Abstract: A hydroponic plant container with a reservoir of “highly oxygenated” nutrient solution that is the result of continuous direct air injection into the bottom of the reservoir, at a specific range of trajectories, along with continuous Coriolis effect mixing. The highly oxygenated nutrient solution is used to provide a deep water culture for the lower section of the plant roots, to saturate the middle section of the plant roots with fine droplets of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution, and to saturate the growing media and the upper section of the plants roots with a continuous drip of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution.

Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim and has exterior flanges and grooves formed on its outer surface. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. Interior flanges and grooves formed on the inner surface of the outer rim wall are configured to engage the exterior flanges and grooves on the outer surface of the container vertical wall such that the rim can be secured onto the upper end of the container. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.

Abstract: A barrier apparatus and method are provided to reciprocate a gate or barrier between an open or closed position with one or more linear drives having one or more traveler mechanisms where at least one motor rotates the one or more shafts and moves the traveler mechanisms to move the barrier. The moving traveler mechanisms are coupled to one or more connecting arms which are coupled to the gate and the movement traveler mechanisms push and pull the arms which in turn push and pull the barrier to reciprocate the barrier between and open and closed position. The gate may be rotated and reciprocated around a horizontal axis from a generally vertical position (i.e., generally perpendicular to the ground where access to a controlled area is open) to a generally horizontal position (i.e., generally parallel to the ground where the gate extends across the entryway to the controlled area).

Abstract: A weather seal for a door of a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to the door. At least one seal lip extends longitudinally along the base and outwardly from the base, the seal lip configured to sealingly engage a door sill of the vehicle to close a gap formed between the door and the sill. At least one shield is coupled to at least one of the base and the seal lip. The shield is located proximate a predetermined exterior portion of a body of the vehicle when the door is proximate the sill, the shield covering the exterior body portion.

Abstract: A glass run channel assembly which is made of an elastic polymeric material and which is capable of being mounted to a vehicle, including: a first long glass run channel, a second long glass run channel and a connecting glass run channel which connects the first and second glass run channels, the connecting glass run channel comprising a base bottom portion. The base bottom portion is provided with a projection portion which projects from an outer circumferential side surface of the base bottom portion. The projection portion includes at least a portion of a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is molded in advance from a material which is harder and more rigid than the elastic polymeric material of the connecting glass run channel, and the reinforcing member includes a base portion arranged at the base bottom portion and a trunk portion which projects towards an outer circumferential side.

Abstract: A method and resultant apparatus for a window seal assembly is shown and described. A thin layer of elastomer is introduced between a reinforcement member and a first surface of a window member. The subassembly of the glass member, elastomer, and rigid reinforcement is then introduced into a mold. Preferably, the thin layer of elastomer is provided by an extrusion process, such as on a metal reinforcement member, or as a co-extrusion process when an extruded reinforcement member is formed. A curable, elastomer/plastomer material is then injection molded to provide a flush glass appearance where an outer surface of the window is devoid of any seal material.

Abstract: A weather strip mounted along a circumferential edge of a door opening of an automobile body comprises: an installation base member having a substantially U-shape in cross-section; and a hollow seal member provided on an outer-cabin side of the installation base member, which makes elastic contact with a protrudingly curved surface having a substantially U-shape in cross-section of the door; in which the hollow seal member includes: a first hollow wall having a substantially reversed V-shape in cross-section and a second hollow wall having a substantially V-shape in cross-section, which are connected with each other; a seal wall swelled and curved toward an inner side of the hollow seal member; and a protrusion protrudingly provided toward the outer-cabin side in succession to the seal wall, which makes elastic contact with the protrudingly curved surface.

Abstract: Kits for assembling a protective building structure that is resistant to and protects occupants from overhead ordinance detonations, are provided. The kits comprise modular parts for assembling an overhead protective building structure that can be packaged for delivery and assembly in a field location. The kits have self-contained mechanisms for facilitating assembly of the kits with limited construction resources. A pivoting support frame permits the panel members to pivot from a vertical position for filling the panel members with fill material, to a horizontal position on the support frame, to thereby form the overhead cover. Self-raising means are also included in the kits to lift and vertically position the overhead cover along supporting stanchions positioned at each end of the support frame.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels comprise a first layer of flexible structural material, and a second layer of flexible fireproof material fixed to the structural layer. A habitat comprising a plurality of interconnected panels is described.

Abstract: A shielding device for protecting decks from rotting includes an upper member, a pair of opposing main body sidewalls, an upper grip, and a side tab. The main body sidewalls may include a first portion and a second portion terminating with a drip edge. The upper grip may protrude from the bottom of the upper member, and the side tab may protrude from the inner portion of at least one of the main body sidewalls.

Abstract: A military service persons burial marker assembly having an upper plaque having front and rear faces; upper indicia fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the upper plaque's front face, the upper indicia commemorating the service person; a bracket cantilevering rearwardly from the upper plaque; a lower plaque having a front face; lower indicia fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the lower plaque's front face, the lower indicia further commemorating the service person; a loop fixedly attached to and extending rearwardly from the lower plaque; and a hook connected operatively to the loop, the hook being adapted for engaging the bracket for resisting downward movements of the lower plaque with respect to the upper plaque.

Abstract: A building panel comprises 2 parallel slabs separated by a layer of insulation. Each of a pair of planar plate-like lift wings has a 1st and a 2nd lift wing portion. Each of the 1st lift wing portions is penetrated by at least one through opening. A planar plate-like lift head defines a plane of symmetry orthogonal thereto. 1st and 2nd lift head portions are symmetrically disposed on either side of the plane of symmetry. Each lift head portion is penetrated by at least one through opening symmetrically disposed relative to the plane of symmetry. Each lift head portion is penetrated by at least one through opening symmetrically disposed relative to the plane of symmetry. The lift head is attachable to both lift wings when the 1st lift wing portions are orthogonal to the plane of symmetry. The lift head is detachable from both lift wings to eliminate thermal conductivity between the lift wings.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for a deck system has a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of connection locations on a periphery of the pedestals and a stabilizing bar secured between the pedestals. The stabilizing bar includes a first half, a second half, a fastener, and a first securing member. The first half and the second half connect to each other and are extendable between at least two of the pedestals. The second half is sized to receive the first half therein in a telescoping manner. The fastener connects the first half with the second half, while the first securing opening extends from a bottom surface and is located near a respective end face opposite a juncture between the halves.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module ground mounting system can include a collapsible photovoltaic module mounting assembly framework.

Abstract: A building closure for mounting within an opening in a building wall structure includes a frame for mounting within the wall structure opening and at least one closure unit for mounting within the frame. The frame has at least one interior chamber extending entirely around the frame and a nailing flange for securement to the building wall structure such that at least a portion of the frame is disposed within the building wall opening. There is a cavity between at least one exterior surface of the frame and the inner periphery of the building wall opening, with the cavity extending along at least a top portion of the frame. A barrier extends along at least the top portion of the frame to retard passage of moisture from the cavity to the building interior.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of building elements comprising a first type of element (1, 1?) provided with connecting members on four faces and designed to be stacked and butted together with at least one other element of the same type. The invention also comprises: at least one second type of element (24) designed to be attached to a flat surface and to form a base for receiving the first-type elements (1, 1?), and a third type of element (42) formed by cables capable of removably connecting the first-type elements (1, 1?) to the second-type elements (24) under tension. Each cable (42) is inserted into a space defined between at least two walls of at least one element (1, 1?) of the first type.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, among other things, a paver that includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral side. The peripheral side is defined about a perimeter of the paver and joins the bottom and top surfaces. The peripheral side defines a peripheral edge displaced from the top surface and the bottom surface that traverses the perimeter of the body along the peripheral side. The edge is adapted to engage a complementary edge on a peripheral side of an adjacent paver, such that the pavers interlock when a vertical force is applied to the paver. In another aspect, a masonry wall unit is provided for building walls similar in concept to the paver.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of modules configured for attachment to a mounting surface. At least some of the plurality of modules include a panel having a decorative major surface disposed opposite an interior surface and a structural web element extending from the interior surface, thereby defining a cavity on the interior surface, the cavity at least partially bordered by the structural web element. An attachment surface of the structural web element opposite the interior surface is configured to abut the mounting surface or to abut the attachment surface of another module. At least two modules are configured for adjacent attachment to the mounting surface so that their decorative major surfaces are co-extensive at a joint between the two modules. A method of modifying a mounting surface of a room includes attaching first and second modules to the mounting surface co-extensively at a joint between the modules.

Abstract: A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of fittings rigidly connect rod ends with the ends of the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual panel composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels having a versatile and adaptive structurally supporting end bearing truss on the ends thereof. The end bearing truss incorporates a versatile and adaptive structural support on each end of the composite truss. The end bearing truss is formed as an integral part of the composite truss for supporting the ends of the composite truss when the composite truss is used for the floors or ceiling of a building. The end bearing truss advantageously forms each end of each concrete panel form for the concrete pour when making each concrete panel.

Abstract: Noise dampers of sound absorbent material are inserted on the metal grid beams in a suspended ceiling. Hangers, embedded in a structural ceiling, that support the beams, are insulated from the beams by the noise dampers. Sound vibrations generated in the structural ceiling, which is often a floor, are not transmitted through the hangers, to the suspended ceiling, or to the room, below, but are absorbed in the dampers before reaching the grid beams.

Abstract: Thermally-isolating veneer ties and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the veneer tie, which is interconnected with a sheetmetal surface-mounted wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: Covering for a roof and vertical surfaces, constituted by a prefabricated element includes a base layer (1) of a waterproofing substrate; an upper covering (2) made of slate parts (3) fixed by adhesive. A mechanical fastener for the slate parts and anchor for anchoring the prefabricated element to the roof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wall block system has at least one block, multiples of the at least one block being suitable for use in constructing a wall from multiple courses of the blocks stacked one upon the other. For example, the wall block system can comprise at least one block having opposed first and second faces, the area of the first face being greater than the area of the second face, wherein the first face or second face can serve as an exposed face on one side of the wall, and each block having an upper surface and lower formed with a single central slot to receive a three-way block-connecting element thereby allowing vertically adjacent blocks in a wall to be interconnected in three different positions to establish a neutral batter, negative batter or a positive batter between blocks in adjacent courses.

Abstract: A modular building block has a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The reinforcement rod threadedly engages the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits on the shoulder and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.

Abstract: A frame for doors, windows, and the like of buildings includes upper and lower portions that are both made of wood. The upper portion of the frame is made of a conventional wood, and at least a portion of the lower portion of the frame is made of a wood that is naturally resistant to weathering, decay, rot, insects, or the like. According to other aspects of the present invention, other building components such as doors, trim, and the like may also be constructed utilizing different wood species for different parts of the component to provide different levels of rot and/or decay resistance for different parts of the component.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to internal grid keepers for insulating glass units, and/or insulating glass units incorporating the same. The grid keepers of certain example embodiments may include a shoulder bent into an acute angle and may include one or more stamped features on or proximate to the shoulder for engaging with a punched, hollowed, or otherwise formed feature in an edge seal, along with one or more stamped features on an elongate portion extending from the shoulder for engaging with a grid or muntin. In certain example embodiments, the keeper may be on level with or slightly lower than a primary seal so as to reduce the likelihood of the keeper interfering with the seal.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up comprises a support member. The support member comprises a mounting flange adapted for securing the support member to said back-up wall. The support member further comprises first and second support member side walls extending outwardly from the mounting flange. The first and second support member side walls define at least one generally horizontal slot when the support member is secured to the back-up wall. The connector further comprises a veneer connector configured for non-rotational sliding receipt in the generally horizontal slot and adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of said veneer panel when the veneer connector is received in the generally horizontal slot and when the support member is secured to the back-up wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securely attaching a screen or mesh to a pre-stressed or precast concrete wall panel are provided. A screen or mesh is embedded in a concrete form when the concrete form is poured. Portions of the concrete form can be stripped and the wall panel can be easily removed from the form without binding on the form itself and without requiring removal of the portion of the form which creates the window opening.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a method and device (i.e., support tool) for installing sheathing (e.g., drywall or plasterboard). This tool enables a single person to easily attach the sheathing (e.g., by nails or screws) to an underlying structure (e.g., a wall stud, joist or rafter). In the preferred “device” embodiment, Applicant's tool is generally J-shaped with four tapered spikes (“teeth”) on its backside. The spikes are equally spaced from one another. By hammering the tool, its spikes can be driven into the underlying structure. No separate nail or screw is needed to hold the tool in place.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for automatic release of a refuse bag from a refuse receptacle. The device and method provided herein substantially eliminates all contact by a user with a filled refuse bag and the unsanitary contents therein.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.

Abstract: A header has a middle section disposed on a base frame, and at least two side sections disposed adjacent the middle section and comprising a flexible cutter bar and at least one conveyor device located downstream of the cutter bar, which, on the respective side sections, is in the form of an endless belt disposed adjacent the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the cutter bar parallel to the longitudinal axis of the header in the direction of the middle section, wherein the side sections comprise a large number of supporting arms which are pivotably mounted on the base frame, wherein the supporting arms of the particular side section carry the cutter bar, and at least one supporting element is provided which carries at least one belt, thereby enabling them to move independently of one another.

Abstract: A system comprises a first housing configured to enable grass to extend into the first housing. A grass cutting unit is housed within the first housing. A discharge chute is joined to a rear portion of the first housing for directing grass cuttings away from the first housing. A bag unit is configured for collecting the grass cuttings from the discharge chute. A second housing is joined to a rear portion of the first housing and positioned below the discharge chute. A rake device is housed within the second housing. The rake device comprises rake tines being configured for rotating below the second housing bottom for transferring debris to the bag unit. A handle unit is joined to the second housing. The handle unit is configured for enabling an operator to control operations of the system. A plurality of wheels is joined to the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: Solutions for clutching turbine wheels are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a turbine rotor shaft; a plurality of turbine wheels affixed to the turbine rotor shaft; an independent turbine wheel engagably attached to the turbine rotor shaft; and a clutch operably connected to the turbine rotor shaft, the clutch configured to couple and decouple the independent turbine wheel from the turbine rotor shaft.

Abstract: A turbomachine comprises a flow duct with coaxially arranged radially inner and outer endwalls, first and second sets of axially spaced rotor stages arranged between the inner and outer endwalls, and a plurality of variable endwall segments arranged along the inner endwall. The first set of rotor stages rotates in a first direction, and the second set rotates in a second direction. The first and second sets alternate in axial series along the flow duct, such that axially adjacent rotor stages rotate in different directions. The variable endwall segments are radially positionable, in order to regulate loading on the first and second sets of rotor stages by changing a cross-sectional flow area between the inner and outer endwalls.

Abstract: Secondary air flow is provided for a ducted fan having an engine core driving a fan blisk. The fan blisk incorporates a set of thrust fan blades extending from an outer hub and a set of integral secondary flow blades extending intermediate an inner hub and the outer hub. A nacelle provides a first flow duct for the thrust fan blades and a secondary flow duct carries flow from the integral secondary flow blades.

Abstract: Secondary air flow is provided for a ducted fan having a reverse flow turbine engine core driving a fan blisk. The fan blisk incorporates a set of thrust fan blades extending from an outer hub and a set of integral secondary flow blades extending intermediate an inner hub and the outer hub. A nacelle provides an outer flow duct for the thrust fan blades and a secondary flow duct carries flow from the integral secondary flow blades as cooling air for components of the reverse flow turbine engine.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which may include a common nozzle and a plurality of combustion chambers coupled to the nozzle. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may include a case, a solid fuel propellant charge in the form of a plurality of fuel pellets, and an igniter disposed to ignite the propellant charge. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may also include a pellet retainer disposed to retain unignited fuel pellets within the case and a burst disk disposed between the propellant charge and the nozzle. Each burst disk may adapted to rupture when the associated propellant charge is ignited and to not rupture when a propellant charge of any of the other combustion chambers is ignited.

Abstract: A bypass aeronautical engine including a fan, an LP compressor, an HP compressor, a combustion chamber, an HP turbine, and at least one LP turbine stage is disclosed. The LP turbine stage includes a first movable bladed wheel carried by a first turbine shaft and a second movable bladed wheel turning in the opposite direction to the first wheel. The fan is driven by the second wheel via a second turbine shaft and by the first shaft via a module for reversing its direction of rotation. The reversing module includes two bevel pinions carried respectively by the first and second LP turbine shafts, and a reversing pinion.

Abstract: A catalyst overheat prevention apparatus has a temperature obtaining portion that estimates a convergence temperature of a catalyst provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and the present temperature of the catalyst. The catalyst overheat prevention apparatus also has a fuel increment calculation portion, a comparison portion, a correction portion, and a fuel increment setting portion, which are used to execute OT fuel increase control when the convergence temperature and present catalyst temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining portion are equal to or higher than an OT determination temperature. The catalyst overheat prevention apparatus also has a present temperature correction portion that corrects the present catalyst temperature to be equal to the OT determination temperature when the present catalyst temperature is equal to or higher than the OT determination temperature and the convergence temperature is equal to the OT determination temperature.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, a system includes an exhaust gas treatment device and a wire wrapped around an exterior circumference of the exhaust gas treatment device. Continuity of the wire is monitored such that degradation of the wire due to degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device is indicated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an emission control system, the emission control system comprising a catalyst downstream of a turbine of a boosting device and a reductant injector upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises injecting reductant into exhaust upstream of the turbine, mixing the injected reductant with exhaust gas via the turbine, and delivering the mixed reductant to the catalyst.

Abstract: A vehicle control device applied to a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an electrically heated catalyst which is warmed by applying a current, and includes a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst and a carrier retention unit that retains the catalyst carrier and has an electrical insulation property. The control unit performs a control of suppressing a supply of an unburned gas from the internal combustion engine to the electrically heated catalyst so that the carrier retention unit is maintained at a lower temperature than the catalyst, when a condition for performing a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine during a deceleration is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a rapid cooling of the catalyst, and it becomes possible to maintain a temperature of the carrier retention unit at a lower temperature than a temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. A selective reduction catalyst is disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine for reducing NOx in exhaust gases from the engine under existence of a reducing agent. The reducing agent or a reactant for generating the reducing agent is supplied to the upstream side of the selective reduction catalyst. Occurrence of a reducing-agent slip in which the reducing agent is discharged to the downstream side of the selective reduction catalyst is determined. A storage amount indicative of an amount of the reducing agent stored in the selective reduction catalyst is temporarily reduced from the state where the storage amount is at the maximum, and thereafter the storage amount is increased until the occurrence of the reducing-agent slip is detected. An accuracy of the reducing agent supply is determined according to an occurrence state of the reducing agent slip when the storage amount is changed.

Abstract: Method for controlling the operation of a pump driven by an electric motor and controlled by a controller, according to which an electronic control module (ECM) sends, to the controller, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control signal having a duty cycle that varies as a function of the desired operating conditions for the pump and according to which the controller acts on the electric motor to apply said operating conditions to the pump.