Abstract: A method may include heating biomass to generate torrefied biomass. The method may also include applying a liquid to the torrefied biomass in order to cool the torrefied biomass and increase moisture content of the torrefied biomass. The method may further include densifying the torrefied biomass into pieces having a second specific density greater than a first specific density of the torrefied biomass prior to densification.

Abstract: A growth medium formed as an inoculum including a preselected fungus and a nutrient material capable of being digested by the fungus is placed in or on a tool formed of a material capable of being at least partially consumed by the fungus. The tool may define a cavity of predetermined shape for the growth medium or the tool may form a scaffolding on which the growth medium grows into the final product taking on the shape of the tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may include a leaching system configured to receive biomass and rinse the biomass in an acidic solution such that water soluable combustion unfriendly chemical components in the biomass are leached into an effluent. The system may further include a torrefaction reactor configured to receive the biomass and heat the biomass to generate torrefied biomass.

Abstract: A formulation for preparing a hydrogel for watering plants includes carboxymethyl cellulose and a dispersant. The dispersant disperses the carboxymethyl cellulose on addition of water thereby preventing formation of aggregates. The dispersant can be vermiculite, perlite, pectin, maltodextrin, guar gum, xanthan gum, or seaweed extract. A hydrogel for watering plants can be prepared by adding water to the formulation and mixing, and a method of forming the hydrogel is described. A pouch for watering plants contains the formulation and, when opened, water is added to form the hydrogel. A pot containing a plant in a plant-supporting matrix is placed in the pouch.

Abstract: A method for encouraging maturation and growth of a plant includes a provision of at least one stroboscopic lamp disposed adjacent the plant. The stroboscopic lamp is cycled through at least one on-period and at least one off-period for a predetermined cycling time. The plant is exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one on-period, and not exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one off-period. A maturation rate and the growth of the plant are thereby encouraged. A related system includes the at least one stroboscopic lamp and a controller for controlling the stroboscopic lamp according to the method, for encouraging maturation and growth of the plant.

Abstract: Methods and coatings for a sugarcane stem section are shown and described. In one example, the disclosure includes a stem section that has been coated with a fatty acid component. In another example, the disclosure includes a method of growing sugarcane comprising planting a stem section that has been coated with a fatty acid component.

Abstract: The invention provides a flower pot configured specifically to be easily mounted atop a waterfront piling to increase attractiveness of the waterfront experience and to prevent nautical birds from landing and soiling the pilings.

Abstract: A decorative cover is provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The decorative cover is formed of paper and/or polymeric material.

Abstract: This invention includes a coherent growth substrate product formed of mineral wool, the product having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and a seed hole extending from the top surface towards the bottom surface, the base of the seed hole defining a seed bed, wherein the volume of the growth substrate product is not more than 150 cm3, and wherein the seed bed has a width of at least 5 mm.

Abstract: This invention includes a coherent growth substrate product formed of mineral wool, the product having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and a channel which is open at the bottom surface and extends from the bottom surface at least 50% of the height of the growth substrate product and wherein the volume of the growth substrate product is not more than 150 cm3.

Abstract: An arrangement for gasifying solid fuel includes a gasification reactor for producing further oxidizable product gas from solid fuel and a gas treatment reactor arranged in a flow direction of the product gas in gas flow connection with the gasification reactor. The gas treatment reactor includes a supply for supplying oxygenous gas to the gas treatment reactor for partial oxidization of product gas and for thermal cracking thereof A radiation heat exchange cooler for cooling the product gas is arranged in connection with the gas treatment reactor to solidify melt components in the product gas. A discharge connection is arranged in the lower portion of the radiation heat exchange cooler for removing solidified melt components from the radiation heat exchange cooler. A method of gasifying solid fuel in a gasification reactor is also presented.

Abstract: A method for individualized control of means for closing off at least one window, by: determining coordinates of a dazzle cone associated with a window and with a dazzle-sensitive zone, the dazzle cone defined by a vertex positioned at the dazzle-sensitive zone and a directrix curve superimposed on the perimeter of the window; determining the orientation of direct rays of sunlight, and defined by a solar azimuth and a solar elevation; periodically checking whether the orientation falls within a predetermined dazzle cone; the directions of the rays of sunlight being parallel to one of the directions within the dazzle cone and passing through the vertex of the cone; and acting on closing-off means associated with the window for which orientation of rays of sunlight falls within a dazzle cone.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive ultrasound detecting system for a door assembly include an ultrasound transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly and a controller coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly. The ultrasound transducer assembly is adapted to emit ultrasound detecting beams within the door path, and to trigger a detecting signal indicative of a body located within the door path when the body intersects at least one of the ultrasound detecting beams. The controller is adapted to receive information indicative of a position of the door along the path, and to vary emitting at least one detecting beam in accordance to the position of the door relative to the ultrasound detecting beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor vehicle door with an integrated electronic display device. According to one example, the vehicle door may include a door frame that includes a window, and a mounting bracket affixed to the door frame over an area of the window by a number of bolts. The mounting bracket may have a number of bolt hole passages for the various bolts to pass through, and a vibration dampening pad contiguous with the mounting bracket and the electronic display device. The electronic display device may be turned on and configured to display various product advertisements and other information to persons viewing the display device from the outside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A panel and frame system comprising a frame and a panel is disclosed. The panel is hinged to the frame by at least one hinge. The frame comprises a hinge jamb adjacent the at least one hinge and a lock jamb opposite the hinge jamb. When the panel and frame system is in a closed position, an outer face of the at least one panel is co-planar with an outer hinge jamb side and an outer lock jamb side of the hinge jamb and an inner face of the at least one panel is coplanar with an inner hinge jamb side and with an inner lock jamb side.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hatch system having a removable antenna mounting plug, block or plate for installing multiple configurations of antennas or sensors is disclosed. The system features a hatch having an opening sized to receive the antenna mounting plug, block or plate. The hatch features handles which aid in installation and removal of the hatch. Multiple configurations of antennas or sensors attached to the plate can easily be removed and quickly installed to configure an aircraft for a specific mission. The system also features a billet machined hatch body, field replaceable seals and easily adaptable antenna or sensor mounting configurations which provide unprecedented ruggedness, antenna options, and field supportability.

Abstract: A hole seal is disclosed including a cover having a body with an inner surface and an outer surface and an end portion attached to a first end of the body. The inner surface of the body includes a threaded portion, and the outer surface of the body includes an annular array of ribs disposed thereon. Each of the ribs has a predefined collapsible direction. The end portion includes a seal disposed on a peripheral edge of the end portion. The hole seal further includes a cap having an inner member and an outer portion. The inner member includes a threaded portion that is configured to cooperate with the threaded portion of the inner surface of the body.

Abstract: For sealing a door, a jamb interface with a specified width connects to a jamb interior face of a jamb along a longitudinal axis of the jamb interior face. A flap forms a seal between a section door and the jamb.

Abstract: A door of a vehicle having a door inner panel, a door latch assembly mounted to the inner panel adjacent to a fish mouth opening, with the latch assembly having a lock lever; and a door trim panel mounted on the inner panel including a lock hole on a surface of the trim panel. A manual lock assembly has a mounting bracket, a button cap, a main shaft and a cam. The mounting bracket is mounted to the door trim panel. The button cap telescopically slides in the bracket and has an end extending through the lock hole. The main shaft slides in the bracket, engages with the button cap and extends into contact with the cam. The cam engages the lock lever to cause locking of the latch assembly when the button cap is pushed.

Abstract: The vehicle door construction includes a bezel carrying a door release lever and linkage connected by a pair of first attachments to a door trim panel and by a second attachment to a door inner panel. The pair of first attachments includes a collar with an aperture for receiving a fastener to attach the bezel via the collar to the door trim panel. A small tab integrally connects the collar to a main portion of the bezel and defines a rupturable area when force is exerted on the door causing the door trim panel to separate from the door inner panel. The tabs rupture to allow the door trim panel to separate from the door inner panel while maintaining the bezel and the door release lever and linkage fixedly attached to the door inner panel.

Abstract: A cutter assembly and a method of making the cutter assembly are disclosed. A method of fabricating a cutting element having at least one island in at least one pocket of a substrate may comprise steps of providing the substrate with at least one pocket, and the at least one substrate is in a final state of the substrate; providing the at least one island, wherein the at least one island is in a final state of the island, wherein in the final state, chemical composition, shape, phase distribution and content, density and mechanical properties are finalized without changes; disposing the at least one island in the at least one pocket of the substrate; and securing the at least one island to at least one substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer binder composition adapted for the manufacture of abrasive articles, such as coated abrasive articles, comprising at least one resin containing at least two azetidinium groups and at least one saccharide. The aqueous composition is formaldehyde-free and can further comprise proteins, starch grafted acrylic styrene, co-cross-linking agents, rheology modifiers, fillers, and hydrophobizing agents.

Abstract: A post manufacture method and apparatus for reducing residual stresses present within a component. The component includes a substrate, a polycrystalline structure coupled thereto, and residual stresses present therein. The method includes obtaining a component from a component category, determining a critical temperature and a critical time period for the component category at which the component becomes structurally impaired, determining a heat treatment temperature and a heat treatment time period based upon the critical temperature and the critical time period, and heating one or more remaining components from the component category to the heat treatment temperature for the heat treatment time period. The apparatus includes a heater defining a heating chamber and a molten bath positioned within the heating chamber. The components are placed within the pre-heated molten bath and isolated from oxygen during heating to the heat treatment temperature for the heat treatment time period.

Abstract: A method of making a superhard construction includes providing a polycrystalline superhard (PCS) structure comprising bonded grains of a superhard material, providing an aggregated mass comprising grains of the superhard material, and providing a substrate having a recess configured for accommodating the PCS structure. The PCS structure is placed into the recess with the aggregated mass of superhard grains positioned adjacent the PCS structure to form an unjoined assembly. Pressure and heat are then applied to the unjoined assembly to join the aggregated mass to the PCS structure and form the superhard construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fused ceramic particle having the following chemical composition, as weight percentages based on the oxides, and for a total of 100%: ZrO2+HfO2: balance to 100%; 5.0%<SiO2<32.0%; 2.0%<La2O3<15.0%; 2.5%<Y2O3<11.0%; 0.5%<Al2O3<8.0%; and less than 1.0% of other oxides. Use in particular as a grinding agent, an agent for dispersion in a wet medium, a supporting agent, a heat-exchange agent, or for the treatment of surfaces.

Abstract: Producing and using very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits comprising various fused aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives, fused aluminum oxide-zirconium oxide co-fusions with or without other oxide additives, or sintered sol gel aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives where the ceramic abrasive grains are preferably made by crushing bubbles of the material.

Abstract: A method of making shaped abrasive particles including forming an abrasive flake comprising a plurality of precursor shaped abrasive particles and a frangible support joining the precursor shaped abrasive particles together; transporting the abrasive flake through a rotary kiln to sinter the abrasive flake; and breaking the sintered abrasive flake into individual shaped abrasive particles. The method is useful to make small shaped abrasive particles having insufficient mass to be efficiently individually sintered in a rotary kiln without joining two or more of the shaped abrasive particles together.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a roof-covering element out of molded cellulose impregnated with bitumen for roofing. In a first step, an element, preferably of cellulose, is made by hot compression molding in a mold, in a second step, once the element has a dry matter content of at least 60% when extracted from the mold, the element is covered in a pigmented varnish and dried, and in a third step, once the element has a dry matter content of at least 98%, the element is impregnated with hot bitumen. Specific operating conditions are given. The covering elements include in particular a ridge side portion, a ridge cap, a ridge-covering kit, a fillet or curb, and a hip.

Abstract: Expandable shelters housing displaceable cassettes configured to provide an allocated resource are disclosed. Techniques of complexing the expandable shelters housing displaceable cassettes are also disclosed. The displaceable cassettes may deploy from a stowed position in an interior of the expandable shelter to a use position removeably coupled in an expanded interior portion of a displaceable side of the expandable shelter. In the use position, the cassettes are configured to provide an allocated resource, and provide a hallway between other interconnected expandable shelters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and systems for forming a temporary storage facility for granular materials such as agricultural products including grain and corn. The temporary storage facility includes a retaining wall constructed by connecting free-standing wall sections in a circular or rectangular shape. The free-standing wall sections have overlapping elements on the face to hold the agricultural products inside the retaining wall sections while admitting air for ventilation. Ventilation holes are made in the panel elements so as to admit air but prevent water or vermin entry to protect the agricultural products.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib for an overhead structure comprises a pair of sidewalls and a top wall that bridges one end of each sidewall. A lower flange extends outwardly from an opposite end of each sidewall. Each lower flange is adapted to be secured to the overhead structure.

Abstract: A roof system is secured to a roof deck on a building. The roof system has a thermal energy absorbing product including a desiccant located between the roof deck and a roof barrier. The desiccant reversibly absorbs moisture, and in response thereto, heat is released and absorbed by the desiccant to effect a thermal management of the roof system.

Abstract: An anchor spike and a method of using it with landscape edging are provided. The anchor spike has a novel feature that causes the anchor spike to have a changing angle of entry as it is being driven into the ground or other landscape material. The anchor spike is comprised of an elongate shaft, a head located at a first end of the elongate shaft and a tip section located at a second end of the elongate shaft and arranged at an angle to the elongate shaft. The method of using the anchor spike to secure landscape edging to the ground includes arranging a landscape edging strip having a plurality of apertures in a desire location on the ground, providing the anchor spike, aligning the tip section of the anchor spike with an aperture on the landscape edging strip and driving the anchor spike into the ground.

Abstract: A set of two or more wedge-shaped braces are used to straighten and support a leaning pole or post, such as a utility pole that has been impacted by a vehicle or a storm. A first brace is inserted and driven down on the side of the hole toward which the pole is leaning, until the pole is restored to an upright position. A second brace is then inserted and driven down on the opposite side of the hole to support the pole in the upright position. If needed, additional braces are inserted and driven down into the hole around the circumference of the pole. The pole can thereby be supported in the upright position without backfilling the hole with soil or stone.

Abstract: Photovoltaic wiring arrays and photovoltaic wiring systems suitable for use in rooftop photovoltaic power generation systems are provided. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a photovoltaic roofing wiring array for use with a plurality of photovoltaic roofing elements, the photovoltaic roofing wiring system including: a positive parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a positive connector; and a negative parallel wiring run comprising a main line and one or more connection branches pendant from the main line, each connection branch being terminated in a negative connector. In some embodiments of the invention, the photovoltaic roofing wiring arrays are substantially prefabricated.

Abstract: A solar insert for shingled roofs includes an insert with a generally wedge-shaped body designed to be installed beneath a shingle and a face that is exposed and extends along a lower edge of the shingle. The face preferably is angled with respect to the shingle and a solar collector in the form of a thin-film solar strip is mounted to and extends along the face. The inserts of multiple shingles are electrically coupled together to form an electrical grid for aggregating the electrical energy of the individual solar collectors and delivering it to a remote location for storage or use. In a second embodiment, a shingle has a solar collector strip mounted to its surface extending along a forward edge of the shingle, and in another, the solar collector surrounds the tabs of their shingles. The solar collectors not only generate electrical energy from the sun; they also enhance the appearance of a shingled roof by providing a look of increased thickness and texture.

Abstract: A facade element for heat-insulation purposes has at least two parallel panels (101, 102), a cavity (103), which is formed between these two panels (101, 102) and has fluid flowing through it, and at least one inlet (13), for feeding a radiation-absorbing fluid, and at least one outlet (13?), for discharging the fluid. The inlet (13) is arranged on a first side of the panels (101, 102) and the outlet (13?) is arranged on an opposite, second side of the panels (101, 102). The at least one inlet (13) and the cavity (103) have arranged between them a first flow distributor (14), which extends for distribution along the length of the first side. This facade element makes straightforward and cost-effective industrial production possible.

Abstract: An adjustable garage door jamb trim system includes: an interior door jamb trim; and an exterior door jamb trim, wherein the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim form an adjustable mating configuration that seal the interface between the interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim when the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim are secured to a door jamb having a width between a first width and a second width.

Abstract: A modular shell system of a hard insulation material fabricated in a geometric shape that encapsulates a pipe in insulation is provided. In an attic installation for example, the entire insulation component is inserted over a pipe and into the space between the building structural wood framing members resting on the interior sheathing below. By placing a series of these interlocking insulating modules along a pipe that is run perpendicular to the building construction members, the piping is encapsulated in a continuous insulating system along its entire length. This design facilitates natural heat flow into the pipe with an open pipe slot cavity in the insulating module that allows natural convection heat to pass up through the elongated piping slot, allowing it to come into contact with this piping.

Abstract: A lightweight decorative crown molding is shown which is installed on a surface of a building structure. The molding has a body which is formed of molded high density polystyrene foam. The body forms an elongate strip having a decorative front face and a rear mounting face, the rear mounting face having one or more elongate mounting rails which run longitudinally along the rear face of the foam body for mounting the molding to the building surface. The relative thicknesses of the mounting rails and the remaining portions of the molding body are selected to allow the molding to be formed in a high density molding process.

Abstract: A barrier element for forming a component of a floor covering of a floor in a data center includes a substantially laminar part, the laminar part having a cross member attached to one surface. The cross member mounts a plurality of filaments which can form a layer impervious to air flow.

Abstract: A fitting (1) for a cavity wall within a building comprises elongate member adapted to be supported within the cavity wall, two adjacent limbs being formed with a plurality of holes (4) extending along the length of the fitting so as to allow insulation into the fitting (1) the other adjacent limbs form a V-shape channel top of the fitting when installed, to collect water and to direct it to the ends of the fitting and out through the boundary wall of the cavity wall. The fitting (1) is of Cruciform cross-section. The fitting is placed in the cavity retrospectively. The Cruciform is provided almost flat from a reel when entering the cavity, then springs into the cruciform cross-section when the elongate member is straitening in the cavity, and fit tightly within the cavity. Further, the fitting can be inserted into the cavity wall from inside the building or outside the building.

Abstract: A moisture and vapor barrier strip of polymeric rubber material of preselected length, width and thickness is inserted between gaps of vinyl siding panels on each level of a home vinyl installation to restrict the passage of air, rain and snow around the vinyl siding panels into the interior of the home as weather conditions change.

Abstract: A transmission tower comprising a plurality of legs, each leg being formed of a composite material formed as a pultrusion of reinforcing fibers, a plurality of diagonal members extending between the legs, and a connection plate extending between an end of the diagonal member and the leg, the connecting member being formed of a plurality of layers of fibers and resin, the layers of fibers having differing fiber directions with respect to each other, the connecting member being adhesively secured to the leg and being connected to the diagonal member. The transmission tower is very light and has the requisite strength.

Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.

Abstract: An insulation insert panel for use with an ICF block having a pair of opposed panel members and a plurality of tie members extending transversely therebetween, the insert panel including a plurality of spaced apart slots extending along the length thereof for mating with the tie members associated with the ICF block into which it is being inserted, each slot including at least one notch located in the vicinity of its terminal end portion for receiving at least one crossbar member associated with each tie member when the insert panel is fully positioned within the ICF block.

Abstract: A fastener for fixedly connecting two members in spaced relation to one another includes a substantially cylindrical shaft having two opposed ends and a central collar portion positioned between the ends. At least one outwardly extending cylindrical ridge is positioned adjacent the central collar portion on either side thereof. Each end of the shaft is inserted longitudinally into apertures defined in the members. The at least one ridge assists in retaining the respective shaft in a respective aperture. A connecting system and a method for connecting two elongated members with the fasteners is also provided.

Abstract: Floorboards comprising a core and a surface layer with curved edge portions, which are formed by a compression of the core.

Abstract: Building panels 1, 1? provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at an edge of a first panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at an edge of an adjacent second panel 1?, for vertical locking of the building panels. The edge of the first panel is provided with a displacement groove 60, which is downwardly open, and includes an inner wall 61, an outer wall 62, and an upper wall 67. The tongue 30 is formed out of the edge of the first panel. A resilient and displaceable and part 66 of the tongue 30 is displaceable into the displacement groove 60.

Abstract: A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.