent catalyst material with a replacement material, and treating the body having the replacement material to remove substantially all of the replacement material from a first region of the body extending a depth from a body surface, and allowing the remaining amount of the replacement material to reside in a second region of the body that is remote from the surface.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: The hollow construction element (3) delimiting an external envelope of determined volume, put together to constitute an ensemble, is formed by at least one material blown or blown-pressed. An assembly comprises at least two construction elements (3) and can comprise communication means between the at least two construction elements.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to the tracks such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall.

Abstract: Accordingly, this invention provides a method for constructing a building, the method comprising: (i) providing a supporting framework; (ii)providing at least one power generation member (10), the power generation member (10) comprising, in a discrete unit, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises support material (30, 32, 34) and the second layer comprises at least one energy converter for converting solar energy into heat and/or electricity (12, 14); and (iii) attaching the power generation member (10) to the framework such that the power generation member (10) is substantially self supporting and provides an outer surface of the building.

Abstract: A door jamb is formed having a vertical jamb member which defines a jamb opening. A replaceable jamb member is sized to be removably secured in the jamb opening by a connection element, preferably shear screws. The shear screws are formed to break or shear apart so as to release the replaceable jamb member when an effective amount of force is applied. When the shear screws break, the replaceable jamb member is free to slide out of jamb opening and release a door which is latched thereto, thus saving the surrounding jamb elements and the door itself from damage. The effective amount of force is generally the force needed to break down a conventional door.

Abstract: A molding system conceals gridwork in suspended ceilings. A main or cross piece molding comprises two opposed clip assemblies for attaching to inverted T-bars. The clip assemblies comprise a vertical portion. Upper and lower fingers protrude horizontally from the vertical portion and towards the opposed clip assembly. Upward projecting arms extend from upper edges of the vertical portions and have upward edges. Horizontal arms extend from the upward edges and extend away from the clip assemblies. A decorative portion spans between distal ends of the horizontal arms. A perimeter molding for attaching to L-bars comprises a first horizontal arm configured to abut a lower portion of a horizontal surface and a second horizontal arm that is parallel to the first horizontal arm. First and second legs connect to the second horizontal arm. The second leg abuts an upper, distal portion of the horizontal surface near a hem.

Abstract: A covering panel has a support plate, made from synthetic plastic material, with a flat and even top surface, a bottom face and pairs of opposite sides provided with complementary profile edges in the form of a male profile edge on one side and a female profile edge on the other, where said male profiled edge can be connected to a female edge of an equal adjacent covering panel, preferably according to a direction that runs perpendicular to said top surface. In their bottom face there are strip-shaped recesses that run according to the direction of extrusion and alternate with a number of support strips, of which at least a part has a width S along that bottom face that complies with 1.5 T<S<10 T, and whereby 0.4 T<C<0.7 T applies, in which C is the average depth of these recesses. A process extrudes a synthetic plastic plate.

Abstract: An insulating wall assembly, including a framework having opposite interior and exterior sides and including a plurality of vertical and horizontal support studs defining an inner spacing within the framework, a substantially rigid insulating panel mounted to the framework, and an insulating material extending in the inner spacing and juxtaposed to the rigid insulating panel. Each one of the vertical and horizontal support studs has an outer stud member having a thickness t1 and an inner stud member mounted inwardly to the outer stud member and having a thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The substantially rigid insulating panel is supported peripherally by the inner stud members with the outer stud member circumscribing the rigid insulating panel.

Abstract: A door skin comprises an exterior side and an interior side for being secured to a frame member. First and second molded, spaced stiles lie on a first plane. A flat planar portion is disposed between the stiles and lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane. A first interface portion is disposed between and contiguous with the stiles and the flat planar portion. First and second integrally molded, spaced rails lie on a third plane, wherein the third plane is intermediate the first and second planes.

Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.

Abstract: Various systems are provided for building blocks having the appearance of wood shake. In one embodiment, a building block includes first side body portion including a protrusion, a second side body portion including a recess configured to engage the protrusion of an adjacent building block, and a front body portion including a front exterior surface having vertical striated grooved lines configured to resemble a plurality of wood shakes; and a lower lip extending across the front exterior surface and extending below a lower surface. In another embodiment, a building block includes a front exterior surface having vertical striated grooved lines configured to resemble a plurality of wood shakes and a first side body portion including a side exterior surface having vertical striated grooved lines configured to resemble at least one wood shake and a lower lip extending across the front and side exterior surfaces and extending below a lower surface.

Abstract: There is provided a drilling rig for use on a drilling platform, comprising a drilling mast having at least two segments and a feed carriage, said drilling mast being adapted to be constructed in such a manner that at least one segment is displaced upwardly by means of the feed carriage. A mounting method in accordance with the invention for a drilling mast having at least two segments comprises the following steps: fixing of a feed carriage, providing of a mast segment below the feed carriage, and displacing the mast segment upwardly by means of the feed carriage. Due to this, additional auxiliary devices for constructing the drilling mast are not required, and space may be saved.

Abstract: A modular wire device to support and maintain the position of horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars in concrete masonry unit walls. Additionally, the device may function to provide structural support and to act as the base for attaching insulation, bricks or other veneers to a wall structure. The wire support device comprises a planar wire frame to be set within horizontal mortar joints, coupled with a plurality wire cross members. The wire cross members may have crimps and loops to precisely align horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars. Hingedly attached extension members may extend outward from the wire frame and the face of the wall to vertical wire surface material supports using end loops to provide support for insulation, brick or other veneers. The frame and horizontal bars provide additional structural reinforcement across the wall thickness.

Abstract: A mounting device is fastened over various types of standing seams of a roof. The mounting device includes a mounting body, a wedge-like core and two bolts. The mounting body includes a slot extending therethrough with a trapezoidal cross-section, a first tapped hole and a second tapped hole, wherein the slot has an opening at a relatively short side of a pair of parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section. The wedge-like core is sandwiched between a pair of nonparallel sides of the slot. A first bolt is screwed into the first tapped hole and has an end in contact with the wedge-like core for securing a standing seam. A second bolt is screwed into the second tapped hole for securing a desired object on the roof.

Abstract: An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. A framing machine includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the framing machine. Additional means for insulating the structural member, installing pipes and wires, and an exterior finish may also be provided.

Abstract: A ridge clip is disclosed that is useful for attaching lights or other decorations to the ridge of a roof without compromising the seal on ridge shingles. The ridge clip includes a shingle hook that affixes to the overhanging portion of a shingle, and an extension arm that extends long enough to mount the decoration on the roof ridge. Ridge clips may be provided as an adapter for existing shingle tabs, or as stand-alone devices.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist consists of three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower web. These three elements can be produced in different dimensions. The upper chord further consists of a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels. The lower chord consists of an upwardly facing receiving channel that is adapted to receive the lower edge of the intermediate web.

Abstract: A built-up beam fabricated a plurality of profiled steel plates is disclosed. The built-up beam includes a first lower profiled steel plate including a bottom portion, a side-vertical portion bent upwardly and vertically from one lateral edge of the bottom portion, a supporting portion bent horizontally from an upper end of the side-vertical portion, and a first center-vertical portion bent vertically and upwardly from the other lateral edge of the bottom portion. A second lower profiled steel plate is arranged symmetrically about the first center-vertical portion of the first lower profiled steel plate and connected to the first lower profiled steel plate. The second lower profiled steel plate has a cross-section symmetrical or asymmetrical to the first lower profiled steel plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist consists of three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower web. These three elements can be produced in different dimensions. The upper chord further consists of a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels. The lower chord consists of an upwardly facing receiving channel that is adapted to receive the lower edge of the intermediate web.

Abstract: The RE-VAC invention is a housing, open on one end with an embedded sealing ring, and a port on the other end. The port allows insertion of a nipple and tube that is attached to a vacuum device. Or a housing, open on both ends with sealing rings embedded on each, and flanged ported lid. When the sealing ring on the open end of the housing is placed on a clean, hard, smooth non-porous surface, and firm pressure applied to the ported end, a vacuum chamber is created upon activation of the vacuum device. Air will be evacuated from any container with a lid, that was placed inside the housing. Releasing the chamber vacuum will not release the container vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure clip for closing tubular or bag-shaped packing casing for packing loosely goods or foodstuff. The closure clip includes two arms extending at least substantially in a plane and at least substantially parallel to each other, having first and second ends and inner and outer surfaces. The closure clip further includes a bottom portion arranged in the plane defined by the arms, having an inner and an outer surface and connecting the arms by their first ends, thereby forming a substantially U-shaped closure clip. The closure clip further includes at least one arbor having a first end and a second end that extends from the inner surface of the bottom portion, to which the arbor is coupled by its first end between the arms and parallel thereto. The closure clip further comprises a die for closing the closure clip. The closure clip further comprises two guide channels for guiding the second ends of the closure clip, which are separated from each other by a land.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing containers with closures comprising a closing head (2) that attaches the closures to the containers, wherein said closing head (2) can be moved relative to the closures with a first movement type and is arranged within a sterile space (8) with a first movement unit (4) for producing a movement of the closure with the first movement type, wherein said first movement unit (4) is arranged at least partially outside the sterile space (8), wherein the sterile space (8) is bounded by at least one first wall (12) and the device comprises a ring-shaped channel (14) into which said first wall (12) protrudes, wherein the ring-shaped channel (14) can be moved relative to the first wall (12) and can be filled with a fluid medium, and wherein the first movement unit (4) is arranged within the channel (14) at least in sections.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the sealing of hard shell capsules having coaxial body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described is an apparatus to seal the capsules. The method comprises the steps of holding the capsule in a precise and upright position and injecting a known quantity of sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealing clamp (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) to hold the capsule in an upright position and means (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) to inject the sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.

Abstract: A device for the movement of a chamber upper part of a chamber conveyor belt machine includes first and second lifting mechanisms. The first lifting mechanism is driven by means of a motorized drive, and the second lifting mechanism is driven by means of an adjusting cylinder. Furthermore, a connection element is provided for coupling the two lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for packaging hot melt adhesive, in particular sticky hot melt adhesive or substances that are tacky at ambient temperature as a material to be packaged in a plastic film, comprising the steps: (a) fusing the material to be packaged; (b) metering the fused material onto a cooling belt in portions and cooling the material to below its fusion point; (c) removing the material portions from the cooling belt, and (d) packaging the material portions in the plastic film, the cooling belt having a textile carrier with threads which form heat conducting threads with which heat from the one flat side of the cooling belt can be transferred to the opposite side, and the carrier being embedded into a polymer matrix such that the heat conducting threads are covered as far as possible, at least on the side coming into contact with the material to be packaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing internally pierced shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques. The third stage involves the automatic placing of an internal piercing device stably into the shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gripping device for more hygienic handling of a lid for a container. In general, the gripping device fits over the lid and releasably grips the outer surface of the lid. At least a portion of at least one interior circumference of the gripping device has a gripper for imparting suitable friction to releasably grip the lid. When the gripping device is placed over the lid, the gripper grips the lid and does not release the lid until after the lid is placed on the container. The gripping device facilitates sealing of the lid around the entire circumference of the container, thereby preventing accidental spills caused by unclosed or partially closed lids. By using the gripping device, the lid may be handled without the operator's hand touching any part of the lid itself.

Abstract: A device for filling and compacting pourable products is proposed, comprising:—at least one product feed (16) for feeding a pourable product to a container (12) that is to be filled,—at least one ram (14) for compacting the product supplied to the container (10), characterized by means for applying a predetermined force to the ram (14) and for detecting the force acting on the ram.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.

Abstract: A gas-liquid rotating separator has first and second sets of magnetically permeable members magnetically interacting with each other to effect rotation of a separator element. A nonauthorized replacement separator element missing the second set of magnetically permeable members will not effect designated operation, thus ensuring, at maintenance servicing, installation of an authorized replacement separator element.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust system has a housing with an inlet and an outlet. At least one hollow body, which is configured to be gas permeable is arranged in the flow path from the inlet to the outlet. The hollow body is formed of at least one basic element made from a porous substrate. Each basic element includes at least two connecting regions, and two connecting regions each of one or different basic elements overlaps in the region of a connection to form the hollow body. The connecting regions to be connected are pressed with each other to form the hollow body.

Abstract: A yarn spun from a plurality of nano-fibres is provided and is characterized in that at least some of the nano-fibres are folded with the folds occurring at predeterminable distances which are integer multiples of a specific spacing. The folds result from spinning the nano-fibres onto a plurality of moving conductive strips which are inclined to their direction of movement. A process and apparatus for producing such yarn is also provided.

Abstract: A coated flow-through substrate comprising a flow-through substrate and a sulfur-containing compound disposed as a coating on the flow-through substrate. The coated flow-through substrate may be used, for example, in the removal of a heavy metal from a fluid such as a gas stream.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of an application and process that incorporates a waste heat source to increase the temperature of the airstream entering an inlet section of a combustion turbine. An embodiment of the present invention may perform an anti-icing operation that reduces the need to operate the IBH system.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustor liner, the combustor liner having an upstream end cover supporting one or more nozzles arranged to supply fuel to the combustion chamber where the fuel mixes with air supplied from a compressor. A transition duct is connected between an aft end of the combustion chamber liner and a first stage turbine casing, the transition duct supplying gaseous products of combustion to the first stage turbine nozzle. One or more additional fuel injection nozzles are arranged at an aft end of the transition duct for introducing additional fuel into the transition duct upstream of the first stage turbine nozzle.

Abstract: An example fuel system includes a fuel sensor configured to sense at least one characteristic of a fuel provided to an engine. The fuel is selected from a plurality of different fuel types. The fuel system also includes a controller that is configured to meter the fuel in response to the at least one characteristic of the fuel.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of controlling urea dosing in an exhaust system of a vehicle. The method includes adjusting the urea dosing based on the severity of urea deposition on an SCR catalyst, where the urea dosing is reduced as the severity increases.

Abstract: A catalyst temperature estimating device that estimates the temperature of an upstream end of a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in an exhaust gas flow direction by executing a smoothing process for upstream end temperature estimation; the temperature of a downstream end of the catalyst in the exhaust gas flow direction by executing either a downstream end temperature estimation process using the estimated upstream end temperature with a smoothing process for downstream end temperature estimation; and calculates a smoothing coefficient for the estimated downstream end temperature used to smooth the estimated downstream end temperature based on the operation state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust heat exchanger includes a water tank accommodating tubes and having an outside space defined outside of the tubes, a gas tank having an exhaust passage and an outside space defined outside of the exhaust passage, a dividing portion to separate the outside space of the water tank from the exhaust passage of the gas tank, and a communication portion. The outside space of the gas tank and the outside space of the water tank communicate with each other through the communication portion.