Abstract: Provided are methods for growing and shipping sprouts and microgreens in the same container, growing while in shipment using moisture provided in a water-absorbent layer, with optional added beneficials, and including methods for producing sprouts and microgreens for consumption, and for pharmaceutical/nutriceutical use, comprising growth of sprouts in retail-ready containers, the container comprising a moisture-retaining layer of agar media or the like providing water for growth and obviating the need for irrigation during sprout growth. In certain aspects, media is supplemented with beneficial organisms or additives such as probiotic microbes, vitamins (e.g., B12), cofactors, nutrients, and other items (e.g., phytochemicals, natural colors, and antioxidants) which promote the growth of the beneficial microbes on the product, and/or which become incorporated into the product.

Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 65 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 2 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.

Abstract: A method of growing plants in high salinity is hereby presented. The method comprises steps of obtaining a pressurised cultivation system (PCS) having a pressure vessel for growing at least one plant on a media or substrate, the pressure vessel housing at least the roots of said at least one plant, a source of saline water and a high pneumatic pressure production unit operatively connected to said pressure vessel for providing higher than ambient pressure to said pressure vessel, thereby maintaining said roots of said at least one plant under high pressure during growth, planting a plant in the pressure vessel such that at least a portion of said roots are hermetically sealed within said pressure vessel, providing saline or brackish water to said media and pressurising said vessel. Systems and devices for the above are described.

Abstract: A sliding door device for a motor vehicle includes a slidably movable sliding door, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, and a vehicle body weather strip tightly attached to the door weather strip to maintain airtightness in a state in which the sliding door is closed. A pressure switch senses an internal pressure of the door weather strip, and a pneumatic line connects the door weather strip and the pressure switch such that they communicate with each other. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls an opening and closing operation of the sliding door upon receiving a sensing signal from the pressure switch, and an opening and closing valve allows the pneumatic line to communicate with atmospheric pressure or closes the pneumatic line to atmospheric pressure. An object or a passenger is effectively prevented from being caught when a sliding door is being closed.

Abstract: A split-door handle for releasably interengaging upper and lower door-leaves of a split-door is provided and comprises a pivotable hand-grip element, a first door-engagable support which supports the hand-grip element to pivotably move between an upper and lower door-leaf engagement condition whereby upper and lower door-leaves of a split-door are interengaged for simultaneous movement and a upper and lower door-leaf release condition whereby the upper and lower door-leaves of the split-door are movable independently, a second door-engagable support which is spaced from the first door-engagable support and by which the hand-grip element is positively retained in the said engagement condition, and a detent at the first door-engagable support to positively hold the hand-grip element in the said second condition.

Abstract: A window regulator which attenuates vibrations of a wire, which are generated when the door is closed while a window glass is constrained at the top end of the window, to suppress the generation of an abnormal noise. The window regulator includes a carrier plate coupled to a vehicle window glass, a driving unit which lifts and lowers the carrier plate and is disposed below a lower limit of lifting and lowering of the carrier plate, a lifting wire having one end coupled to the carrier plate and another end coupled to the driving unit via a direction-changing member, and a lowering wire having ends coupled to the carrier plate and the driving unit, respectively. An attenuation member is provided on the lifting wire interposed between the direction-changing member and the driving unit and makes contact with the lifting wire to attenuate vibrations when the lifting wire vibrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear center rail link structure of sliding door for vehicle, the linear center rail link structure includes linear-shaped center rail mounted on side of car body corresponding to sliding door of vehicle and having striker formed at predetermined position in vertical direction. A base is configured to be moveable in length direction along center rail. A link arm has one end rotatably inserted into base. A slider rotatably connected to other end of link arm has outer side surface coupled to sliding door. A rotatable latch part provided at base is locked or unlocked from striker. Therefore, indoor invasion amount of center rail is minimized, thereby making possible securing indoor space. The linear center rail is used, thereby making possible improvement of design of vehicle. In addition, a link structure is provided, thereby making possible improving of operability of opening and closing of sliding door.

Abstract: A manway hatch is provided for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported. The manway hatch comprises a base and a cover. The base is configured to be fixed to the tank and defines an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber. The cover is removably positioned in a covering relationship with the opening and presents an inner cover surface facing the tank chamber. The inner surface is formed at least substantially of a synthetic resin or other non-corrosive material.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is provided which comprises a stationary frame, and a movable frame having a guiding groove, wherein the shower door assembly further comprises a fixing block disposed in the stationary frame, the fixing block has a channel and a cam mechanism rotatable about a portion of the fixing block, a first engaging element is provided on at least a part of a bottom surface of the channel, and the shower door assembly further comprises an adjusting block disposed in the guiding groove of the movable frame, the adjusting block has an extension part insertable into the channel of the fixing block, the extension part has a second engaging element, wherein when a force is applied to the extension part by the cam mechanism, the first and second engaging elements are engaged such that the stationary and movable frames do not displace.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a method of making a cutting tool are provided. The cutting tool may comprise a sintered superabrasive tip, a tool body and a non-brazing material. The sintered superabrasive tip may have a plurality of superhard particles. The tool body may retain the superabrasive tip. The non-brazing material fills a gap between the superabrasive tip and the tool body. The method of making a cutting tool may comprise steps of providing a superabrasive tip; providing a tool body; filling a gap between the superabrasive tip and the tool body with a non-brazing material; and depositing a first coating to the non-brazing material.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing article can be a single contiguous layer having a polishing surface, the layer being an elongated substantially rectangular sheet having a width and a length at least four times greater than the width. Forming a polishing article can include depositing a liquid precursor on a moving belt, at least partially curing the liquid precursor while on the moving belt to form a polishing layer, and detaching the polishing layer from the belt.

Abstract: In this novel PDC cutter, diamond powders of different composition and/or different grain size, are distributed, shaped, and compacted with a novel pressing tool, in multiple stages, spatially arranged into different regions of the PDC diamond body, then HPHT sintered to form one PDC body with spatially varying hardness, toughness and thermal resistance.

Abstract: Abrasive particles comprising shaped abrasive particles each having a sidewall, each of the shaped abrasive particles comprising alpha alumina and having a first face and a second face separated by a sidewall and having a maximum thickness, T; and the shaped abrasive particles further comprising a plurality of grooves on the second face.

Abstract: A method of building a foundation, a foundation element (2), and a foundation for an antenna mast of a wireless communication system are provided. The foundation comprises at least three foundation elements (2). Each foundation element (2) comprises an elongated body (4). The elongated body (4) comprising a first end (6). At least one bar (16) extends from the elongated body (4) at the first end (6). An attachment arrangement (18) for the antenna mast is provided on the foundation element (2). The at least three foundation elements (2) are arranged to extend substantially symmetrically from a central portion (24) of the foundation (30). A central concrete portion is cast in the central portion (24) of the foundation (30) to join the at least one bar (16) of each of the three foundation elements (2).

Abstract: An antenna mast (2) for supporting at least one antenna of a wireless communication system is provided. The antenna mast (2) comprises a base section (4) with a bottom end (10) and a upper end (12), and a first elongated section (6). The base section (4) has a wider first cross section at the bottom end (10) than a second cross section at the upper end (12). The base section (4) comprises a substantially horizontal top end (14). The base section (4) comprises an outer shell assembled from sheet metal steel plates. The first elongated section (6) comprises an outer shell assembled from sheet metal steel plates. The first elongated section (6) is attached to the top end (14) of the base section (4) with an open inner connection between the base section (4) and the first elongated section (6). There is further provided a method of producing an antenna mast (2) for a wireless communication system.

Abstract: A cementitious building having a predetermined measured grid system using structural trim members for doors and windows that are sized so that when installed in openings no further trim is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).

Abstract: A foundation apparatus comprised of flat plates that is used to support above-ground structures is disclosed. A method of making, using and installing a pile foundation for those applications is also provided. The present invention relates to various flat plate foundation supports that provide a foundation anchor for various ground supported structures. Specifically, the present invention relates to a foundation anchor support that comprises flat longitudinally extending plates that are adapted to be inserted beneath a ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a windfence supporting tower with tension-integrity, comprising a tubular metal tower comprising a central tubular post (1) and four inclined tubular structural tensile elements (2) attached to the post via the coupling ring (3) and the lower ends attached to the free ends of a yoke of compression tubes (4), which is in turn attached to the post (1) by means of the reaction flange of the yoke (5), further receiving at the free ends of the yoke (4) four vertical tensile structural elements (6) which, by means of tensioners (7), are tensioned and anchored to the ground through four independent foundations (8) located around the foundation of the central tube. These vertical ties pull on the connection point of the yoke and in turn the inclined structural elements connected to the coupling ring, thereby providing stability with tension-integrity, which is the main feature of the present supporting tower for absorbing forces caused by the wind.

Abstract: Roof tile systems for structures are provided. A representative system including solar panel tile having a top side for facing away from a structure, a bottom side for facing the structure, a left side, a right side, an upper side for facing the upslope direction and lower side for facing the downslope direction, the solar panel tile defining a cavity sized and shaped for mounting therein a solar panel, the solar panel tile having a first rib extending across the cavity; and a solar panel mounted within the cavity and supported by the first rib such that the solar panel is flush mounted with respect to the top side of the solar panel tile; the solar panel tile being a first of multiple solar panel tiles, with the multiple tiles being operative to engage in a side-by-side arrangement to form at least a partial course of tiles of the system.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: Windows for attenuating radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) electromagnetic signals, so as to prevent or reduce such signals from emanating from secure facilities (e.g., government and/or military facilities). Example embodiments relate to a window including at least first and second glass substrates, at least first and second low-emissivity (low-E) coatings for blocking at least some IR and RF signals, and at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) inclusive coating for blocking at least some RF signals. The TCO inclusive coating may include a layer of or including indium-tin-oxide (ITO) located between at least first and second dielectric layers.

Abstract: A system for ventilating the cavity of a fixed or movable window or door construction of a building, the window or door having an upper sill or header and a low sill provided with weep holes and a pair of jamb elements, the system comprising a vent member operative associated with the upper sill portion, the vent member is in fluid communication with the upper sill at one end thereof and also with the interior of the building at an opposite end thereof, the vent member extends vertically above the upper sill a distance sufficient to vent pressure within the cavity to the interior of the building so that water is caused to be readily conveyed out of the weep holes regardless of any pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the building.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower is made of reinforced concrete with fibre rovings as reinforcements, wherein the fibre rovings are basalt fibre rovings. In one embodiment, the basalt fibre rovings may include, for example, a bundle of multiple parallel oriented basalt fibers forming a thin rope.

Abstract: A truss system for roofing a building; a truss of said truss system including at least one truss segment; each said truss segment comprising a first elongate element and a second elongate element; said first and second elongate elements interconnected at intervals by a series of fish-plate assemblies; said fish-plate assemblies arranged in sliding engagement with respective extruded fish-plate channels of said first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: An intermediate divider system for an exterior wall unit. The intermediate divider system allows for flexibility in aesthetic design of the exterior wall grid line pattern, while maintaining both wind load resistance and water-tightness performance.

Abstract: A building system includes a foundation block and a wall block. Each block has opposing first and second main surfaces, a first top end and an opposing second bottom end, and opposing first and second side surfaces extending between the first and second main surfaces and between the top and bottom ends. Portions of the first and second main surfaces of the foundation block proximate the top end thereof taper axially inwardly toward each other and toward an interior of the block to form a pair of inwardly tapered surfaces. The bottom end of the wall block includes a pair of outwardly tapered surfaces which extend axially outwardly away from each other and toward an exterior of the wall block. The pair of outwardly tapered surfaces of the wall block engage the pair of inwardly tapered surfaces of the foundation block in an assembled configuration to form a first vertical stack member.

Abstract: A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes include a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.

Abstract: A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel for covering floors, walls, ceilings and the like having a carrier layer and optionally at least one cover layer made of a plastic such as acrylic resin, PVC, PU, PC PP, PPE, PMMA, et cetera. According to the invention, a panel is designed as a floor, ceiling or wall covering having a bevel applied to at least one panel edge, wherein the region of the bevel is coated by a material which comprises components which cause a swelling of the plastic and/or can dissolve the plastic.

Abstract: A landscaping block, patio block, wall block and/or retaining wall block having a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface that can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems utilizing a plurality of blocks with a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface. The blocks having the multi-textured or patterned exposed surface can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems having a first block type and a second block type. The multi-textured or patterned exposed surface blocks can be used in the construction of walls, fences, and patios to create a geometric design or pattern or a repeating geometric design or pattern in a visually exposed surface of the wall, fence and/or patio constructed.

Abstract: An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension.

Abstract: Provided herein is a modular wall panel, and a system for installing and method of making thereof. The modular wall panel includes a first insulating layer made of extruded polystyrene foam. The panel further includes a second rigid layer made of a closed cell polyvinylchloride foam board. A third finishing layer is further included in the panel, the third layer made of a cosmetically acceptable material for living conditions.

Abstract: An insulating panel structure has an inner surface for attachment to a building exterior and an outer surface for attachment to cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers for attachment of the cladding, connectors extending perpendicularly from the inner surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the cladding to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the cladding to the building, and insulating foam embedded between the panel inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides roofing tile hanger plates for mounting one or multiple roofing tiles to the roof of a structure. The plates are designed to direct water away from the seams between horizontally adjacent roofing tiles and thereby reduce water penetration to an underlying roof structure.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower assembly system, a method of assembling a wind turbine tower and a wind turbine thereof. Three or more guidance devices may be mounted to a mounting flange in the upper end of a lower tower section and/or in the lower end of an upper tower section. The guidance device comprises a contact surface for contacting a mating contact surface on the opposite tower section. The guidance device comprises a mounting flange for mounting the device to the mounting flange of the tower section using fastening means. This allows the guidance devices to catch and guide the free hanging tower section into the correct position on the stationary tower section. This enables the assembly time to be reduced with up to 50% compared with the present assembly methods. The guidance devices allow the workers to guide the free hanging tower section into position from the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a plate-shaped solar element. The frame includes a bottom frame element (21) with a first surface (24) and a top frame element (11) with a second surface (14). The second surface (14) is disposed opposite the first surface (24) and is at spaced from the first surface forming a gap that accommodates an edge region of the plate-shaped solar element (31). The first surface and the second surface are each self-adhesive.

Abstract: A high-strength laser configured column anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength column anchor provides high-strength pullout resistance when embedded within the wall bed joint. Specially-configured apertures, edging and dimension restrictions provide for flow-through mortar embedment within the wall bed joint. The edging provides irregular and regular patterns ensuring a secure fit within the bed joint. The column anchors include a hook attachment portion for secure attachment to the column flanges and optionally include a securement bar or clamp to further secure the column anchor to the column flanges.

Abstract: A high mechanical strength reinforcement, hot rolled steel, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel. A method of reinforcing a dwelling from damage resulting from seismic activity, the method comprising providing, as a component of the dwelling, at least one high strength, hot rolled steel rebar with high mechanical strength which meets the requirements of construction, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique in undercut excavation that allows a continuous steel reinforced concrete floor to be set up or installed over a large width and length and installing continuous steel reinforced concrete floors in any subsequent lifts. Using the present invention, the continuous concrete floor can be extended at a later date if the stopping area is extended at some future date.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower or a tower segment of a wind turbine, having a door for entering the inside of the tower, comprising a door frame, which has a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf. The Invention further relates to a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, said frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and to a wind turbine having a tower, a door provided for entering the inside of the tower, and a staircase leading to the door on the outside of the tower, preferably of a tower described above. The underlying object of the invention is to provide an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for easily assembling a simulated divided light window grid is provided. A window gauge having at least one grasping means is provided to quickly assemble the simulated divided light window grid. The simulated divided light window grids are assembled by horizontally and vertically interconnecting the plurality of rigid muntin bars spaced apart using the window gauges. After completing the assembly the window gauges can be easily removed by holding the grasping means on the window gauges.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a joining element to a hollow core board with the aid of mechanical vibration. The hollow core board has a first and second outer layers and a middle layer disposed between the outer layers. An opening, including a mouth, is provided in the hollow core board, the opening penetrating the first outer layer and the middle layer. The joining element includes a wall anchoring portion situated between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A distal end of the wall anchoring portion is positioned into or onto the mouth with a sealing portion on a proximal end of the wall anchoring portion. The wall anchoring portion is forced through the mouth by applying mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the joining element axis, whereby thermoplastic material of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the first outer layer.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a cardboard building construction material, said cardboard building construction material comprising a plurality of glued cardboard plies, wherein the cardboard plies are rolled on a drum (122) into a roll (114) and wherein glue (134) is circumferentially applied in spaced apart strips (238) thereby defining a non-glued region between the strips, in which region a cutter (246) cuts the cardboard plies from an outer diameter toward an inner diameter of the roll (114).

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for insertion into a cavity of a vehicle structure including a base reinforcing portion, an expandable material and a localized reinforcement is disclosed. The localized reinforcement is placed within the structural reinforcement at a location of anticipated increased deformation during vehicle impact in an effort to reduce deformation and control the load distribution post-impact.

Abstract: A deep-drawing packaging machine that includes a sealing station and a method for changing the sealing frame together with the sealing plate at the sealing station. The sealing station includes a sealing plate and a sealing frame. The sealing plate may be releasably coupled to an upper sealing tool part, and the sealing frame may be slidably removable at a lower sealing tool part. The sealing frame may be slidable on rails. The sealing frame may include one or more centering aids for aligning the sealing plate with respect to said sealing frame during removal thereof. The centering aids may be displaceable underneath a film web by the upper sealing tool part during the clamping of the film web between the sealing frame and the upper sealing tool part.

Abstract: An attachment for protecting a substantially flat article comprising a first portion that includes a body and a plurality of finger-like projections and a second portion that includes a body portion and a plurality of finger-like projections is disclosed. The first and second portions define 90° angle. The attachment is formed from a foamed polymerized material, such as a resilient foamed material. The attachment is cut into the first and second portions. The first portion is placed on one side of the corner of the flat article. The second portion is turned over and the interlocking finger-like projections of the second component are fitted to the interlocking finger-like projections of the first portion. As a variation of the use of the disclosed invention the first and second portions may be cut at their corners to allow the first and second portions to be fitted to an edge of the flat article.

Abstract: A method for operating a system for treating containers, where the containers are treated by at least one first treatment unit of the system, and the containers are treated by at least one additional treatment unit of the system, and where a measuring device, determines, either after or during the treatment in the first treatment unit, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers, where at least one of the parameters determined by the measuring device that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers is taken into account for the control or adjustment of the at least one additional treatment unit and/or sensors thereof disposed after the measuring device.