Abstract: A simple alternative to separate filamentous bodies of Monostroma latissimum algae (large green algae) as seed stock. The filamentous bodies are easily separated and prepared for cultivation. At low luminosity (50 ?m mole s?1m?2), the filamentous bodies grow into the filamentous colony. If the filamentous colony is in turns irradiated at the luminosity greater than 100 ?m mole s?1m?2, it is turning into fronds. Thereby the filamentous bodies are evenly distributed into small segments so as to penetrate through the cotton rope for algal mass cultivation and further grow into fronds at high luminosity.

Abstract: A tree slide facilitating movement of a Christmas tree via sliding along a support surface without damage to the surface is described. The tree slide includes a central region of substantially planar extent and an arcuate perimeter which surrounds and extends from the central region. The arcuate perimeter forms a cavity along one side of the tree slide. In some embodiments, a rim is provided which extends from the arcuate perimeter opposite of the central region. In other embodiments, the tree slide could also include a cover, composed of a stretchable and conformable material, which conceals a tree stand and the tree slide.

Abstract: This disclosure combines the use of snap connectors embedded in flexible straps that are wrapped around tomato or other vine plants, together with a plant support rod or stake containing reciprocal snap connectors onto which the snap connectors embedded in the flexible straps are to be either secured into place at varying points along the plant support rod or for each flexible strap to be secured onto itself or another flexible strap while wrapped around the vine plant and plant support rod. The purpose of the apparatus is to accommodate plant growth and to maintain a vertical growth path for the vine plant.

Abstract: A plant cultivating pot is disclosed. The pot has top and bottom wall spaced apart by a sidewall or panel. The cross-section of the top is larger than the bottom wall so that the sidewall is inwardly sloped from the bottom wall to the. Openings in the sidewall provide points for planting a plant in media for supporting plant growth from within the interior volume of the body of the pot. The increasing cross-section of the pot from the top to the bottom maximizes exposure of each plant to sunlight. A frusto-pyramidal shaped, non-woven geotextile material provides an optimal shape and material for the body of the pot for growing strawberries.

Abstract: An aeroponic growth system comprising a plurality of modular aeroponic units each including at least one spray nozzle directed into a root zone; a lighting system associated with the plurality of the modular units and configured for emitting light in a vegetative zone; a pressurized reservoir configured for housing a nutrient containing fluid; and a nutrient feeding system configured for fluidly and selectively connecting each of the modular units to the pressurized reservoir in parallel, wherein the nutrient feeding system includes a pressure stop valve associated with each of the modular units. When one of the modular units are disconnected to the associated pressure stop valve, the pressure stop valve is configured for preventing the fluid from flowing from the pressurized reservoir through the pressure stop valve, and the other modular units connected to the nutrient feeding system remain fluidly connected to the pressure reservoir.

Abstract: A plant culturing equipment is composed of a plurality of planting walls, a plurality of lamp racks and a circulation fluid supply component, wherein the planting walls are mutually disposed in parallel, and the lamp rack is disposed relative to the planting walls to supply light source to the colonization board. The circulation fluid supply component is composed of connecting a plurality of fluid supply members, a fluid collection member, a plurality of pipes and a motor so as to form a circulation loop for the culture fluid. The fluid supply member is disposed onto the colonization board and fastened to the planting walls. The culture fluid is circularly utilized to supply plants. The plants are illuminated by the light source of the lamp board to replace natural light so as to control the speed of growing plants. The colonization board is pulled and pushed by the first sliding component.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for the propagation and survival of Deschampsia antarctica suitable for industrial scale production. In particular, the process defines selected bioreactor conditions whereby morphologically high quality plants are obtained at high rates. This invention further discloses a bioreactor design which includes a design for automated temporary immersion of explants in a culture medium.

Abstract: A reactor for gasification of feedstocks for gasification, adapted to handle feedstocks for gasification comprising organic and inorganic compounds, wherein said compounds during gasification in the presence of oxygen and/or air at a gasification temperature, wherein the melting temperatures of the constituent inorganic compounds is at least 100° C. lower than the gasification temperature, are converted to a hot reducing gas above 950° C. but below 1300° C.

Abstract: A method for converting fuel may include reducing at least one metal oxide in a first reactor with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide, transporting the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the first reactor to a second reactor, oxidizing at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the first reactor in the second reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate, transporting the metal oxide intermediate from the second reactor to a third reactor, removing ash, char, or unwanted materials with a separation unit from the metal oxide intermediate transported from the second reactor to the third reactor, regenerating the at least one metal oxide, and transporting the regenerated metal oxide from the third reactor to the first reactor.

Abstract: An improved display case door assembly for a product storage device is provided. The display case door assembly includes a transparent unit comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a transparent LCD panel positioned between the front panel and the rear panel. The transparent LCD panel is configured to present visual media content. The display case door assembly further includes a lighting element configured to provide lighting for the transparent LCD panel and for products within the product storage device and a light guide configured to selectively direct light emitted from the lighting element toward the transparent LCD panel and the products within the product storage device.

Abstract: A sentinel event reduction door comprises a trapazoidally-shaped panel comprising four sides. A continuous hinge is connected to the panel along substantially the full length of a first side thereof. A second side of the panel adjacent to the first side is at an angle defined by the inner section of the first and second sides of the panel and is an acute angle. A second panel at the top of the door for movement between an open position to a closed position within an opening in the second side of the first panel. A third side of the first panel has a pliable material attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning element (1), with the aid of which the panel (2) or engine bonnet of a motor vehicle can be brought from the closed position (4) into a position in which a gap (9) forms between the upper edge (8) of the opening and the lower edge of the panel (2). The panel (2) can thus easily be unlocked and fully opened. For that purpose the positioning element (1) with inner lever (11) and outer lever (12) is connected to a drive means (17), which via the drive element (16) and the drive pawl (15) with a detent (26) ensures that the panel (2) is brought in a simple manner via the levers (11, 12) into the first raised position (6), for which purpose the detent (26) is pushed into the recess (25) of the outer lever (12) and thus brings the outer lever (12) and the inner lever (11) into the first raised position (6).

Abstract: A manhole cover is described with a supporting structure device comprising force distribution ribs for supporting a top surface of the manhole cover which can be driven over, and a hollow force distribution cylinder arranged substantially centrally, in particular a circular force distribution cylinder, for supporting the force distribution ribs, characterised by a force distribution plate to relieve the load on the force distribution cylinder, wherein the force distribution plate at least substantially completely covers an underside of the force distribution cylinder in relation to the top surface, and wherein the force distribution ribs transform smoothly into the force distribution plate.

Abstract: A high temperature bonded abrasive includes alumina abrasive grits, and a vitreous bond matrix in which the alumina abrasive grits are distributed, the vitreous bond matrix having a cure temperature not less than 1000° C.

Abstract: An erectable portable housing structure is disclosed herein which has a plurality of panels that can be pivoted outward to form a two-story portable housing structure for the purpose of providing shelter for people or storage area. The portable housing structure may have an external envelope that can be transported through standard intermodal transportation systems. When the portable housing structure has been transported to a particular site, the panels within the portable housing structure may be pivoted outward to erect the two-story portable housing structure.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a roof comprising at least an inclined surface and a rim marking a transition to another surface extending horizontally or at a different inclination, the inclined surface and the rim being covered by roof elements. The roof further comprising at least one anchor for attaching an anchor rope to. The anchor is secured to the roof beneath the roof element or elements covering the rim and the roof elements covering the rim are spaced apart from the roof elements covering the inclined surface so as to allow access to the anchor from outside the roof.

Abstract: A window assembly, adapted to be positioned within a window frame, includes a retainer attachable to the window frame, a transparent panel having an edge, and a frame member attached to the edge and including a lip extending along a substantial length of the frame member. The lip is secured to the retainer by a snap-fit.

Abstract: A composite wall, ceiling or floor panel (10), system and method, including a sheet (14) having a first face (18) including at least one first mounting portion (16), and at least one formwork member (20) with at least one second mounting portion (30) arranged to engage with the first mounting portion of the sheet to retain the sheet and said at least one formwork member together. Structural support comes from piers (for a wall) or beams (ceiling or floor) formed in the spacing between adjacent formwork members. The formwork members act as the core of a wall, ceiling or floor panel. An external coating (123) is applied to the formwork members, such as spray shotcrete or render. Channels (28) formed by the formwork members defines integrated ducting for services to be run.

Abstract: A tile floor system and apparatus, and manner of installation, uses ceramic and other rigid tiles, and a rubbery or polymeric mat or array of mats, providing a grid or pattern of receptacles that cooperatively receive and securely hold the tiles, with a removable grout securable between the tiles, so as to present a convincing appearance of a conventionally mortared and grouted tile floor, with the tiles and grout concealing the mats. The system and apparatus can be configured so as to be quickly and easily removed or replaced, Each mat can be configured for receiving one or multiple tiles, and the adjacent mats are joined together in the pattern or grid using suitable connectors, such as disk shaped biscuits receivable in slots along opposing sides of the individual mats.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.

Abstract: A method and a system for fastening an object to a facade comprising at least one supporting wall made in a hard material coated externally with a thermal insulation coat made in a crumbly material, the object being fastened to the wall by means of a fastening member received in an area for receiving a plot made in a hard material arranged in projection out of the wall. The object is fastened to the wall in an indirect way offsetting towards the outside of the façade the area of the plot. The plot is fastened to the wall by a fastening area extending between the wall and the receiving area. The plot is a straight cylinder extending through the insulation coat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of strengthening existing structures containing the following steps. An existing structure made of concrete, steel, timber, masonry to be reinforced and a reinforcing sheet are provided, where the reinforcing sheet contains an alternating arrangement of reinforcement zones and slitting zones. The reinforcement zones contain unidirectional strengthening fibers in the warp direction of the reinforcement sheet and the slitting zones have an absence of strengthening fibers. The reinforcement sheet is slit through the slitting zones and the reinforcement zones are adhered to the existing structure.

Abstract: A floor panel assembly includes adjacent floor panels connected together along edges thereof with a locking element extending between the edges. The locking element has a first locking surface; a locking portion at one end; a control portion near another end; and a connecting portion connecting the locking portion to the control portion. The connecting portion is slidably accommodated in a channel of one of the panels and pushed towards a first end of the channel when the locking element is moved or deformed from a first position to a second position by the control portion, the front position being when the panels are disconnected and movable relative to each other and the second position being when the panels are fixedly connected to each other.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure are described. In one embodiment, a support hanger assembly comprises a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, a support bracket comprising a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, and a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket.

Abstract: A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints and window flange coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One or more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing.

Abstract: Provided is a method for fire-proofing a composite slab constructed of beams installed between columns, a deck plate installed between the beams and slab concrete poured on the beams and the deck plate using a wire rope. Fire-proofing performance of the composite slab manufactured according to the present invention can be enhanced by transferring the load transferred from the deck plate to the upper portion of the beam via the wire rope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to building panels, structures comprising building panels, and methods of manufacturing building panels. In a representative embodiment, a building panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer layer and an insulative layer disposed adjacent the fiber-reinforced polymer layer. The building panel can further comprise a rigid planar member disposed adjacent the insulative layer such that the insulative layer is located between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member. The building panel can further comprise one or more fiber-reinforced polymer connectors extending through the insulative layer between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the intactness and leaktightness of containers (4) that are processed in a filling plant, wherein the filling plant comprises at least one centering head (2) for holding, gripping and/or turning one of the containers (4), wherein the centering head (2) is arranged movably along a longitudinal axis (3) of the container (4), and wherein the relative position of the centering head (2) on the longitudinal axis (3) is determined and used for the intactness and leaktightness determination.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first pack (1) and a second pack (2) arranged in a stack which is movable on a transport path (3) comprises a deflection unit (4). The deflection unit comprises at least one deflection device (40; 41) having at least one pair (400, 401; 410, 411) of rotatable rollers which are positioned laterally adjacent to the transport path (3). A first roller of the pair of rollers is positioned at one side of the transport path (3), and a second roller of the pair of rollers is positioned at the other side of the transport path (3). The at least one pair of rollers is arranged to define a deflection path (402; 412) which includes an acute angle (?) with the transport path (3) of the stack. The apparatus allows for separation of the first pack (1) from the second pack (2).

Abstract: Bottles are appropriately sterilized in an inline system. While continuously travelling preheated preforms (1), the preform is preliminarily heated, hydrogen peroxide mist (M) or gas is blasted to the preheated preform, the preform is heated to a temperature suitable for molding the preform, the preform is molded in a blow-molding mold (4), which is continuously travelling together with the preform, into a container (2), the container taken out of the mold is filled with drink while being continuously travelled and then applied with a lid to seal the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slipsheet and/or divider sheet and method for making the same, and method for moving and storing containers with use of the slipsheets or divider sheets. The sheets have an imprint or an embossing that provides a raised planar surface. The raised planar surface preferably comprises a plurality of ridges, crowns or crests, which are preferably arranged in a pattern throughout an upper surface of the sheet. To make the sheet, a die can be etched to have protuberances or bumps, and the die is preferably pressed into a sheet of pliable thermoplastic material. The sheet thus made has a plurality of indentation formed by the protuberances or bumps on the die, and the sheet has a planar outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges, crowns and crests between the indentations.

Abstract: A panel unpacking method includes (1) providing a panel unpacking device, which includes a pickup device including a manipulator and suction cups mounted to the manipulator and a conveyance device including a main body, a mounting board mounted to the main body, pins mounted to the mounting board, and cushioning device installed on the pins; (2) moving the manipulator to approach the panel until the suction cups of the manipulator get into contact with the panel; (3) the suction cups sucking and holding the panel and the manipulator making a movement to lift up the panel; (4) the manipulator carrying the panel to approach the pins of the conveyance device until the panel gets into contact with the contact sections of the pins; and (5) the suction cups releasing the panel to allow the panel to bee stably positioned on the pins of the conveyance device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved container including a container body defining a container cavity, the improved container including a container top configured to create at least two container openings via at least at least partial depression of at least two container portions into the cavity defined by the container body.

Abstract: A boot for treating laminitis in horses has a hoof casing snugly receiving an supporting a horny hoof wall of the laminitic hoof and a sole pivotally attached to the hoof casing such that the laminitic hoof may pivot with respect to the sole while the sole is planted on ground, thereby reducing stress on the inflamed laminae. A bearing assembly disposed between the hoof casing and the sole facilitates pivoting, and friction adjustment may be provided.

Abstract: A filter cartridge apparatus is provided for a respirator. The apparatus contains a wettable filter medium for use with a respirator in order to filter tritium, the filter medium being wetted when in use. The apparatus is also mountable to a cartridge containing a separate HEPA or other filter that is typically maintained in a dry state. Thus, a single unit containing both wet and dry filter media is provided for mounting to a respirator so that tritium or tritium water vapour and particulate contaminants can be filtered at the same time.

Abstract: Filter cartridge arrangements, features thereof and assembly for use therewith, are provided. Selected filter cartridge features disclosed are particularly well adapted for use with a safety or secondary filter cartridge, usable with media thereof projecting into an open interior of a main filter cartridge, in use. An example filter cartridge is described, with a non-pleated end and a pleated end, although variations are also described. Advantageous main cartridges are also described. Methods of assembly and systems for use are described.

Abstract: Filter cartridge arrangements, features thereof and assembly for use therewith, are provided. Selected filter cartridge features disclosed are particularly well adapted for use with a safety or secondary filter cartridge, usable with media thereof projecting into an open interior of a main filter cartridge, in use. An example filter cartridge is described, with a non-pleated end and a pleated end, although variations are also described. Advantageous main cartridges are also described. Methods of assembly and systems for use are described.

Abstract: Filter media are described. The filter media may include multiple layers. In some embodiments, the filter media include a nanofiber layer adhered to another layer. In some embodiments, the layer to which the nanofiber layer is adhered is formed of multiple fiber types (e.g., fibers that give rise to structures having different air permeabilities and/or pressure drops). In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is adhered to a single-phase or a multi-phase layer. In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is manufactured from a meltblown process. The filter media may be designed to have advantageous properties including, in some cases, a high dust particle capture efficiency and/or a high dust holding capacity.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter cloth having a corrugated form, a retainer disposed inside the filter cloth, a support groove formed at each corrugated inside bent portion abutting on the retainer in a longitudinal direction of a filter film, and a reinforcement member inserted into the support groove.

Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower-conditioner includes a rotary cutter bar that feeds cut crop to a driven crop conveying arrangement which delivers the crop to a windrow forming arrangement. The speed at which the crop conveying arrangement delivers crop to the windrow forming arrangement is controlled so as to be a predetermined ratio of the ground speed.

Abstract: A drive system of a battery powered riding lawn mower is provided. The drive system may include a battery system mountable to a frame, an electric drive motor and a cutting deck. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery system and coupled with an axle and a wheel such that when the electric drive motor is powered, the electric drive motor is configured to provide rotation force to the wheel. The cutting deck maybe attached to the frame and powered by the battery system. The cutting deck may include at least one electric blade motor separate from the electric drive motor and configured to rotate at least one cutting blade rotatably mounted in the cutting deck.

Abstract: A motorized conveyor for moving a flow of harvest coming from a fruit harvesting machine, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers spaced longitudinally, said rollers being driven in rotation to move the flow of harvest on said rollers in a longitudinal direction between upstream and downstream transverse axes, each roller having a surface of revolution comprising grooves that extend transversely and continuously over its entire length, so as to enable transverse routing of said flow of harvest while it is being conveyed.

Abstract: A continuous baling method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating conveyor toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the conveyor comprising a conveying surface having an entire crop material-carrying width of a first distance; narrowing the flow of the crop material to transition the crop material flow from the conveyor to the baler; and receiving the narrowed flow at an inlet to a baling chamber of the baler, the inlet comprising a width having a second distance smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A mechanical system has a component to be lubricated that requires greater lubrication at lower speed conditions than would be required at higher speed conditions. A lubricant tower is biased to a position allowing a greater flow of lubrication to the component at lower speed conditions, then moved to a position at higher speed conditions where there is a lesser flow of lubrication.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having an annular gas path between a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall, leading successively across at least one compressor stage, a combustor section, and at least one turbine stage, a hollow shaft having an internal surface with an oil trap formed therein, and at least one oil recuperation orifice extending out across the hollow shaft from the oil trap; and a bearing cavity formed within the radially inner wall, having at least one bearing therein rotatably supporting the hollow shaft of the gas turbine engine, at least two bearing seals enclosing the at least one bearing in the bearing cavity and separating the bearing cavity from associated buffer air entry points, at least a first one of said buffer air entry points being exposed to the at least one oil recuperation orifice outside the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A crossfire tube assembly between adjacent combustors includes a first sleeve adapted to provide fluid communication from a first combustor and a second sleeve adapted to connect to provide fluid communication from a second combustor. The second sleeve extends at least partially inside the first sleeve. A bias is between the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: An inlet particle separator system for a vehicle engine includes a hub section, a shroud section, a splitter section, and an injection opening. The shroud section surrounds at least a portion of the hub section and is spaced apart therefrom to define a passageway having an air inlet. The splitter is disposed downstream of the air inlet and extends into the passageway to divide the passageway into a scavenge flow path and an engine flow path. The injection opening is formed in and extends through the hub section, and is disposed downstream of the air inlet.