Abstract: A motorized fishing pole comprising a housing, where the housing includes a motor to power movement of a fishing pole; an arm attached to the housing, where the arm is fastened to the housing on a pivot to enable up and down movement atop the housing; a receiving sleeve extending from the arm, where the receiving sleeve accepts a handle of the fishing pole; a twisting base attached to a bottom of the housing, where the twisting base enables right and left movement of the fishing pole; and a clamp with an opening to receive the twisting base, where the clamp enables fastening of the motorized fishing pole to an object.

Abstract: A blade body component of a fishing lure formed from a material that includes a first side and a second side, wherein a surface relief grating image effect component is positioned on at least one side of the blade body component. In certain embodiments, the blade body component includes a curvature produced by a curving device. The blade body may be part of a quick change blade system that allows the user to quickly and easily remove and replace one or more of the blade body component on a fishing lure by using a combination of a quick change clevis and a clasp.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly is disclosed which comprises a blade free to oscillate, yaw and produce a trailing wake as the fishing lure assembly is displaced through water. A weight is affixed to the fishing lure assembly, but affixed to an associated wireform where it is inferiorly disposed relative to the blade such that the blade is free to oscillate and have side-to-side action, substantially unaffected by mass and inertia of the weight. The fishing lure may be variably constructed to include one or more hooks and artificial or natural soft bait and hard bait bodies which are disposed to follow behind the trailing wake of the blade. A compound lure is disclosed wherein the weight is replaced by a jig hook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fish hook in the form of a wire includes a shank portion, a bend portion and a point portion. The hook further includes an offset in the wire, the offset being positioned within the bend portion adjacent to the point portion. The fish hook may further include a second offset in the wire, the second offset being positioned within the bend portion adjacent to the shank portion.

Abstract: An additive composition for use in a diesel fuel formulation, comprising a cetane improver in an inclusion complex with a modified cyclodextrin of formula (I): wherein n is an integer from 6 to 20, and R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl and carbonyl, provided that R1, R2 and R3 are not all hydrogen. Also provided is a diesel fuel formulation comprising the additive composition, and the use of a modified cyclodextrin (I) as a vehicle for a cetane improver in an additive composition or diesel fuel formulation.

Abstract: A hay-based log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure and temperature to enable the hay pieces to stay together and then cooling the mixture without heat or pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of mixtures of materials produced from solid and liquid hydrocarbons into gas/vapour mixtures and carbonaceous materials by thermal actions, catalysis and other processes and a device comprising jacket-heated, vertically and horizontally oriented reactors known per se with conveying devices and further apparatus in a process cycle.

Abstract: The present technology describes various embodiments of methods and systems for improved coke quenching. More specifically, some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for improving the coke quenching process by partially cracking coke before it is quenched. In one embodiment, coke is partially cracked when placed in horizontal communication with one or more uneven surfaces. In another embodiment, a coke loaf is partially broken when dropped a vertical distance that is less than the height of the coke loaf. In another embodiment, a mass of coke is partially broken when first placed in vertical communication with one or more uneven surfaces and then placed in horizontal communication with the same or different one or more uneven surfaces. In some embodiments, the one or more uneven surfaces may be mounted to a coke oven, train car, hot car, quench car, or combined hot car/quench car.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

Abstract: Agricultural cultivating equipment includes a support unit, a rotating unit, a driving unit for driving the rotating unit, a transmission unit extending around the rotating unit, a plurality of loading units, and a supply unit. The transmission unit includes a plurality of hangers. The loading units are disposed respectively on the hangers. Each of the loading units is circulatable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position. The supply unit includes a water supplying device for supplying water into the loading units, and a lighting device for lighting the loading units.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate having cellulose fibers as a principal component. The cellulose fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 25 microns or less, and may be clustered together. Per gram of fiber aggregate, the cellulose fibers may hold about 10-21 mL of an impregnating solution that has water as a principal component. The fiber aggregate may be included as part of a water retention agent for flowers and/or woody ornamental plants.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple density growth substrate product (1) formed of a coherent matrix of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded with binder, having an upper surface (2) provided with a recess (3) adapted to receive a seed or seedling and an opposite lower surface (4) on which the product rests when in use, the product being formed of at least two layers including an upper layer (5) positioned at the upper surface and having a first density and a lower layer (6) positioned at the opposite lower surface and having a second density, wherein the first density is less than the second density by at least 5 kg/m3 and wherein the loss on ignition (LOI) in the upper layer is at least 3.5 wt %.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO2, and producing electricity, where each method includes providing the plant with a composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO2 and/or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO2. An apparatus is also disclosed for providing the plant with a composition including CO2 and/or a composition that generates CO2.

Abstract: A blow molded nursery container is disclosed that includes a substantially circular side wall, a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a projecting lip positioned on the outer circumference of the open top end with a radial flange and recessed portion with a substantially hollow cross-section. At least two handles are connected to the container. Each handle includes a flexible member with a portion that is located above and spaced apart from the lip. The spacing of the flexible member permits access by a user's fingers. The flexible member extends through at least two holes in the side wall or flange and is restrained on the opposite side of the side wall or flange from the portion above the lip so as to connect the handle to the container. The two flexible members are preferably secured to one another.

Abstract: A supportive device and mounting system for positioning potting or planting systems on a support surface and enabling convenient and secure location, adaptive replacement and optional irrigation use. A base support member is secured to a structural support system. An insert member is adaptive positioned within the based support member enabling a smooth transition to the structural support system. Alternative irrigation systems operably interconnect each base support, member for improved convenience. A method for installing, modifying and operating the supportive device and mounting system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for growing plants hydroponically. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of containers each having a supply and a drain positioned above the supply. Methods of growing plants hydroponically in individual containers are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for growing plants hydroponically. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of containers each having a supply and a drain positioned above the supply. Methods of growing plants hydroponically in individual containers are also provided.

Abstract: A rotating heat regenerator is used to recover heat from the syngas at it exits the reactor vessel of a waste or biomass gasifier. In some embodiments, three or more streams are passed through the heat exchanger. One stream is the dirty syngas, which heats the rotating material. A second stream is a cold stream that is heated as it passes through the material. A third stream is a cleaning stream, which serves to remove particulates that are collected on the rotating material as the dirty syngas passes through it. This apparatus can also be used as an auto-heat exchanger, or it can exchange heat between separate flows in the gasifier process. The apparatus can also be used to reduce the heating requirement for the thermal residence chamber (TRC) used downstream from the gasification system.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes a front door, a thermal insulation door, and a latching member. The thermal insulation door is rotatably secured to the front door. The latching member is secured to the thermal insulation door and engages with the front door to prevent the thermal insulation door from rotating relative to the front door, so that the thermal insulation door is secured to the front door without screws.

Abstract: A port assembly is receivable in an opening allowing access to the interior of a transformer. The port assembly includes a body and a port cover. The body is receivable in the opening and has a substantially axial opening therethrough. The axial opening allows access to the interior of the transformer through the port. The port cover is disposed on the interior of the transformer and is movable relative to the body between a sealed position sealing the axial opening and an open position allowing access to the interior of the temperature well. The port cover is biased toward the sealing position and moves to the open position upon being acted upon by an elongate tool inserted into the temperature well through the axial opening in the port.

Abstract: A sash latch for retractable engagement with a side jamb of a window, the sash latch comprising an upper member with an upper surface and a lower surface, a spring cavity with a stop wall, forward and rear slots for engagement with an upper surface of the sash, an extension with a notch, the extension for retractable receipt into an opening in a side jamb of the window. The latch also includes a lower member and a plunger arm with a distal end extending outwardly from the support member, the distal end including an engagement nub, a spring with a first end and a second end for receipt into the spring cavity of the upper member, the first end of the spring for contact with the stop wall of the upper member, the second end of the spring for engagement with the engagement nub of the plunger.

Abstract: A lower support for a rolling closure comprising: a carriage for supporting a panel of the closure having at least one horizontal load wheel having an inclined rim, and at least one horizontal guide wheel, wherein at least one of the wheels is adapted to be substantially enclosed within a track.

Abstract: A device for sliding door leaves with co-planar closure, particularly for furniture and the like, including a bracket system for connection to each one of the door leaves and with which a first pair of wheels is associated in a lower region. The device includes a second pair of wheels which are, together with the first pair of wheels, slideably engaged with the head respectively of a first guide and of a second guide which are T-shaped in cross-section, arc-shaped in plan view and the stem of which protrudes from the top of the piece of furniture.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising a backing material and an abrasive layer disposed on the backing material, wherein the abrasive layer comprises a blend of abrasive particles comprising a first plurality of abrasive particles and a second plurality of abrasive particles.

Abstract: An abrasive article including a bonded abrasive body having a bond material made of a vitrified material, abrasive particles comprising a first type of superabrasive material contained in the bond material, a porosity of at least about 50 vol % of the total volume of the bonded abrasive body, and a ?CTE of not greater than about 5.5 ppm/° C., wherein ?CTE is defined as a difference between a CTE of the bond material and a CTE of the abrasive particles.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond constructions comprise a diamond body having a plurality of bonded diamond crystals, a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the crystals, and a substrate attached to the body. The body includes a working surface and a side surface extending away from the working surface to the substrate. The body comprises a first region adjacent the side surface that is substantially free of a catalyst material and that extends a partial depth into the diamond body. The first region can further extend to at least a portion of the working surface and a partial depth therefrom into the diamond body. The diamond body can be formed from natural diamond grains and/or a mixture of natural and synthetic diamond grains. A surface of the diamond body is treated to provide the first region, and before treatment is finished to an approximate final dimension.

Abstract: A particulate material having a body including a first phase having at least about 70 wt % alumina for a total weight of the first phase, and a second phase comprising phosphorus, wherein the body includes at least about 0.1 wt % of the second phase for the total weight of the body, and wherein the second phase has an average grain size of not greater than about 1 micron.

Abstract: An abrasive grain is disclosed and may include a body. The body may define a length (l), a height (h), and a width (w). In a particular aspect, the length is greater than or equal to the height and the height is greater than or equal to the width. Further, in a particular aspect, the body may include a primary aspect ratio defined by the ratio of length:height of at least about 2:1. The body may also include an upright orientation probability of at least about 50%.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety anchors for roof workers and in particular to a gutter ladder anchor, a ridge anchor, a rafter anchor, and a truss anchor. In a one aspect the invention is a gutter ladder anchor formed from a metal plate, and comprising a flat base, having left, right, rear, and front ends; a fold at the front end of the base; one or more legs extending from the fold; a flange at the end of each leg, folded upwards; one or more holes located in each leg for mounting a vertical eye or a ladder location attachment; a first pattern of spaced apart holes through the base for fixing the anchor to a batten or purlin, said first pattern extending from the left end to the right end; and one or more holes through the flange of each leg for fixing the anchor to a gutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.

Abstract: Processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for reducing heat transfer through the slab foundation of a building, said thermal barrier comprising: a substrate; a first attachment means disposed at the top of said substrate for attaching said thermal barrier to a building; an insulating sheathing attached to said substrate; a reflective layer disposed between said sheathing and said substrate; and a second attachment means for attaching said apparatus to a building, said second attachment means disposed adjacent to one side of said sheathing and against said substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic array including a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module, each comprising a set of linearly arranged features extending from its lateral edge, and an electrical element on its surface, wherein the lateral distance between the electrical element and the center of the linearly-arranged feature closest to the lateral edge is different in the first photovoltaic module than in the second.

Abstract: Among other things, there is shown embodiments of an enclosure such as a portable building with features focusing on overall improvement in energy usage. Wall, roof and floor configurations are disclosed that provide significant energy savings. Methods are also disclosed for preparing such features and/or refitting existing portable buildings for such energy savings.

Abstract: A composite, prefabricated panel for building construction. A panel includes a central core having a first face and a second face. The central core includes structural framing members assembled to define at least one opening. A substantially rigid insulation is disposed in the at least one opening of the structural framing members. A settable cement, which may be, for example, phosphate ceramic, is provided on each of the first face of the central core and the second face of the central core to form a first face of the panel and a second face of the panel. The insulation may define a plurality of passages, each with phosphate ceramic extending through the passage between and being monolithic with the phosphate ceramic on the first face of the central core and the phosphate ceramic on the second face of the central core. A building system with such panels is provided.

Abstract: A modular siding panel for mortarless application to a building structure is disclosed, which includes a structure for capturing and draining infiltrated water within the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the siding panel includes a rigid facing panel made of weather resistant material and having a front face exposed in an installed condition of the panel and top, bottom and side edges for engagement with like panels positioned adjacent thereto; and a supporting spacer fastened to the rear surface of the facing panel, the spacer including a mounting portion for attachment of the siding panel to the building structure and a water management portion for capturing infiltrated water which has seeped past the front face along one or more of the edges and draining the captured infiltrated water while sealed within the modular siding panel and away from the building structure.

Abstract: A cover is provided in modular form for covering support structures, including columns supporting overpasses on roadways. The cover is formed of cover segments that are connected together laterally and vertically. The cover segments are provided with multiple techniques for vertical and horizontal connection, air channels, stand offs, worker viewing areas, and drainage spaces. The cover is made of a lightweight material and allows for tolerance for expansion of the support structure material.

Abstract: A unitary safety surface tile is provided. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. The tiles may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill and for receiving a covering of loose fill. The tiles may include a plurality of hollow inverted pyramidal shaped pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least two other pockets along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of at least two of said plurality of edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other tile.

Abstract: The invention is a system based on adaptors and replacement panel design that allows replacement of a panel that is surrounded by other panels in an interlocking floor system. Since the panel to be replaced is surrounded by panels that cannot be disturbed, only vertical motion is available to allow the replacement panel to be positioned into the space. One side of the adaptors of the invention mates to the surrounding panels in a standard manner. The other side of the adaptors provides an interface that allows vertical interlocking of the new replacement panel. The replacement panel of the intervention provides interfaces along its edges that allow vertical mating with the adaptors' vertical interlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A furniture docking system includes a dock and various dock supports, including freestanding and non-freestanding dock supports. The dock includes an upper rail having a primary channel and a pair of auxiliary channels opening upwardly from an upper surface of the upper rail, and a pair of side channels opening outwardly from opposite sides of the upper rail.

Abstract: This invention creates a superior straw bale wall by the assimilation of light gauge metal framing onto the exterior surface of typical straw bale walls. Production efficiency is increased by using standard straw bale walls constructed in an acceptable manner for that industry, in conjunction with light gauge metal framing material which is a familiar product to construction tradesmen, structural engineers, and building code officials. The increase in efficiency begins with the approval of building permits, to the assembly rates during construction, and on through the processes of plastering, installing drywall, and even to hanging kitchen cabinets long after the walls have been finished and painted.

Abstract: A metal track used in a stud wall includes a first panel with a ninety degree bend forming a flange thereon, and a second panel with a ninety degree bend forming a flange thereon. The flanges of the first panel and the second panel are positioned on a common plane. An elongated coupling element couples the first panel to the second panel in a parallel spaced apart relationship. The elongated coupling element of the metal track is bent periodically at an angle, so as to alternately contact the first panel and the second panel at regular intervals. An attachment element is provided for attaching the metal track to a surface.

Abstract: A lattice support structure or tower comprising one or more open matrix composite strut members connecting a series of interlocking connectors to create a ridged support platform for telecommunications, surveillance, renewable energy, lighting and energy transmission applications. Embodiments of the invention are telescoping for ease of transport and erection. The erection and deployment can be achieved through means of automatic deployment or manual.

Abstract: A collar-form, nodal connection between the ends of beams and the outside of a column including (a) column-mount node components, joined to and distributed around the outside of the column at a defined location along its length, (b) planar beam-mount node components connected to beam ends and arranged in a collar form circumsurrounding the column-mount node components, with adjacent beam-mount node components possessing adjacent lateral sides including confronting load-compression faces that lie in planes which are disposed at angles of substantially 45-degrees relative to the respective planes of their associated beam-mount components, and (c) for each pair of adjacent beam-mount-component lateral sides, operatively connected nut-and-bolt structure extending through the associated beam-mount components' lateral sides, appropriately tightened within the overall nodal connection to produce compression in confrontingly adjacent load-compression faces which is effective within the connection to promote column-ci

Abstract: A three-dimensional jacket-plate connector connects at least two members. The jacket-plate connector comprises first and second three-dimensional jacket plates. Each jacket plate comprises a single continuous side web and segments of combined flanges perpendicular to, and located around the perimeter of, the side web. With all interior flanges notched out, the side web and perimeter flanges envelopes a void interior space without obstacles against accommodation of I-beam members installed from all directions.

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: An adjustable joist hanger including a mounting foot having a substantially planar lower abutment surface, the mounting foot having at least one attachment opening to attach the mounting foot relative to a surface and at least one, at least partially threaded member extending therefrom, a substantially U-shaped joist carrier adapted to receive a portion of a joist and mounted for movement relative to the at least one, at least partially threaded member and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the joist carrier relative to the mounting foot.

Abstract: A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.