Abstract: Vermicomposing Composing system is a product that delivers and age-old way to cultivate the most natural and healthiest vegetables and fruits either at home or commercially for a low cost without the use of any chemicals or fertilizers. This product incorporates red worms and compost matter to produce a waste high in nutrients. This waste works as a fertilizer for the vegetable or fruit plant growing within the base of the system. This whole process happens within one planting unit, which will require approximately 14 square inches of space.

Abstract: A water collection tray for vegetative and non-vegetative rooftop systems includes sidewalls, a bottom, and an open top that defines an interior region. A water separation barrier located in the interior region between the bottom and the top has multiple openings through which water admitted to the tray enters a water collector. A drain opening out of the tray from the water collector and in fluid communication with a water flow regulator causes all of the water flowing out of the drain to pass through the water flow regulator. Multiple water collection trays configured in an interlocking system provide for attenuation of rainfall to reduce peak flows of stormwater runoff from rooftops.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing liquid foam wherein the liquid foam is used to facilitate the delivery of nutrients to plants. The method and apparatus comprises a foam production unit (1) comprising a chamber (5), inlet means (8,9) to said chamber (5) for oxygenated air and liquid, and means for controlling the flow of said oxygenated air and liquid through or from said chamber (5) to thereby create a liquid foam.

Abstract: An integrated trellis machine for growing systems. The trellis machine comprises a framework which supports a shroud such that the shroud defines a growing area within the interior of the trellis machine. A nutrient delivery system supplies nutrients to vegetation as it grows within the growing area. A lighting system supplies light to the vegetation and includes a source of light which is housed within a casing. The casing is supported within the growing area and forms a conduit having ends which are open to the exterior of the growing area. A trellis is supported by the framework and located within the growing area between the nutrient delivery system and the source of light The trellis forms a barrier between the vegetation and the source of light and the trellis is shaped so as to redirect the growth of the vegetation as the vegetation grows.

Abstract: Systems for preheating feedstock are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one energy source disposed in a gasification plant and configured to provide an energy, and a feedstock supply configured to deliver a solid feedstock. The system further includes a feed bin disposed downstream of the feedstock supply, wherein the feed bin is configured to receive the solid feedstock and to provide a dry feedstock. The system additionally includes a gasifier disposed downstream from the feed bin, wherein the gasifier is configured to produce a syngas from the dry feedstock. The system further includes a heating system configured to use the energy to heat the solid feedstock directly, heat the solid feedstock indirectly, or a combination thereof, to remove moisture from the solid feedstock in the feed bin.

Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.

Abstract: A process for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into a medium BTU gas is disclosed. The CO2 gas may be injected into a reactor alone or simultaneously with a hydrocarbon gas and converted into a gas product suitable for further processing. The conversion process may include molten layers of iron and reactive slag in an upwardly flowing reactor operated under oxygen lean conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety barrier for open-air floors, rooftops and openings from which an individual is at risk of falling from a height, such as windows and balconies. More specifically, the present invention relates to a safety barrier that can be pivotally adjusted between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure comprises a slide door panel for opening and closing a front region of a rear door opening of a vehicle body and a swing door panel for opening and closing a rear region of the rear door opening in cooperation with the slide door panel, swing door panel lock mechanisms for locking the swing door panel with respect to the vehicle body when the swing door panel is fully closed, and slidability setting mechanisms provided with the vehicle body. Slide rails are provided in upper and lower parts of the vehicle body, while rollers are attached to upper and lower parts of the slide door panel. The slidability setting mechanisms permit the rollers to be introduced to the slide rails only when the swing door panel is locked with respect to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for moving an element, such as a sliding door (1), is disclosed. In the movement a first end of the element is first turned outwards, a second opposite end is then turned out placing the element in parallel with the original location of the element. The element is then displaced by extending a pull-out guide (4). The mechanism comprises a housing (2), the pull-out guide rail (4), a lock-and-release mechanism (19) and at least two lever arms (8, 11, 14, 16, 27, 30, 33, 39, 42). One end of a first lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) and the opposite end of said lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (9, 28, 40) at the housing (2). The pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) is placed at a first end of the pull-out guide rail (4).

Abstract: A securing mechanism for a hinged sidelight panel. The securing mechanism includes a center latch bolt for latching the hinged sidelight panel and remote locking mechanisms for locking the hinged sidelight panel. A single lever handle is used to selectively retract the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt. At a first orientation of the handle, both the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt are engaged. At a second orientation of the handle, the latch bolt remains engaged, but the remote locking mechanisms retracted. At a third orientation, both the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt are disengaged. The orientation of the handle informs an observer whether the locks are engaged. In one embodiment, the full rotation is about 90°, enabling the use of longer lever handles without interference from door frames.

Abstract: A 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 engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an adjustable support adapted to support an access hatch frame for access to a sub-surface chamber or the like. The support has a lower frame member that at least in part defines a first aperture, the first aperture having or defining a first plane, the lower frame member having at least one upper interface surface. A similar upper frame is present that defines a second aperture, a second plane, and a lower interface surface. Upper frame member also has number of height adjustable mount points. The upper and lower interface surfaces define an interface plane. Rotation of the upper frame member, relative to said lower frame member on the interface plane, adjusts the relative angle of the two.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting tool that achieves cutting with high precision. The cutting tool of the present invention includes a cutting edge composed of a polycrystalline body including high-pressure-phase hard grains that contain one or more elements selected from the group consisting of boron, carbon, and nitrogen, the polycrystalline body being formed by subjecting a non-diamond carbon material and/or boron nitride, serving as a starting material, to direct conversion sintering under ultra-high pressure and high temperature without adding a sintering aid or a catalyst, in which letting the radius of curvature of the nose of the cutting edge of the cutting tool be R1, the sintered grains constituting the polycrystalline body have an average grain size of 1.2×R1 or less and a maximum grain size of 2×R1 or less.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a method and device for manufacturing an abrasive grain-fixed saw wire that realize homogeneous distribution of abrasive grains adhered to the outer surface of a wire while suppressing variations in the amount of abrasive grains adhered to the outer surface of the wire, even in a high-efficiency wire feeding mode with a high density of abrasive grains, back-and-forth running of the wire, and the like.

Abstract: A gutter cover for a roof gutter, fashioned to extend longitudinally in overlying relation to a length of the gutter. The gutter cover comprises: (i) a top portion extending forwardly from a rear edge of the gutter cover; (ii) a front wall extending downwardly from the top portion; (iii) a ledge extending generally horizontally in front of the front wall; (iv) a first longitudinally extending ridge formed in the top portion, (v) a first bank of apertures behind the first longitudinally extending ridge, and (vi) a second bank of apertures in front of the first longitudinally extending ridge; wherein the average size of the apertures in the first bank is larger than the average size of the apertures in the second bank.

Abstract: An assembly for releasably attaching a junction housing to a ceiling panel for a recessed lighting fixture. The assembly is in the form of a spring clamp and includes an outer section located over and movable along an outer surface of the housing when the housing is received within an opening in the panel, and an inner section movable along an inner surface of the housing when the housing is received within the opening in the panel. The inner section includes a finger-engageable element spring-biased to a locking position for locking the housing onto the panel, engageable by a user's finger to move the spring clamp to a releasing position releasing the housing for movement within the panel to a locking or releasing position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A foundation support driving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a drive head which may be coupled to a hydraulic ram assembly for driving a foundation support. The drive head has sleeve plates that form a sleeve through which the foundation support may travel. The sleeve plates also form a pair of opposed yokes. The drive had has a pair of opposed rotating plates that rotate about respective pins positioned in opposed yokes. Gripping portions disposed at the inward ends of the rotating plates are adapted to engage the exterior surface of a foundation support extending through the sleeve. The hydraulic ram assembly rotates the rotating plates back and forth to move the gripping portions into and out of engagement with the foundation support in order to move the foundation support.

Abstract: A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anti-seismic support for supporting a construction engineering structure, which comprises a support (14) having a concave sliding surface (17) and a sliding block (16) with a convex sliding surface (16d) in sliding contact with the concave sliding surface (17), the sliding block (16) being capable of sliding with pendulum motion relative to the concave surface (17) in response to an earthquake tremor or shock, the device (11) comprising a sliding material (19) between the concave sliding surface (17) and the convex sliding surface (16b), where the friction coefficient between the sliding surfaces (16b, 17) is above 10% when the device (11) is loaded with a pressure above 30 MPa and the sliding surfaces are caused to slide at a sliding speed of more than 50 mm/s at a temperature of 20° C. or more.

Abstract: Curtain walls according to embodiments of the present disclosure integrate a variety of energy producing and/or energy saving features and may be used to clad buildings to achieve net zero energy or low energy ratings. A curtain wall may comprise: a support frame; a grid assembly attached to the support frame; and, panels and cassettes each comprising a prefabricated unit attached to a frame; wherein the assembly is configured for ease of attachment of the frames carrying the prefabricated units. A wide range of different panels and cassettes with different functions can be integrated into the curtain wall, such as glazing, electrochromic, solar, photovoltaic (PV) and aluminum.

Abstract: Capping structures for covering existing stair treads to provide a bull nose configuration. Additionally, unique processes and/or methods for manufacturing or making such capping structures.

Abstract: A skylight with a light transmission passage bounded by reflective surface. Centrally facing, curved mirror reflective surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of the passage. The curved reflective surfaces have a curvature slope that becomes progressively greater, with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the axis, as the surfaces progress from the upper end to the lower end of the passage. The curved mirror surfaces are also curved inward at their upper end. Preferably, the curved mirror surfaces are parabolic and most preferably are formed as a compound parabolic concentrator that is mounted in an inverted orientation. The skylight of the invention also has reflective surfaces that are orthogonal to these reflective surfaces. The orthogonal reflective surfaces can alternatively be either formed with the same curvature and orientation or can be planar.

Abstract: An assembly for a structure comprises a support and a panel. The panel may be a glass panel. The assembly further comprises a structural adhesive, which couples the panel to the support. The structural adhesive may comprise a silicone. The structural adhesive h a first coupling surface facing the support and a second coupling surface spaced from the first coupling surface and facing the interior surface of the panel. The structural adhesive has a substantially right-trapezoidal cross-section, which is oriented in a certain direction relative to the panel and the support. The first coupling surface is sloped relative to the second coupling surface of the structural adhesive thereby reducing stress in the assembly due to environmental load subjected on the structure, such as wind load. Other supports and assemblies are also provided. The assembly may be used to form curtain walls, window walls, sky-lights, etc.

Abstract: A drywall finishing system for finishing 1) normal inside and outside corners of any angle, 2) stub wall or closet corners, 3) window wrap corners, and 4) L-metal for window sills and areas where drywall ends against some other surface like brick. The finishing system comprises a preformed trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that is relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. A layer of paper is bonded to the inside surface of the semi-rigid member for receiving joint compound to continuously bond the trim piece to the dry wall; this paper layer can optionally have a layer of adhesive material on its outer surface. A layer of finishing material is bonded to the exterior surface of the semi-rigid member.

Abstract: An insert is provided for an ICF which increases the insulation provided by the ICF. This adapts the ICF for use in buildings subject to harsher environments. The insert may have a protuberanced face which abuts an inner face of one of the ICF panels. The protuberances may be configured so that water penetrating the wall of ICFs is channeled down and out of the wall.

Abstract: Present invention is related to a construction element made of a composite material which comprises at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin. The construction element comprises a primary brick layer with a width of I1 and a secondary brick layer with a width of I2 that is narrower than I1 extending on the primary brick layer.

Abstract: A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion.

Abstract: Frontage that includes modules each of which consisting of a reinforced metal structure provided with a mechanism for mutually attaching to the structures of the adjacent modules, sealing a mechanism provided between the adjacent modules and a mechanism for securing the modules to the building. The modules are filled with sheets of insulating material and are covered with wood panels, an anti-moisture paper sheet, a metal mesh for the adhesion of a layer of sprayed dry mortar and an outer surface finishing, wherein all of the layers and the outer surface finishing are air-permeable.

Abstract: A new prefabricated wall panel is the basic unit of a new, more efficient and stronger wall system. The wall panel is manufactured from a plurality of foam sections sized to leave vertical and horizontal voids into which concrete is later poured, each foam section having an inner and outer surface and two sides; and a plurality of fastening strips. The fastening strips are longitudinal metal strips being situated between the sides of two foam sections. Each fastening strip has two longitudinal fastening strips projecting perpendicularly to the longitudinal fastening strip and the fastening strips being adjacent to the outer surface of the two foam sections.

Abstract: A building element that is an elongated extrusion of plastics material. The element can be used to form straight or curved walls. Like elements are secured together by transverse relative movement and snap engagement of flanges in recesses. En one embodiment the element has a longitudinally extending seal projection that aids in sealingly connecting engaged elements.

Abstract: A thermal clip system suitable for use with a wall assembly. The clip comprises a base section and an arm section. According to an embodiment, the clip is formed a unitary piece from extruded aluminum. The base section is configured with mounting holes for receiving fasteners to secure the clip respective studs in a wall. The arm section includes a surface for fastening a girt member, wherein the girt member is configured to secure one or more exterior cladding panels. The base section may include a recessed cavity for receiving an insulating material to form a thermal break between the clip and the stud wall. The arm section may include a recessed slot for receiving an insulating material to form a thermal break between the clip and the girt member.

Abstract: A block wall system includes a plurality of T-shaped blocks having a head defining projecting load shoulders and a shaft having a first end attached to the head and a second end. There is also provided a plurality of complementary blocks having a first end and a second end. Each of the complementary blocks is shaped to fit securely between a pair of adjacent T-shaped blocks with the first end of each complementary block abutting the load shoulders of the T-shaped blocks to limit relative movement in a first axial direction. The preferred form to have the shaft of the T-shaped blocks wedge shaped and for the complementary blocks is to be wedge blocks. The wedge engagement between the wedge shaped shaft and the wedge blocks limits movement in a second axial direction.

Abstract: A wall board is produced based on a body element, which essentially has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped including two opposing main sides and four edge sides according to the following method: mechanical surface processing of a first edge side, wherein the first edge side attains a flat surface structure, which extends from a first to a second of the main sides; applying a first surface treatment layer on the first edge side; and arranging a first edge strip along the first edge side. The first edge strip contains: a first distal edge surface, a thereto opposing first proximal edge surface which is flat, and a first primary surface between the first proximal edge surface and the first distal edge surface, The first edge strip being arranged with the first proximal edge surface against the first edge side such that the first primary surface and the first main side of the body element form a first, flat and essentially unbroken surface.

Abstract: A panel connection system comprising a fixing plate and a locking member, the fixing plate having a surface with a raised central portion which is flanked by first and second protrusions, wherein the locking member is configured to receive the central portion of the fixing plate. A plurality of panels with shoulder portions have recesses which are cooperatively received by the protrusions such that the shoulder portions of the panels are adjacent the central portion. The locking member has a recess which cooperatively secures with the central portion to secure the panels to the fixing plate.

Abstract: A portable structure including a plurality of beams having a first engagement feature and a plurality of junction devices having a second engagement feature. The first engagement features and corresponding second engagement features are rigidly engageable, the rigidly engaged engagement features defining a multi-point connection therebetween. The engagement features are manually actuatable and self-contained.

Abstract: A holder for a concrete anchor comprises a body including a base portion for attachment to a concrete forming surface. The body includes a projection portion extending vertically from the base portion. A coupling is attached to the projection portion at one end of the coupling. The opposite end of the coupling is for threading into an anchor body.

Abstract: A proposed edge strip is attached on a wall structure for mounting of a wall board against the wall structure, The edge strip is composed of an elongated element suitable for length adaption through cutting in a length dimension to an extension of the wall structure in a specific dimension, for example the height of the wall. The edge strip comprises a connection part arranged in a first side extending in the length dimension. The connection part has click-in means configured to receive a fastening means integrated into the connection means of the wall board and interconnect the wall board and the edge strip, such that the wall board becomes attached to the wall structure.

Abstract: A fiberglass material contains glass fibers having graphite evenly distributed thereon. The graphite provides a coating that makes the fiberglass material substantially free of static electricity. Suitable graphite content of the fiberglass material is about 0.25 wt % to about 0.50 wt %, or about 0.25 wt % to about 1.0 wt %, or about 0.8 wt % of dry weight of the glass fibers. The graphite used may be synthetic material or natural material substantially free of silica. Other components of the fiberglass material may include de-dusting oil.

Abstract: The invention discloses a construction method for rooted foundation anchorage, comprising the following steps: precasting a concrete caisson in sections, excavate or bore hole for the caisson sinking, reserving holes for projection of anchor roots in the wall of caisson; cleaning the bottom of the bore hole, and sealing the bottom with concrete; precasting the beam type concrete roots and, within the bore hole, projecting the roots into the earth around the caisson; sealing a concrete cover over the bore hole to form a flat cap, which can be used as the cap of a bridge foundation.

Abstract: A transportable, transformable structure utilizing a tower shuttle apparatus for converting the structure from a closed, transportable unit to an open, stationary unit. The tower shuttle includes a connection post, including a socket joint, connected to a shuttle cart on casters. The socket joint is capable of receiving a ball connection at the base of a structural tower affixed to the transformable structure. This connection allows a single operator to fully assemble a mobile performance stage or other transportable, transformable structure with ease and with no damage to the stage deck. The tower shuttle allows the towers to be moved into position no matter the required direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers having stoppers that are penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and thermally resealable for thermally sealing the resulting hole. A container support supports at least one such container in a substantially fixed position during filling and resealing. A manifold drivingly mounted over the container support comprises (1) a cartridge including a filling needle for penetrating the resealable stopper and introducing a substance therethrough into the container, a mount for mounting the cartridge on the manifold, and a removable cover releasably coupled to the mount for covering the filling needle during transportation, installation and/or removal of the cartridge from the manifold. The manifold includes a thermal source for heating a penetrated region of the stopper and, sealing the hole.

Abstract: A parts management system includes a compartment having a plurality of cup-shaped cells formed in the base of the compartment. Side walls of the compartment include notches formed therein. The parts management system further includes dividers that may be engaged with the notches to subdivide the parts management system into smaller subcompartments. In use, smaller parts, such as fasteners, are detached from an item to be disassembled and placed in the cup-shaped cells within particular subcompartments. The larger components associated with the fasteners are removed from the item to be disassembled and are also loaded into the subcompartments in proximity to their associated fasteners. The parts can be loaded into the parts management system in sequential order during disassembly of the item. The parts can then be unloaded from the parts management system in a reverse order during reassembly of the item.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.

Abstract: A packaging system and method forms a bundled group of articles in an oriented arrangement, by applying a wrapping material to the articles via the bottoms of the articles while the oriented arrangement of articles is inverted and retained by a pallet. The wrapping material may be a sleeve of shrinkable material applied to the inverted end of the articles and shrunk to conform to the articles and form a base enclosing the bottoms of the articles. The articles are retained by the pallet in the oriented arrangement during the inverting, sleeving and bundling of the group of articles, to provide a bundled group including the articles securely contained by the shrunk wrapping in the oriented arrangement. The bundled group may include more than one type of article. The pallet may be configured to retain a top portion of the article, which may have an irregular or asymmetrical shape.

Abstract: A system for stacking and packaging a plurality of discrete products of different sizes is provided. The system includes a stacking system having a movable lift plate, a slide plate assembly, an adjustable stop plate, and adjustable sidewalls. Layers of articles are introduced into a stack area, and movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly are coordinated to stack products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows adjustment of the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls relative to a frame such that the stacking system can be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. In another aspect, the stacking system cooperates with a tipping system that rolls or tips stacked product to facilitate further processing or use of the product package.

Abstract: The invention is a damper that closes off supply duct air when the unit is off to prevent air from exiting through the outlet, and opens when the unit is on to allow room air and/or supply duct air to exit through an outlet. The damper may be either motorized or mechanically biased.

Abstract: A device for filtering contaminated air includes an air filter, an intake fan driven by an electric motor, a filter housing, to which the air filter can be fastened by means of a threaded connection, and a battery for driving the electric motor, wherein the intake fan has a guide blade and an impeller, and the intake fan is arranged in a chimney-shaped shell on the filter housing.

Abstract: An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one. A preferred projection/receiver arrangement is described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: The mounting joint has a first and second axes extending at right angle from each other. A shaft and bearing assembly extends along the first axis. The shaft has a crank arm on its end for controllably rotating the shaft axially about the first axis. The mounting joint also has a resilient wrist pin assembly mounted along the second axis. The resilient wrist pin assembly has axial resilience about the second axis. The first axis extends horizontally. The second axis always lies in a vertical plane. The shaft and bearing assembly has a first connection for connection to a supporting beam and a second connection connected to the resilient wrist pin assembly. The resilient wrist pin assembly has a third connection connected to the sickle bar, such that the sickle bar is controllably rotatable about the first axis and resiliently rotatable about the second axis.