Abstract: The invention relates to a growth container (1) comprising: a receptacle (2) with a bottom part (3) having a plant receiving area (4), and a light source (6) for providing light to the plant receiving area (4). In order to obtain conditions optimal for growth, the light source (6) is elongated and arranged centrally in the plant receiving area (4) for being surrounded by plants (5) in the plant receiving area, and for producing light (18) to the growth container (1) at a plurality of different heights (h) above the bottom part.

Abstract: A vine support system includes a multiple vine stakes, each vine stake adjacent and supporting a vine trunk. A plurality of shade hotels are removably mounted to the vine stakes, each shade hotel incorporating a securing bail. A shade element is removably supported by each shade hotel and restrained by the securing bail.

Abstract: A landscaping system and apparatus in which a substantially vertical flexible spine member is associated with a plurality of horizontal platform members and substantially vertical lower boundary members, which in conjunction with a bridge to cover gaps between neighboring platforms form a strip on an interior side of a bedding boundary on which lawn care equipment may pass.

Abstract: A vine support system includes support posts adjacent each vine trunk with support wires suspended between the support posts. Positioning shafts are mounted vertically extending from the support wires. Pedistular supports are engaged on the positioning shafts for releasably supporting canes extending from each vine trunk, with the pedistular supports vertically positioned on the positioning shafts for pronation by the canes to suspend new growth from the canes in a fruiting zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circular polarization illumination device which can irradiate right-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of right-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency and can irradiate left-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of left-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency, and a plant growth regulation method that can efficiently regulate the promotion or inhibition of the growth of plants by using the circular polarization illumination device. Moreover, the illumination device includes a light-emitting light source, a reflective polarizing plate, reirradiation unit, and circular polarization conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating device that makes it possible to reduce the number of members for regulating a polarization state and can irradiate light having natural color shades without decreasing energy efficiency of light irradiation, and a plant growth regulation method using the illuminating device. The illuminating device of the present invention includes a light-emitting light source and a polarization state regulation member that regulates a polarization state of the light-emitting light source, in which the polarization state of a wavelength region of a portion of emission wavelengths is changed to circular polarization, and a degree of circular polarization of light in a wavelength band for regulation among the light rays to be irradiated is 0.3 or higher. In a preferable embodiment, a width of at least one wavelength band for regulation of the polarization state regulation member is from 60 nm to 250 nm.

Abstract: A garden pot assembly comprising a pot having an open upper end and a separator tray snap-fitted into the open upper end of the pot. The separator tray has a plurality of spaced-apart plant pot receiving openings formed therein each of which are adapted to receive and support a plant pot therein. The bottom of the pot has a unique structure including a central hub and a plurality of radially extending stand-offs extending outwardly therefrom to the periphery of the bottom wall. The pot or container may be circular, oval, rectangular or square in shape.

Abstract: A planter tray carriage includes a plurality of planter trays affixed to the carriage. The planter tray carriage can be operable in a plurality of states, wherein the states enable selective upright storage of the carriage or deployment of the carriage and the associated trays. The carriage includes the plurality of planter trays attached to the carriage such that the trays remain upright in each of the plurality of states.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for treating waste, such as municipal waste via pyrolysis and yielding one or more of heat energy, electrical energy and fuel. In some embodiments, waste feed stock can be municipal waste in black bag form. In some the present invention additionally provides for processing of thousands of tons of municipal waste each day.

Abstract: A catalyst for reforming hydrocarbons may include a catalytically active amount of nickel or nickel oxide dispersed on a metal oxide support. The metal oxide support may be of a single-metal oxide of a first metal or a complex-metal oxide of the first metal and a second metal. A co-catalyst of magnesium oxide (MgO) may anchor the nickel or nickel oxide onto the metal oxide support.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an operation of a power door of a vehicle are presented. An activation of a user interface device associated with the power door is detected. A cue is provided using a notification device after detecting the activation of the user interface device. In one implementation, the notification device includes an audible alarm. When the user interface device is activated for greater than a predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a power mode of operation, and the notification device is used to indicate a current operational mode of the power door. In one implementation, when the user interface device is deactivated within the predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an openable door and a frameless door glass system comprising a moveable glass operable in two stages of engagement with a seal. The first stage provides a vertical gap between the glass and the seal prior to the door being opened and the second stage increases the level of engagement between the glass and seal relative the first stage upon detection of a predetermined event, such as a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: In an aspect, a lifter plate is provided that is capable of a relatively strong connection to a vehicle window. The lifter plate includes a lifter plate body including a first side wall and a second side wall configured to receive a vehicle window therebetween, a window holding member positionable in a locking position to prevent the withdrawal of the vehicle window from between the first and second side walls, and a locking member positioned to prevent the movement of the window holding member out of the locking position in the event of a force urging the withdrawal of the vehicle window from between first and second side walls.

Abstract: A system for reducing an effective weight of a horizontally sliding object is disclosed, wherein the system comprises an object such as a door or window retained in a track that allows substantially horizontal movement along a predetermined path. The door has an upper surface with a longitudinal cavity therealong, and a metallic channel is disposed within the longitudinal cavity, where the channel encloses a plurality of permanent magnets. The system also includes an elongate strip coinciding with said predetermined path and positioned adjacent an upper surface of the door. An adjustment mechanism is also provided for releasably adjusting the distance between the magnets and the elongate strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: Deformation of a trunk door is suppressed with a simple structure. A lateral bead is formed along a ridgeline region that is formed by an inner upper wall portion and an inner rear wall portion of an inner panel of the trunk door. The lateral bead is not connected to a ring bead formed at an outer periphery of the inner panel. Thus, stiffness of the ridgeline region may be suppressed compared with a case in which the lateral bead is connected to the ring bead. Thus, substantial V-form folding of an outer upper wall portion and an outer rear wall portion may be suppressed.

Abstract: A self-closing entry system includes an entrance, a base support member located at one side of the entrance, a bearing arrangement attached to the base support member, a gate surface member pivotably mounted to the base support member, a bumper assembly defined by at least one bumper frame member pivotably fastened to the gate surface member at a gate fulcrum, at least one bumper contact element fastened to the at least one bumper frame member, and wherein the at least one bumper contact element is capable of axial rotation about the at least one bumper frame member, a counter-balance assembly extending from the first bumper frame member to the second bumper frame member, and a means for latching the gate system, allowing the gate surface member to move in one direction upon activation of a latching control means.

Abstract: A device for fixing a glazed element into an opening for the glazed element to be pivotable with respect to the opening. The device includes at least one projecting element including an axis for fixing the device to an upright of the opening, and at least one baseplate including interior and exterior faces facing a surface of the glazed element. The baseplate is at least partially integrated into a portion of elastic material adhering at least to the interior face. The projecting element rigidly fixes the projecting element to the upright of the opening so that the orientation of the axis with respect to the upright remains unchanged during opening or closing movement of the glazed element and so that during the opening movement, at least part of the portion of elastic material is squashed between the baseplate and the upright or between the baseplate and the glazed element.

Abstract: An air and/or debris dam for moving coil balance assembly for a hung window is disclosed. The air and/or debris dam is located between the carrier and a mounting location of a moving coil window balance assembly. The air and/or debris dam can travel within the jamb channel of a window frame assembly to inhibit airflow and/or the deposition of dust and/or debris in the jamb channel.

Abstract: The door handle device of a vehicle is provided with: a handle base disposed along the rear surface of a door panel; and an operation handle that is coupled to the handle base. The handle base has hook-shaped pressing portions that ride on a protruding portion provided to the oppossed side edges along the sliding direction of a mounting opening provided to the door panel accompanying a sliding operation along the door panel; a panel-abutting portion that sandwiches the door panel in cooperation with the hook-shaped pressing portions; and an elastic locking piece that restricts the rearwards motion of the handle base by resilient locking to the center of a rear end edge of the mounting opening, and restricts removal of the hook-shaped pressing portions from the protruding portion.

Abstract: A temporary cover assembly for a void comprising a cover plate 209 configured to close an opening in the void and means 201, 202, 207 to releasably attach the cover plate 209 to a cover slab 105 of the void.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polycrystalline abrasive elements consisting of micron, sub-micron or nano-sized ultrahard abrasives dispersed in micron, sub-micron or nano-sized matrix materials. A plurality of ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces are coated with a matrix precursor material in a refined colloidal process and then treated to render them suitable for sintering. The matrix precursor material can be converted to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride, or an elemental form thereof. The coated ultrahard abrasive particles are consolidated and sintered at a pressure and temperature at which they are crystallographically or thermodynamically stable.

Abstract: A composition includes tungsten (W); at least one element selected form the group of elements consisting of boron (B), beryllium (Be) and silicon (Si); and at least one element selected from the group of elements consisting of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), ruthenium (Ru), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al). The composition satisfies the formula W1-xMxXy wherein X is one of B, Be and Si; M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta, Re, Os, Ir, Li and Al; x is at least 0.001 and less than 0.999; and y is at least 4.0. A tool is made from or coated with this composition.

Abstract: A tower structure including a central, vertical mast and a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling, the plurality of tensioned elements together defining a generally hyperboloid structure and including a first plurality of elongate elements which define a multiplicity of junctions therebetween, a second plurality of junction-to-mast joining elongate elements which join at least some of the multiplicity of junctions to the central, vertical mast; and a third plurality of junction-to-junction joining elongate elements which are connected at a plurality of mutually spaced fixed locations therealong to the at least some of the multiplicity of junctions.

Abstract: A wall anchor cover assembly comprises a securing frame further including a first side and a second side, the securing frame further including an aperture for exposing an object about which the securing frame is mounted and at least one raised channel disposed peripherally about the centrally disposed aperture, the securing frame further including a first continuously formed peripheral edge, the continuously formed peripheral edge including at least a first top groove and at least a first bottom groove, and a cover plate including a first outer side further including a top edge region including a top recess and a bottom edge region including a bottom recess, the top recess and the bottom recess mating with the first top groove and at least one of the first bottom groove of the securing frame.

Abstract: A prefabricated flashing product for an opening in an exterior surface of a structure includes a generally planar flange shaped to conform to the exterior surface, the flange extending outwardly from an entire perimeter of an aperture therein that corresponds to the opening, and a return that seals to the flange about the aperture and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward an inward direction of the opening. The flange and the return are monolithically formed of a waterproof material. A method of integrating a fenestration product into an opening of an exterior surface of a structure includes inserting the flashing product described above into the opening, and inserting the fenestration product at least partially into the aperture of the flashing product.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seismic-incurred-rupture-resistant deformation-recordable buckling-restrained brace and a fabricating method thereof, which includes a concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. A core plate is disposed in the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve, and an end portion of the core plate is provided with a core plate stiffening rib. A brace deformation recording device includes two toothed racks, a ratchet gear, a first cord spool, and a second cord spool. The two toothed racks are fixed on the core plate stiffening rib, and ratchet pawls in the length direction thereof face opposite directions. The ratchet gear is fixedly connected to the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. The ratchet gear is disposed between the two toothed racks. A tooth on the ratchet gear is engaged with a ratchet pawl. The first cord spool is fixed on the ratchet gear. The second cord spool is fixed on the core plate stiffening rib.

Abstract: A new system of building construction, technology and methods for making the skin complex of a building as elements on a roof or façade of which solar panels/systems are a part are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A screen assembly is configured to be removably secured to an architectural opening. The screen assembly includes a screen frame having a screen member coupled thereto. A latch mechanism includes a latch member movable relative to the screen frame from an engaged position to a disengaged position along a given linear axis. The latch assembly rotates about a pivot perpendicular to the linear axis to lock the latch assembly in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A window screen assembly comprising a screen frame including a screen lineal and a lip portion, the screen lineal including an aperture and a screen channel, a screen member secured in the screen channel. The assembly also has a slide assembly comprising a shield attached to the screen lineal, mounted into the aperture, a top slide attached to the shield, movable relative to the screen frame from an engaged position to a disengaged position along a given linear axis. The slide comprises a cap, a post attached to the cap, a ramp attached to the post. The shield has at least one shield springs embedded in the shield. The window screen assembly is configured to be removably secured to an architectural member.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: A window includes a weather seal system that employs two seals. The first seal is located towards an exterior surface of the window and forms an air-permeable water barrier between an active sash and a sill. The second seal is located towards an interior surface of the window and forms a substantially air-impermeable and water-impermeable barrier between the active sash and the sill.

Abstract: A gasket for use on a drip edge flashing and a fascia board on a roof overhang is provided. The gasket is mounted intermediate the fascia of the sidewalls of a structure and the drip edge flashing which overhangs a portion of the perimeter of the roof. The drip edge flashing has a u-shaped element which is adapted to receive a bracket which is attached to the gasket. The gasket may also be affixed to the fascia board by an adhesive. The gasket prevents ice, water and humidity from entering any of the sub-roof structure, which inhibits rot, molds or insect infestation. The gasket may be placed on new structures or retrofit. In the retrofit embodiment, a support flashing with a u-shaped element is interfit between the drip edge flashing and the gasket. In this case the u-shaped element on the support flashing receives the gasket bracket therein.

Abstract: A joint between two adjacent faces (14) of concrete elements is formed by overlapping headed bar (16) with transverse studs (22) between the bars.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming a concrete structure. The method comprises placing plastic concrete in a form of a desired shape, encasing the concrete in insulating material having insulating properties equivalent to at least 1 inch of expanded polystyrene and allowing the plastic concrete to at least partially cure inside the insulating material. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for assembling a pre-engineered building with a monolithic vapor retarder to control the formation of condensation on the walls. The system allows for numerous different combinations of insulation thickness, different kinds of walls, inside vapor retarders in different rigid panels, different facings or membranes. The system further provides for finished inside surfaces with high thermal quality.

Abstract: A universal corner panel includes a first surface comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first surface topography with a first delta and the second portion has a second surface topography with a second delta. The first delta is substantially different than the second delta.

Abstract: A surface covering kit is disclosed, comprising a plurality of generally rectangular panels (100). Each panel is provided with grooves (301, 302, 301?, 302?) forming an insertion channel (303) when two panels (100) are laid next to each other along their transverse sides (105, 105?) in a common laying plane (101). An extraneous locking element (210) is received by the insertion channel (303), the extraneous locking element (210) having a longitudinal dimension and a cross-section perpendicular to said longitudinal dimension which forms a cross with at least four cross arms. The corresponding cross arms of the insertion channel have two parallel flank surfaces (1603, 1604) each, and each of the cross arms is oriented diagonally in a plane perpendicular to the panel plane (102).

Abstract: A simple, one-piece mechanical tie allows quick and secure connection between rebar, mesh and form. A single piece of tie wire can secure the tie to the mesh and rebar, making the installation process much quicker than conventional processes. Unlike other devices that have multiple pieces where, if one piece is lost, the tie is unusable, the current device is designed as a single piece making installation and use quick and simple.

Abstract: A method for constructing a pier system to stabilize and level a structure by constructing a pier in sections and advancing the pier sections below a foundation using a hydraulic ram until bedrock is reached, and completing the piering system by positioning a head plate on top of the pier to provide a stable platform for a house jack and applying a vertical lifting force with the house jack to lift the foundation of the structure.

Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning method and system that uses an under tile base reusable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a reusable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: There is provided a moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine, and particularly, there is provided a moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine for sensing moisture within a chamber. The moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine includes: a device housing having a controller and a vacuum driving unit; a chamber unit positioned above the device housing and having a first chamber and a second chamber whose interiors are vacuumized when the vacuum driving unit operates; and a sensing unit installed in the chamber unit such that it is associated with the controller, and sensing the presence or absence of moisture within the second chamber according to whether the sensing unit comes into contact with the second chamber.

Abstract: A food packaging method is provided in which food is packaged in a package with use of carbon dioxide to benefit from bacteriostatic effects and the food package contains the minimum reduced gas spaces and thereby has a volume substantially equal to the food volume. Tightly-fitting food packages are obtained by the method. A tightly-fitting food package is obtained by: placing at least one kind of foods selected from the group consisting of meats and processed meats in a plastic film package; blowing a carbon dioxide gas in the package to fill the package with the carbon dioxide gas in a volume of 10 to 45 cm3 per 100 g of the food as measured at 0° C. and 1 atm; and sealing and refrigerating the package.

Abstract: Resealable beverage containers include caps that are twisted to impart translational motion of the cap to push a tear panel into the container. Cam elements are used to convert rotational movement to translational movement. The caps are preferably made of molded plastic material, and include cam elements formed on the sidewalls of the caps that engage cam followers or projections formed on the inner cylindrical surface of a socket which is formed in the lid of the beverage container. Methods of manufacturing resealable beverage containers avoid the need to form rivets and to attach pull tabs, thus saving costs and making the beverage containers more easily recycled.

Abstract: A method of handling compressible materials of trash including the steps of; compressing trash material into a compressed charge and then pushing the compressed charge from a compression area into a holding area and allowing the compressed charge to stabilise and settle; compressing a second charge of compressible trash material and pushing the second compressed charge from the compression area into the holding area and thereby pushing the stabilised and settled first charge from the holding area; ejecting the first charge from the holding area into a cover and as the first charge makes its way through said cover a series of wires or straps are tied around said cover.

Abstract: A method for packing bitumen in a continuous process is disclosed. To pack the bitumen, a tray having one or more bitumen-receiving cavities is prepared. The cavity of the tray is coated with polymer film and bituminous film consecutively. Following that, the bitumen, in liquid form, is filled into the coated cavity. Additional layer of bituminous and polymer film are then consecutively laid over the bitumen-filled cavity, encapsulating the bitumen thereto. A system to form such bitumen package is also disclosed herein.