Abstract: An adjustable iron sight for firearms includes compensation for projectile drop. The projectile drop compensation moves the sight aperture to compensate for projectile drop. Use of the compensation will allow aiming directly at the target without having to visually compensate for projectile drop. The projectile drop compensation mechanism includes a multi-position manually operable wheel and cam that is profiled to match the trajectory of the particular firearm and load. As there are many possible loads that could be used with a particular firearm, the multi-position cam is interchangeable to allow changing to a cam that is matched to the specific load that is desired.

Abstract: The weapon sights can be used simultaneously in conjunction with another optical sight and can be mounted on the same weapon accessory rail as the other optical sight. The weapon sights include a front sight and a rear sight that detachably mount to the weapon's accessory rail, but are cantilevered and off-set so that they do not interfere with the optical sight mounted to the same accessory rail. The cantilevered configuration and off-set orientation of the rear sight assembly and the front sight post also allow the shooter to transition quickly between the weapon sight of this invention and an optical sight by simply canting the weapon 45 degrees to bring the desired sight on target and into the vertical of the weapon.

Abstract: A replacement fishing line guide for a fishing pole. The guide comprises a bendable base; at least a first and a second spaced-apart C-shaped clamp extending upwardly from the base, wherein the fishing pole is received within each of the first and second clamps, each clamp defining an opening therein, a first opening in the first clamp spaced a number of angular degrees from a second opening in the second clamp, a channel defined in a lower region of each of the first and second clamps, the channel for receiving remnant portions of a broken fishing line guide; a connecting segment extending from the base; and a ring attached to the connecting segment for receiving a fishing line within the ring.

Abstract: A fly fishing device for indicating a strike from a fish which suspends a fly or lure a fixed distance above the bottom of a lake or river is disclosed. The device may include a strike indicator made from foam or other buoyant materials that includes a threaded set screw and O-Ring to attach the line/leader to the indicator body. Most strike indicators are either difficult to attach, or difficult to adjust. This invention will allow easy attachment, and easy adjustment.

Abstract: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, both having a V-shape, and a biased restraint member having a V-shape and adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies are each adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The first trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a first trigger member. The second trigger assembly releases the restraint member via only the first directional force applied to a second trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring.

Abstract: A bedbug trap having a base with an outer wall that may be formed as an angled ramp having a relatively shallow angle that leads to an entryway, and an inner wall extending from the outer wall that may be formed as an angled chute having a relatively steep angle. The ramp may be textured or otherwise skid-resistant, and the chute is smooth. A catch container attaches underneath the base and has a floor spaced away from the chute. A source of attractant, for example, an insulated container containing dry ice, rests on the base such that at least a portion of attractant from the container will flow toward the top of the ramp. A cover may attach to the base, enclosing the insulated container.

Abstract: Disclosed are heatable enclosures useful in treating materials for eradication of pests. Specifically, a heating layer which can be fitted or retrofitted into a numerous and wide variety of containers and enclosures, such as suitcases, boxes, trucks and trailers, which are operable to heat the enclosed space of the container to treat heatable materials over a period of time to eradicate pests. Heating films can be utilized that are inexpensive and lightweight.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing fluidizable particles of a biomass/catalyst composite material. The process comprises the steps of (i) providing a particulate, solid biomass material; (ii) forming a composite of the biomass material and a catalytic material; (iii) subjecting the biomass material to a thermal treatment at a torrefaction temperature at or above 200° C., and low enough to avoid significant conversion of the biomass material to liquid conversion products; and (iv) forming fluidizable particles from the biomass material. Step (ii) may be carried out before or after step (iii).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing bio-diesel from triglycerides and lower alcohols, desirably in the presence of liquid or supercritical CO2, are provided. The apparatus are designed to enhance the miscibility of the triglycerides with lower alcohols.

Abstract: A diesel fuel lubricant as a replacement for sulfur lubrication in Ultra-Low and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels, the process for producing said lubricant, and the method of using said lubricant. This lubricant comprises alpha-olefins; low odor aromatic solvents; and at least one a base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base Oils; as well as other ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this lubricant.

Abstract: A mobile biodiesel production facility comprising a shear mixer, a centrifuge, a control unit, and a plurality of pumps needed to pump the feedstocks and reactants. Upon mixing, the feedstock and reactant mixture becomes a reaction product. A residence tank collects the reaction product, where it rests for some time and self-converts to a residence product. The residence product is then pumped to the centrifuge, where the centrifuge separates the residence product into biodiesel and a heavy phase product. The control unit coordinates the operations of the shear mixer, centrifuge, and plurality of pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of the fuel-properties of biomass in an integrated manner to facilitate storage, shipping and applicability thereof. In the process, biomass (6) is thermally treated within a combustion process to cause partial torrefaction of the organic matter present in biomass, thus yielding components inert to biological decomposition processes. Constituents (10) separated in gaseous form are utilized as fuel, while the thermally treated biomass (8) remaining in the solid form is utilized in a separate process.

Abstract: Transgenic plants, transgenic plant material, and transgenic plant cells for the improved synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates, preferably poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (also referred to as PHB), have been developed. In one embodiment, carbon flow is modulated to increase production of PHB. Preferred plants that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB include plants that produce a large amount of lignocellulosic biomass that can be converted into biofuels, such as switchgrass, Miscanthus, Sorghum, sugarcane, millets, Napier grass and other forage and turf grasses. An exemplary plant that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB and produces lignocellulosic biomass is switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L. A preferred cultivar of switchgrass is Alamo. Other suitable cultivars of switchgrass include, but are not limited to, Blackwell, Kanlow, Nebraska 28, Pathfinder, Cave-in-Rock, Shelter and Trailblazer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system for moving containers (14), the conveying system (4) comprising an inclined track (8) and a conveying device (24), where the track (8) has an container inlet (11) at the bottom (12) and an container outlet (15) at the top (16) and where the conveying device (24) is arranged to travel down (R) the track (8) and comprises a container moving unit (54) which after passage below a container (14) moves the container (14) one step up (L) the track (8), the conveying device (24) thus moving one container (14) at a time one step up (L) the track (8) during the downward (R) travel of the conveying device (24). The invention also relates to a tower structure (2) comprising a container conveying system (4), and a method for conveying containers (14) with a conveying system (4).

Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim and has exterior flanges and grooves formed on its outer surface. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. Interior flanges and grooves formed on the inner surface of the outer rim wall are configured to engage the exterior flanges and grooves on the outer surface of the container vertical wall such that the rim can be secured onto the upper end of the container. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in vertical stacks by providing vertically stacked, interconnected pairs of plant platforms and light trays carrying growth promoting light sources. Each light tray is suspended below the underside of the next above plant platform. The stack is vertically raised in succession whereby the plant platforms are suspended and vertically spaced from each other. Thereafter, plants are placed between suspended platforms under the light trays which are regulating during periods of plant growth and non-growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to a fines-depleted methane-enriched synthesis gas, with recycle of recovered particulate fines back into a specified portion of a hydromethanation reactor.

Abstract: A catalyst system including at least one metal and an oxide support, said oxide support including at least one of Al2O3, MnxOy, MgO, ZrO2, and La2O3, or any mixtures thereof; said catalyst being suitable for catalyzing at least one reaction under supercritical water conditions is disclosed. Additionally, a system for producing a high-pressure product gas under super-critical water conditions is provided. The system includes a pressure reactor accommodating a feed mixture of water and organic matter; a solar radiation concentrating system heating the pressure reactor and elevating the temperature and the pressure of the mixture to about the water critical temperature point and pressure point or higher. The reactor is configured and operable to enable a supercritical water process of the mixture to occur therein for conversion of the organic matter and producing a high-pressure product fuel gas.

Abstract: A locking prison door movement for mounting above a prison door adjacent a prison cell for transporting and locking the prison door includes a support frame and a movable carriage mounted to the support frame for reciprocating motion relative to the support frame. A drop bar extends downwardly toward the floor of the prison and is movable between a raised unlocked position and a lowered lock position in which a lower portion of the drop bar is secured adjacent the floor of the prison. An upper lock bar is movable between a first locked position securing the movable carriage in place and a second unlocked position allowing motion of the movable carriage. A cam mechanism is provided for moving the upper lock bar and the drop bar between their locked and unlocked and is operated by the reciprocating motion of the movable carriage such that the reciprocating motion of the movable carriage causes the locking and unlocking of the drop bar and the upper lock bar.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is provided that includes a frame mountable at an opening of a shower enclosure. The shower door assembly also includes a door panel movably mounted to the frame and configured to close off a first portion of the enclosure opening. The shower door assembly further includes a storage unit movably mounted to the frame and configured to close off a second portion of the enclosure opening. The storage unit has at least one shelf accessible at least from inside the shower enclosure.

Abstract: A door safety device includes an elongated flexible member having an upper portion coupled to a hinge, a hinged edge of the door, or a door jamb at or proximate to a hinge axis. An object is fastened to a lower portion of the elongated flexible member. The object hangs from the elongated flexible member when the door is closed, and swings into a gap between the hinged edge of the door and the door jamb when the door is opened, thereby preventing closure of the door and accidental pinching of fingers of babies or infants in the gap. The object may be releasably held on a raised door stop portion of the door jamb.

Abstract: A glass run channel for a vehicle door window opening includes first and second mutually spaced legs having relatively high hardness, a trim lip comprising a member having relatively high hardness and a relatively soft laminate covering a surface of the member. The trim lip includes a hard low friction ramp on a reverse facing lip. The trim lip incorporates a low durometer bead at the door surface interference and a low durometer interface to the high hardness leg, allowing the trim lip to operate independently from the inboard leg.

Abstract: A latch jamb security plate in combination with a doorjamb having a front side facing a door opening and a back side opposite the front side. The doorjamb is formed with a latch aperture therethrough for receiving a retractable door latch. The latch jamb security plate comprises a planar plate member fastened to the back side of the doorjamb, and a single latch tongue formed integrally with the planar plate member and extending therefrom into the latch aperture in the doorjamb. The planar plate member has an opening therethrough aligned with the latch aperture in the doorjamb. The opening in the planar plate member has a continuous edge. The latch tongue is configured to extend from only a portion of the edge of the opening in the planar plate member.

Abstract: A flange engaging strip is provided for engaging a vehicle flange, wherein the flange has a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension. The flange engaging strip has a closed end and projecting limbs and can include a carrier having a corresponding base and projecting legs that define a constant combined cross sectional length, wherein the cross sectional length of the closed end varies corresponding to the thickness of the flange along a longitudinal dimension of the flange engaging strip.

Abstract: A guide lug 3, lateral side temporarily fixing claws 4a, and slit side temporarily fixing claws 4b are hooked on a flat-cable insertion opening opened in a sheet metal casing to thereby temporarily fix a lid 1 with the lid half-opened. When the lid 1 in a half-opened state is adapted as a guide, a flat cable is inserted into a slit 5 from the inside of the casing and pulled out to the outside of the casing. The pulled out flat cable is pinched between a flange 8 of the lid 1 and the peripheral face of the flat-cable insertion opening to be screwed.

Abstract: Tools for conditioning chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) pads comprise a substrate with abrasive particles coupled to at least one surface. The tools can have various particle and bond configurations. For instance, abrasive particles may be bonded (e.g., brazed or other metal bond technique) to one side, or to front and back sides. Alternatively, abrasive particles are bonded to a front side, and filler particles coupled to a back side. The abrasive particles can form a pattern (e.g., hexagonal) and have particle sizes that are sufficiently small to penetrate pores of a CMP pad during conditioning, leading to fewer defects on wafers polished with the conditioned CMP pad. Grain bonding can be accomplished using brazing films, although other metal bonds may be used as well. Also, balanced bond material (e.g., braze on both sides) allows for low out-of-flatness value.

Abstract: An inflatable insulator covers an associated attic access hatch to prevent a transfer of heat from a first indoor environment maintaining temperature control and a second indoor environment not maintaining temperature control. The insulator includes at least one air chamber adapted to contain a volume of stationary air. Impermeable layers define the air chamber. Sidewalls extending from a generally planar top wall to remove the impermeable layers from a direct contact with the access hatch.

Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.

Abstract: A grate access floor panel comprising a support frame and a plurality of vanes supported by the frame, each of the plurality of vanes having an upstream end and a downstream end with respect to a direction of airflow across the plurality of vanes and faces that extend between the upstream and downstream ends, wherein at least some of the vanes have openings that extend through the faces thereof and have angled tips.

Abstract: The foldable habitation has a foldable roof with a central section which can be folded into a generally flat configuration for transportation and storage, and which can be automatically deployed into a chevron shape upon deploying lateral sections of the roof. A novel method of handling a foldable habitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A system for waterproofing a basement or similar structure including a horizontal section disposed on the top surface of the structure's foundation footer, and a vertical section that extends from the horizontal section in communication with the structure's foundation wall. The horizontal section includes a top surface, side walls, and a bottom surface that define a central drainage area, the side walls include lower apertures. The vertical section includes front and back surfaces, the back surface includes an edge having passages in fluid communication with the lower apertures. The vertical section includes an upper flange that protrudes a distance from the back surface such that the lower edge and flange portion abut the interior surface of the foundation wall.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element, and a substrate coupled to the photovoltaic element comprising an amorphous phase material, wherein the substrate comprises a compression region abutting an external surface of the substrate. Additionally, the compression region extends for an average depth into the substrate of at least about 50 microns.

Abstract: A mounting rail (1) for embedding in a curable construction material (3), e.g. concrete (4), having a support profile (2), such that the support profile (2) has a connection on the outer side thereof and via an embedding region (5) thereof to the curable construction material (3). It should be possible to easily remove the construction material (3) from the mounting rail (1) outside of the embedding region (5) of the mounting rail (1) following hardening of the construction material (3). The support profile (2) having a non-stick coating (7) and/or a non-stick surface outside of the embedding region (5), at least over a part thereof.

Abstract: A method for deploying a security awning that includes repositioning at least one support device for a security awning on a building, wherein the security awning comprises at least one panel, a pivotable mounting, and at least one security interface, and wherein the security awning is at least partially held in place by the at least one support device; pivoting the at least one panel about the pivotable mounting to cover a portion of the building; and coupling the at least one panel to the building by the at least one security interface.

Abstract: A building structure. A plurality of vertically upright wall panels enclose a defined space. The wall panels are linked together to form a stable structure. A plurality of roof panels cover the enclosed space and are affixed to the wall panels.

Abstract: A system for assembling two-sided walls on, through, and around a pre-installed structural steel grid. System wall units have an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being an outer wall surface, the inner side opposing an inner side of one or more wall units on an opposing side of the structural steel grid. Interlock elements extend through spaces in the structural steel grid and connect opposing wall units to prevent separation of the opposing wall units. Installed in courses, the wall units create a continuous void between opposing wall units, such that structural void fill material can be poured into the assembled wall at one or more openings, and the void fill material will fill the continuous void from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall. Plumbing, electrical, and other building systems can be installed on the steel grid prior to wall assembly.

Abstract: A prop assembly has interior and exterior members. Each member includes a plate with distal and proximal surfaces and attachment components on the distal surface of the interior member. The distal surface of the interior member is adapted to be secured to a support surface. The interior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The exterior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The threads of the tubes are rotatable with respect to each other. In this manner the distance between the distal surfaces is adjusted.

Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for creating an outer surface effect of a structure wherein at least one wall of the structure defines a support surface, the apparatus comprising means defining a covering surface which overlies the support surface but is movable therefrom, so that a quantity of material to create the outer surface effect can be positioned between the support surface and the covering surface, and wherein the covering surface is in the form of a panel.

Abstract: A modular block apparatus including a block having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a generally cylindrical core passage extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a locking assembly received in the core passage including a core having a through-bore extending therethrough defining alternating core grooves and lands, a locking rod having an array of alternating rod grooves and lands complementary to the core grooves and lands, and a rod key positioned between the locking rod and the core for retaining the locking rod in engagement with the core.

Abstract: A channel beam used in building construction of sub-decks is described. The channel beam essentially formed from a steel sheet that is bent in a C-shaped cross-section possessing a web having bends, thus forming an upper flange and a lower flange. The channel beam extending in length along the C-shaped cross-section. A ceramic coating essentially encapsulates the channel beam whereby the sheet metal of the channel beam is essentially encapsulated by the ceramic coating prior to being bent in the C-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural system including a baling device that includes a bale forming means to form a bale including a pivotable rear flap to open a baling chamber in which the bale can be formed, and a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material, the wrapping device including a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping and wrapping means, the wrapping means including one or more movable parts to be rotated during wrapping along a trajectory around the bale supported on the wrapping table, wherein the wrapping device is partially located below the baling device, wherein the trajectory of the one or more moving parts of the wrapping device and a trajectory of the pivotable rear flap of the baling device are non-overlapping.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for hot-fill or cold fill sterilization of a container containing both a liquid and solid inclusions. The method and apparatus each prevent the inclusions from agglomerating in any area of the container, such as the container closure, thus allowing the liquid to contact the interior surfaces of the container for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization of the entire container. The filled container is subjected to an inversion sequence typically including alternating between inverting the container to an angle of about 60 degrees from vertical and an angle of about 140 degrees from vertical, over a time period of at least 30 seconds. The apparatus includes a means for conveying containers, configured to subject the containers to a series of angles as the containers are conveyed, as well as an enclosure for preventing the containers from falling off of the conveying means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing method as well as to a dosing device, in particular for dosing snus or the like, wherein a portion of tobacco (28, 36, 50) is filled into a dosing chamber (17, 18, 19, 59) of a dosing device (10), wherein the portion of tobacco is blown out of the dosing chamber by means of blow-out air and wherein water vapor is added to the blow-out air.

Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.

Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a package with a rigid or semi-rigid container and a polymeric or plastic header with a reclosure, such as a zipper. The rigid or semi-rigid container is typically provided in a stack of flat containers. The header is sealed, glued or otherwise secured to the containers. The container, typically inverted, is filled, and the bottom is formed by folding and sealing the bottom portion of the container.

Abstract: A dispensing system for administration of medicaments during a medicament dosage regime and comprising: (i) a tray comprising an interconnected array of compartments, each compartment being dimensioned to accommodate therein a plurality of medicaments; and (ii) a closure for the compartments arranged so that the closure and the compartments form a series of sealed containers for holding medicaments; the compartments and the closure therefor being arranged so that each sealed container is frangible from the interconnected array so that a sealed container may be removed from the array.