Abstract: A window opening limit device includes a substantially planar base and a sash stop pivotally engaged with the base between a first stop position and a second stop position. The sash stop is adapted to pivot about a first axis substantially parallel to the planar base. A catch is pivotally engaged with the base between a first catch position and a second catch position, and is adapted to pivot about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the planar base. When in the first catch position, the catch is engaged with the sash stop, and when in the second catch position, the catch is disengaged from the sash stop.

Abstract: A vehicle door frame includes a sash frame that forms a vehicle door frame body and a bracket joined to the sash frame, wherein the sash frame and the bracket are made to mutually overlap each other so that an edge portion of one of the sash frame and the bracket is positioned on the other of the sash frame and the bracket. The sash frame and the bracket are fixed to each other at the edge portion by welding, thereby forming a welded portion thereat. The sash frame and the bracket are fixed to each other by an adhesive injected in between opposed surfaces of the mutually overlapping portions of the sash frame and the bracket, thereby forming an adhesion portion thereat. A method of producing such a vehicle door frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A threshold system, having a threshold and a flashing removably connected to the threshold is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile folding choral riser having lift-assist and stability mechanisms. In particular, the choral riser includes a gas cylinder that provides a force tending to extend the cylinder to assist in folding the riser into a storage position, the cylinder providing substantially no force to resist rapid extension thereof. In addition, the choral riser preferably includes a back railing linkage that permits independent raising and lowering of a back railing member when the choral riser is in a use or partially folded position but constrains the back railing member to a raised position when the choral riser is in an at least substantially fully folded position.

Abstract: A tub enclosure includes a back wall and a first side wall attached to the back wall. The first side wall and the back wall establish an interior of the tub enclosure. An interior side of the first side wall extends past an interior side of the back wall to establish an offset between the first side wall and the back wall. A caulk joint extends along the offset between the back wall and the first side wall. The caulk joint is obscured from vision when viewed in a direction toward the interior.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable mounting system for mounting countertops and other similar structures to a wall or other similar structure. Adjustable mounting systems of the invention include hinge adjustment features and/or length adjustment features that allow a single system to be adapted to fit a variety of sizes and/or shapes of spaces. The invention further provides methods of mounting a countertop using an adjustable mounting system.

Abstract: A retractable load-bearing cover apparatus is selectively deployable and retractable along a track defining a path of travel between first and second terminus points. The load-bearing cover apparatus includes a plurality of sections that are deployable along the track in a first direction, and retractable along the track in a second, opposite direction, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are releasably engagable to one another. The cover apparatus includes a drive system for deploying and retracting the sections along the track, and a storage system for disengaging the sections and arranging such disengaged sections into a vertically stacked orientation.

Abstract: A parapet protector is disclosed which generally discourages birds, small mammals, and other nuisance animals from the rooftops of buildings. The parapet protector includes a first insulator detachably attached to a surface of a building; a first suspension eye coupled to the first insulator, the first suspension eye extending outwardly from the first insulator in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the surface of the building; a first spring that is detachably attached to a distal end of the first suspension eye; a wire that that connects the first spring to a second spring located on a second suspension eye coupled to a second insulator; and an electrical input that is configured to electrify the wire.

Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon of a wind power installation is provided. The method includes providing a foundation and placing a plurality of height adjusting units on the foundation. The height adjusting units are made substantially from a plastic material. A load distribution ring is placed on the plurality of height adjusting units. The load distribution ring is straightened and leveled by adjustment of the height adjusting units. A gap between the foundation and the load distribution ring is filled with a grouting material. A pylon segment is placed on the load distribution ring after the grouting material has reached a predetermined strength.

Abstract: An isolation base system for sensitive structures such as nuclear power plant modules is suggested. The proposed isolation system considers a base supported on specially designed hollow spherical balls and equipped with 3 linear hydraulic actuators to restrict the lateral motion of the base and provide a stable base under normal conditions. The actuators are released when an earthquake signal is detected to allow the base to oscillate freely during the earthquake attack. The hydraulic actuators are reactivated after shock wave ends to compress the springs and restore the base to its original position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: an encapsulated photovoltaic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top layer material at its top surface and a bottom layer material at its bottom surface; a roofing substrate having a top surface; and a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate.

Abstract: A roof panel support system is supported by at least two structural beams, and includes a support matrix for panels, such as solar panels, that can constitute the roof of a structure. The support matrix includes panel rails that can hold panels installed from beneath the support matrix.

Abstract: Movable partition systems comprise a movable partition. A track may be configured to engage with the movable partition such that the movable partition is extendable along the track. A first mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a first side of a gap defined by the track. A second mass of intumescent material may be positioned adjacent the track on a second, opposing side of the gap defined by the track. At least one shroud may at least partially surround the track and may be configured to confine expansion of the first and second masses of intumescent material toward one another across the gap. An intumescent material may be sandwiched in a gap between a leading end of a lead post at a distal end of the movable partition and a cap at least partially surrounding the leading end to define the gap.

Abstract: A wind turbine installation comprises anchor bolts having a sheath or sleeve which extends above the cement foundation and the overlying grout layer. If desired, the sleeve may partially extend inside the base flange of the wind turbine tower. The sleeve may be manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene or other materials having satisfactory mechanical properties, primarily that the material be capable of withstanding sufficient plastic deformation to cause the material to conform to the shape of the threads of the anchor bolts without the material failing. This swaging operation results in a crimped end which forms an interference fit with the threads of the anchor bolt thereby preventing or limiting the intrusion of water or other liquids into the bolt-sleeve annulus during the installation of the turbine foundation.

Abstract: A tile for covering an area which interlocks with an adjacent tile includes a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface disposed opposite the top surface. The main body has at least a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The tile includes a plurality of spaced apart male connectors situated on the first lateral side, and a plurality of spaced apart female receptacles situated on the second lateral side. The tile further includes a plurality of spaced apart slots and a plurality of spaced apart projections. Each slot is situated on either the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the main body inbetween either adjacent male connectors or adjacent female receptacles. Similarly, each projection is situated either on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the main body inbetween either adjacent female receptacles or adjacent male connectors.

Abstract: A support frame of glass brick wall has multiple horizontal beams, multiple vertical beams and multiple side bars. Each of the horizontal beams and the vertical beams has a body, two side wings respectively and longitudinally formed on and protruding from two edges of the body, and two lamp slots respectively and longitudinally formed on and recessed from two sides of the body. Each of the vertical beams is securely mounted between two adjacent glass bricks in a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Each of the horizontal beams is securely mounted on a top of a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Two of the side bars are securely mounted on two edge sides of the glass brick wall. Each of the side bars has openings to replace light strips mounted in the lamp slots. Accordingly, the support frame provides a clean and easy lamp replacement solution.

Abstract: A structural element (10). The inventive structural element (10) includes a frame (12) comprised of a plurality of studs (40) arranged in two rows, a first row (40A) disposed along a first side of the frame (12) and a second row (40B) disposed along a second side of the frame (12), and a foam core (18) disposed within the frame (12) between the first and second rows of studs (40). In an preferred embodiment, the studs (40) each include an exterior face (52), at least one interior face (54), at least one hollow interior cell (70), and at least one opening (74) through an interior face (54) adapted to provide access to a cell (70), and the foam (18) is adapted to fill the interior of the frame (12), penetrating within the hollow cells (70) of the studs (40) through the interior face openings (74).

Abstract: A fire stop dimensioned to fit a selected size opening. The fire stop comprises end plates, a central shaft member retaining the end plates apart from one another, and a core between the end plates that comprises fire putty and mineral wool. The thickness and density of the mineral wool layer and/or the fire putty layer are chosen to achieve a particular fire rating within the constraints of the overall dimensional thickness of the slab. The fire stop has a low profile rendering it non-obstructing, can be inserted by a single installer from above a floor slab or into a wall, and further can be removed for inspection and/or replacement as needed. The fire putty layer swells under heat filling remaining gaps between the fire stop and the opening.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide ease of application for steel armored joints used in industrial concrete floor construction. It provides one step simple installation. Eliminates thermal transfer in low temperature environment to a higher temperature environment through the concrete slab. Provides simple elevation adjustment. Provides a substrate for joint filler compression. Eliminates the need for wood forms and field welding that produces waste. Elevation adjustment and the ease thereof are achieved by vertical slots cut in the plastic upright. The neoprene bolts are to be tightened when the steel is at the desired elevation. Two part armored joints separate as the concrete contracts during the curing process. Then the joint filler product is applied.

Abstract: A system and method for insulating a metal roof includes a thermal block arrangement disposed over each of a pair of purlins. A vapor-barrier sheet spans between and is secured over the opposing pair of purlins, the vapor-barrier sheet being secured underneath each thermal block arrangement. A batt insulation receiving cavity is defined by an upper surface of the vapor-barrier sheet and between opposing faces of each of the thermal block arrangements.

Abstract: A gunnable adhesive composition includes a silicone resin and an organopolysiloxane, or a reaction product thereof; as well as a filler and a solvent. The silicone resin and the organopolysiloxane are present in amounts to provide a resin/polymer ratio ranging from 58% to 64%. The gunnable adhesive composition may be applied to low surface energy substrates at ambient temperatures without primer or other surface treatment. The gunnable adhesive composition and adhesive product thereof are useful in weather barrier applications, such as building wraps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering comprising panels that can be connected to each other mechanically, and having the following characteristics:—adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) each having a groove (6, 14) on the sides (5, 21) thereof that are complementary to each other,—the grooves (6, 14) each have upper and lower groove sides (7, 8; 17, 26) having different lengths,—in one of the grooves (6, 14) a tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is arranged that can be moved relative to the panel (1, 2) at least in parts, said tongue is suitable for engaging in the corresponding groove (6, 14) of the adjacent panel (1, 2) when the adjacent panels (1, 2) are connected,—the tongue (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) has at least one projection (16, 33, 42, 43), which points in the direction of the area of the longer groove sides (7, 17) of the other groove (6, 14) that protrudes relative to the shorter groove sides (8, 26),—the projection (16, 33, 42, 43) is intended to be moved transversely to the laying plane ( ) of the panels (1, 2)

Abstract: A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member, a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, the second reinforcing member residing perpendicular to the first reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and wherein the mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over one another.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. Other aspects comprise improved platform floor plans, with various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means also being described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are methods and means of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and for adding extension members to extend the length of a support post as needed during installation, maintenance or operations.

Abstract: This present invention provides faux brick facades configured to cover existing brick walls, such as those that serve as fencing or property barriers. The Beauty Brick line consists of square-shaped sheets comprised of a fiberglass and plastic material that can be applied directly to the surface of bricks, and is available in a wide array of sizes. Other attributes of the Beauty Brick sheets include a pliability that accommodates facades that are curved or angled. Additionally, the sheets easily cut to size by the end user. The back of each Beauty Brick sheet features a durable adhesive material that adheres easily to the existing brick surface.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular beam and a hybrid beam/slab unit which employs the hybrid tubular beam. The hybrid double-skin tubular beam consists of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube, and concrete filled between the outer FRP tube and the inner steel tube, and the inner steel tube is provided with a plurality of shear connectors on its side engaged with concrete. The inner steel tube is located eccentrically relative to the outer FRP tube towards the side of the hybrid tubular beam to be tensed.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating and packing gloves in a particular order from a collection area wherein the gloves are provided unordered and unsorted, a device for separating and packing gloves not in a particular order from a collection area wherein the gloves are provided unordered and unsorted and also to a device for separating and packing gloves in a predetermined order directly from dipping line.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, reactant sensitive substances are stored in a container where a diaphragm inside the container is expanded to reduce air in contact with the substances. In an embodiment, an inner diaphragm is expanded by pushing on an outer diaphragm and forcing the inner diaphragm towards the substance where the gas containing the reactants is forced out a one-way valve. In an embodiment of the invention, a second one-way valve allows air into a container void space between the inner and outer diaphragms when a force is applied to the outer diaphragm that pumps out the gas and brings the inner diaphragm into contact with the substance. To open the container, the vacuum can be released by pressing a first one-way conditional valve which releases air into the container. A second one-way conditional valve can release the air trapped in the container void space.

Abstract: There are provided a packaging bag, which allows visual confirmation of the content yet does not bleach medical supplies contained therein, a packaging bag containing medical supplies, and a packaging method for medical supplies. A packaging bag 10 of the present invention includes two front and back films 11 and 12, at least one of which is transparent and are bacteria impermeable and do not transmit molecules as large as or greater than O2, wherein a material 13 that is gas permeable and bacteria impermeable is extended on the opening side of at least one of the films, and the periphery of the front and back films except for the opening is sealed. Medical supplies 15 are contained in the packaging bag 10, the opening is sealed to form a seal part 16b, and sterilization processing using EO gas or the like is executed. The EO gas is then removed and it is sealed by a seal part 16c. Even if the medical supplies 15 are exposed to an antiseptic solution such as H2O2, it will not enter the packaging bag 10.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth is disclosed. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging method for packing plastic injection moulded parts (9) designed as pipette tips or medical reaction vessels, including the following steps: simultaneously removing K plastic injection moulded parts (9) from K cavities (3), and depositing the plastic injection moulded parts (9) in an intermediate storage (5) and loading V packaging units (8), each having A plastic injection moulded parts (9), from the intermediate storage (5).

Abstract: A method of preparing soybean mixed powder comprising a soybean powder having properties wherein formation of agglomerate is small when the powder is added to water and then heated with stirring to dissolve the powder.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; the media pack comprising flutes extending in a direction between the inlet flow face and the outlet flow face; a frame mounted on the second flow face of the media pack; a seal support section extending from the base member; and first and second opposite and spaced blades extending from the base member and in a different direction from the base member as the seal support section. The first and second blades are embedded within the media pack through the second flow face. A seal member is oriented against the seal support section. The filter cartridge can be removably oriented in a cassette. The cassette and filter cartridge are removably oriented in an air cleaner housing. The cassette may include lugs to help position the cartridge in sealing engagement with the air cleaner housing. In another embodiment, the filter cartridge is cassette-free and includes a cartridge-handle projecting therefrom.

Abstract: A dust collection device for a concrete cutter includes a suction duct disposed on an upstream-most side; a plurality of dust collectors of a cylindrical cyclone system disposed in series downstream of the suction duct; and a plurality of dust collection chambers connected respectively to the plurality of dust collectors and storing individually dust separated in each of the dust collectors. A blower is disposed between any two of the plurality of dust collectors and performs intake and discharge of air by rotation of a built-in fan. A return flow channel communicates the suction duct with the dust collection chamber which is connected via a connection portion to a dust collector disposed on a downstream-most side from among the plurality of dust collectors, or a return flow channel communicates the suction duct with the connection portion.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus having an engine and an air-cleaning device provided to the engine is disclosed. The air-cleaning device is provided with an air filter and a hollow resonator. The air filter is provided at a position where a space within an air-cleaning case splits into an upstream space and a downstream space, and the resonator is provided to the downstream space and positioned at a predetermined interval with respect to the air-cleaning case. Air is introduced through the downstream space to an internal space of the resonator.

Abstract: Combustion turbine air intake filter assemblies, their components, and methods of use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the assemblies may be useful, inter alia, for extending high efficiency filter life, reducing turbine downtime for filter assembly changeouts, or adjusting filter assemblies to address changing local conditions after the assemblies have been put into service.

Abstract: A duct screen mountable in an air duct for retaining objects which pass through an associated register, the screen having a filtering base having a plurality of holes and a frame to hold the filtering base in place within the air duct.

Abstract: A mat includes inorganic fibrous substances, first and second main faces, first and second side faces and intertwined portions. The intertwined portions respectively extend from needle piercing points of the first main face to needle piercing points of the second main face. A first virtual straight line and each of second virtual straight lines intersect with each other at a first angle of less than about 90° when viewed from the first side face to the second side face. The first virtual straight line and each of third virtual straight lines intersect with each other at a second angle of more than about 90° when viewed from the first side face to the second side face. The second virtual straight lines and the third virtual straight lines intersect with each other at a third angle when viewed from the first side face to the second side face.

Abstract: Fused particles having the following chemical composition, as a percentage by weight on the basis of the oxides: more than 15% but less than 55% of Al2O3; more than 25% but less than 60% of TiO2; less than 20%, in total, of at least one oxide of an element M1, chosen from MgO and CoO; more than 0.7% but less than 20%, in total, of at least one oxide of an element M2, chosen from the group formed by Fe2O3, Cr2O3, MnO2, La2O3, Y2O3 and Ga2O3; less than 20%, in total, of at least one oxide of an element M3, chosen from the group formed by ZrO2, Ce2O3 and HfO2; and less than 30% of SiO2. Ceramic product or material obtained by sintering said particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.

Abstract: An engine mounting system for power equipment includes a tubular frame, an internal combustion engine, and one or more supports for mounting the engine to the tubular frame. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block and a crankcase cover attached to the engine block. The one or more supports are integrally cast with and extend away from at least one of the engine block and the crankcase cover. Additionally, the one or more supports are designed to be mounted to the frame and are contoured to match a portion of a profile of the frame.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for harvesting grain crops wherein the crop (grain included) is first baled, then combined. All parts of the plant may be separated and baled according to value or the entire plant may be baled. The baled form remains until the grain is needed for delivery. Then, bales are combined by a quasi-stationary combine apparatus to separate the grain which is then conveyed and/or augered either to a storage bin or to a load-out bin under which a truck can drive and load. The remaining plant parts are re-baled by a baler associated with the quasi-stationery combine. The benefits of this method are many and include reduction in need for large combines, labor at harvest time, traffic on roads, wait time at elevators, and soil compaction in addition to providing grain marketing advantages.

Abstract: A rake is described that is particularly adapted for removing vegetation and other debris from ponds and other bodies of water. The rake includes a debris collector, an elongated handle having a distal end attached to the debris collector, and a proximal end, and a flotation mechanism that has a raised position and a lowered position, whereby the debris collector is held above the water when the flotation mechanism is in the lowered position and is lowered into the water when the flotation mechanism is moved to its raised position. A preferred flotation mechanism includes a rotatable shaft with opposed ends; parallel connector arms having proximal ends attached to the ends of said rotatable shaft and extending to one side of said shaft, and distal ends; floats attached to the distal ends of said connector arms; and an actuator to rotate said rotatable shaft to raise and lower said floats.

Abstract: A square baler comprises a bale chute for lowering completed bales onto the ground, wherein the bale chute has a leading end connected to the rear end of the baler for pivoting movement between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position about an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the baler, and a suspension is provided. The suspension is connected to the baler by way of a lever mechanism that is movable between a first position in which the bale chute is supported in the operating position and a second position in which the bale chute is inclined sufficiently to the horizontal to cause a bale resting on any part of the bale chute to slide under the action of gravity along the bale chute and to fall onto the ground from the trailing end of the bale chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain suitable to moor or anchor boats, to lash cargo in road, rail, water and air transportation or for conveying, hoisting, suspending or lifting applications, said chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links. More in particular the invention relates to a chain suitable for the above stated uses comprising a plurality of interconnected links, at least part of the links comprising polyolefin fibers and in particular ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing the strength of such a chain.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit.