Abstract: The use as an anti-wear additive and/or friction modifier in a non-aqueous lubricant composition and/or in a fuel composition of at least one long chain fatty acid ester of a hydroxy carboxylic acid in which the long chain fatty acid has at least 4 carbon atoms and the ester is an oil-soluble ester of a mono- or poly-hydroxy carboxylic acid having 1 to 4 groups which are independently carboxylic acid groups or lower hydrocarbyl esters thereof and in which, when the hydroxy carboxylic acid is a mono-hydroxy carboxylic acid, the ester has a long chain fatty acid ester moiety of the hydroxy group of the hydroxy carboxylic acid and, when the hydroxy carboxylic acid is a poly-hydroxy carboxylic acid, the ester has independently long chain fatty acid ester moieties of one or two of the hydroxy groups of the poly-hydroxy carboxylic acid. Also, a non-aqueous lubricant composition and a fuel composition for an internal combustion engine which comprises at least one of said long chain fatty acid esters.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: Sulfur solvent compositions are provided that have relatively low toxicity, low and not unpleasant odor, and a substantial capacity for rapidly dissolving elemental sulfur from deposits even at low temperatures and in the presence of water. The compositions comprise a reaction menstruum prepared using an amine component and a ketone component in the presence of alkanol.

Abstract: A guide (23) supports a pole (22) by clamping a tree. (27) Guide (23) is a separate device which is comprised of a frame (24 25) which houses a tree clamp (31) and a pole clamp. (32) The use of guide (23) greatly extends the reach of a cutter. (21) Multiple poles (22) and guides (23) are added to reach a pre-determined cutting height. Guide (23) provides a stable elevated platform where a pivot point (71) is established. Leverage is thereby provided for positioning and moving cutter. (21) Trimming begins by activating cutter (21) and releasing pole clamp (32) allowing cutter (21) to engage with branches. (34) Additionally, branches (34) are also trimmed utilizing motor driven wheels (59) which provide rotation of guide, (23) pole (22) and cutter (21) around the perimeter of tree.

Abstract: A substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape may be formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder in which a floral grouping may be disposed.

Abstract: A plant propagating device for propagating plants in one or more rows features a flexible, biodegradable, tubular casing having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of deposits disposed at spaced apart intervals along the longitudinal axis of the tubular casing, each deposit comprising plant propagation material and at least one of fertilizer and soil. The tubular casing is fastened closed between each adjacent pair of the deposits to separate the deposits into respective pouches spaced along the longitudinal axis of the casing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally towards to embryo insertion systems and methods for use with manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, embryo insertion systems according to the disclosure include an embryo delivery assembly and a fill material deposit assembly. The embryo delivery assembly may include an insertion member, a release assistance member, and a fill material deposit assembly. The fill material deposit assembly may include a fill material containment device, a fill material conveyance device, and optionally, a fill material separation device. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for operating embryo insertion systems according to embodiments of the disclosure to enable simultaneous embryo insertion and fill material delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.

Abstract: A garden tile comprises a body including a top and a first edge. The body is constructed of a rigid material allowing a person to walk upon the body without substantially deforming the body and without substantially deforming the water channel. Further, the top of the body includes a water channel that is sloped toward the first edge of the body. When placed in a garden, the water channel directs water from the top of the tile to any plant roots near the first edge of the garden tile.

Abstract: A vegetative roof system includes modules for holding growth media in which plants can grow. The modules can communicate with each other, sharing moisture/nutrients, increasing airflow to enhance plant respiration, allowing soil-borne animals/insects to travel between modules, etc. A rooting channel and/or a scalloped sidewall allow the roots of plants in the module to extend to adjacent modules. Alignment notches in sidewalls facilitate alignment of rooting channels between adjacent modules. Vertical zones help facilitate placement of abutting modules flush with each other. The rooting channels may be formed at the vertical zones to enhance continuity between and among modules. Sheet inserts can control rooting between modules and restrict undesired spillage through rooting channels (temporarily if biodegradable). Module inserts help control the quantity and depth of growth media, affecting module weight and rooting levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of power engineering and, more specifically, to systems for generating electricity based on the use of solid fuel, primarily brown and black coal. In the coal gasification method, a gasifier is fed with a uniform activated coal water fuel, the droplets of which are of equal size and the coal particles in said droplets having a similar granulometric composition. The fuel droplets are introduced intermittently in separate doses of fuel with a certain amount of motion being imparted thereto. The milling of the coal for the activated coal water fuel preparation method is adjusted adaptively according to the criterion of the actual amount of volatile substances given off by the coal, and the coal is thoroughly classified according to its granulometric composition. The invention provides for more extensive recovery of thermal energy from coal and more efficient electricity generation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an externally operated alpha port for a rapid transfer port (RTP) system such as those found in isolation barrier systems. Means are provided for the actuation by the operator of the alpha port door locking system externally of the isolation barrier to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the alpha port door without requiring gloved entry into the isolation barrier. Means are also provided for opening and closing of the alpha port door with the actuation by the operator of a lever external to the isolation barrier.

Abstract: A partition wall according to the invention comprises at least one dividing panel (1) and at least two beams (2), wherein the dividing panel (1) is at one side attached to the first beam (2) by means of at least two hinges, the panel (1) has at the second side at least two fixing eyelets (4) and at least one handling eyelet (5). The second beam (2) is provided with at least two fixing hooks (6), so that when the dividing panel (1) is in the fixed position the fixing hooks (6) reach into the fixing eyelets (4). A part of the handling equipment of the partition wall may be a handling bar (7) having a handling hook (8) at its upper end and a protective shield (9) underneath the hook. The dividing panel (1) may be made of one compact piece or it can be made of a frame (10) and a filling (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sliding door arrangement including a sliding door, a rail system, with a rail which guides a sliding motion of the door, and an attenuation and retraction device, which brakes the sliding motion of the door at a brake position in the vicinity of a door end position and retracts the door to the end position. The door has a wheel, which is arranged to run on the rail, a pin, slideably mounted on the door, which is arranged to interact with the attenuation and retraction device, and optionally a pin movement limiting device, which, at least in a mounting position, limits the movement of the pin such that it does not extend further from the door than does said wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing off an opening formed in a structure, comprising an essentially flat fixed part in which an aperture is defined, and at least one sliding panel which an aperture is defined, and at least one sliding panel which is guided along two rails mounted on one face of said fixed panel, between at least a closed position that closes off said aperture and an open position which uncovers said aperture. At least one of said rails at each of its ends bears a closure end piece to which a first end of a flexible or semi rigid first element is secured, the second end of which element is intended to be secured to said structure.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a substrate and at least one island. The substrate includes a surface circumscribed by a peripheral edge, a flank surface extending from the peripheral edge, and at least one pocket with an opening on the surface and spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The at least one pocket extends from the opening towards an interior of the substrate. The at least one island is in the at least one pocket, and the at least one island includes a cutting surface that is exposed by the opening of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A method of making a near-net superhard material body includes preparing granules from a mixture of superhard powder, binders, and fluids, compacting the granules to form a soft green complex-shaped body, heating the soft green body in a furnace to form a hard green body free from residual binders, embedding one or more of the hard green bodies in a containment powder or a containment means and forming a pressure cell, sintering the cell at high pressure and high temperature, and removing the containment powder from the cell or removing the inserts from the containment means to reveal one or more near-net bodies.

Abstract: A method of forming an abrasive article includes providing a green body having abrasive particles including microcrystalline alumina, and heating the green body via microwave radiation to form a bonded abrasive body including the abrasive particles and a bond material comprising a vitreous phase.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a substrate and at least one island. The substrate includes a surface circumscribed by a peripheral edge, a flank surface extending from the peripheral edge, and at least one pocket with an opening on the surface and spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The at least one pocket extends from the opening towards an interior of the substrate. The at least one island is in the at least one pocket, and the at least one island includes a cutting surface that is exposed by the opening of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a substrate and at least one island. The substrate includes a surface circumscribed by a peripheral edge, a flank surface extending from the peripheral edge, and at least one pocket with an opening on the surface and spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The at least one pocket extends from the opening towards an interior of the substrate. The at least one island is in the at least one pocket, and the at least one island includes a cutting surface that is exposed by the opening of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a substrate and at least one island. The substrate includes a surface circumscribed by a peripheral edge, a flank surface extending from the peripheral edge, and at least one pocket with an opening on the surface and spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The at least one pocket extends from the opening towards an interior of the substrate. The at least one island is in the at least one pocket, and the at least one island includes a cutting surface that is exposed by the opening of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A transportable large capacity theatre includes a primary theatre body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides, opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long sides and ends, the body defining an enclosed interior chamber. The roof, the long sides and the ends may be defined by a plurality of laterally extending inflated tubes, and the long sides of the primary theatre body may have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a surface on which theatre may be supported for at least a major portion of the height of the respective long sides. The theatre further includes a seating section, a display screen positioned in the interior of the primary theatre body and viewable by a viewer seated in the seating section, and a projection system in the interior of the primary theatre body and in communication with the screen.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a snow stop, and methods of manufacture and use, that can be manufactured in a flat and easily transportable form and then hand-folded into a folded snow stop at an installation site. The snow stop is formed in a flat chevron shape that is stackable so as to ease transportation of large numbers of snow stops to an installation site. The snow stop includes first, second, and third fold lines enabling installers to hand fold the flat snow stops into folded snow stops in a repeatable manner. The snow stops can further include raised portions that can delineate and form the fold lines and increase structural integrity of the folded snow stop.

Abstract: A rapidly mounted, modular, universal handrail and grab bar system is disclosed having a plurality of wall mounted supports; a plurality of fasteners securing the wall supports, wherein each support is initially rotationally adjustable about the fastener; at least one stock rail member forms the handrail member, wherein each rail member is received within wall support rail recesses, and wherein the central fastener extends perpendicular to the axis of the rail member; and at least one lateral fastening member to secure the rail member to the support. The rail members can form a pair of back to back mounted grab bars on opposed sides of a partition, wherein a plurality of the wall mounted supports are on each side of the partition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing systems. The present invention relates more particularly flashings for use in roofing systems in which structures such as photovoltaic modules are affixed to a roof on top of an underlying roof covering such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a flashing element including a substantially flat plate having a top side and a bottom side disposed facing the roof deck, the plate having a hole formed therein, the plate having a recess formed in its bottom side surrounding the hole; and a spacer disposed in the recess between the roof deck and the bottom side of the plate, the spacer having a thickness at least about as great as the thickness of the recess, the spacer not substantially occluding the hole in the plate.

Abstract: A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or an adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and contacting and embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There are also other embodiments of building modules. There are also other embodiments of brackets useful in building modules. There are also other embodiments for making building modules.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.

Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.

Abstract: A rail mounting system is provided for mounting and supporting skylights and/or other structures to rib elevations of a metal panel roofing system. The rail mounting system includes first and second side rails which can be mounted to the rib elevations of the metal panel roof. Each side rail includes a riser, an upper flange extending from the riser, and a bottom shoulder structure extending from the riser. The bottom shoulder structure can be mounted to a rib elevation of the roofing system. The upper flange provides a top bearing surface for supporting one side of a skylight, or run of skylights, or other structures, which are supported from the roof by the rail mounting system. The rib elevations to which the side rails are mounted provide structural support for the skylight or skylights supported thereon for substantially the entire length of the skylight or skylights or other supported structure.

Abstract: Some embodiments of masonry blocks can be used to form a wall system that provides an improved resistance to moisture penetration that might otherwise advance to an interior surface of the wall. In particular embodiments, some or all of the masonry blocks in the wall system may be equipped with one or more moisture drainage elements formed in a surface of the respective masonry block.

Abstract: A composite sheet is manufactured by depositing a multi-layer coating on the outer surface of a substrate, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a polymerizable composition that includes a olefin group and a moisture curable group, such as an isocyanate or silane group. After the precursor is applied, the composite sheet is exposed to beam radiation or plasma discharge, ozone, and moisture, which respectively promote polymerization and curing at different sites of the precursor. The function of the cured polymeric layer preferably includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. The amenability of the isocyanate or silane functionality to moisture-promoted coupling promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even of portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

Abstract: A self-adhering composite tile product is configured to be bonded to a wall or floor subsurface. The composite tile product includes a first membrane including a modified bitumen material and a second membrane including a modified bitumen material. The composite tile product further includes a reinforcing mat, including a plurality of fibers, that is captured between the first and second membrane, and an adhesive layer on an exposed surface of one of the first and second membranes and configured to bond to said subsurface.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splice plate suitable for use in joining beams for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling. In particular, the present invention provides a splice plate suitable for use in joining main beams together for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for erecting a building structure with construction elements, wherein the construction elements comprise block-shaped bags filled with filling material and having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a rear side, a right end surface and a left end surface, and wherein the block-shaped, bag-like construction elements of a first type are basic wall elements provided with connecting flaps at least close to the two end surfaces; the method comprising at least the steps of:—arranging at least two basic wall elements adjacently of each other on a ground surface, wherein the right end surface of the first basic wall element and the left end surface of the second basic wall element are placed close to each other;—placing against each other the connecting flaps of respectively the first and second basic wall elements situated close to the end surfaces placed closely together; and—mutually connecting the connecting flaps.

Abstract: A panel coupling assembly includes a panel having a side edge with an activating portion. An intermediate coupling member is displaceable with respect to the panel and a base coupling and is provided with a sleeve portion facing the activating portion of the panel. A guide guides the intermediate coupling member from a non-assembled condition to an assembled condition. The guide is configured such that upon displacing the panel with respect to the base coupling member in the panel fixing direction, the activating portion of the panel presses onto the sleeve portion and the intermediate coupling member is displaced in at least a direction extending transversely to the panel fixing direction. A fixing element is engageable to the intermediate coupling member to form a locking member that couples the panel and the base coupling member.

Abstract: The deadweight comprises several support members and support frames which define a general cubic shape. A plate is positioned on each face of the cube, with cement filling the center of the deadweight to provide additional weight, stability, and support. Fork lift sleeves are provided to allow easy positioning of the deadweight. Each plate comprises a plurality of apertures for fitting a 12? or 20.5? box truss. A large rectangular aperture is positioned on each side plate, permitting users to reach into an enclosure to bolt the box truss to the desired plate. The bolt apertures are adapted to mount a box truss flush to each plate. A leveling mechanism is provided to ensure the deadweight and box truss will be stable even on uneven ground.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a masonry spacer has (i) an elongated and substantially planar body, and (ii) first and second elongated support members. The planar body has one or more bendable tabs formed therein and defines a first plane of the masonry spacer. The first and second support members each (i) have at least one corresponding channel formed therein, (ii) have one or more openings formed therein, and (iii) extend laterally from a different elongated side of the planar body. Further, the first and second support members define a second plane of the masonry spacer offset from the first plane. An outer edge of each of the first and second elongated support members defines a third plane of the masonry spacer that is intermediate to the first and second planes.

Abstract: A connector (10,10?,10?) for connecting to an extending member includes an interface member (20,20?,20?). The interface member (20,20?,20?) includes an interface surface (22,22?,22?), a first extending abutment member (26a,26a?,26a?) extending from a surface (23,23?,23?) opposed to the interface surface (22,22?,22?), a second extending abutment member (26b,26b?,26b?) spaced from the first extending abutment member (26a,26a?,26a?) and extending from the surface (23,23?,23?) opposed to the interface surface (22,22?,22?), and at least a first passage (24,24?,24?) passing therethrough from the interface surface (22,22?,22?) to the surface (23,23?,23?) opposing the interface surface (22,22?,22?) between the first extending abutment member (26a,26a?,26a?) and the second extending abutment member (26b,26b?,26b?).

Abstract: A table lift having a base and a lift attached to the base for movement between a lowered position to a raised position for installation of articles. A platform pivotally attaches to the lift for movement of the platform between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position. The platform is sized and shaped to receive at least one article.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of rigid photovoltaic roofing elements and systems using them that include adjustable leveling elements. The adjustable leveling elements can allow the rigid photovoltaic roofing elements to be supported on substantially nonplanar roofs, and can allow the rigid photovoltaic roofing elements to be leveled with respect to adjacent photovoltaic roofing elements or an overall roof plane.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel is provided. The wall panel has a sheathing having a first edge parallel to a long dimension and a plurality of spaced-apart molded studs. The studs are secured to the sheathing parallel to the first edge of the sheathing with tops of the studs positioned below a top edge of the sheathing for installation of a seal plate across the tops of the studs. The studs include an outer stud secured to the first edge of the sheathing and extends beyond the first edge by about one-half of the width of the outer stud.

Abstract: Described herein is a custom built-to-size, polyurethane-polyurea coated door for walk-in coolers and freezers, which will withstand collision, and wear-and-tear in an industrial or commercial setting.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire protection of structural columns (12) and beams (14) but more particularly to a fire protection system of wide flange steel columns and beams by means of a plurality of gypsum boards (18) being secured to a full length slip-on encasement frames (20) attached to a wide flange column or beams.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a framing member can include a translation path for transporting a metal sheet. The translation path can include a translation axis, a first set of rollers, which can include a plurality of first bottom rollers and a plurality of first top rollers, the first set of rollers can have a first centerline, and a second set of rollers, which can include a plurality of second bottom rollers and a plurality of second top rollers, the second set of rollers can have a second centerline, line, where the first centerline and the second centerline can extend away from the translation axis at an angle in the direction of translation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an feeding table, comprising a pair of rollers (13, 14), referred to as pressers, arranged downstream from the cutting system, said pair including a motor-driven roller (13) and at least two driven rollers (14) which are arranged so as to form at least two pressure tracks engaging with the plastic film (6) moving between said pair of rollers (13, 14). Each pressure track includes a driven roller (14), the shaft (23) of which is supported by a mobile frame (19) that is guided on a beam (20), wherein said beam (20) is secured to the general frame (2) and a foolproof system for applying pressure is provided between said beam (20) and said frame (19) in order to restrain said driven roller (14) and hold the latter in tangential contact with the motor-driven roller (13).

Abstract: A device for packaging products in a box, including a frame having a moving conveyor, a guide for supporting the products from an entry end to an exit end of said guide, which guide extends parallel to said conveyor, means for holding a box at the exit end of said guide such that the opening of the box extends parallel to said guide at the other side thereof, said conveyor having support members extending perpendicular to the conveyor and towards said guide when they move along said guide, a feeder for feeding said products at the entry end of said guide between two support members, wherein said products are stacked in parallel means for moving said stack of products at the exit end past the edge of said exit end into said box, and means for transporting the box in a direction parallel to said guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making a buckle joint at the ends of a flexible strap that is wrapped around a round, irregularly shaped, or small object. The method may include loading the end of the strap in a buckle, inserting a rigid insert between a pair of legs of the buckle that prevents one side of the buckle from collapsing, tensioning a strap by a tensioning device and removing the rigid insert after the required tension is achieved. In one embodiment of the method, the rigid insert being pivotably mounted on the lever, which is pivotally mounted in the front of the tensioning apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be constructed so that there is a zone on the frame for pressing the frame against the buckle, cutting mechanism for cutting strap after tensioning and the windlass actuated by a tension handle.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas barrier coating comprising clay dispersed in a polymer composition comprising EVOH, gas barrier materials such as laminate materials (20) including the coating (1) on a substrate (2), methods of enhancing the carbon dioxide barrier properties of materials using the coating, uses of the coating composition in enhancing the gas barrier properties of a substrate packages including the carbon dioxide barrier materials (20) and methods of protecting articles.