Abstract: A unitary barrel, chamber and bolt region for a firearm is manufactured from a single piece of metal stock so as to precisely and consistently meet headspace requirements. A single piece of metal stock having a bore centerline is successively reamed based on a common datum to achieve precise headspace compliance. The unitary assembly is then profiled, again based on measurements from the datum, to provide a unitary barrel, chamber and bolt region without any form of juncture, headspace or harmonic limitations.

Abstract: A firearm for mechanically and electronically firing a weapon including a trigger rotatably mounted to a sear and having an actuator attached thereto. A secondary sear is rotatably mounted to the sear, and a switch is mounted to the lower receiver behind the trigger and adapted to be contacted by the actuator when the trigger is pulled. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the switch such that when the switch is contacted the circuit is energized to operate a prime mover that operates the firearm. The sear assembly may also comprise a main sear and an auxiliary sear controlled by a selector switch having cam surfaces and adapted to be rotated to a plurality of positions, wherein in a first position comprises a safety mode, a second position comprises a mechanical mode of fire and a third position comprises an electronic mode of fire.

Abstract: An accessory mount for a gun is described having an attachment plate, a rail and a deflector plate for deflecting cartridge cases ejected from the gun. The deflector plate is mounted on an arm for positioning the deflector plate between the ejection port on the receiver of the gun and the rail on the accessory mount.

Abstract: The multi-pronged spear-fishing spear tip includes a collar for mounting the multi-pronged spear-fishing spear tip onto a spear shaft. An elongate center tine extends axially from the collar and includes a spear point for piercing fish or prey. A plurality of diverging tines with piercing tips surround the center tine, the diverging tines immobilizing the fish or prey pierced by the center tine. Each diverging tine extends from the collar at a diverging angle from the axis of the collar. The length of the center tine is longer than the length of the diverging tines to accommodate most sizes of fish or prey. This construction provides the functionality of a single-point spear and a paralyzer spear in a single unit.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: The Invisitrap is a rodent trap that comprises a clear vinyl plastic tray that can be attached to the surface via four adhesive strips located on the bottom of the plastic tray. The top of the tray is covered with glue that produces a smell similar to that of a peanut butter. The smell of the peanut butter attracts a rodent to the trap, where a rodent gets attached to the glue. The clear design of the plastic tray makes the Invisitrap almost indistinguishable to a rodent's eye.

Abstract: A bait cake for a crustacean trap, the bait cake comprising a mixture of animal collagen, water, gelatin, gelling agents, fish meal, and fish oil, molded and cured into a cylindrical cake; a method of preparation of a bait cake which preserves the attractiveness of the bait cake to crustaceans, and a method of attracting crustaceans to a trap using the bait cake of the invention.

Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stable gelled fuel composition of diethylene glycol and fumed silica. Polyethylene glycol may also be added to improve burning. Previous related compositions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,003) provided methods of making a polymer hydrogel without chemical cross links. The modifications herein create optimal methods for mixing that enhance the range of applications. The gelation process is further modulated by controlling the air entraining of the resultant mixture producing a gellant complex while at the same time reducing the gelling media. The method includes the steps of providing a polymer solution of silicone dioxide (SiO2) wetted into diethylene glycol (DEG) in a first solution. The method further provides physically cross-linked hydrogels produced by controlled gelation of viscoelastic mixture wherein workability is maintained. In a further aspect, the invention provides methodology for mixing other forms of the gelation of polymer hydrogel solutions.

Abstract: A biofuel can include a diesel fuel, a plant oil, an alcohol viscosity reducer that is either a mixture of a butanol and a C1-C3 alcohol or solely butanol, and a surfactant present at no more than about 1.0% v/v. The biofuel exists as a clear, stable microemulsion at from about ?10° C. to about 70° C. with the cloud point and pour point lower than ?10° C.

Abstract: A process for conversion of a cellulosic material comprising a) a liquefaction step, comprising contacting a cellulosic material with a liquid solvent at a temperature of equal to or more than 200° C.; or contacting a cellulosic material with a liquid solvent at a temperature of equal to or more than 100° C. in the presence of a catalyst, to produce a final liquefied product; b) a catalytic cracking step, comprising contacting at least part of the final liquefied product with a fluidized catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of equal to or more than 400° C., to produce one or more cracked products.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition includes: a) a reverse-micellar composition having an aqueous disperse phase that includes cerium dioxide nanoparticles in a continuous phase that includes a hydrocarbon liquid, a surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant and b) a reverse micellar composition having an aqueous disperse phase that includes a cetane improver effective for improving engine power during fuel combustion. A method of making a cerium-containing fuel additive includes the step of: a) providing a mixture of a nonpolar solvent, a surfactant, and a co-surfactant; and b) combining the mixture with an aqueous suspension of stabilized cerium dioxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of extracting fatty acid methyl esters as the main component of biodiesel from microalgae and producing biodiesel using the extracts. The method includes a process of extracting vegetable oil including triglyceride from microalgae; a process of adding a catalyst-containing alcohol to the extracted vegetable oil and transesterifying the oil while slowly heating the solution to a suitable temperature; a process of, after the completion of the transesterification, cooling the reaction product so as to be separated into crude biodiesel and the byproduct glycerol; a process of separating and washing the upper crude biodiesel layer; and a process of performing gas chromatography to analyze the content and yield of the washed biodiesel. A process for production of microalgae-derived biodiesel is provided and the process is very useful for producing microalgae-derived biodiesel that is more cost-effective than plant-derived biodiesel.

Abstract: A fuel composition for a direct fuel injected diesel engine, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for a diesel engine. The fuel composition includes a major amount of fuel and a minor, effective amount of a quaternary ammonium salt having a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) weight loss of greater than 50 wt. % at 350° C. The amount of quaternary ammonium salt present in the fuel is sufficient to improve performance of the direct fuel injected diesel engine having combusted the composition compared to the performance of such engine having combusted a fuel composition that does not contain the quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present application discloses methods to selectively synthesize higher alcohols and hydrocarbons useful as fuels and industrial chemicals from syngas and biomass. Ketene and ketonization chemistry along with hydrogenation reactions are used to synthesize fuels and chemicals. In another embodiment, ketene used to form fuels and chemicals may be manufactured from acetic acid which in turn can be synthesized from synthesis gas which is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, etc.

Abstract: Air-stable coated particles, which include an oxidizable core having a coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, where the coating comprises a first organic ligand and/or a second organic ligand, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the coating of organic ligand(s) acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with a first organic ligand and subsequently with a second organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method of improving the combustion of a fuel by adding a catalyst or combustion enhancer at an extremely low concentration, preferably in the range of 1 part catalyst per 200 million parts fuel to 1 part catalyst per 6 trillion parts fuel. The catalyst or combustion enhancer may be selected from a wide range of soluble compounds. The method may comprise the steps of an initial mixing of the catalyst or enhancer with a suitable solvent and then subsequent dilution steps using solvents or fuel. Suitable solvents include water, MTBE, methylketone, methyisobutylketone, butanol, isopropyl alcohol and other hydrophilic/oleophilic compounds.

Abstract: A method is provided for bulk pollination of a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, the method includes collecting a plurality of known grains of pollen, loading the plurality of known grains of pollen into a bulk pollen distributing apparatus, sensing a target pollination location of each of the plurality of plants using an electronic sensor, and distributing the known grains of pollen to the plurality of plants with the bulk pollen distributing apparatus when the electronic sensor senses the target pollination location of each of the plants within a predefined proximity, thereby pollinating the plurality of plants. A plurality of plants may be prepared for controlled pollination by preventing pollination of the plurality of plants by an alternate pollen source. Known grains of pollen may be dispensed to create predetermined gamete crosses with known plants.

Abstract: Methods for dispensing pollen contained in a solution onto a plant for pollination are provided herein. In one example embodiment, a method for dispensing grains of pollen comprises introducing a plurality of grains of pollen into a solution to create a pollen solution mixture. In some embodiments, the pollen solution mixture is contained in a pollen storage container. The method further comprises connecting the pollen storage container containing the pollen solution mixture to a dispensing device. The method further includes propelling at least a portion of the pollen solution mixture from the pollen storage container using the dispensing device to pollinate a plant.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A vine training system is disclosed, including an improved vineyard stake. The system includes a vineyard stake, a training wire, and end posts for holding tension in the wire. A plurality of vineyard stakes are positioned between the end posts to keep the wire a desired distance above the ground. The stake engages the wire via openings in the tube wall. The openings include a central horizontal leg and oppositely disposed vertical legs, such that the legs form a tab therebetween. The wire is receivable in the opening, and the tab retains the wire to fix it to the stake. This engagement is achieved without the use of clips. The stake can include a plurality of openings so that the wire can be positioned and repositioned at any of a variety of distances above the ground, to accommodate vine growth. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A modular system for plants and air purification having a plant module with a containment portion for holding a plant growth medium and a conduit for passage of air therethrough. The modular system also contains an exhaust module having an inlet aperture for receiving air flow from the plant module, an outlet aperture and an air pumping unit arranged to pump air from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. The plant module and exhaust module are connectable one with the other, and wherein when connected air flow is permitted between the two units.

Abstract: A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging of decorative or utilitarian articles such as potted plants is provided. The apparatus has a c-channel track defining an inner channel and a rolling-bearing element sized to roll therealong. A hanger is attached to the rolling-bearing element for hanging decorative or utilitarian articles. The arrangement allows for articles to positioned anywhere along the track.

Abstract: A modular soilless garden system for supporting a plant root cultivation medium (such as a substratum mat) is described. The system includes a platform with a subsurface temperature regulation network. The network facilitates passage of a gas or a liquid to regulate the temperature of the plant roots hosted in the cultivation medium. A plurality of foundations connect end to end to form the platform. Two circulation manifolds connect to the terminal ends of the platform to interconnect the distinct subsurface fluid passages.

Abstract: A hydroponic modular planting system includes individual growing modules, each having a combined growing chamber and plant supporting surface for growing plants hydroponically using a nutrient-rich solution. The individual growing modules can be stacked vertically and/or laterally to form a modular planting system built from any number of individual growing modules. The modular planting system can be formed into a large number of possible shapes and sizes and can therefore be conformed to a variety of growing environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermal conversion of carbon based materials into combustible oil and/or gas. More specifically, said system comprises: a first fluid bed reactor, a second vapour wash reactor, a third fractionation reactor, a fourth moving bed reactor, a fifth fluid bed reactor and a sixth gasification reactor.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for treating bituminous feedstocks wherein the energy required to separate the organic and mineral fractions of said bituminous feedstocks in a treatment unit powered by hot water is provided by chemical looping combustion (CLC).

Abstract: Steam is provided to the primary inlet (16) of an ejector (13), which also receives natural gas at a secondary inlet (28). A computer responds to a signal (37) indicating current in the load of a fuel cell as well as a signal (43) indicating temperature of a steam reformer (10) to move a linear actuator (23) to control a needle (21) that adjusts the size of the steam orifice. Reformate is fed to a separator scrubber (48) which cools the reformate to its dew point indicated by a sensor (71). From that, a controller (25) generates the fuel/carbon ratio for display (84) and to bias a signal on a line (24) regulating the amount of steam passing through an ejector (13) to the inlet (11) of the reformer. Alternatively, the reformate may be cooled to its dew point by a controllable heat exchanger (58a) in response to pressure (94) and temperature (71) signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin, a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin and a door operator disposed between the first door skin and the second door skin. An arm extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.

Abstract: Door and frame assemblies are disclosed by the present application. In one exemplary embodiment, the a door is connected to a door frame, such that the door is moveable between an open position and a closed position. Activation of a trigger causes a door frame coupling arrangement to couple the door frame to the door in a closed position to thereby inhibit movement of the door relative to the frame. In another exemplary embodiment, a door is coupled to a door frame by a hinge. The hinge is configured to move the door in translation as the door is rotated from the open position to the closed position. For example, the hinge may move the door downward, toward the sill, when the door is moved from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a security cover for a door viewer such as a peephole. The security cover includes a housing having a forward opening configured to align with the peephole, a rearward viewing port, and an eyecup. The security cover further includes a shutter mechanism that is manually repositionable from a closed position to an opened position via engagement of an actuator. In operation, the security cover is coupled to a door such that it covers the door viewer.

Abstract: A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a security cover for a door viewer such as a peephole. The security cover includes a housing having a forward opening configured to align with the peephole, a rearward viewing port, and an eyecup. The security cover further includes a shutter mechanism that is manually repositionable from a closed position to an opened position via engagement of an actuator. In operation, the security cover is coupled to a door such that it covers the door viewer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for restricting movement of a sash window relative to a frame, the window comprising: a sash including a pair of stiles, a channel disposed lengthways of one of the stiles; and the frame comprising: a sill, a head spaced from the sill, a pair of jambs and a frame slide track disposed lengthways of one of the jambs; the device comprising: a frame-mounted slide member for slideable engagement with the frame slide track for lengthwise movement relative thereto; a sash slide member for slideable engagement with the channel for lengthwise movement relative thereto; a first arm pivotably connected at one end to the frame-mounted slide member, and pivotably connected at its other end to the sash slide member; and a second arm pivotably connected at its one end to the frame-mounted slide member, and at its other end providing for connection to the sash; such that in use the movement of the window relative to the frame is restricted by the first and second arms.

Abstract: A foot-operated sanitary door opener for a door supported in a door frame for swinging movement between open and closed conditions. A foot pedal is attached to the door frame. A strike pad is disposed in a pocket of the stop strip portion of the door frame. When depressed, the foot pedal imparts movement to the strike pad, which in turn thrusts open the door. In one embodiment, the foot pedal is guided for linear movement between its home and actuated conditions. In one embodiment, a retrofit mounting bracket enables a flush fit installation with respect to the swing side of the door frame. Various linkage arrangements are proposed to achieve pivotal, linear and other motions of the strike pad.

Abstract: A system of ejecting a sliding door of a closet, comprising a plurality of ejection assemblies and a connecting mechanism, which connects one assembly to the other. Each ejection assembly comprises a rail and a slidable member configured to slide along the rail, where the rail engages with a frame of the closet. The connecting mechanism allows synchronizing the ejection force applied upon the door at different locations of the door, by connecting the ejection assemblies through the connecting mechanism. This configuration allows ejecting and retrieving of the door outwardly and inwardly by sliding the slidable member of each assembly along the rail.

Abstract: A finger guard device is designed to be inserted into a gap between a hinged door and a doorjamb that is created when the door is at least partially open. The finger guard device includes a wedge and a protuberance from the wedge that is shaped and sized to hook over a hinge of the door. The finger guard device is placed to straddle a hinge so that the wedge extends down one side of a hinge and the protuberance hooks over the other side of the hinge. When the finger guard is so placed, the door can not be completely closed and a gap remains between the door and the doorjamb. This gap prevents injury caused by fingers being pinched in doorjambs.

Abstract: A gate assembly is provided including frame means for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. Barrier means are mountable on the frame means via hinge means and the barrier means are movable relative to the frame means between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. An automatic closure mechanism is provided for moving the barrier means from the open position to the closed position without user intervention. The automatic closure mechanism is associated with the hinge means and includes at least one ramp or inclined surface on which at least part of the gate travels when moving between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a drawer and a cover for an opening in an interior panel part of a vehicle, which, for covering an opening formed in an interior panel part, can be moved between a closed state for covering the opening and an open state for uncovering the opening. The actuator includes a guiding device that guides the movements of the drawer out of and into the opening, a cover opening and closing device that opens and closes the cover, and an unlocking and locking device that unlocks and locks the drawer. The unlocking and locking device includes a bolting device that locks the drawer in a retracted state and an adjustment device that interacts with the bolting device and cover opening and closing device in such a way that moving the cover in its open state causes the adjustment device to release the bolting device with the drawer in its retracted state, so that the drawer can be moved out of the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle door may include a door outer panel defining an exterior surface of the vehicle door; a common door inner panel located inboard of the door outer panel and configured to mount door hardware, with the common door inner panel having a periphery; and a panel extension extending around essentially all of the periphery of the common door inner panel, the panel extension being attached to the periphery of the common door inner panel and attached to the door outer panel to secure the common door inner panel to the door outer panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing abrasive slurry used in cutting operations. The slurry is mixed with a first solvent in a tank. The slurry is vibrated and/or ultrasonically agitated such that abrasive grain contained in the slurry separates from the other components of the slurry and the first solvent. After the abrasive grain has settled to a bottom portion of the container, the other components of the slurry and the first solvent are removed from the tank. The abrasive grain may then be washed with a second solvent. The abrasive grain is then heated and is suitable for reuse in an abrasive slurry.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a sheet folded to form a structural member defining an interior space. The structural member defines an upper guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member, and a lower guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member. The prefabricated building also includes a guide member that is fixed relative to a foundation. The structural member is aligned so that the guide member passes through the upper guide hole and the lower guide hole.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is a business enclosure configured to provide easily deployed automated business services to a region. The business enclosure includes a shelter structure, not including any plumbing and configured to provide power and communication thereto. The shelter structure includes a communication module configured to communicate with a remote computerized network. The shelter structure includes a recognition module configured to provide facial recognition capabilities of customers thereof. The shelter structure includes a self-service financial transaction module configured to permit users to provide direct payments to target individuals with a financial account. The business enclosure includes an automated business service kiosk configured to provide business services to customers. The automated business service kiosk includes a single robotic dispensing module servicing a plurality of customer interface modules.

Abstract: Shade shelters for reducing air conditioning loads of an associated shelter are provided. The shade shelters aim to reduce the thermal radiation effects of the sun on associated shelters, such as temporarily erected shelters. The shade shelters can be configurable so that natural convection is advantageously utilized for aiding in reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the associated shelter. The natural convection can be in the form of the “chimney effect” for reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the shelter.

Abstract: I disclose a design and method for constructing and installing a cell front panel system that simplifies the design, construction and installation of secure jail, prison, containment or detainment cell fronts. This design and method allows for construction and installation of cell fronts to occur at any time during a facility construction, using only small hand tools and non-specialized workers.

Abstract: Embodiments provide modular seismic safety systems and methods of providing safe zones and emergency equipment for use in public and private buildings. In various embodiments, the modular safety systems may include at least one safety module that may be installed in a pre-existing structure in order to provide a safety zone configured to withstand a seismic emergency. In various embodiments, the safety module may be configured to withstand the forces of an earthquake, and may be seismically isolated from the preexisting structure by an expansion joint. In some embodiments, a plurality of safety modules may be installed, and they may work together to form in internal bracing structure. Various embodiments also may include a freestanding safety capsule that contains safety equipment and that is exterior to the building. Also disclosed are methods of providing a cost-effective modular safety system for use in a school or other public building.

Abstract: A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.