Abstract: A method of production of value-added, biobased chemicals, derivative products, and/or purified glycerin from animal-based bioglycerin is described herein. A method of purification of animal-based bioglycerin is also described herein. The method of purification of animal-based bioglycerin described provides methods for desalinating, decolorizing, and/or concentrating animal-based bioglycerin for the production of biobased chemicals, derivative products, and/or purified glycerin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermochemically converting organic waste material having high molecular weight into liquid combustible materials and fuels, comprising the following steps: feeding organic waste material into a reactor, heating the organic waste material to a temperature between 250° C. and 500° C. while avoiding exceeding critical coking temperatures in the reactor, feeding biogenic substances to the reactor, collecting and condensing the gases and vapors released from the mixture of organic waste material and biogenic substances, collecting the condensate and letting phases form, and removing the phase(s) containing liquid combustible materials and fuels.

Abstract: This invention relates to an additive package containing an organic solvent, a detergent additive and a reaction product mixture obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid compound of formula (I): R1COOR2 with an alkanol amine of formula (II): NHR3R4 to form a reaction product containing a polysubstituted alkanol amine derivative, where the reaction is performed by: (a) heating the carboxylic acid of formula (I) to a first temperature; (b) adding thereto the alkanol amine of formula (II) under controlled conditions avoiding an increase of temperature above the first temperature range; (c) maintaining temperature in the first temperature range; and (d) increasing the temperature of the reaction mixture to a second temperature in a second temperature range of 160 to 210° C. and allowing further reaction of residual free carboxylic acid molecules with any reactive group in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing boron nanoparticles, characterised in that it comprises at least the following steps: synthesising a boron/lithium LiB intermetallic compound by reacting a mixture of boron and lithium in a reactor, preferably under a vacuum and temperature of 650° C.; transferring and hydrolysing the boron/lithium intermetallic compound in order to produce boron nanoparticles, by immersion in a bath containing water at ambient temperature, under a neutral gas atmosphere such as argon; and separating the boron nanoparticles, especially by tangential filtration, from the other compounds produced by the hydrolysis reaction. The invention also relates to the use of boron nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are bonding agents useful in the production of pelletized or briquetted fuels. The bonding agents may be incorporated into a feed containing the fuel material, providing both adhesion and cohesion of the fines to produce a uniform and predictable pellet or briquette. Specifically, the bonding composition contains a solubulized starch, a sugar source and/or a diol or polyol compound, and optionally a polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), PVOH copolymers, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl acetate copolymers (PVAc), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc or VAE) or any subset or combination of such polymers. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the bonding agents and to densified and/or torrefied biomass products prepared therewith.

Abstract: A waterless system for processing mined material to remove impurities therefrom includes a dryer, a pulverizer, and an air classifier. The dryer is configured to remove moisture from a batch of mined material, such as coal, and the pulverizer is configured to pulverize the dried coal into small, individual coal particles and liberate impurity particles from the coal without substantially reducing the size of the liberated impurity particles. The dryer heats an air stream containing the coal to a temperature of between about 500° F. and 1,000° F. and includes a plurality of rotating paddles. An air stream forces the coal through the plurality of rotating paddles to pulverize the coal into small, individual particles and to liberate the impurity particles. The air classifier separates the impurity particles and pulverized coal particles into respective product streams. A pelletizer pelletizes ultra fine coal particles into pellets or bricks to facilitate handling and/or storage.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting system and method includes a roller assembly mounted to a compost receptacle to form a nip, and a web or conveyor to convey mushroom compost to the nip. Mushroom compost is compacted at the nip from an initial compost height to a final compost height. The roller assembly has a roller, a shaft, and fixtures coupled to each end of the shaft. The fixtures are adjustable to define the roller nip height. In one embodiment, the fixtures are mounted to sleeves that engage the sidewalls of the compost receptacle. In another embodiment, the ends of the fixtures are mounted to a support, which may be a joist or a separate channel extending under the floor portion of the compost receptacle, or which may be a post that forms support structure for the compost receptacle.

Abstract: A system and device for assisting in planting and growing floating macrophyte-type plant species in uses for the purification of water. The system comprises the use of three devices preferably formed from low-density plastic materials: a plane polygonal floating structure with elements for connecting to other floating structures, provided with at least one inner coupling bar connected to the contour of the floating structure or to another inner bar by a flexible arc; a plane cross-linked structure with elements for anchoring to the floating structure and at least one central circular housing; and a basket or cone consisting of a flexible plastic material and for receiving a macrophyte plant, a root cutting or rhizome with a troncoconical form.

Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.

Abstract: A system and method using a skylight panel within a skylight frame attached to a flexible actuator. In an embodiment, the system provides for automated opening and closing of a remotely located skylight or window. The system may also include a solar panel coupled to a rechargeable battery pack that provides power to an electric motor that controls the actuation of the actuator. Such control may be realized through a gear train with a sprocket wheel that drives a flexible chain-like actuator that is coupled to the skylight panel. The system may further include a control circuit for controlling the above-described operation wherein the control circuit is also operable to communicate with a remote control device having two-way communication between them.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening warning system includes a sensor for sensing the approaching of a car from behind when a person is opening the car door, a car door-opening control unit, which stops the car door from being opened when the sensor senses the approaching of a car from behind, and a warning light and a buzzer that are driven to give a visual warning signal and an audio warning signal when the car door is being opened.

Abstract: A safety moving gate is a multi functional system which can be a resistant and reliable handrail to provide safety for passengers and at the same time, while train stops in the platform the system act as a moving gate and pulls up the horizontal cables to clear the doorways and enable people to enter the train safely.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a duct door rotatably mounted in relation to an ice dispenser recess, and a selectively energizable shape memory alloy wire coupled to the duct door such that the shape memory alloy wire causes the duct door to rotate between its open and closed positions, when the wire is energized and de-energized respectively. A method of using an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power actuated rear gate arrangement for a vehicle includes at least one seat arranged in a rear area of the vehicle; a drive device for providing an external force, a rear gate which is pivotal between a closed position and an open position by the external force, detectors for detecting an occupation of the at least one seat, and control points for controlling the drive device, wherein the drive device is at least indirectly controllable from more than one of the control points, and wherein when the at least one seat is occupied less than all of the control points are authorized or activated for at least a pivoting of the rear gate from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: An opening and closing device includes a cover gear, a driving source, a cover, a biasing element, and a control portion. The cover gear is rotatably supported in both forward and backward directions. The driving source selectively provides rotation to the cover gear in both the forward and backward directions. The cover is rotatably supported to allow motion in both the forward and backward directions between first and second positions. The biasing element transmits the rotation of the cover gear to the cover while biasing the cover in a predetermined direction from the first position to the second position. The control portion stops the rotation of the driving source, in a case in which the driving source is rotated to move the cover in the predetermined direction, when the cover gear rotates in the predetermined direction by a predetermined angle after the cover has reached the second position.

Abstract: Chain tensioner devices for use with movable partition systems include endplates configured to be mounted on opposing sides or ends of a movable partition. At least one of the endplates includes a bracket configured for attachment to an end of a chain. The bracket is movable relative to the endplate. The endplate having the bracket also includes an adjustment mechanism located on a common side of the endplate with the bracket, and is operably coupled with the bracket. The adjustment mechanism is configured for adjusting a distance separating the bracket from the endplate. Movable partition systems include such chain tensioner devices. Methods of adjusting a tension in a chain of a movable partition system involve the use of such a chain tensioner device. Methods of installing movable partition systems within structures include the installation of such chain tensioner devices.

Abstract: A door sill assembly for an entryway of a building can include a substrate having a nosing and a sill channel. A nosing cover can be attached to the substrate and extending over at least a portion of the nosing and over at least a portion of the sill channel. A sill deck can be on the substrate. The sill deck can include a deck and a clip. In an embodiment, the sill deck and clip are a unitary construction. The deck can be engaged with a portion of the nosing cover. The clip can be operably engaged with the deck. The clip can be removably attachable to the substrate. The sill deck is capable of removable attachment from the door sill assembly before or after the door sill assembly is installed in the entryway.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a weatherstrip assembly for sealing between a frame and a closure member of a vehicle. The weatherstrip assembly includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a channel. The body has a plurality of retaining lips extending into the channel. A seal extends from the exterior surface. A locking fin has a first end and a second end. The first end of the locking fin is mounted to one of the interior surface and the exterior surface and the second end of the locking fin disposed within the channel. A shim extends from the second end of the locking fin. The shim engages the interior surface and supports the locking fin within the channel. The retaining lips and the locking fin at least partially define a slot for sandwiching the frame between the retaining lips and the locking fin within the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally curable liquid resin composition intended for manufacturing abrasives that comprises at least one epoxy resin comprising at least two epoxy groups and at least one reactive diluent, said composition having a viscosity, at 25° C., less than or equal to 7000 mPa·s. Application of the resin composition for producing abrasive articles, especially bonded abrasives and coated abrasives. It also relates to the abrasive articles comprising abrasive grains connected by such a liquid resin composition.

Abstract: A windshield for a vehicle comprises weakening means arranged to weaken the windshield so that the windshield collapses in a controlled manner in the event of the vehicle colliding with a person.

Abstract: A clip for removably securing the front lip of a gutter guard having holes therethrough to the underlying front lip of a gutter having a downwardly and forwardly extending end portion. The clip comprises an elongated body with a forwardly and upwardly extending first tab at a front end thereof and a rearwardly extending second tab at a rear end thereof. The first tab can be inserted through a first hole at the front of the gutter guard with the body in an upwardly extending first position so that the first tab is located adjacent to and beneath the end portion of the gutter. The body can then be rotated downwardly toward the gutter guard to a second position wherein the first tab is moved upwardly to engage the end portion of the gutter and the second tab is received within a second hole in the gutter guard.

Abstract: A window jamb channel attachment apparatus. The apparatus can include a channel clip, the channel clip including a first foot, a second foot, a first leg, a second leg, and a joining portion, the first foot and the second foot adapted to couple to a window jamb channel, the first leg having a first end coupled to the first foot and a second end coupled to the joining portion, the second leg having a first end coupled to the second foot and a second end coupled to the joining portion, the joining portion including an aperture defined therein. The apparatus can further include an object holder removably coupled to the channel clip, the object holder including a body, a fastener portion sized and shaped to be received in the aperture of the channel clip, and an object support portion.

Abstract: A system and a method for insulating a building having a flexible fabric roof and for preventing displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building that displacement would otherwise occur in response to wind creating a billowing action of the flexible fabric roof. Anti-billowing anti-displacement means prevent movement and displacement of an insulating blanket of battings inside the building that would otherwise occur in response to wind and other external forces moving the outer flexible fabric roof.

Abstract: A shelter to protect users from an external environment has an inner front module having an airlock and an outer front module which is slidingly attached to the inner front module. The shelter has an inner rear module and an outer rear module sliding attached to the inner rear module. When the outer front module and the inner front module are in an extended state and the outer rear module and the inner rear module are in an extended state and the outer front module and outer rear module are attached, they form an airtight chamber in which users are protected from the external environment. A method for constructing a shelter to protect users from an external environment.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated telescoping tower supporting an associated load at a height above an associated foundation includes a fluid barrier, first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, a fluid port configured to receive compressed fluid from an associated source into an interior space of the tower defined by the first and second tubular sections, and a fastening system for holding the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid received in the interior space of the tower and for mechanically connecting the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid exhausted from the interior space of the tower by the fluid port. A method of erecting a tower includes inflating nested first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, fastening the sections in an extended position, and depressurizing the tower. A method of collapsing uses a reversal of the erecting process.

Abstract: A shear bar for an edge lift anchor for a concrete panel, the shear bar being a bar shaped to provide a central portion to engage an upper edge of the lifting anchor when installed in the panel and legs inclining downwardly from each end of the central portion, the underside of each leg being profiled to lock into the surrounding concrete, the profiling being formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation facing towards the central portion such that on application of shear load to the shear bar the leg will lock into the concrete with a generally compressive loading being applied to the concrete in the zone between the two legs.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.

Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels is disclosed. The mounting system is designed for attachment to new or existing roofs of a variety of constructions. Sealing features are incorporated into the mounting system so that additional separate flashing components are not required. The system requires only one bolt for attachment. The design is quick and simple to install, reducing the amount of time and labor required.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics, and synthetic wood flooring using the same. The flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics is made of synthetic wood, and includes grooves formed on an upper surface thereof in a longitudinal direction, and embossed patterns, which are similar to patterns of natural wood and formed between the grooves. The flooring material having excellent nonslip characteristics can be used alone or can be used together with a synthetic wood flooring material having embossed patterns or grooves, thereby providing nonslip characteristics and good design.

Abstract: In a ceiling passage with an opening through which a pipe extends in the vertical direction, the pipe being surrounded by a fire-prevention sleeve, the fire-prevention sleeve includes, for example, fire-prevention additives embodied in a rectangular strip. A plurality of notches are provided along only one longitudinal side of the rectangular strip. The plurality of notches are used to form flaps at a bottom edge of the rectangular strip and are bent backwards. The flaps are supported at an inner wall of the ceiling passage near a bottom of the ceiling passage.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for use attached preferably to the topmost edge of gypsum board when used as construction wallboard. The gasket includes a support leg section capable of being mounted in engagement with preferably the uppermost edge of the gypsum board. The gasket includes a sealing leg extending outwardly from said leg section which includes an intumescent component to facilitate sealing between the edge of the gypsum board and the wall structure above. In one embodiment the sealing leg includes an intumescent impregnated paper material covered with a structurally enhancing layer. An adhesive layer can be included to attach the gasket to the gypsum wallboard. The sealing leg in this embodiment has an “A” or “P” profile and will extend upwardly and inwardly over the upper edge of the gypsum board at an obtuse angle with respect to the support leg for sealing thereabove in the head-of-wall area.

Abstract: A crown molding system includes first and second crown molding members, first and second brackets for attachment to a room wall or ceiling, and a bridge piece for connecting the first and second crown molding members. Each of the first and second crown molding members includes an attachment portion for mating attachment with the respective first or second bracket, and the bridge piece includes upper and lower tabs engageable with the first and second crown molding members to span a gap between the first and second crown molding members.

Abstract: Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A method of the production of a composite roof batten includes forming a substantially rigid low-density lower reinforcing element with cup-shaped depressions defining moisture-passing channels therebetween and providing an upper reinforcing element. The cup-shaped depressions of the lower reinforcing element have introduced therein a low density closed cell foam material and the upper reinforcing element is positioned in overlying relationship to the lower reinforcing element. The foam material is allowed to fill the space defined between the lower reinforcing element and the upper reinforcing element and bond the elements together to form a composite roof batten.

Abstract: A modular exterior building assembly comprising a plurality of non-insulated panels including at least one front wall panel, at least one rear wall panel, at least two side wall panels and at least one roof panel. Each of the non-insulated panels includes beams having rotating hooks and/or pins therein. The hooks are configured to be rotated to engage the pins in adjacent beams of adjacent non-insulated panels to connect the non-insulated panels together to form the modular exterior building.

Abstract: Attachment members are disclosed for use with an insulation panel or composite siding panel. The attachment member includes a male connecting member, a hem portion, and a connection portion joining the male connecting member and the hem portion. The male connecting member extends into the body of a foam insulating layer along a first end edge. The attachment member and the first end edge cooperate to be complementary in shape with the second end edge such that adjacent panels can engage each other.

Abstract: A block for construction of foundation systems retaining walls and gabions and to methods to build walls or gabions from said block. The block is comprised by at least two sides or faces of rectangular and flat configuration (1 and 2); at least one side or face (3) which has at least one of the ends in convex form; at least two sides or faces (4 and 5) which have at least one of its ends in convex form and that together with the convex end of the side or face (3) can provide said block with an apex (6) and respective geodynamic form. The present block is intended for the civil construction sector, more specifically for the construction of retaining walls by means of blocks or applying formwork with the form of the blocks.

Abstract: A trim element having a visible side (12) formed of a skin (10), the element includes a skin (10) laid on a plastic foam (24) bonded to the skin by a continuous bonding layer (26) formed spontaneously at the skin-foam interface during the foaming operation, the skin (10) has a preferential rupture initiator comprising at least one scored feature. Throughout the region in which the scored feature lays, the bonding layer (26) is in contact only with the skin (10) and the foam (24), and, at the scored feature and in the direction of the thickness of the skin, the bonding layer (26) is laid over the opening with a thickness very much smaller than the depth of the scored feature.

Abstract: A wainscot cap may be attached to a free edge of the plurality of panels secured to a wall. The wainscot cap may be attached to the mounting clip used to secure the plurality of panels to a wall. More particularly, the wainscot cap and the mounting clip may have a tongue and groove connection.

Abstract: An alignment jig uses steel alignment cross members and chords to align multiple load bearing member footing legs simultaneously with great accuracy, thereby greatly speeding construction footing installation times. Using preset adjustment stops, multiple footing patterns may be readily accommodated. The entire alignment jig may be readily assembled or prepared for transport by skilled workers in an hour or less. By using the alignment jig, the speed of footing construction may be greatly increased. In some cases, footings that would have previously required four days to a week to build were reduced to a single day, with consequent cost and time savings. Although one initial use of the alignment jig is for high voltage power line tower footings with four legs, it may be used with as few as two legs, and may be used with more than four legs, and in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A coffee filter pouch maker comprising a bean hopper that gravity feeds into an electric bean grinder that ejects grounds into a hopper. A precise manual portioner delivers by gravity feed a predetermined amount of grounds into a filter pouch. Filter pouched are provided on a perforated roll of filter pouches. The filter pouches are sealable. A roll of impermeable bag segments is provided to hold one or more prepared filter pouches. The impermeable bags are vacuumed and sealed with an integrated vac/seal assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein are various bathers and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, the barriers include a porous crystalline charge-transfer complex and a filler.

Abstract: A method and system identify an orientation of a part to be packaged by a tape and reel machine. The method includes identifying a packing slot of the tape and reel machine. The method includes identifying the orientation of the part in the packing slot. The method includes determining whether the orientation of the part in the packing slot matches a predetermined orientation for the part. Additionally, the method includes generating an alert in response to determining that the orientation of the part does not match the predetermined orientation of the part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for curing, sterilization and aseptic packaging of products, especially medical devices, in a single unit. The process is streamlined with an aseptic packaging step eliminating the need for a second sterilization cycle following packaging. The ability to sterilize and cure products in a dry heat sealed autoclave tube prior to packaging, transfer the products in a sterile airtight environment to the packaging chamber, and to place the products into packages in an aseptic chamber prevents recontamination of the products during packaging and results in a savings of time, product, and packaging expenses.

Abstract: An air accelerator dosing tube for a form/fill/seal machine used to package fine cut tobacco material includes an axially-adjustable annular venturi communicating with the particulate material passage. A lining of polyether ether ketone optionally covers surfaces exposed to the particulate material. A metering assembly for delivering predetermined quanitites of particulate material at predetermined time intervals may also be fabricated from polyether ether ketone. Each dosing tube is adapted for calibration by adjustment of the annular venturi to produce a predetermined force at a predetermined stand-off distance. In operation, consistent simultaneous operation of multiple dosing tubes, each of which has been calibrated, gives substantially uniform deposit of particulate material in pouch-type packages. The particulate material may include finely cut tobacco in addition to humectants, flavorants, and other tacky substances.

Abstract: A suspension package assembly can include a package member and a stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. Coupling assemblies inhibit relative movement of the retention member and the packaging member.

Abstract: A bowl includes a main bowl portion and an ancillary portion or trough integral with the side of the bowl that is shaped to receive cereal or other food as a staging location before the food is maneuvered into the main bowl portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel module packaging box and a packaging method of LCD panel module, wherein the LCD panel module packaging box comprises a buffer structure; the buffer structure is provided with multiple slot groups which are used to insert LCD panel modules, and the slot group comprises a pair of slots adjacent to each other. The distance between two adjacent slots of the slot groups is smaller than the distance between two slot groups; the distance between the slot groups corresponds to the total height on backplanes of the two backlight modules. When packaging the LCD panel modules, the relatively more fragile display panel of LCD panel module is inserted in opposite pairs into two slots of a slot group of the packaging box of the present invention.