Abstract: An electronic mouse trap is provided having multiple kill and automatic killing chamber clearing capabilities. The trap includes an elevated killing chamber rotatably mounted on a base that houses a collection bin positioned under the chamber and which has an entrance pathway that provides mice with access to the chamber. Upon completion of a killing cycle and the killing of a mouse, the chamber is automatically rotated by a gear motor about a longitudinal axis that is slightly below the floor of the chamber. The chamber rotates approximately 180 degrees so as to be inverted, allowing the dead mouse to fall downwardly into the collection bin. Once the chamber has been inverted and the mouse removed by gravity, the gear motor reverses the rotation direction and returns the chamber to its upright position where it is ready to reinitiate the killing cycle for another mouse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for killing bed bugs and other insects utilizing steam to increase the temperature of an area beyond the bed bugs' and other insect's thermal death point. Steam created by a steam generator is directed into an area for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that the bed bugs and other insects die. Furthermore, the systems and methods may include a barrier that defines a thermal kill zone which prevents bed bugs and other insects from escaping during treatment. Injection members may be used to more precisely direct steam in specific areas within the thermal kill zone and/or in joints, cracks, or crevices where bed bugs and other insects may be located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of improved biodiesel fuel from feedstocks containing both fatty acids and glycerides by reactive distillation. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of improved biodiesel fuels meeting or exceeding the ASTM D6751-10 Specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas oil composition that can achieve environment load reduction, low temperature properties and low fuel consumption all together and is suitably used in a winter season. The gas oil composition comprises an Ft synthetic base oil in an amount of 60 percent by mass or more on the basis of the total mass of the composition and has a sulfur content of 5 ppm by mass or less, an aromatic content of 10 percent by volume or less, an oxygen content of 100 ppm or less, an end point of 360° C. or lower, an insoluble content after an oxidation stability test of 0.5 mg/100 mL or less, an HFRR wear scar diameter (WS1.4) of 400 ?m or smaller and a specific relation in normal paraffin contents and the total content thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hydrocarbon compositions comprising butanol that have substantially the same or improved performance properties than comparable hydrocarbon compositions comprising ethanol and to methods for identifying such compositions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a solid hydrogen fuel with an initial heating mechanism, including: a solid hydrogen fuel; and a heating promoter disposed on at least one surface of the solid hydrogen fuel, wherein the heating promoter proceeds with an exothermal reaction when contacted with water. Another embodiment of the invention provides: a solid hydrogen fuel with an initial heating mechanism, including a solid hydrogen fuel; and an electrical heating element in contact with the solid hydrogen fuel.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the removal of inorganic components such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus and heavy metals, from biomass of rural or forest or urban origin or even mixture of different origin biomasses, from low quality coals such as peat, lignite and sub-bituminous/bituminous coals, from urban/industrial origin residues/wastes, which are possible to include as much organic—>5% weight—as inorganic—<95% weight—charge and from sewage treatment plant sludges. The desired goal is achieved with the physicochemical treatment of the raw material. The method can also include the thermal treatment, which can precede or follow the physicochemical one. The application of the thermal treatment depends on the nature and the particular characteristics of each raw material as well as on the feasibility analysis of the whole process in order to determine the optimization point in each case.

Abstract: A potted plant holder features a number of post pieces that assemble to form a post structure that supports a number of hubs thereon, which in turn each support a number of branch-like supports. A reduced diameter end of each post piece nests within the other end of another post piece for easy assembly. Each branch has a simple wire structure with a bent end configured to form two parallel legs jutting perpendicular to the branch length for receipt of the legs in an outer opening of the hub around the post. A pot-size adapter features a ring of smaller diameter than an integral pot-supporting ring of the branch and hangers that suspend the smaller ring therefrom. A watering system features ring-shaped conduits that fit over the different levels of branches and branch conduits running outward along the branches of each level from the respective ring-shaped conduit.

Abstract: A re-usable tree stanchion designed to provide temporary safe support to a newly transplanted tree, while allowing it a full range of movement sufficient for the tree to develop a healthy and strong trunk base and root system. It prevents the tree from being uprooted or blown over in a strong wind until it can stand on its own without causing damage to the tree trunk. The support is supplied by a thin leg of supple material set in the ground adjacent to the newly planted tree. The leg curves over to meet the tree encircling it with a collar of soft, pliant material. These components together provide two stage shock absorption. When the tree moves with pressure from the wind it is first held softly by the collar which gives under pressure from the moving tree, then its movement is further decelerated by the spring action of the leg.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to device and method for promoting plant growth. The device is a plant spacing member that has a body and a first end and a second end. The first end and second end have openings for receiving at least one plant limb therein to create a space between the limbs of the plant. An increased flow of air and light then flow through the created space to the interior of the plant to stimulate the growth of the plant. In addition, the increase flow of air and light dries the plant to reduce the accumulation of mold and mildew.

Abstract: Cultivation of hazel tree with the crown having the form of a vertical spindle on a support represents a new way of planting and cultivation of hazel trees. FIG. 3 shows cultivation of hazel tree in double rows, which have crowns in the form of a vertical cylinder shown in FIG. 1. A skeleton of the basic tree consists of a central line without trunk, having on it radially arranged primary and yielding branches. During the life of a basic tree branches are cut forming the crown on the line that may grow up to 3 or 5 meters and the external diameter of the spindle of the crown may be from 0.5 up to 1 meter. The skeleton is weak and the basic trees are leant against supports.

Abstract: A shoot of a plant is cultivated under the presence of glutathione, so that the shoot is rooted. It is possible to cultivate the shoot under the presence of glutathione by use of a rooting medium including glutathione or by contacting a solution including glutathione with the shoot. Oxidized glutathione is preferably used as glutathione. By promoting rooting of the shoot of the plant, a rooting rate of the shoot of the plant is improved. This improves productivity of a clone seedling.

Abstract: A modular planting and cultivating container and a revegetation method using such containers. The planting and cultivating container is essentially made up of a rectangular tray having a flat or ribbed bottom and side walls, as well as a body forming a rectangular sleeve removably mounted on and/or in the tray and extending, when mounted, past the upper edges of the side walls of the tray, the container (1) being characterized in that the tray (2) and the sleeve (5) are made from a hollow planar material made up of at least two sheets connected via a bridging structure.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a plurality of young plants of different species or variety to form a group of young plants which can be handled as a unit. The method includes providing a plurality of propagation pots, each containing a substrate, which allow roots that form in a propagation pot to grow out at the sides, loading at least one growing container with the plurality of propagation pots such that the propagation pots arranged in each growing container contact one another along a portion of their lateral peripheral surface, introducing at least one cutting or seed into each propagation pot, and allowing roots to form in the propagation pots of each growing container until roots emerging from the sides of the propagation pots have formed a network of roots binding the propagation pots together as a cluster of propagation pots.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: Self-watering plant container includes a container used to hold a living plant and soil and a container to hold a pool of water or nutrient solution underneath the plant/soil container where the water may be absorbed by the living plant through a permeable bottom in the plant/soil container. Self-watering plant container includes an airspace layer located between the bottom of the plant/soil container and the top of the water or nutrient solution pool in order to prevent excessive moisture or water from being absorbed into the plant/soil container, thereby preventing root rot. Self-watering plant container achieves this partly by special funnel shaped root-pruning aeration apertures in the bottom of its plant/soil container that allow very small roots and root hairs to grow through the bottom of plant/soil container and into the water reservoir below, while forcing larger roots back into the plant/soil container, and also allowing for aeration of the plant/soil container.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of mixed lower alkanes into aromatics which comprises first reacting a mixed lower alkane feed comprising at least propane and ethane in the presence of an aromatization catalyst under reaction conditions which maximize the conversion of propane into first stage aromatic reaction products, separating ethane from the first stage aromatic reaction products, reacting ethane in the presence of an aromatization catalyst under reaction conditions which maximize the conversion of ethane into second stage aromatic reaction products, and optionally separating ethane from the second stage aromatic reaction products.

Abstract: A forward closure system includes a cylindrical frame. A pair of lune-shaped base sections are mounted to an inside surface of the frame. First and second opposed lune-shaped shell assemblies, each assembly including at least an outer shell section and an inner shell section, are rotatably mounted independently of each other at opposed ends along the rotation axis, the inner section and base sections of each shell assembly nested within the outer section when the forward closure system is in an open position, mating edges of the outer sections abutting one another when the forward closure system is in a closed position. An actuator is coupled to each outer shell section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved louver turning mechanism and a hollow glass door or window with a built-in magnetically controllable louver, comprising a turn traction member, a turn transmission member and a slat turning member which are connected in turn, wherein the turn transmission member comprises a slat turning wheel and a joint interlocking mechanism which are used in cooperation, the joint interlocking mechanism is, at one end thereof, eccentrically fixedly connected to the slat turning wheel to drive it to rotate, and, at the other end thereof, connected to the turn traction member through a connecting push rod; the slat turning wheel is coaxially fixedly connected to a horizontal rotation shaft of the slat turning member. According to the present invention, the slat turning wheel and the joint interlocking mechanism are used in cooperation to substitute a pull-cord transmission mechanism and a gear transmission mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure are provided. The operator comprises a gear box drive connectable with an electric motor of said operator, said gear box comprising an output for drive coupling with said door to effect opening and closing of said door by said motor and a shaft that drive rotates when said motor rotates. The shaft carries a free wheeling manually rotatable drive wheel as said manually operable drive and useable in the event of power failure to effect manual drive rotation movement of said shaft to open and close the door via said gearbox.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly is provided that includes a front left base support, a front left lower elongated support and a front left upper elongated support. Also included are a front right base support, a front right lower elongated support, and a front right upper elongated support. Such supports are designed to be placed in a structural wall, particularly the structural wall of the cooling tower, wherein an opening would be cut in the wall to receive an entry door. The support assembly provides structural integrity from the lower section of the cooling tower to the upper section of the cooling tower, and allows the door opening to be cut out without loss of such structural integrity.

Abstract: A door handle and door-handle connector assembly comprises a door handle having a glass body and at least one door-handle connector. The door-handle connector comprises a glass interface having an elongated body made of glass. The body has a first end adhered to the glass body of the door handle, and a second end having a head portion. The door-handle connector also comprises a door interface having an inner cavity receiving the head portion of the glass interface, and an opening for the elongated body of the glass interface to project out of the door interface to be connected to the door handle. The door interface is adapted to be secured to a door whereby the glass interface is held captive to the door interface by the head portion held by the door interface. A door system and a door-handle connector are also provided.

Abstract: A weather strip includes an extrusion molded extrusion molded portion, an injection molded portion which connects both ends of the extrusion molded portions in a straight line shape, a trim portion which is mounted on a circumferential edge of an opening of a luggage compartment, and a hollow sealing portion which protrudes from the trim portion. The injection molded portion is formed such that a width thereof is 2.0. The hollow sealing portion is provided with a core withdrawing hole, through which a core mold forming an inner peripheral surface of the hollow sealing portion is withdrawn after formation. The core withdrawing hole is formed such that a length thereof along a circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the hollow sealing portion is 40% of a circumferential length of the inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a catch device (21) for use in controlling the movement of a closure, the device comprising: first and second magnetic elements (5, 6) spaced apart from each other; and a movable element (9) such as a keeper element, preferably arranged relative to the magnetic elements, the movable element being movable between first and second holding positions wherein in the first holding position the movable element (9) is held by a magnetic force of the first magnetic element (5) and in the second holding position the movable element (9) is held by a magnetic force of the second magnetic element (6); and means (12) for releasing the movable element from one of the holding positions, the released movable element moving to the other holding position, the device being such that the movement of the closure can be controlled in dependence on the position of the movable element.

Abstract: In a method for producing a base body with hard material particles, an adhesive (23) is first of all applied with a defined film thickness to the entire or parts of the working surface (20?) of the tool to be produced. Next, the hard material particles (22) are applied to the regions of the working surface provided with the adhesive (23) for lasting adhesion. Hard material particles (22) are applied evenly by means of an apparatus and are then transferred to the working surface (20?) of the tool (20) to be produced provided with the adhesive (23), on which they remain adhered before the adhesive (23) has hardened. This method enables rapid coating of the working surface of the tool with a predeterminable uniform number of detached hard material particles per unit of area.

Abstract: A method of making an article of manufacture includes positioning a cemented carbide piece comprising at least 5% of the total volume of the article of manufacture, and, optionally, a non-cemented carbide piece in a void of a mold in predetermined positions to partially fill the void and define an unoccupied space. Inorganic particles are added to the mold to partially fill the unoccupied space and provide a remainder space. The cemented carbide piece, the non-cemented carbide piece if present, and the hard particles are heated and infiltrated with a molten metal or a metal alloy. The melting temperature of the molten metal or the metal alloy is less than the melting temperature of the inorganic particles. The molten metal or metal alloy in the remainder space solidifies and binds the cemented carbide piece, the non-cemented carbide piece if present, and the inorganic particles to form the article of manufacture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene that may be useful as heat transfer compositions, aerosol propellants, foaming agents, blowing agents, solvents, cleaning agents, carrier fluids, displacement drying agents, buffing abrasion agents, polymerization media, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethane, gaseous dielectrics, extinguishing agents, and fire suppression agents in liquid or gaseous form. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane, which may be useful in processes to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive material capable of polishing difficult-to-polish silicon carbide at a high degree of surface precision. The present invention relates to an abrasive material including manganese dioxide particles having a non-needle-like shape possessing a ratio of the longitudinal axis to the transverse axis of the particles observed with a scanning electron microscope of 3.0 or less. The abrasive material is preferable if the average particle size DSEM of the longitudinal axis of the observed particles is 1.0 ?m or less, and if the particle size D50 of the volume-based cumulative fraction of 50% in laser diffraction/scattering particle size distribution measurement is 2.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive treatment technique capable of planarizing at an extremely high rate silicon carbide, which is thermally and chemically extremely stable and for which it is extremely difficult to efficiently perform an abrasive treatment. The present invention is a polishing slurry for silicon carbide wherein the polishing slurry includes a suspension liquid in which the pH thereof is 6.5 or more and manganese dioxide particles are suspended. The polishing slurry for silicon carbide is preferably a suspension in which manganese dioxide particles are suspended in an aqueous solution allowed to have a redox potential falling in a range enabling manganese to be present as manganese dioxide. The redox potential V of the polishing slurry preferably falls within the range specified by the following formula representing a relation between V and pH, pH being a variable: 1.014?0.591 pH?V?1.620?0.

Abstract: The invention is a retractable gutter system that allows the gutter to be moved under the eaves in climates that are typically below freezing, to prevent an ice dam from forming under the eaves, and at times when leaf debris risks clogging the gutter. Slide retainers are affixed to the soffit and the gutter affixed to the extendible slides held in the slide retainers. The gutter is slidable between a first position in which the gutter is placed at the drip edge and a second position in which the gutter is stowed away under the eaves.

Abstract: A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a high rise modular structure having a truss structure. The truss structure has four corner columns wherein the columns carrying the load of the building. The columns are adapted to have lifting arms for assembling the structure and plugs for snap fitting the modular units into one another. Once assembled, the modular units are tied to one another using a steel plate/blind rivet system. The modular structure is also capable of having an advanced weather protecting system for when the modular structure is on-site and not yet assembled.

Abstract: A chair for supporting an edgelift anchor for use in lifting a concrete component, said anchor comprising a head portion engagable with a clutch of a lifting system, and a body portion for embedment with the concrete component, wherein the chair has surfaces configured for supporting the edgelift anchor relative to a casting surface during casting of the concrete component.

Abstract: A bar system for building, the system provided with a plurality of bars, a level adjustment mechanism, and a dampener. Each of the bars having a recess positioned in a shank portion, with bars being adapted in use to at least partly enclose the level adjustment mechanism. The level adjustment mechanism including level adjustable projections adapted to project from the bars against a support structure, and provided with a surface which extends in a longitudinal direction of the bars, as seen in the use of the system, and with engagement adapted for engagement with recess. The shank, which the recesses that is adapted to engage with the engagement, is adapted to press the engagement towards level adjustment during application of the bars to the level adjustment, and recess is adapted to allow the engagement for moving resiliently back for engagement with recess in an interconnected position.

Abstract: A panel construction system includes a plurality of rails and a plurality of panels. Each rail has a longitudinally-extending base with opposing longitudinally-extending L-shaped sides coupled to at least a portion of the base to thereby define a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. Each panel defines a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel that is recessed within an outer surface of the panel at one end thereof and extends from the outer surface at an opposing end of the panel. One or more of the panels can incorporate at least one auxiliary-function feature such as solar energy conversion features.

Abstract: A panel (1) including a substantially air impermeable membrane layer (3) and a layer (5) having apertures (6) therein, wherein each portion of the membrane layer (3) which overlies an aperture (6) defines a diaphragm (9) which is able to vibrate in response to sound waves incident on the membrane layer (3) and thereby absorb at least part of the sound waves' energy, at least some of the apertures (6) being arranged in clusters (11) whereby the greatest distance between adjacent apertures within a cluster (11) is less than the distance between (i) any one of the apertures (6) within the cluster (11) and (ii) any aperture (6) outside of the cluster (11), each region of the panel (1) defined by an outer periphery of a cluster (11) forming a resonance absorber (13) which is able to vibrate in response to sound waves and thereby absorb at least part of the sound waves energy, wherein at least one resonance absorber (13) is able to provide sound absorption at a frequency which is different to the frequency of reson

Abstract: In external renovation of a wooden framework house in which a bearing face material is used as an exterior wall base member, is capable of partly increasing the wall strength factor, thereby providing a high degree of freedom of seismic design and, furthermore, facilitating installation of an exterior material such as ceramic siding after seismic reinforcement. A reinforcement member for preventing punching shear is interposed. Between a bearing face material of a wall that is required to have a high wall strength factor by a seismic design and a nailhead of a nail for fixing the bearing face material to a structural member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled element, in particular a profiled construction element, for example a profiled dry construction, façade, or plaster element, comprising an in particular metal elongated main body, in which at least one opening is formed. The opening has at least one edge formed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the main body, which edge is formed at least partially by a bent-over section of the main body. The bent-over section, together with an adjacent section of the main body, forms an at least double-layer area of the main body. In order to increase the stiffness of the profiled element transversely to the longitudinal extension thereof, the bent-over section is connected to the adjacent section within the at least double-layer area. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a profiled element.

Abstract: A flat roof racking system configured for receiving solar panels having electrically conductive frames, the racking system comprising substantially parallelly disposed panel support structures, spacer bars and retaining and grounding clips pairs, each panel support structure comprises a first end, a second end, a top member having a first channel section connected to a second channel section and two ends, and a bottom member having a channel section and two ends. The first and second channel sections are disposed in a plane but at an angle from one another and each end of the bottom member is fixedly connected to an end of the top member such that the top member is configured to make a first tilt angle at the first end with the bottom member and a second tilt angle at the second end with the bottom member.

Abstract: A support system for photovoltaic cells upon a roof. A cell support structure is provided beneath each cell, such as in the form of a pair of brackets to form a photovoltaic panel. The panels overlap partially to function somewhat as shingles, to shed water off of the roof. A lower side wall of each photovoltaic panel has at least one port therein to selectively access a space beneath the photovoltaic cell. Photovoltaic cell electronics, such as an inverter for one or a series of cells. A door is provided in one embodiment which selectively covers the port and acts as a support for the photovoltaic cell electronics.

Abstract: A large-area skylight system adapted to be located within a field of roofing sheets. A cross member stiffened at two extremities is secured perpendicularly across a curb. A base frame is configured to rest over the curb. A cap frame is disposed over the base frame. A glazing material is then adapted to be secured between the base frame and the cap frame over the cross member along an entire length of the base frame and the cap frame to form an entire length and width of the skylight as a single panel. To ease installation, a downward leg forms a fulcrum at a contact point between the base frame and the cap frame, and to help exhaust water from the system, a dam is disposed within the base frame uphill from each joint, and a weep hole is defined within the base frame uphill of the dam.

Abstract: A mullion cover linkage assembly includes a first wing including a first wing span extending from a first wing frame end to a first wing pivot end. The first wing frame end is configured for coupling with a first window frame. The linkage further includes a second wing having a second wing span extending from a second wing frame end to a second wing pivot end. The first and second wings are movably coupled with one another as a linkage. Optionally, a pivot clip is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot flanges at first and second pivot joints each including respective pivot flanges of the first and second wings received in one of the first and second clip sockets.

Abstract: A building element includes a glass panel defining an outer circumferential rim including at least two rectilinear segments, a first one of which defines a first length and a second one of which defines a second length. The glass panel is made of hardened glass and has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The building element further includes a first pultruded element having a length corresponding to the first length, and a second pultruded element having a length corresponding to the second length. The first and second pultruded elements are adhered in a high strength integral adhesion to the hardened glass panel along the first and second rectilinear segments, respectively, and the pultruded elements have a content of reinforcing fibers for providing a coefficient of thermal expansion of the pultruded elements substantially corresponding to the specific coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A window casing system includes a kit to completely finish the insides of windows in homes and offices. An installer provides key measurements of the window opening height, width, and depth, to the factory. Custom pre-finished jambs, casings, sills, and aprons are then packaged and delivered in a kit to the jobsite for installation. Plastic fasteners with ribbed shanks are included in the kit for the installer to press into holes and dados in the jambs, casings, and sill to permanently join them together. The top corner miters of the side and top casings are joined with unique, ribbed plastic corner elbows for tight, perfectly aligned joints. The whole is then either nailed, glued, or otherwise fastened into the window opening.

Abstract: A data center ceiling system includes a data center ceiling system grid having a grid attachment frame, a plurality of acoustical ceiling panels carried by the grid attachment frame and an elongated hardware suspension slot in the grid attachment frame, the hardware suspension slot bordering at least a portion of each of the plurality of acoustical ceiling panels. At least one hardware suspension rod engages the hardware suspension slot.

Abstract: Construction elements (21) are disclosed which allows potential weaknesses of a concrete structure (10) caused by recessed parts (20), e.g. media lines, to be nearly or fully eliminated. Said construction elements (21) consist of two anchoring devices (2) and an intermediate draw bar (2). A mounting device (4) is fixedly or removably provided in the area of the draw bar such that the hollow space for running the media lines, for example, is defined. The disclosed construction elements (21) can be integrated in the planning phase and/or shortly before casting the concrete.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure is described for use in supporting a floor at a junction thereof with a structural column. The structure has several generally elongate, preassembled frame structures, each frame structure are disposed in rows parallel to one another. The frame structures incorporate the main top and bottom reinforcement bars for the reinforced floor with integral shear connectors forming part of the frame structures and the shear connectors tying the top and bottom reinforcement together. Transverse internal reinforcing bars are disposed parallel to one another and connected across the top or bottom reinforcing bars of each frame structure to connect the preassembled frame structures into a cagework of spaced-apart, rigidly connected frame structures.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein include systems and methods for mitigating fatigue and fracture in mast-and-arm supporting structures caused by wind and other excitation forces. In particular, the embodiments presented herein utilize pre-stressed devices to reduce tensile stresses in arm-to-mast connections and/or mast-to-foundation connections of the traffic signal supporting structures. Present embodiments may employ stressed cables, post-tensioned bars (e.g., DYWIDAG bars), threaded rods, and so forth, to mitigate fatigue and fracture in the traffic signal supporting structures.

Abstract: A modular wall panel have a wall face, a top cap, a bottom pan and two side framing studs at the perimeter sides extending vertically from the bottom pan to the top cap are all constructed integrally. The side framing studs also define a surface for at attaching finishing strips that extend from the base pan to the top cap. A foundation wall is constructed from a plurality of modular wall panels. The wall panels may also have interior vertical reinforcing studs with surfaces for attaching finishing strips at regular intervals. The panels may include a support column for a cross wall beam or for a support beam over a door frame opening.