Abstract: An apparatus for hydroponic cultivation of plants comprising conical-shaped modules connected end to end with dovetail joints forming a pyramid-like spiral structure with a hollow tube-like interior which acts as a conduit for the flow of water or nutrient-rich solutions over the roots of plants placed in perforated divots on the top sections of the modules either on their own or in an inert medium matrix. The apparatus is also configured to be capable of use for aeroponic gardening or in the alternative, traditional gardening using potting or garden soil.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system that comprises a plurality of parallel horizontal pipes, a vertical drain pipe, and a plurality of nutrient-delivering tubes. The horizontal pipes are adapted to support crops that receive nutrients from the nutrient-delivering tubes and grow in high density. The horizontal pipes have opposite first and second ends, as well as a plurality of openings along a length, and a plurality of pipe segments extending angularly from an outer surface. The vertical drain pipe has a plurality of angular pipe extensions along a length, which mate with one of the first and second ends of the horizontal pipes. The nutrient-delivering tubes have openings along a length and extend from the vertical drain pipe, branching through the pipe segments extending from the horizontal pipes.

Abstract: A container for stacking with an alike container for use in hydroponics, the container includes a base and a side wall extending from the base and defining an opening, the side wall having an inner profile and an outer profile, the inner profile interfits with the outer profile when the container is in a stacked relationship with an alike container, and wherein the inner profile includes at least one formation located at a height from the base of the container, and the outer profile includes at least one abutment for engaging the formation of an alike container when stacked therein, and when in use, the container can be stacked with an alike container in a nesting relationship such that one container forms a receiver and the other forms a nester that is positioned in a lowered operative position within a receiver, and the relative positions of the containers can be adjusted by locating the at least one abutment of the outer profile of the nester on the at least one formation of the receiver and thereby suppor

Abstract: A process for producing fuel gas and for carrying out a metallurgical process includes providing first and second process stages. In the first process stage, biomass is reacted with an oxygen-containing gas so as to obtain a fuel gas containing at least one of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and steam. The fuel gas is cooled to a temperature in a range from 300 to 600° C. The cooled fuel gas is subjected to a solids separation. In the second process stage, the fuel gas after the solids separation is directly supplied to at least one burner of the metallurgical process, the temperature of the fuel gas being maintained above the condensation temperature of tar and within the range from 300 to 600° C. by supplying heat.

Abstract: An open-close member control apparatus has a function to release a foreign matter pinched to an open-close member. The open-close member is either (i) driven only while a manipulation switch is manipulated or (ii) driven continuously once the manipulation switch is manipulated to a specified position regardless of whether the manipulation is then released. When trapping of a foreign matter is detected under an open movement of the open-close member to an open direction based on an open command signal from the manipulation switch, an electric power supply to a motor is restricted to stop a progress of the trapping. When receiving a close command signal from the manipulation switch after restricting the electric power supply, the electric power is supplied to the motor to drive the open-close member to a close direction under a restricted state of a predetermined operation.

Abstract: A dual function lavatory door and methods are presented. A hinged door panel comprises a doorway hinge coupled to a first side of a lavatory doorway of a lavatory. The doorway hinge positions the hinged door panel to couple to a first interior side-wall of the lavatory in a deployed position. An extendable door panel is coupled to the hinged door panel by a vertical hinge and can couple to a second side of the lavatory doorway opposite to the first side. The extendable door panel folds along the vertical hinge into an interior space of the lavatory in the deployed position. An extension panel is coupled to the extendable door panel and extends from the extendable door panel to couple to a second interior side-wall of the lavatory opposite to the first interior side-wall in the deployed position.

Abstract: A door system can have a door that can both slide and pivot open. The door can be positioned in a door frame. The door can slide within the door frame using tracks, rollers, and/or guides. The door can be prevented from swinging open while the door is sliding along the doorframe. The door can swing open along a pivot point when a side of the door substantially abuts a side of the doorframe. The door can be prevented from sliding while door is swung open.

Abstract: A low-profile barrier and method of installation is provided including a barrier door located in an opening defined by a frame having a pair of upwardly extending arms connected to a lower cross member. In an un-installed position, the lower cross member has a curvature biasing the upwardly extending arms outward.

Abstract: The present invention describes a medical, supply or transfer lock (120) for a pressure vessel (100) for human occupancy. The medical lock (120) includes a body tube (122), an outer door flange (124) and an outer door (140) in sealing face relation with an inside face (125) of the outer door flange (124). In an embodiment, the outer door (124) has upper rollers (146a) and lower rollers (146b). The upper rollers run on a horizontal rail (160) whilst the lower rollers run on a slant rail (170), which is mounted below the horizontal rail (160). The ends of the horizontal and slant rails (160,170) are curved (163, 172) so that weight component of the outer door is generated to assist the outer door to close. When pressure in the medical lock (120) is increased, the outer door of this medical lock (120) becomes self-locking and self-sealing.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle door pull handle comprises two separate pieces joined together by a break away feature. This arrangement allows the pull handle to be strong when the occupant pulls the vehicle door closed, but allows deflection because of the break away feature during a side impact event. The collapsible vehicle door pull handle comprises a handle, a base, an attachment member fitted to one of the handle and the base, and an elastic deformable portion having a keyway for receiving and holding the attachment member with the attachment portion being on the other of the base and the handle. A molded handle might enclose part or all of the handle.

Abstract: A fluid-based spring counterbalance mechanism comprising an elastic flexible fluid-based spring disposed between two surfaces is used to support some or all of the weight of a movable barrier. A linkage mechanism comprising at least one rotating rotatable shaft is configured to receive rotational motion from a jackshaft associated with the movable barrier. A translational mechanism coupled to the at least one rotating shaft and coupled to at least one of the two surfaces is configured to compress the flexible fluid-based spring between the two surfaces in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. By compressing the fluid-based spring, the counterbalance mechanism provides a force that partially or fully supports the weight of the movable barrier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing grooved polishing layers for use in chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein the formation of defects in the polishing layers are minimized.

Abstract: A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, at least a portion of the plurality of blades comprises a first matrix region comprising a plurality of first carbide particles separated by a first binder phase, each of the first carbide particles comprising a mixture of WC and W2C, and wherein the first matrix region has less than about 5 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the first matrix region, of complex metal carbides dispersed in the first binder phase; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: One or more devices for being received within a downspout of a rain gutter assembly are provided. The one or more devices may be provided for collecting rainwater flowing through the gutter assembly. One or more collection tanks for storing collected rainwater are also provided. One or more accessory devices for use with the one or more collector devices and the one or more storage tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid tower structure (1), and a method for building the same, which tower structure includes a lower portion (3) in form of a lattice structure (8, 9), an upper portion (5) with continuous outer surface, and an adapter construction (4) between the lower and upper portions, wherein the tower structure (1) further includes plurality of stay cables (6) connected to the tower structure, and that the lower portion (3) of the tower structure has a hollow cross-section through its length where the load bearing lattice structure (8, 9) extends only on the circumference of the cross section, and the lattice structure is formed from hollow steel profiles.

Abstract: We disclose a portable protection shelter that may be easily transported and set up as needed. The shelter provides protection from deadly weather, including storms, hail, hurricanes, and tornados. Additionally, it may be used as a survival pod or as protection from assailants or aggressive animals. The shelter can be transported as required, including through doors, and assembled and disassembled on demand using common handheld tools.

Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.

Abstract: A post securing system that secures a post in the ground, while allowing for a full range of vertical adjustment via a coupling assembly that includes an articulating ball joint element that is connected to a post support element secured within two clamp assemblies. The clamp assemblies each include an anchor assembly which, when assembled, secures at least three stake elements at a predetermined angle. The post securing kit includes both the coupling assembly and the anchor assembly to allow securing a post into a non-horizontal ground, while maintaining the desired vertical alignment of the post held therewithin.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: There is provided an improved roof solar panel, embodying an array of photovoltaic cells mounted on conventional modular roof sheathing, that can be readily and easily installed onto a conventional sloped roof and integrated into conventional roof shingles. Such panel includes a shingle mounting surface on a perimeter area of the sheathing, a flash strip mounted inside such shingle mounting surface and, when installed on the roof, a retainer trim for securing shingles mounted on said shingle mounting surface, while mounting to the flash strip and sealing to a perimeter of a rigid transparent protective sheet over the array. The retainer trim also serves to provide means for securing the panel onto roof trusses. Integration with the conventional roof shingling provides, inter alia, an attractive low profile with improved water shedding and wind resistance properties. There is also an intermediate roof solar panel, for installation on a roof so as to provide the aforementioned improved roof solar panel.

Abstract: A skylight system uses multiple stationary tilted reflectors aimed in different compass directions, including inverted pyramidal or wedge geometry to enhance the light output of a skylight using a conventional horizontal penetration into the building. The reflectors are made of very low cost metallized polymer film, and configured to maximize the useful lumen output of the skylight over the whole day and over the whole year. The skylight system furthermore improves the light distribution under the horizontal penetration by directing more light vertically into the working space beneath the roof penetration rather than horizontally onto walls and into the building occupants' eyes, creating glare and discomfort.

Abstract: In the method of installing a window arrangement comprising a number of neighbouring windows, a support structure including an upstand is first provided. Each window is provided with a plurality of predefined connection points, and windows are placed next to each other. One window is connected with the other and neighbouring window at said predefined connection points.

Abstract: A void former for forming a void in a concrete element is described. The void is adapted to receive at least one pliant reinforcing member. The void former is shaped or configured so that the void formed by said void former comprises an aperture in a surface of the concrete element for a said pliant reinforcing member to at least enter the void, and an internal surface shaped to direct the pliant reinforcing member through the void and back towards the surface of the concrete element to exit the void at the surface of the concrete element at a distance away from a portion of the pliant reinforcing member entering the void. A concrete element comprising a void, and a structure or building comprising a concrete element, and a method of reinforcing a concrete element or a building or structure is also described.

Abstract: A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: An architectural finish element operable to be placed adjacent similar architectural finish elements to form a finished surface on an architectural structure includes a body formed of a rock-based composite material comprising a low density solid particle additive, a plurality of unitary real stone veneer elements bonded to the body in courses extending in a first direction and in a random non-repetitive pattern, the real stone veneer elements having respective face surfaces generally lying in a plane to form an overall face surface of the architectural finish element. The low density solid particle additive is provided in an amount suitable to cause the architectural finish element to have a density of between about 10 to 15 pounds per square foot. The architectural finishing element may be mounted by mounting a portion of a body of at least one dual architectural finish element support to a surface of an architectural structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture suitable for flooring utilization which comprises a flooring panel adapted for interlocking connection with another correspondingly adapted flooring panel, such article having at least one edge with one or more elements formed such that they are operative to mate with one or more reciprocal elements associated with said other correspondingly adapted flooring panel, which article further comprises a frictional backing material that is non-adhesive in respect of, but exhibits resistance to movement with respect to, a surface underlying the article when in contact with the surface; and a method of making same.

Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of board finishing systems. For example, in various aspects, disclosed are joint compound compositions, wall assemblies, methods of treating walls, and products related to any of the foregoing, including reinforcement trim, e.g., for protecting corners where boards meet, fasteners, and tape. The joint compound preferably is a drying type composition with reduced shrinkage property, and includes binder and hollow spheres, resulting in an ultra lightweight formulation in some embodiments. The joint compound composition can be applied in a one-coat treatment in preferred embodiments. Other aspects of board finishing system accommodate such a one-coat treatment to thusly allow a user to manipulate the compound closer to the plane of board as compared with conventional formulations. Joint tape and reinforcement trim can include non-swelling synthetic paper facing material in some embodiments.

Abstract: Described is an expansion joint (1) for building works comprising: a first and a second fastening flap (2, 3) rigidly connectable to corresponding structural elements (4, 5) and elongated in a longitudinal direction; an elastic connector (7) connected to the fastening flaps (2, 3) and interposed there for filling a space (6) between the structural elements (4, 5), and for allowing a relative movement of them; at least one profile (8) hooked to one of the fastening flaps (2, 3) from the side opposite the elastic connector (7), the profile (8) forming a channel elongated in the longitudinal direction; at least one illuminating element (9) positioned inside the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall system and a method of fabricating that wall. The system uses a stanchion, or bracket. The bracket is installed between the outer flanges of the structural girts that make up the wall and a wall panel. The tabs create space between the girt and panel that enables insulation to be spread out into the additional space created. This reduces heat losses in the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of board finishing systems. For example, in various aspects, disclosed are joint compound compositions, wall assemblies, methods of treating walls, and products related to any of the foregoing, including reinforcement trim, e.g., for protecting corners where boards meet, fasteners, and tape. The joint compound preferably is a drying type composition with reduced shrinkage property, and includes binder and hollow spheres, resulting in an ultra lightweight formulation in some embodiments. The joint compound composition can be applied in a one-coat treatment in preferred embodiments. Other aspects of board finishing system accommodate such a one-coat treatment to thusly allow a user to manipulate the compound closer to the plane of board as compared with conventional formulations. Joint tape and reinforcement trim can include non-swelling synthetic paper facing material in some embodiments.

Abstract: A block has a front face with a first surface of non-planar roughness including at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. The front face includes a second surface that is even and generally planar, with at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. In one example, the first surface is a split face, and the second surface is a burnished split face. In another example, the first surface is a molded face, and the second surface is burnished. Methods of making a block include molding, curing, in some implementations splitting, and then burnishing. Walls can be constructed from these blocks.

Abstract: The invention is an insulated wall panel system having structural elements that may be used as an exterior façade to a building. The insulated wall panel system provides a finished exterior surface, a structural component, and an insulation factor. The wall panel system may be used in new construction or in existing buildings. The wall panel system has an insulation layer, a middle cement layer, and an outer veneer layer. The outer veneer layer may include brick, stone, tile, or other material as a finished surface. The insulated wall panels may be attached directly to the studs or other structural element of a building.

Abstract: Faux brick and faux brick or masonry system are disclosed. An example system includes a plurality of low-density faux bricks (or blocks) and one or more couplings or faux joints configured to engage one or more of the plurality of faux bricks. To assemble a structure, a plurality of modular faux bricks and faux joints are provided, and the modular faux bricks are combined with faux joint to assemble a faux brick structure in which a plurality of faux joints are interspersed between the plurality of faux bricks.

Abstract: In a junction structure between structures formed by connecting a hollow rectangular beam having a rectangular cross section between a first column and a first? column, the beam has a first beam, a second beam, and a first? beam from the first column toward the first? column. Three surfaces other than an upper surface of the first beam and three surfaces other than an upper surface of the second beam are sandwiched between plates from inner and outer sides and joined together with bolts, and the upper surfaces are joined to each other by welding contact portions of an upper portion of the first beam and an upper portion of the second beam.

Abstract: The basement wall reinforcement system comprises carbon fiber materials securely mounted to the wall being reinforced as well as to structural components at both the top and bottom of the wall. These additional connections at the top and bottom of the wall increase the capacity of the carbon fiber to prevent bowing and cracking by transferring lateral forces from the wall to these structural components. Such structural components can include foundations, basement floors, sill plates, rim joists and floor joists. The carbon fiber can be connected to these structural components by pins, epoxies and specially designed brackets.

Abstract: An anchoring system for forming a non-releasable connection between a concrete component, has a reinforcement containing at least one steel bar mesh, and a steel component. At least one anchoring element formed of an anchor strip is cast into the concrete component in such a way that at least one connecting surface projects at least partially from the concrete component. This improves the loadability of the anchoring. For this purpose, the anchor strip has a number of recesses which extend at least partially into the concrete component and which are each traversed by at least one steel bar of the steel bar mesh.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant, metal building construction connective hardware for installing wall sheathing, siding, and roof decking to a structure with a resting mount (24) of sufficient depth to fit the material being hung and a holding lip (26) that forms a front edge that can be imprinted for identification and verification purposes. The lip is easily painted or stained to match the exterior finish. The invention is versatile and multiple pieces can be connected to the foundation mudsill to install sheathing; to the bottom edge of sheathing to install siding; and to each roof rafter tail-end to install the roof decking.

Abstract: A three-dimensional jacket-plate connector connects at least two members. Each member comprises wide-flanged steel I-beam section. The jacket-plate connector comprises first and second three-dimensional jacket plates.

Abstract: A support structure for elevating a building surface above a fixed surface having stability bracing to provide increased stability to the structure. The support structure includes a plurality of support pedestals that are disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface. A plurality of braces are attached to adjacent support pedestals to interconnect the support pedestals. Interconnecting the support pedestals in such a manner creates a stable support structure that can be utilized in unstable environments, such as seismically active geographic areas. The support pedestals can be adjustable-height support pedestals.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a prefabricated mineral composite panel and a method for producing the prefabricated mineral composite panel for constructing the internal walls and the lateral walls in a building. The method comprising the steps of: preparing and assembling a cast, fixing a mesh in the cast, pouring a prefabricated mineral composite into the cast, smoothening and flattening a top surface of the cast, disassembling the cast to withdraw a semi-dried prefabricated mineral composite panel, placing the semi-dried prefabricated mineral composite panel in a drying room for drying the prefabricated mineral composite, removing the dried prefabricated mineral composite panel from the drying room and packaging the prefabricated mineral composite panel.

Abstract: A molded article integrates molded features that simulate an appearance of brush strokes. A die plate for forming the molded features simulating the brush strokes and a method of molding an article utilizing the die plate are also provided.

Abstract: A sealing unit for sealing and forming a packaging container is disclosed. The sealing unit operates on a principle that the motion of a pair of opposing sealing jaws is controlled by a cam-cam follower interaction combined with the action of a servomotor driving a cam wheel.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing bottles with a gaseous sterilant. The system includes moving means for continuously moving bottles one after another along a path. An assembly is provided for distributing a predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant from a source of gaseous sterilant to each of the bottles. The assembly includes a plurality of injectors that are movable with the bottles. One of the plurality of injectors is associated with each of the bottles. The injector is fluidly connected to the source of gaseous sterilant when the bottle associated with the injector is disposed along a first portion of the path. The injector is disposed above the bottle when the injector is in a first position. The injector is disposed within an interior of the bottle when the injector is in a second position such that the predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant is conveyed into the interior of the bottle.

Abstract: A razor maintenance device with a container, a dripping holder, olive oil, and a mesh. The dripping holder is disposed above the level of the olive oil in the container, therein allowing a razor that had been soaking in the olive oil to be placed in the dripping holder and subsequently drip dry.

Abstract: A blank includes a main body; at least one support connected to the main body; and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support. A packaging system includes a blank, the blank including a main body, at least one support connected to the main body, and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support; and shrinkwrapping. A support may be a panel. A box may be included.

Abstract: A wicket bag dispenser for holding flexible bags is suitable for transferring flexible bags into the loading station of a bag filling machine. An apparatus includes an interacting wicket bag dispenser and a holder pin of a loading station. A method includes transferring flexible bags from a wicket bag dispenser to the loading station of a bag filling machine. The wicket bag dispenser comprises a stack of flexible bags, each bag having at least one aperture, and at least one wicket spool positioned through the apertures, wherein the wicket spool has an free end, the free end comprising a spool head, so that each flexible bag from the stack of flexible bags is conveyed along the spool in order to transfer to the loading station. The spool head is free to move in an axial direction relative to the wicket spool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed package about a food product, such as a confectionary including a bonbon. A sheet of film having a pre-applied adhesive is wrapped around the food product. The adhesive is positioned on the film so that a fin seal is formed between leading and trailing edge portions of the film in the course of forming a tube about the food product. Adhesive is also positioned on the film so that during the twisting of the open ends of the tube to enclose the food product a seal is formed at each end.

Abstract: A clamp and method of utilizing a container is provided for improved handling, transportation, and protection of an artist's freshly painted stretched canvas while requiring no contact with the wet paint. A clamp is attached to a stretched canvas prior to painting by holding to the stretcher bars at points located away from the painting surface. A configuration of three clamps attached to the stretcher bars enables the painting to be placed on an easel so as to provide an unobstructed painting surface. By leaving the clamps attached to the stretcher bars when a painting session is finished, an artist can grasp the clamps and easily move the wet painting to a container where the clamps remain attached and prevent the wet paint from contacting any interior surface of the container. While the container is closed, the wet painting is protected from accidental damage and unwanted debris during transport.