Abstract: A device to hold a fishing rod or a similarly-shaped object. The holder has a generally cylindrical shape with a longitudinal upper opening, whereby the edges of the opening can be drawn together and the diameter of the cylindrical holder decreased, so as to hold generally cylindrical-shaped objects, such as a fishing rod, of varying diameters. The holder can have a stem which can be received by a bore in a mounting bracket that allows the holder to rotate. A nub on the stem fits into slots in the bore, so that the holder can be fixed in one position.

Abstract: The invention provides a specially designed aid for children as well as adults who have difficulty holding a fishing rod for an extended period of time. The Bank Buddy is a mounting brace designed to secure one or more poles in a stable position in a hands free manner. Fabricated of a durable metal material, the Bank Buddy comprises a series of tubular components that offer a stable formation when assembled.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprised of a jighead and a barbed hook movably coupled to the jighead. The jighead fixedly carries a first jighead eye for attaching the jighead to a fishing line and the barbed hook is movably coupled in several degrees of freedom to the jighead, and the plane defined by the barbed hook is shiftable around a position where it is aligned with the first eye plane. The barbed hook is shiftable, in several degrees of freedom, around the plane defined by a eye.

Abstract: A beetle trap attachment for bee hives may include a body, a bait chamber attached to the body, an oil reservoir disposed adjacent to the bait chamber attached to the body, at least one spring action arm attached to the body and disposed outwardly from the body configured for attaching to a bee hive, and at least one slot configured for allowing beetles to enter the at least one slot, disposed on the body adjacent to the bait chamber. The beetle trap attachment may attach to a bee hive and capture beetles.

Abstract: Mixed alcohol formulas can be used as a fuel additive in petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquid fuels, synthetic or bio-derived gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, coal, petroleum coke, heavy crude oil, bitumen, or as a neat fuel in and of itself. The mixed alcohol formulations can be blended with ground petroleum coke, coal, heavy crude oil, or bitumen to form a thixotropic slurry for ease of transportation. The mixed alcohol formulations can also be used to shurry transport ground biomass. The mixed alcohol formulations can contain a blend of C1-C5 alcohols, or C1-C8 alcohols or higher C1-C10 alcohols in order to further boost energy content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making fatty acid esters from glycerides and free fatty acids.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a method and system for producing biodiesel which increases energy efficiency by reducing the overall amount of energy associated with producing the biodiesel. Unlike most systems which use a batch procedure, the instant method and system utilize a continuous flow sonification procedure which provides for reactions to take place in tubes as the biodiesel moves along through the process. The continuous flow sonification procedure is performed in two main stages, utilizing the steps of acid esterification, transesterification, and a waterless washing.

Abstract: The invention provides fuel mixtures containing fuel oil, glycerol, glycerol impurities and non-ionic surfactants. The mixtures remain homogeneous longer and are more chemically stable than previous mixtures. Upon combustion, the mixtures generate reduced SOx, NOx and particulate matter emissions compared to residual fuels and offer improved engine performance over previous mixtures.

Abstract: A pliable sheet material suitable as a ground cover, said material comprising or including a core region of a bonded matrix of paper shreds, a kraft paper liner on at least one side of the core region bonded to the matrix, and a kraft paper including sheet assembly that includes a tear resistant material selected from a mesh material, woven material or non-woven material and which sheet assembly is bonded to the matrix of the core region on the other side.

Abstract: Planting structures including a container including a base and defining a container opening opposite the base, a first bulb support structure supported within the container, the first bulb support structure defines a first bulb compartment located proximate the container opening, and a first bulb support structure height selected to position the first bulb compartment a first selected distance from the container opening, and a second bulb support structure supported within the container, the second bulb support structure defines a second bulb compartment located proximate the container opening, and a second bulb support structure height selected to position the second bulb compartment a second selected distance from the container opening. In some examples, the planting structure includes a varmint resistant enclosure extending from the base around an entire periphery of the base, the lateral enclosure terminating opposite the base defining a lateral enclosure opening opposite the base.

Abstract: A general purpose plant growth medium incorporating shredded coastal redwood bark.

Abstract: A plant pot includes a pot body having an upper chamber and a lower chamber defined therein and a plurality of front holes for growing plants, floriculture-planting materials set in the upper chamber, a water container set in the lower chamber, and a water absorption member partially dipped in the water in the water container and partially inserted into the floriculture-planting materials for transferring water from the water container to the floriculture-planting materials for growing plants.

Abstract: A flexible mobile or stationary automated plant growth and display system having a plurality of inter-connected removable or non-removable growing trays. It can be sized as needed and operates in a single or multiple modes using a pump, controller, and mixer that distribute plant nutrients via hydroponic and/or aeroponic water lines to grow chambers using one or more growth methods. It houses a storage area, dual hose bib for external use and a quick access door or lid for the addition of plant nutrients or servicing of pump if submerged. Fluid is recycled from the grow trays through a filter to the plant solution reservoir. The system is equipped with wheels for mobility and anchors for secure and safe operation. It can be mounted on, attached to vehicle or other device, or constructed as part of a vehicle or other device and operated indoors and outdoors.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide additive systems for biomass gasification reactors. For example, in one embodiment, a biomass gasification system includes a feedstock preparation system configured to generate a biomass feedstock having a biomass fuel and a tar cracking additive. The system also includes a gasifier configured to receive the biomass feedstock and gasify the biomass fuel in the presence of the tar cracking additive to generate first and second mixtures. The first mixture has producer gas and the second mixture has the tar cracking additive and ash. The biomass gasification system further includes an additive recycle system configured to receive the second mixture and to separate at least a portion of the tar cracking additive from the ash to generate a recycled additive feed for the feedstock preparation system.

Abstract: A method for producing synthesis gas, including: 1) pre-processing a biomass raw material; 2) pyrolyzing the biomass raw material to yield a pyrolysis gas and a carbon powder; 3) separating the pyrolysis gas from the carbon powder and a solid heat carrier; 4) separating the carbon powder away from the solid heat carrier via a solid-solid separator; 5) conveying the generated pyrolysis gas to a condensate tank for spray condensation, condensing a condensable part in the pyrolysis gas to generate biological fuel oil, pressurizing the generated biological fuel oil by a high pressure oil pump and feeding to a gasification furnace to be gasified; and 6) feeding one part of non-condensable pyrolysis gas to a combustion bed to combust with air, and conveying the other part of the non-condensable pyrolysis gas to the pyrolysis bed as a fluidizing medium.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing acid compounds (sweetening) and moisture (dehydration) from a hydrocarbon gas, in particular from a natural gas or from a refinery gas fraction or a gas of synthesis, by subsequent absorption operations using a sweetening liquid and a dehydration liquid. The method comprises a step of prearranging a sweetening chamber (51) and a dehydration chamber (52) within a vertical elongated container (50), each chamber defined by an inner partition wall (68) of said vertical elongated container (50), is wherein a gas transfer passageway (14) is provided between an upper outlet port of the sweetening chamber (51) and an inlet port of the dehydration chamber (52); the method also comprises steps of feeding the absorption liquid from the above into the two chambers and of feeding the gas from below into the sweetening chamber.

Abstract: A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact. An optical pressure switch in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener. The optical pressure switch includes a membrane having a portion that interrupts a light beam when the membrane flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge.

Abstract: A heated vehicle sliding window assembly has a fixed glass panel with an opening formed in it and a slidably movable glass panel capable of closing the opening. Disposed on the fixed glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form two grid resistors which are connected together as a series circuit, which is connected between two electrically conductive bus bars deposited on the fixed glass panel. Disposed on the slidably movable glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form a third grid resistor, which is connected between two other electrically conductive bus bars disposed on the movable glass panel. Both sets of electrically conductive bus bars may be connected together as a parallel circuit when the opening is either opened or closed by the movable glass panel.

Abstract: A counter balance system for an overhead door assembly is provided. The overhead door assembly includes a door frame, an overhead door, and a door lifting assembly. The door lifting assembly includes an extension spring, a cable, and a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly guides the cable as the door is moved between a raised open position and a lowered closed position. A pulley of the pulley assembly is mounted so that an axis of rotation of the pulley remains perpendicular to a portion of the first cable extending between the pulley and a lower portion of the overhead door as the door is moved between the raised open position and the lowered closed position.

Abstract: A method for operating a building closure is disclosed. The building closure may be in the shape of a sectional door or a garage door. The position of the building closure and a motor current of a drive device is monitored by a control apparatus. When the building closure stands still, an electrical drive device arrests the building enclosure by providing an electrically conducting connection between winding of the drive device to ground. The position detection device continues to monitor a signal change such that in response to the signal change, the arresting is suspended and the electrical drive device is at least partially energized.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective device designed to fit over the open area of a doorway directly between the hinges and the edge of the door itself. The device is intended to be placed on both sides of the hinge. Fabricated of a malleable rubber or vinyl material, the present invention is an elongate cylindrically shaped unit designed to be snugly wedged in the open crack between the door and doorjamb. The device compresses when the door is opened regains its original shape when the door is closed.

Abstract: A separating element for a platform cabin is provided. The separating element comprises: at least one stationary partition, delimiting a passage defining a circulation axis inside the cabin; at least one leaf, mounted transversely movable relative to the circulation axis between a closed position, in which it extends through the passage, and an open position, in which it is positioned at least partially spaced away from the passage; and means for moving the or each leaf between the closed position and the open position thereof, the or each leaf being adapted to move along the plane transverse to the circulation axis.

Abstract: An end cap for a member is disclosed comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. A first receiving sleeve depends from the lower surface of the base and has a hole therethrough. A second receiving sleeve depends from the lower surface of the base and also has a hole therethrough.

Abstract: A first seal installed on a first body structure has a first sealing surface extending in a vertical direction and a first sealing projection spaced apart from the first sealing surface. A second seal installed on a second body structure has a second sealing surface extending in the vertical direction and a second sealing projection spaced apart from the second sealing surface. With the second body structure in a closed position and adjacent the first body structure, the second sealing surface contacts the first sealing surface to form a first vertical sealing line between the first and second body structures and the second sealing projection contacts the first sealing projection to form a second vertical sealing line between the first and second body structures along at least upper portions of the first and second body structures by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second sealing projections.

Abstract: A portable seating system includes portable removable seating units mounted to a stage type deck. A self retaining nut is mounted to an underside of the decks and the seating units are bolted to the self retaining nut. A method of securing the seats to a deck includes positioning the seating units at a desired position at the initial set up and drilling a hole in the deck at a location where the seat is to be secured. A mounting plate including a self retaining nut is mounted on an underside of the deck with the nut aligning with each hole. The seating unit is then secured with bolts extending from the top of the deck and extending through the holes to engage the self-retaining nut.

Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a seatback locking and release mechanism that allows for rapid simultaneous repositioning of the seat back portions in each row of seating to aid in setting up and collapsing sets of seating rows. The locking and release mechanism may be actuated to substantially simultaneously unlock all seat back portions in a row from a single location. The bleacher seating system may be readily set up or collapsed by a single operator, such as by manually or remotely unlocking and locking the seat back portions in rows so that the seat backs may be pivoted between raised and lowered positions. In addition, deck nosemount clamps allow for increased walking space behind the seats and a particularly compact seating storage configuration.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a construction kit for small structures that can be built without tools and used as a shelter for animals, or an amusement device for people. In one embodiment, the kit includes two sizes of wall pieces and two sizes of corner pieces that connect to create a solid structure capable of withstanding the elements of nature. The wall and corner pieces have cavities that are arranged on the top, bottom and sides of the pieces. The pieces connect to each other using common connectors that fit snugly into the cavities. The pieces can be used to create a variety of differently sized and shaped structures. The preferred embodiment further comprises pieces that are used to create a roof structure and a floor structure that connect to the wall and corner pieces using connectors and said cavities. In the preferred embodiment the pieces are made of plastic using plastic-injection manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A protective shelter and methods for manufacturing are disclosed. A protective shelter includes a room having a plurality of sides and a roof to form an enclosed space where the sides and roof of the shelter are reinforced with a plurality of reinforcing rods and the reinforcing rods of the sides are connected to the reinforcing rods of the roof, at least one opening in one of the sides for a door to provide access to the enclosed space of the room, at least four channel base rails that have a pair of top edges, a channel bottom defined between the pair of top edges, a first end and a second end and where the base rails are incorporated into the bottom portions of each side of the room, a plurality of vertical dead bolt anchors welded to the channel bottoms of the base rails and a lower end of at least one of the reinforcing rods of the sides is wired to an upper end of one of the plurality of vertical dead bolt anchors.

Abstract: Building means, having a main plate 1, a flexible sheet 2 attached thereto, a first bolt portion 4 extending outwards of the plate 1 and an opposite second bolt portion 5 extending outwards of the plate. The building means formed such that when it is in use a structural member can be fastened to the first bolt 4 portion while at the same time the plate 1 is arranged behind exterior cladding 8 of a building. A ledge 2a, after it has been bent into shape, extends to beyond the cladding so that rainwater contacting the first face of the plate portion can run down the first face and be guided by the ledge to a drain away position in front of the cladding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a public cemetery complex, which comprises at least one main burial unit comprising an underground portion and an overground portion, wherein the underground portion is a vertical structure of multiple layers, and each two adjacent layers are separated by a barrier compartment; while each layer contains a number of burial subunits for placement of coffins, the burial subunit is filled up to a predetermined height with a burial material; and the overground portion is a cover portion of the main burial unit for forming an identification sign of the main burial unit; wherein a ground floor for use as a working area and several upper floors for storage of niches and materials are included in interior of the overground portion, while a management area and a worship area are arranged peripherally around the overground portion.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.

Abstract: An engineered block for a landscape wall includes front and rear faces, first and second sidewalls, a top surface extending between upper ends of the front and rear faces, and a bottom surface extending between lower ends of the front and rear faces. A stepped cavity is formed in the top surface of the engineered block. The stepped cavity is located adjacent the front face of the engineered block and includes a first step having a first horizontal, and a shallower second step, adjacent the first step, having a second horizontal surface. A mounting device adapted to receive a light fixture is seated within the stepped cavity. The mounting device has a flat plate seated upon the second step and a storage compartment for wire seated upon the first step. A top planar surface of the flat plate is coplanar with the top surface of the engineered block.

Abstract: A desk according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper panel, a support leg, a support member, a movable panel and a vertical panel. The upper panel is coupled to an upper end of the support leg. The support member extends from the upper panel. The movable panel has an upper end movable along the support member and a lower end movably placed on the upper panel. The movable panel is movable between a first position inclined with respect to the upper panel and a second position vertical to the upper panel and between the first position and a third position parallel to the upper panel. The vertical panel is rotatably joined to the support member. A lower end of the vertical panel is movably placed on the movable panel. The vertical panel moves along with the movement of the movable panel.

Abstract: A roof vent and a roof structure are described. A roof vent can include a baffle with a cross-section where a first portion extends upward from a bottom plate and a second portion extends from the first portion to define a space between the bottom plate and the second portion. A roof structure may or may not have a roof deck, and comprises a plurality of roof cover elements with a radiant barrier layer underneath the top surfaces of at least some of the roof cover elements. In another embodiment, a roof structure may comprise more sheathing layer vent members than roof cover layer vent members. In yet another embodiment, a roof structure may comprise a layer of roof tiles with at least one vent member, the vent member comprising lateral end portions of a base member with a non-planar profile to engage a similar profile of an adjacent roof cover element.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulation wall panel for construction of a wall includes two elongated studs, each having a planar web section and inner and outer flanges, one or more insulation boards vertically disposed between the two studs, and one or more reinforcing mesh fastened to the flanges of the elongated studs on inner, outer or both sides of the wall panel. The reinforcing mesh has a preformed overhang section extending laterally beyond the elongated stud. The web section includes multiple through-holes spaced apart vertically, closer to the inner flange than to the outer flange. The insulation board is thinner than the width of the wed section, disposed with its inner surface against inner flanges of the studs and two side edges covering the through-holes on the web section of the stud, thus establishing a distance between the outer surface of the insulation board and the outer flanges of the studs.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant building construction connective hardware attachable to a building structure for installing the starter row of wall sheathing, siding or roof sheathing/decking that reclines the material being hung against the structure, that holds the material in place and that is imprintable for identification and verification purposes. The connective hardware is easily painted or stained to match the exterior finish. The invention is versatile and multiple pieces can be connected to the foundation or foundation mudsill to install the starter row of wall sheathing or siding; to the bottom edge of wall sheathing to install the starter row of siding; or to each roof rafter tail-end to install the starter row of roof sheathing/decking.

Abstract: A bearing is provided for use in connection with expansion joint systems. The bearing may be incorporated into expansion joint systems that are used in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and architectural structures. The bearing can absorb increased loads that are applied to the expansion joint system. The structure of the bearing also permits improved motion of, and provides improved support for, the components of the expansion joint system that are supported on or engaged with the bearing.

Abstract: Provided is a wall surround system for use in a room having at least one existing wall. The system includes at least one wall surround panel configured to be installed along the existing wall, the wall surround panel defining at least one recessed portion. The system also includes at least one tile inlay configured to be received within the recessed portion. The system can be a remodeling system for remodeling a bathroom or kitchen in a residential or commercial building. Also provided are methods for remodeling a room having at least one existing wall. The method includes providing at least one wall surround panel that defines at least one recessed portion and at least one tile inlay, securing the wall surround panel to the wall, and securing the tile inlay in a respective recessed portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fibrous insulation block which can improve work efficiency of lining construction in various types of refractory furnace in iron works, and a construction method for a heated furnace-surface lining using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical locking system on short edges having a displaceable tongue that is displaced in one direction into a tongue groove during vertical displacement of two panels.

Abstract: The invention discloses a space truss support device in a large-scale tower, the large-scale tower is provided with a foundation beam therein, pillars are distributed on the surface of the foundation beam at intervals, both layering and horizontal support of X-direction cross beams and Y-direction cross beams are realized between the pillars and between the pillars on the periphery and a tower body, and the X-direction cross beams and the Y-direction cross beams of all layers horizontally support functional members inside the tower respectively. The device consisting of the foundation beam, the pillars, the X-direction cross beams and the Y-direction cross beams has the characteristics of large intensity, good rigidness and small flexibility, in particular, the multi-pillar structure of the device achieves the division of the existing large-span long cross beam into small-span short cross beams, thus high levelness of tower tray can be guaranteed.

Abstract: A joint connection (20) in which a beam end and a column base of a structure (10), or a peripheral member rigidly joined thereto, are joined to another structure (13) capable of receiving a bending moment through supporting means 22. A deformation due to a very small geometric movement within a resilient range is generated in the supporting means (22) by a reaction force generated at a joint portion with the other structure 13 due to an external force exerted on a beam or a column. This structure is capable of generating a bending moment Mr in a reverse direction to a bending moment Mc generated in the column base or the beam end.

Abstract: A corner key includes a first body and a first engaging portion. The first body has a first slot. The first engaging portion is disposed on a surface of the first body and a position of the first engaging portion is corresponding to the first slot. The first engaging portion has a first section, a second section and a third section, wherein the first and third sections are located at opposite sides of the first engaging portion, the second section is located between the first and third sections, and a height of the second section is greater than that of the first section or the third section.

Abstract: A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod, comprises a main body portion having a top bearing surface for engaging a threaded body. The main body portion includes a central opening with an inside surface. A female thread is disposed on the inside surface and extends therefrom, the female thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod; and the female thread is disposed on the inside surface a distance from the top bearing surface equal to at least one thread required to be passed by a threaded body on a threaded rod.

Abstract: The wallboard edge clip apparatus provides for the edges of two adjoining collinear wallboards to be joined, without regard to stud location, thereby saving labor and material expense in wallboard use. Where previously wallboard had to be cut to align with a stud or the like, then fastened to the stud or other backing, the present apparatus allows for wallboard length retention, even though no stud or other backing material is immediately present. An adjoining wallboard is then joined immediately adjacent to the first. The apparatus requires no removable devices in installation and does not execute immediate bonding with wallboard. Rather, the apparatus is positioned as needed, whether in wallboard positioned vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, then fastened with existing wallboard fasteners as desired. The apparatus does not require removal after wallboard installation, another time saving feature.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: Products and methods for treating imperfections in concrete surfaces, especially floors being polished, wherein the products are used with grinding equipment, and combine with concrete powder or fines to fill, e.g., cracks, holes and voids and blend with the existing color of the concrete surface thereby yielding a consistent, natural looking surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a precast shelter is provided. The method can include constructing an inner mold core, adding a base frame around a perimeter of the inner mold core, horizontally placing a plurality of steel rods on top of the inner mold core, connecting different ends of the horizontally placed steel rods to reinforcing bar segments of the base frame with vertically positioned steel rods, and placing an outer mold shell opposite the inner mold core so as to define a cavity. The method can further include pouring concrete into the cavity and on top of the cap over the horizontally placed steel rods, waiting for the poured concrete to partially cure, and removing the outer mold shell and the inner mold core subsequent to partially curing the poured concrete to produce a unibody precast shelter.

Abstract: A three-dimensional edge cladding for an architectural opening that includes a forward facing portion having a substantially constant first profile along a longitudinal axis. The forward facing portion includes a plurality of spaced apart nailing flanges, stepped surface topography projecting generally forward and away from the flanges. A longitudinally extending channel receives a side facing portion having a substantially constant second profile that include a portion that is generally orthogonal to the nailing flanges. A joint cover portion for covering the section where two or more edge cladding members meet.