Abstract: A flat folding insect trapping stick solves the issues of conventional insect trapping sticks that require a large amount of storage and retail shelf space. The flat folding insect trapping stick can collapse to remove the dead air in the packaging of the product, resulting in a product that not only takes up less shipping, storage and retail shelf space, but also has lower fabrication costs as compared to conventional insect trapping sticks. For example, the collapsible nature of the product can take eight pallet loads of conventional insect strips down to one in storage/shipping and can permit 24 packs on the retail shelf space in the spot of six conventional insect strips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified colloidal silica particles covalently linked to at least one polyalkyleneoxy moiety having at least about 3 alkyleneoxy units. The invention also relates to an aqueous dispersion thereof, and a method of producing such modified silica particles. The invention further relates to use of the modified colloidal silica particles as emulsifiers for paper sizing agents, agriculturally active ingredients and asphalts, as well as dispersant for oil spills.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with integrated catalytic reduction during digestion to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product. Such integrated catalytic reduction may be conducted using a slurry catalyst. Biomass conversion systems for performing integrated catalytic reduction can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit that contains a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; an optional hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the hydrothermal digestion unit; a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit, the catalytic reduction reactor unit also containing the slurry catalyst; a pretreatment digestion unit that is not part of the fluid circulation loop and does not contain the slurry catalyst; and a solids transport mechanism operatively connecting the pretreatment digestion unit to the hydrothermal digestion unit.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with integrated catalytic reduction during digestion to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product. Such integrated catalytic reduction may be conducted using a slurry catalyst. Biomass conversion systems for performing integrated catalytic reduction can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit that contains a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; an optional hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the hydrothermal digestion unit; and a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit, the catalytic reduction reactor unit also containing the slurry catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for biodiesel purification comprising the step of percolating biodiesel through a percolation system that comprises at least one percolation column comprising thermally activated bauxite and/or chemically activated bauxite. The present invention is further directed to a biodiesel obtained by said process.

Abstract: Provided in a fuel additive for heavy oil, made using a composition comprising: an oil-soluble metallic compound containing any one metal selected from calcium, barium, manganese, and iron; alcohol; hydrotreated light distillate; paraffin (kerosene); mineral oil; and a nonionic surfactant. The fuel additive for heavy oil, when added in a small amount to a heavy oil, can lower the kinematic viscosity and the flash point of the heavy oil, minimize the occurrence of a residual carbon fraction, dust, a sulfur fraction, or the like, increase the caloric value of the heavy oil, and improve the combustion efficiency during the combustion of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for converting carbon dioxide to liquid fuels for a liquid fuel composition and/or a platform chemical composition. In this conversion process carbon dioxide is adsorbed to a catalyst composition, and reacted with hydrogen to form oxygenated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen for use in the process can be generated in situ or ex situ. The process can be carried out in a fully carbon neutral manner.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cleaning and/or rejuvenating internal combustion engine components, including catalysts of the type used in vehicle catalytic converters. The compositions of the invention comprise (a) at least one an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon solvent; (b) at least two aromatic hydrocarbon solvents; (c) at least one hexanol; (d) at least one additional lower alkyl alcohol having from 1-5 carbon atoms; (e) at least one ketone solvent; and (f) optionally further organic solvents selected from the group consisting of ester solvents and terpene solvents.

Abstract: The present invention is a cascade water supply structure of plants, including plural aqueducts, wherein at least one aqueduct is connected to a water supply end. Besides, the porous bodies are provided in soil close to roots of the plants and the porous bodies are connected in cascade by the aqueducts. The porous bodies are collaboratively provided in a receiving unit which is installed on an outer wall of a building. By the aqueducts, water from the water supply end is guided into each porous body and is permeated into soil by the capillary action of the porous bodies, allowing soil to keep humid constantly that the plants can be grown without being watered for a long time, saving manpower and cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of separating plant germinants from gelled germination medium.

Abstract: A green-roof planter assembly includes a first planter module and a second planter module each including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space of the respective planter module, at least a pair of the plurality of sidewalls of each of the modules cooperate to form a corner therebetween having a length extending therealong, and wherein each of the planter modules includes a relief located along a length of the respective corner. The planter assembly further includes a coupler member removably received within the release of each of the planter modules, thereby inhibiting vertical movement of each of the planter modules with respect to one another.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing system and method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes at least one vertical column of interconnected growing pots and an overhead support to suspend the vertical column of interconnected growing pots. The system also includes a supply conduit that is in fluid communication with a top of the vertical column of interconnected growing pots and a return conduit in fluid communication with a bottom of the vertical column of interconnected growing pots. In addition, the system includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the supply conduit and the return conduit. A turning mechanism may also be used for rotating the column to achieve uniformity of illumination.

Abstract: A water culture hydroponics system of the invention is mainly disposed with a box body. At least one vertical plane of the box body is disposed with a plurality of openings for placing plants. At least one water pipe is disposed onto an inner side of the box body. The surface of the water pipe is disposed with a plurality of water spraying holes such that fluid within the water pipe is sprayed toward the plants from each water spraying hole. An exterior of the box body is disposed with at least one lamp wall for providing lateral light source to the plants to allow the inside of the box body to achieve optimum uniform moisture effect, and in conjunction with the irradiation of light beam, an effect of culturing and growing plants can be facilitated.

Abstract: A thermal shutter system comprises a plurality of elongate shutters (1). The shutters are mounted for rotation about the elongate direction thereof and are mounted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate direction. Each shutter is movable independently of the other shutter or shutters.

Abstract: An electronic door latch includes a sensor mounted inside of an outer surface of the door. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, a touch sensor or other suitable sensor configured to determine if a user's hand is present. The door latch release system further includes a powered latch that selectively retains the door latch in a closed position. The system may include a handle formed by a flange or other structure extending across a portion of a recess or pocket in the door. The system may include a receiver that utilizes a signal from a security transmitter (e.g. keyless entry fob).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a motorized flap, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a flap which may be a pivotable flap, a drive arrangement associated with the flap and a control arrangement associated with the drive arrangement, wherein the deflection of the flap is limited in at least one first direction of movement, by a mechanical end stop on the motor vehicle side, wherein the motorized flap movement in the first direction of movement is limited by means of the control arrangement by an end stop provided by control technology, in order to prevent the flap from running in a motorized manner in the first direction of movement into the mechanical end stop.

Abstract: A flush door handle includes a powered actuator that shifts the handle from a fully retracted position to an intermediate position. A user can then grasp the handle, and pull the handle to a fully open position to thereby unlatch the door latch. After a user releases the handle, it shifts to a closed position due to spring force or a powered actuator. The door latch may also comprise a fully powered version wherein the handle shifts from a closed position to an open position, and a powered door latch releases the door latch if predefined conditions are detected.

Abstract: An openable roof window includes: a window panel configured to be slidable along a guide rail to selectively open and close an opening in a roof and tiltable relative to a base frame; a slider having a pin and driven by a drive device to slide along the guide rail; an engagement structure that selectively engages the slider with the window panel such that they are unmovable relative to each other in a direction along the guide rail; and a stay fixedly secured to the window panel and having a cam groove formed therein, the cam groove engaging the pin of the slider and having a shape defined such that, when the engagement structure does not engage the slider with the window panel, the window panel is caused to tilt as the slider moves relative to the stay as a result of sliding of the slider along the guide rail.

Abstract: In a planetary gear mechanism of a vehicle door closer device, a planetary gear meshes with a sun gear and a ring gear. When the ring gear turns in one direction, the planetary gear orbits while it turns on its own axis. A closing lever is pivoted on the planetary gear and turns with orbiting of the planetary gear to move the latch to a full-latch position to enable the door to close. When the ring gear turns in the other direction, the planetary gear turns on its own axis and the sun gear turns to allow the ratchet to release from the latch to to enable the door to open. The planetary gear mechanism slows down a motor and a motion is transmitted to the ratchet to enable the ratchet to release from the latch. When the motor stops, the motion is disconnected to enable the ratchet to return to engagement with the latch.

Abstract: A door opener assembly having a rotatable arm-bar for hands-free use by individuals in high-traffic pedestrian conditions. The rotatable arm-bar has a distal knobbed end and allows users to easily position a wrist or forearm within the hook and to move laterally, as the person moves, as the door is opened and thereafter provides a slide-release of the forearm or wrist. The smooth surface and design of the arm-bar allows users to disengage from contact without risk of injury occurring such as from the unexpected opening of the door from the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device to limit an opening of a window having a hinged sash coupled to a window frame including a window opening limiting structure having a first member and a second member. One of them is securable to the sash and the other of the first member and the second member being securable to the frame. A selectively releasable coupler by which the first member and the second member are couplable is shiftable between a coupled status and a released status. The first member and the second member bridge a preselected distance such that the sash is inhibited from opening beyond a predetermined distance. The coupler is releasable so that the sash can be opened beyond the predetermined distance and re-engages automatically when the sash is closed.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may be in a window jamb channel to provide a biasing force urging a window sash toward an open position. The window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a latch, a first head portion, and a first projection. The latch may engage the second portion of the spring element. The first head portion may be configured to abut a first wall of the window jamb channel when the window balance assembly is installed in the window jamb channel. The projection configured to extend through and engage an aperture in a second wall of the window jamb channel when the window balance assembly is installed in the window jamb channel.

Abstract: A glass guiding system is provided comprising first and second glass pieces, each having an inboard surface, a front edge and a rear edge. The system also includes a first guiding assembly comprising a guide bonded to the inboard surface of the first piece and a retaining structure having a channel to slideably retain the guide, wherein the rear edge of the first piece and the front edge of the second piece engage when the first piece is fully raised.

Abstract: A door weather strip for a motor vehicle, which can be readily produced, and readily and securely attached to a corner of a door frame without coming off the same. In an upper side section and an upper side part of a corner section of the door weather strip, the door weather strip includes an exterior weather strip, an interior weather strip and a connecting section. The exterior weather strip includes an exterior base portion for attachment to the door frame or a door molding, and an exterior seal portion for contacting a door opening portion of a vehicle body when a door is closed, and the interior weather strip includes an interior base portion and an interior seal portion. A reinforcing rib is formed in a rear surface of the exterior base portion in the upper side part of the corner section.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises:—at least one opening panel (6),—at least one rear-view mirror (10), and—a lock (14) for locking the opening panel, the lock being able to be contiguous with the rear-view mirror and preferably being contiguous therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.

Abstract: A superabrasive material and method of making the superabrasive material are provided. The superabrasive material may comprise a core and an outgrown region. The core may have a single crystal structure. The outgrown region may also contain a single crystal. The single crystal may extend outwards from the core. The outgrown region may have a lower toughness index than that of the core.

Abstract: A bending mechanism for an airbeam is located inside an outer member that defines the airbeam. The outer member creates an air containing region. A bending element defines a bending region and to which is attached two opposing portions of the inner surface of the outer member. The bending component defines two air containing regions in the airbeam and includes an air conducting path that is disposed within the bending region. The air conducting path is fluidly connected to the air containing regions on both sides of the bending region and is configured for allowing the airbeam to be bent and arranged in two planes at the bending region while allowing air to be inserted into the airbeam at one inflation point. Therefore, the air-conducting member allows air to flow from one air containing region to another air containing region on opposite sides of the bending region.

Abstract: A gutter cover for covering a gutter supported by a gutter hanger is disclosed. The gutter cover has a central portion, a front portion bent downward from the central portion to contact a front portion of a gutter hanger, and a rear portion bent downward at an angle relative to the central portion to contact a rear portion of the gutter hanger. The front portion of the gutter cover has a top bend, a lower bend below the top bend, and a lower leg extending forward from the lower bend. The lower leg terminates in a front edge located forward of the top bend for contact with a front portion of the gutter hanger.

Abstract: Street lighting is positioned with lamp posts of sheet metal that have a round or polygonal cross-section and one or more longitudinal welded joints (17-20; 24). Posts are used that have one longitudinal welded butt joint with a weld that covers only a part of the sheet metal thickness and the posts are positioned so that this joint is directed towards the traffic.

Abstract: A protective shelter including an enclosure having at least a floor, at least one sidewall coupled to the floor, a door, and a roof coupled to the at least one sidewall. The protective shelter further includes one or more members coupled to the enclosure that support the protective shelter on a substrate and a resilient grouser attached to at least one of the one or more members and in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A construction element for erecting a structure has a first panel extending vertically to form a wall and a second panel extending horizontally to form a horizontal partition when they are arranged in an erected structure, the panels together form a three-dimensional configuration and are connected with one another so that in the erected structure they extend perpendicularly to one another and are turnable to include an angle there between to reduce a horizontal extension of the construction element for transportation purposes.

Abstract: In one preferred from there is provided a building construction 136. The building construction comprises a body portion 140 having a floor extension 142 adapted to extend from the body portion 142 and provide a floor area 144 wherein the floor extension 142 includes a facility 146 for receiving a building module.

Abstract: A diagonal brace connector and method is disclosed. The connector includes an upper planar member and a lower planar member connected by a rigid webbing. A center screw boss is disposed continuously and laterally along the webbing. The screw boss is adapted to receive a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A corner screw boss is along the corner between the webbing and the lower flange. The corner boss is similarly designed to accept a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A pair of parallel grooves are formed in the webbing to provide a visual guide for the locations to install permanent fasteners. The alignment grooves are disposed such that the screw bosses of adjoining members do not interfere with the permanent fasteners.

Abstract: A composite damper includes a first connector, a second connector and at least a dampening device. The first connector and the second connector are relative movable to each other, and the at least one dampening device is received between the first connector and the second connector. The dampening device comprises at least a rigid member and at least a dampening member, wherein the rigid member has the properties of high stiffness and low damping, while the dampening member has the properties of low stiffness and high damping. With such design, the composite damper could absorb vibrations during earthquakes.

Abstract: A solar device includes a frame, a solar cell module, an inverter and a fastener mechanism. The frame has a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The solar cell module is disposed in the frame. The fastener mechanism is used for fastening the frame. The fastener mechanism includes a base and a fastener member. The inverter is fixed on the base. A first end of the fastener member is pivotally connected to the base and a second end of the fastener member has a first extending portion, wherein the first end is opposite to the second end. The first extending portion has a protruding structure. When the first edge of the frame is disposed on the base, the fastener member can be rotated with respect to the base so as to engage the protruding structure with the second edge of the frame.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.

Abstract: The system described provides a single stop shopping facility that is capable of providing not only various goods and services to a consumer, but also dispensing various types of fuel to meet the needs of different types of vehicles. The various types of fuel supported may include liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), compressed natural gas (“CNG”), hydrogen, electricity, fuel cells, bioalcohol fuels including ethanol, methanol, and butonal, biogas, biodiesel, or biomass fuels, as well as more traditional fuel types, such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The system also includes a collection of interior and exterior trim units, grilles, and hardware in various architectural styles that can be attached to installed standardized functional units via the common interfaces to match the architecture of a particular home or building.

Abstract: An insulative separation element bridges first and second conductive spacer ends of a spacer frame of an active or insulated glazing unit. The insulative separation element includes first and second outer sections dimensioned for placement into the first and second conductive spacer ends. The insulative separation element includes an intermediate section connecting the first and second outer sections. The intermediate section has opposing first and second faces dimensioned for abutment with and insulative separation of the first and second spacer ends, respectively.

Abstract: A wall assembly is disclosed including a plurality of panels extending in a line. Each panel 12 has front and rear panel faces and two sides. The wall assembly also includes a bottom plate extending along lower edges of the panels and fixed thereto, and a top plate extending along upper edges of the panels and fixed thereto. The wall assembly includes a plurality of support posts positioned at spaced intervals along the wall. The panels define a recess in each side thereof and the recesses of adjacent panels open into each other to form a receiving channel. The support posts are received within the receiving channel as are service conduits and/or cables. The top plate is configured so that service cables/conduits can run along the top plate. The bottom plate and the support posts are mounted on a wall support that is conveniently a concrete slab.

Abstract: A core for a fire rated door includes a fire resistant center panel and an extruded fire resistant border. The fire resistant center panel has a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The fire resistant center panel is made of a first fire resistant material. The extruded fire resistant border is attached to the first side, the second side, the first end and the second end of the fire resistant center panel. The extruded fire resistant border is made of a second fire resistant material having a higher density than the first fire resistant material.

Abstract: A fire rated door includes a core, a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel. The core includes: (a) a fire resistant center panel having a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end, wherein the fire resistant center panel is made of a first fire resistant material, and (b) an extruded fire resistant border attached to the first side, the second side, the first end and the second end of the fire resistant center panel, wherein the extruded fire resistant border is made of a second fire resistant material having a higher density than the first fire resistant material. The first decorative panel is attached to the top of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border. The second decorative panel is attached to the bottom of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border.

Abstract: A composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 70 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.

Abstract: A composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 60 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.

Abstract: Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight.

Abstract: A method of providing, by high-frequency welding of at least two construction parts (4,4?) containing polymer material weldable by high-frequency welding to an assembled large unit in which said construction parts are comprised, fastener means (1) on said unit, said fastener means being intended for anchoring and building up said unit. The fastener means (1) are made of an electrically conductive material, and a primer layer (2) is arranged on a surface of the fastener means (1) and is bonded by means of a first hardening. A material weldable by high-frequency welding is arranged on top of said primer layer and is bonded thereto by means of a second hardening for building up a connecting layer (3). The invention also relates to anchoring parts (5) for use for that purpose.

Abstract: A high thermal resistant vertical wall on a base foundation in which stacked ICFs define an interior wall space that is filled with foam and concrete membranes coat the exteriors of the ICFs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative remaining formwork formed by combining a plurality of single frame plates defined by 3 or more edges comprising one edge arranged horizontally and at least one inclined edge inclined with respect to the horizontal edge; arranging the single frame plates so as to form a predetermined gap in a joint-shape between respective edges of the single frame plates adjacent each other; and having a back plate on a concrete casting surface, the back plate covering the predetermined gap in a longitudinal direction, and being fixed to the single frame plate to connect the single frame plates adjacent each other, and a cross-sectional shape in a width direction of the back plate being formed into a shape enlarged from a contact surface with respect to the single frame plate toward an opposed surface with respect to the contact surface.