Abstract: A mechanical waterfowl decoy to be used in water. It has a buoyant body and a motor that rotates a decoy head in a circular manner which provides propulsion and water disturbance for the decoy to give the appearance of a duck swimming and diving its head under water to feed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fishing pole holder for ice fishing. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a fishing rod holder with an alert system to notify a fisherman that a fish has been hooked.

Abstract: A fishing rod can be switched between greater rigidity in one configuration to greater flexibility in another configuration. The configuration having greater flexibility is useful when enhanced sensitivity to fish strikes is desired.

Abstract: A carrier unit for a plurality of fishing rods has a base from which first and second spaced apart legs project. First and second clip elements attach to and project from the first and second legs respectively. Each clip has a holding slot with an open end, for receiving and detachably retaining at least one of a handle portion and a rod portion of a rod assembly. The clip elements are mountable on the respective legs in approximate alignment with each other. The legs may comprise parts of first and second leg frames projecting from the base in the form of an A-frame and carrying four or more clip elements.

Abstract: A humane animal trap includes an enclosure having an opening with a door disposed therein. The door is pivotable about an upper edge between open and closed positions, and is biased toward the closed position by a torsion spring. A transfer arm is disposed along a side of the enclosure and has a catch that is biased into engagement with the door when the door is in the open position and a trip release is engaged with the transfer arm. The transfer arm is operable to rotate the catch away from the entry door in response to disengagement of the trip release. A mechanical sensor is disposed in the enclosure and includes a trip pad coupled to the trip release. The mechanical sensor disengages the trip release from the transfer arm when an animal enters the trap, thereby closing the door behind the animal and capturing it unharmed.

Abstract: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a biased restraint member adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. A trigger assembly is adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring the trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular rupture and recombination of fuels with additives or fuel enhancers such as, but not limited to, non-hydrocarbon and/or hydrocarbon substances such as but not limited to, water, methanol, ethanol, naphtha, and other lighter fluids, through the use of a hydrodynamic cavitation apparatus or reactor to cause the molecular rupture, coupled to a high pressure system where the recombination of the molecules (fuel and additives) stably occur.

Abstract: Described herein are modified fuels with improved properties. The modified fuels are more efficient when compared to conventional fuels such as gasoline. Additionally, the modified fuels burn more efficiently and produce fewer emissions. Finally, the modified fuels also do not require any modifications to existing engines.

Abstract: Fuel Borne Catalysts of use in High Sulfur Fuels are disclosed, where formulations may include any number of suitable platinum group metals, transition metals, rare earth metals, and alkaline earth metals, including platinum, palladium, iron, manganese, cerium, yttrium, lithium, sodium, calcium, strontium, vanadium, silver and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a gravitational settling tank capable of detecting a boundary surface of a solids-enriched fluid. A pressure vessel 11 is provided with a multipoint temperature sensor 18 including two or more thermocouples 17 to measure the temperature of an internal fluid in the pressure vessel 11. Two or more temperature measuring junctions 17a of the thermocouples 17 are arranged in the pressure vessel 11 so as to be immersed in the internal fluid and positioned at different heights from one another. The boundary surface of the solids-enriched fluid is detected based on the temperature distribution of the internal fluid in the pressure vessel 11, where the temperature distribution is determined with the multipoint temperature sensor 18.

Abstract: A reactor for drying and torrefaction, configured for torrefying biomass, including a chamber in which two separate areas are delimited, a mechanism for mixing and transferring biomass from one end of the chamber to the other, a drying device in an upstream area of the chamber configured to dry the biomass introduced into the reactor, a torrefaction device in a downstream area of the chamber configured to torrefy biomass dried in the upstream area, and a transfer and sealing system configured to allow dried biomass to be transferred from the upstream area to the downstream area at time intervals, and to make the two areas mutually sealed during each interval. Such a reactor may, for example, find application to torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: A system for inoculating soil with microalgae is provided. The system is portable and can be used with many different water sources to culture microalgae and form an inoculate that is added to irrigation water used for watering crops. The system provides improved crop production metrics as compared to crops grown without the microalgae-based inoculation system. The system can be integrated into existing irrigation systems to add macronutrients and micronutrients into the water, thereby providing highly bioavailable nutrients to crops.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (100) for irrigating and directing the growth of the roots of planted trees. In an embodiment, the apparatus is a generally hollow structure for encircling the roots of a planted tree, the structure having an enlarged base opening configured to allow the roots of the tree to grow downwardly, a narrower neck (108) opening configured to accommodate the trunk of the tree, and a wall (102) sloping from the enlarged base opening to a narrower wall top. An irrigation channel (110) integrally formed into the structure whereby, in use, the irrigation channel channels water around the structure to irrigate the roots of the planted tree. In an embodiment, the wall top defines a continuous shoulder (106) around the structure. An irrigation channel is formed between the continuous shoulder and the neck opening, whereby, in use, the irrigation channel channels water around the structure to irrigate the roots of the planted tree.

Abstract: A self contained watering apparatus may be buried within the soil in a conventional decorative pot or outdoors in the ground adjacent a plant(s) to be watered. A container for water serves as the source of water and includes a tube for refilling the container. An electric pump, which may be within the container or above the container, pumps water from within the container and discharges the water through a conventional spray nozzle or drip irrigation nozzle. A battery provides electric power to the pump and a settable timer regulates the electrical connection between the battery and the pump.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a substrate element with a first cover element spaced from the substrate element. A second cover element is disposed between the first cover element and the substrate element. A first adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second cover elements, where the first adhesive layer is configured to adhere the first cover element to the second cover element. A second adhesive layer is disposed between the second cover element and the substrate element, where the second adhesive layer is configured to adhere the second cover element to the substrate element. At least one seed abuts the first adhesive layer. The first cover layer is configured to be separated from the first adhesive layer thereby exposing at least a portion of the seed(s). Also disclosed are a method of forming a composite article, and a method of planting a seed with a composite article.

Abstract: A method for applying an agricultural fertilizer to a field through an irrigation system connected to a source of hard water, includes providing a fertilizer composition comprising a mixture of (i) a fertilizer component comprising an ammonium phosphate or an ammonium sulfate, and (ii) an acid comprising one or more of a phosphoric acid, a citric acid, a malic acid, a formic acid, and an oxalic acid; combining the fertilizer composition with hard water from the hard water source and providing the mixture to an irrigation system; and using the irrigation system to apply the mixture of fertilizer composition and hard water to the field.

Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-infiltration irrigation, assemblable, obliquely inserted modular multifunctional wall greening apparatus comprising a pot body and a case body. A face having a hollowed-out portion allowing the pot body to be inserted into the case body is a front panel. The bottom of the pot body faces down to be obliquely inserted into the interior of the case body from the hollowed-out portion of the front panel. The lower end of the bottom of the pot body inserted into the case body is provided with a water inlet. The upper part of the case body has a water inlet part, the lower part thereof is provided with a water outlet, and the water inlet of the pot body is located between the water outlet and a bottom plate of the case body.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: There is provided a window regulator in which there is no need to provide a bracket for fixing a stopper and which can surely support an impact caused when the stopper abuts a carrier plate. The window regulator includes: a carrier plate, a guide rail, a direction changing member, a drive unit, a raising wire, and a lowering wire, where the drive unit has a drum, a motor for driving the drum and a housing, and the housing has a drum housing portion for housing the drum, a guide rail connecting portion to be connected to the guide rail, a stopper which abuts the carrier plate when the carrier plate reaches its lower limit position and prevents the carrier plate from further lowering therefrom, and a stopper supporting portion provided below the stopper in the lowering direction of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A structure attached to a tailgate of a loading bed of a vehicle includes a first planar portion that positions substantially over a gap created between the tailgate and the loading bed, in a horizontally laid position of the tailgate, to prevent debris from falling into the gap. A second portion of the structure includes a first surface attached to a lower portion of the tailgate, and a second curved surface adapted to face the loading bed in the horizontal position of the tailgate.

Abstract: A door frame, a frame body including a glass opposing portion, a design portion on one side of the glass opposing portion and a tubular portion positioned on the other side thereof, is structured as a single member continuous from an upper sash portion to a side sash portion by forming the tubular portion to have a uniform cross section and by a bending process performed on a corner portion. The design portion is covered with an exterior member including an inwardly projecting portion projecting toward the inner periphery of the door frame and folding back, and a glass guide portion having a concave cross section is configured from the inwardly projecting portion of the exterior member and the design portion, the tubular portion and the glass opposing portion. The width of the inwardly projecting portion of the exterior member varies.

Abstract: A carbide composite for a downhole tool may be formed by depositing a first layer on a substrate, and a second layer at least partially adjacent to the first layer. The first and second layers may each include carbides, metal binders, organic binders, or a combination thereof. The first and second carbide layers may have a different particle size, particle shape, carbide concentration, metal binder concentration, or organic binder concentration from one another.

Abstract: An abrasive article configured to grind a workpiece having a fracture toughness of at least about 5.5 MPa·m0.5 may include a body comprising abrasive particles contained within a bond material comprising a metal, wherein the body comprises a ratio of VAG/VBM of at least about 1.3, wherein VAG is a volume percent of abrasive particles within a total volume of the body and VBM is a volume percent of bond material within the total volume of the body, and wherein the abrasive particles have an average particle size of at least about 1 micron and not greater than about 20 microns.

Abstract: A method for making a cutter element, the method including combining a plurality of super-hard grains, a powder source of bond material for bonding the super-hard grains in the cutter element, and a fluid medium to form a paste, in which the content of the super-hard grains is sufficient for the content of the super-hard grains in the cutter element to be at least about 3 volume percent. The paste is introduced into an extrusion device and extruded to form a green body, which is sintered to provide the cutter element. In some examples, the cutter element may be for a saw blade or drill bit.

Abstract: A hinge member providing a pivotal connection between a utility vault hatch and a utility vault frame that provides an adjustable torsion lift system with one-way bias. Hinge member comprises a fixed end socket, a floating end socket, a torsion bar member, and a collar member. Fixed end socket and floating end socket are rigid cylindrical members with a cylindrical exterior surface and a polygonal socket at in its interior. Torsion bar member is an oblong rod or bar with an external polygonal shape that fits the polygonal sockets on the fixed end socket and the floating end socket. Collar member is a rigid cylindrical member with a cylindrical exterior surface and a hollow cylindrical center. Collar member has a T-slot void cut into its cylindrical exterior surface. Floating end socket further comprises an ear member, which is inserted into the T-slot of collar member.

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

Abstract: There is provided a roof for a vehicle where each one of its right and left side wall has at least a first and a second door opening. The roof structure comprises a lattice structure and an outer shell. The lattice structure has two pairs of longitudinal segments adapted to be located at a top portion of the first and second door openings and two diagonal segments. One diagonal segment extends from a first longitudinal segment adapted to be located at the first door opening in the right wall to a second longitudinal segment adapted to be located at the second door opening in the opposite wall. The other diagonal segment extends from a first longitudinal segment adapted to be located at the first door opening in the left wall to a second longitudinal segment adapted to be located at the second door opening in the opposite wall. The outer shell is placed atop the lattice structure and extends from a region proximate the front end to a region proximate the rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A data centre comprises a plurality of sections (15a-15h) assembled together to define a unitary structure (10) such that there exists at least one personnel area that spans at least two sections; wherein the sections comprise a first section with which there is associated a first service—carrying chassis (40, 50, 60, 70) and a second section with which there is associated a second service—carrying chassis 40, 50, 60, 70), each of the first and second service—carrying chassis comprising a frame (41, 51, 61, 71) onto which is mounted components of at least two different services (42-44, 46); the first and second chassis are connected to each other by means of a junction (47) between the first and second chassis; and the first and second sections each include a ceiling (22) and the first service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the first section and the second service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the second section.

Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.

Abstract: A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.

Abstract: A socket-projection fixing assembly for a horizontal wet joint (3) between two cylindrical concrete sections (2.2?) for a wind turbine tower, which comprises socket-projection fixing device with an active internal reinforcement (8) and a socket-projection fixing device with a passive internal reinforcement (7) so that said reinforcements each include an embedded portion which is embedded in a first section of said cylindrical sections and a projecting portion which projects from said first section and is housed in a duct (9, 10) in a second section of said cylindrical sections. Said active internal reinforcement includes tightening means (14, 16) which are arranged in said projecting portion of said active internal reinforcement and against a supporting surface (15) of one of said cylindrical sections, and said passive internal reinforcement includes cured material (12) which is arranged around said projecting portion o said passive internal reinforcement (7) and adheres to the interior of said duct (10).

Abstract: A system, device, and method for plugging core holes. A core hole plug includes a top compression plate, a bottom compression plate, and a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates. A beveled screw hole can be created on the top compression plate. The beveled screw hole matches the angle of bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt to ensure that the bolt remains flush with the top compression plate. The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and bottom compression plates as the flat head bolt is screwed into a threaded receiver nut formed on the bottom compression plate. An installation tool can be utilized to install the core hole plug so that the top compression plate remains flush with an existing floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for constructing a secondary containment for above ground storage units. A site is selected for the storage unit and preparing the foundation bed. A containment wall comprised of a plurality of joined panels is constructed. The panels have a wall joined to a foot, with the wall being substantially planar and comprised of rigid material and the foot being joined to the bottom section of the wall. The foot is substantially planar and comprised of rigid material, extending angularly and inwardly from the wall. The plurality of the panels are joined in a closed geometric configuration to form a containment wall, presenting an interior region. A liner is secured in the interior region and a protective coating is applied to the interior region of the containment wall.

Abstract: Exterior opaque hidden frame wall units and systems combining facing plates and composite insulated panels in a pressure-equalized Airloop system, permitting an opaque hidden frame wall unit without the need for intermediate stiffeners for resisting wind load, without exterior aesthetic problems associated with composite insulated panels, without a separate interior wall, and without interior condensation problems. Also provided are exterior opaque hidden frame Airloop wall units and systems with the air seal being isolated from the water seal on an offset vertical plane and away from the interior surface of the facing plate.

Abstract: A method of providing a removable building structure containing computing equipment. The method comprises providing an array of cabinets. The cabinets are formed from vertical support pillars wherein at least some of the vertical support pillars are hollow and have apertures formed along their length and arranged to enable air flow through the posts to control the temperature within the building. A roof is supported by using the array of cabinets as a modular constructional element of the building structure to provide support providing outer walls for the building. Computing equipment is placed in the cabinets.

Abstract: Enhanced structural insulated panels, related processes, and related structures and systems provide several improvements over conventional structural panels. Some embodiments of the enhanced structural insulated panels comprise at least one exterior surface that is configured to provide a high degree of spectral reflectivity, such as comprising but not limited to a stainless steel or other material having a mirrored exterior surface. The outer surface may preferably be imparted with a series of waves, such as within a lay pattern, wherein the series of waves may preferably comprise varying wavelengths and wave heights.

Abstract: A load transfer device is provided to connect concrete elements including, but not limited to, sandwich and double wall panel wythes, roof, floor, balcony and canopy members, and pavement. The device may be used to connect and transfer loads between the components of sandwich and double wall panels. The device includes two load transfer members positioned at an angle with respect to one another. Additionally provided are a retention housing for retaining one or more load transfer members at their angled positions and a depth locating means for retaining one or more load transfer members at their proper depth. Also provided are sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the load transfer device and methods for manufacturing sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the disclosed load transfer device.

Abstract: A new concept wall system is provided, wherein the Exterior Insulation and Finish System cladding is created using components with no water absorption, a very low vapor permeability and sealing properties, accommodated with an installation technology which extend the materials properties to the assembly, together with bonding and sealing the intersections and terminations, creating a Non-Permissive to water and vapor diffusion, Exterior Insulation and Finish System (NP-EIFS). The present invention relates to an EIFS cladding having two air and vapor barriers, one applied to the substrate, a continuous liquid membrane with sheathing joints sealed to be moisture barrier for inside vapors, and an exterior weather and vapor barrier which is created using closed cell extruded polystyrene insulation boards, special assembled with joints sealed, to create a non-permissive insulation envelope of the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods of modular building construction are provided. One method includes (a) providing a first volumetric construction module comprising a frame, the frame including a first segment; (b) defining a volume of a composite segment and integrating the first segment with the volume; and (c) filling the volume with a curable material to cast the composite segment. Related methods, components, buildings incorporating such components, and methods of manufacture of components are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall assembly including preformed building blocks and a trellis type support member for maintaining the building blocks in place in the desired orientation. The wall assembly further includes at least one support for holding the trellis upright. The individual blocks are connected to the supporting trellis for added stability. Although not every block in the wall need be connected to the trellis support member in order to achieve the desired added stability, it is preferred to connect each block in the wall to the trellis. Connectors are provided for connecting the blocks to the trellis. Each block preferably is connected to the trellis by at least one connector, most preferably by a pair of connectors. To accommodate relative movement or shifting of the blocks during installation and in situ, the connectors are preferably movably connected to the trellis or the block, or both.

Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: A beam for reinforcing a concrete slab, the beam including a channel for receiving concrete mix therein, and the beam adapted to receive at least one anchoring element such that the at least one anchoring element protrudes into the channel, wherein the at least one anchoring element is for engaging the concrete mix, such that once the concrete mix hardens, the at least one element contributes to engagement between the beam and concrete slab.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of stabilizing a wind power installation, in particular the connection of a foundation section of the wind power installation to the foundation of the wind power installation, including the steps: performing a stabilization measure, including pre-preparation of at least a portion of the surface of a foundation of the wind power installation for the application of boring means, introducing a plurality of bores by means of the boring means in the pre-prepared surface to a predetermined depth, preferably to an anchor segment of the foundation section, introducing a hardenable material into the plurality of bores, hardening the introduced hardenable material in the bores, and post-preparation of the at least one portion of the surface of the installation foundation.

Abstract: A method of installing a base isolation floor includes a base arrangement process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped bases, which are formed so that a plurality of upward convex curved surface portions are aligned on an upper surface, on double-sided tapes applied onto an upper surface of a floor over a plurality of columns to be substantially parallel to each other and thereby arranging the bases on the upper surface of the floor and a slide plate installation process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped slide plates having a substantially flat lower surface on the base.

Abstract: A method for preserving foodstuffs, in which the foodstuffs are heated in the moist state in a container suitable for transport and storage with ventilation openings. The foodstuffs are heated for a defined period by a microwave, for at least such a time as hot steam forms in the container and exits through the ventilation openings. Gas is injected into the container after the heating process for at least partial compensation of the pressure drop in the container.

Abstract: A sheet dispenser for dispensing intermediate sheet layers for use between layers of stackable packages on a pallet has a sheet feeder and a cutting device to cut the sheet in desired lengths in the direction of feeding. The sheet dispenser also includes a folding mechanism adapted to provide at least one folded part in the sheet on the sheet feeder. A method of providing a sheet with folded parts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions comprises a plurality of dosing stations (2) for dispensing a dosed quantity of solid drug portions, a plurality of guiding ducts (7), a plurality of collecting containers (17) for receiving drug portions guided through the guiding ducts (7), and at least one discharge and packaging station (3) for transferring drug portions collected by each collecting container (17) to a packaging and for closing the packaging. The guiding ducts (7) are coupled to a transport means (6a, 6b, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16) for moving the guiding ducts (7) along the dosing stations (2), wherein each guiding duct (7) is adapted to receive drug portions dispensed from at least one of the dosing stations (2) when the guiding duct (7) is positioned at the at least one dosing station (2), and to guide the received drug portions to an passage opening of the guiding duct (7).

Abstract: This invention is directed to multiple sealing bars to seal articles moving on a conveyor 2 inside a sleeve 4 that forms a continuous film tube 5. Retracting conveyors act to collapse the tube between the articles so that the collapsed portion of the tube can be sealed. The synchronization of the sealing bars with the movement of retracting conveyors allows for a continuous motion machine where the products inside the film do not stop.