Abstract: An insect trapping device includes an enclosure defining a trapping space having a bottom wall with a patterned surface, the pattern dividing the bottom wall's inner surface into a plurality of polygonal surface elements, and having openings formed in side wall thereof of a size permitting entry of the insects into the trapping space, and a semiochemical dispenser disposed within the enclosure and for releasing in a controlled manner the semiochemical into the trapping space and into its surroundings. A method of monitoring insects that infest crop in an area using the devices is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a reformed fuel. The apparatus for manufacturing a reformed fuel includes a water tank unit configured to supply water which is aerated and, then, to which an ultrasonic wave or an electric field is applied; an oil tank configured to supply oil pre-treated by a first catalyst; a mixing tank connected to the water tank unit and the oil tank, and configured to generate mixture oil by mixing the water introduced from the water tank unit and the oil introduced from the oil tank; and a combination chamber unit connected to the mixing tank, and configured to generate a reformed fuel by supplying a second catalyst to the mixture oil introduced from the mixing tank.

Abstract: This application relates to phase behaviors of certain triacylglycerols and fatty acid methyl esters, and how the phase behaviors of these individual components in a biodiesel fuel, as well as their combined mixtures, helps understand the fundamental mechanisms of their crystallization so as to design biodiesel fuels with improved low temperature characteristics.

Abstract: A diesel fuel lubricant as a replacement for sulfur lubrication in Ultra-Low and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels, the process for producing said lubricant, and the method of using said lubricant. This lubricant comprises alpha-olefins; low odor aromatic solvents; and at least one a base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base Oils; as well as other ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this lubricant.

Abstract: Fuels and other valuable compositions and compounds can be made from oil extracted from microbial biomass and from oil-bearing microbial biomass via hydroprocessing and/or other chemical treatments, including the alkaline hydrolysis of glycerolipids and fatty acid esters to fatty acid salts.

Abstract: A motor fuel providing higher gas mileage comprising gasoline produced from petroleum and from about 1 to 30 wt % of mesitylene. This fuel can advantageously contain conventional additives used in gasoline. The use of mesitylene in gasoline blend yields a fuel blend with a higher research octane number and motor octane number. In addition, an improved jet fuel is provided, having from 1-10 wt % biomass-derived mesitylene added thereto, having improved carbon emission characteristics while maintaining required specifications. Further, an improved bio-fuel is provided, which may function as a replacement for conventional Jet A/JP-8 fuel and has lowered carbon emission specifications, the bio-fuel comprised of 75-90 wt % synthetic parafinnic kerosene (SPK) and 10-25 wt % mesitylene.

Abstract: A reactor for grinding and roasting biomass, including: a chamber interiorly delimited with internal walls; a grinder laid out inside the chamber, including a central rotary shaft rotatably mounted in the chamber and grinding elements present on the central rotary shaft for grinding against internal walls and of biomass, or lingo-cellulosic biomass, present inside the chamber; a heater for heating and maintaining by thermal conduction via the grinder the biomass present inside the chamber, at a predetermined called roasting temperature between 200° C. and 350° C., to simultaneously achieve grinding and roasting of the biomass in the chamber.

Abstract: Provided is an ash-free coal production method that can produce an ash-free coal efficiently with a higher solvent recovery rate. The ash-free coal production method includes an extraction step of mixing coal with a solvent to give a slurry and heating the slurry to extract a solvent-soluble coal component; a separation step of separating a solution containing the coal component from the slurry containing the extracted coal component; and an ash-free coal obtaining step of separating and recovering the solvent from the separated solution to give an ash-free coal. The ash-free coal obtaining step includes a pressure-reducing substep of reducing a pressure to a level lower than the solvent vapor pressure to evaporatively separate the solvent from the solution to thereby give a solid ash-free coal; and a heating substep of heating the solid ash-free coal to evaporatively separate a residual solvent from the ash-free coal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coal drying system for removing water contained in coal used as a fuel of a thermoelectric power plant with superheated steam. The system prevents the incomplete combustion of the coal by removing water existing inside and outside the coal fuel of the thermoelectric power plane, thereby improving a heating value of coal and minimizing the discharge of pollutants, prevents the corrosion of the system and improves the durability, and increases the use of low-quality coal of which the demand is low, thereby improving the stable supply of the coal.

Abstract: A device comprising a planar material and at least one support element which is connected to the planar material, wherein the at least one support element comprises at least one shape memory polymer, such that the device has a substantially flat shape in a first configuration of the at least one shape-memory polymer and a substantially domed shape in a second configuration of the shape-memory polymer.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard and tree guard anchoring systems are disclosed. One embodiment provides a modular tree guard assembly including an anchoring subsystem. One embodiment discloses an anchor plate that is moveably coupled to a post, the anchor plate being adapted for use in securing the post to a ground location. These and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A stable cable wire is disclosed. The stable cable wire comprises a wire and at least one loop formed within the wire. In one embodiment, the wire is a stranded wire that includes a plurality of wires wound up together during a stranding process. Prior to the stranding process, at least one of the plurality of wires is looped with one or more loops during a looping process. After the looping process, the plurality of wires are stranded together and coiled upon a wire spool to create the stable cable wire.

Abstract: An organism housing assembly that vertically reconfigures to provide variable sizes and dimensions that increase and decrease according to the spatial requirements of an organism, such as a plant. A housing covers the plant through various stages of the plant's life. The housing initially encloses an early organism. Subsequently, the housing vertically adjusts to a larger size and dimension to cover a mature organism. A fabric sleeve portion protects the plant. The sleeve portion may have a reflective inner surface and an outer surface fabricated to block infra-red radiation. At least one support portion, such as poles support the fabric sleeve. Each pole extends from a ground surface to provide a framework for supporting the housing. Additional poles can join the initial poles to expand the size of the housing. A fastener on the sleeve portion allows access to the poles and the housing.

Abstract: A mobile plant growing apparatus includes a table having a bottom section housing a waterproof tray and an upper platform defining an aperture that is positioned above the waterproof tray having a screen secured thereon. A mobile plant growing apparatus also includes a second platform that is removably installed above the first platform. A mobile plant growing apparatus also includes a water conveying channel disposed within the upper platform, an inlet valve and a plurality of openings that function in unison to deposit water and/or gas into the aperture.

Abstract: A modular planting system for at least one plant including a support frame having an inner volume within which can be supported at least one root ball of a plant, and an inner support provided within the inner volume for supporting the root ball therein; wherein the root ball is locatable at an optimal position for growth of the plant when the modular planting system is placed within a hole dug to at least substantially accommodate the modular planting system.

Abstract: A trigger activated apparatus capable of easily and efficiently placing an individual pelleted or non-pelleted seed into a small tray, soil cube, soil plug, and the like particularly capable of selecting a single seed from a seed hopper and placing it accurately into a small tray, soil cube, or plug such as used by both commercial and hobby farmers.

Abstract: A method of gasification of biomass using a gasification island. The gasification island includes: a biomass pre-treatment and storage unit, a biomass feeder, an external heat source, a gasifier, a crude syngas cooling unit, a crude syngas washing unit, a fresh syngas storage unit, and an ash and wastewater treatment unit. The method includes: pre-treating and storing biomass, gasifying the biomass in the gasifier, cooling a crude syngas, washing and removing dust from the crude syngas, and storing fresh syngas.

Abstract: A method for cooling and washing biomass syngas, the method including the following steps: 1) introducing biomass syngas having a temperature of between 1000 and 1100° C., a dust content of less than 20 g/Nm3, and a tar content of less than 3 g/Nm3 to a quench tower for condensing a slag; 2) introducing the biomass syngas after slag condensation to a waste heat boiler for recovering waste heat and condensing a heavy tar in the syngas; 3) introducing the biomass syngas from the waste heat boiler to a scrubbing-cooling tower for removing dust and decreasing a temperature of the syngas; and 4) introducing the biomass syngas after dust removal and temperature decrease from the scrubbing-cooling tower to an electro-precipitator for further removal of the dust and the tar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a self-renewing cutting tool includes a substrate and a layer bonded to the substrate forming a composite cladding. The layer includes a plurality of pieces of a first material having irregular, non-uniform shapes, the irregular, non-uniform shapes forming cutting edges, and a second material in which the plurality of first pieces are embedded. The second material is bonded to both the plurality of pieces of the first material and the substrate by densification of the plurality of pieces of a first material and a powder of the second material. At least some cutting edges of the first material lie beneath a surface of the second material and are exposable by wear of the second material.

Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.

Abstract: Described herein is a structure that comprises a plurality of spherical triangular units on a plurality of levels. The structure has a superior ability to survive disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. It is cost-efficient, energy efficient, extremely durable and easily maintained. The plurality of spherical triangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentially identical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangular units comprises three planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a level above the first level of the structure is configured to be joined with two neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; the structure is substantially a dome.

Abstract: A buckling stiffening brace member eliminates welding time. Readily available components such as a steel rod and a steel pipe can be used as an axial force member and a stiffening member. The axial force member and the stiffening member can be easily connected in a dry manner by threads. A thread for screwing with a joint is formed at an end of an axial force member. At an end of a stiffening pipe that does not have a retaining ring, a sleeve for suppressing neck bending of the axial force member is joined to the outer surface of the axial force member. The axial force member and the stiffening pipe are joined together with the retaining ring therebetween by inserting an end of the axial force member that does not have the sleeve into the inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring and joining it to the retaining ring.

Abstract: Disclosed are an earthquake-proof barrier for protecting a building against an earthquake, and more particularly, an earthquake-proof barrier using buried resonant cylinders capable of weakening seismic waves outside a building, instead of installing an earthquake-proof apparatus in a building. According to the earthquake-proof barrier using the buried resonant cylinders, buildings are not independently protected, but one district beyond the earthquake-proof barrier is protected. Thereby, magnitude of an earthquake can be reduced to a desired level without altering the building.

Abstract: A solar module support for covering oblique object surfaces is disclosed. The solar module support has a lower lying continuous edge area, which acts as a lower overlap area between adjacent solar module supports, which adjoins at an upper edge and a lateral edge. At least one web runs on this edge area which forms a channel for water between the web and the receiving surface. On the underside of the respectively opposite edge, a recess is provided, which has a groove corresponding to the web and which acts as the upper overlap area between adjacent solar module supports. The recess and the groove are dimensioned such that the receiving surfaces lie in the same plane and the web in each case engages in the groove in such a manner that direct contact of the overlap areas is achieved on the web and an interspace remains between the overlap areas.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: The pane module is composed by a border element (2) moulded around the pane element (1) encasing it on the edge and interior faces. The frame may be of a rectangular configuration, but it is to be understood that more complex configurations may be necessary for achieving a water proof connection to the structure in which the window is mounted or to a surrounding window frame. A fitting (42) is embedded in the border element (2) during its manufacture and is subsequently or simultaneously connected to the frame (3). When using a wooden or extruded frame the fitting may be driven into the finished frame member and when using a moulded frame the fitting may be embedded therein during moulding.

Abstract: The pane module is adapted to be installed in a window frame and comprises a pane element and a border element (91). The pane element includes at least two sheet elements (92, 94), such as sheets of glass, separated by one or more spacer members (93). The border element (91) is made by moulding and surrounds the pane element, at least partially encasing the edge of at least one sheet element. In order to provide the pane module with a number of functionalities traditionally performed by the frame, the pane module comprises at least one functional face.

Abstract: The pane module is adapted to be installed in a window frame and comprises a pane element and a border element (91). The pane element includes at least two sheet elements (92, 94), such as sheets of glass, separated by one or more spacer members (93). The border element (91) is made by moulding and surrounds the pane element, at least partially encasing the edge of at least one sheet element. In order to provide the pane module with a number of functionalities traditionally performed by the frame, the pane module comprises at least one functional face.

Abstract: A dock bumper made from rubber material derived from scrap tires with a trapezoidal cross-section, a trapezoidal side profile, a base, and an optional longitudinal lumen. The longitudinal lumen also has a trapezoidal cross-section and may be open at one or both ends. The dock bumper is further provided with mounting holes for mounting on a surface. The mounting hole includes an opening for a fastener and an indentation in which a plug maybe securely installed to cover the fastener. A guardrail cover adapted for installation over a conventional crash barrier guardrail. A variety of rubber encased pillars, including crash barrier pillars on which guardrails are mounting, coast walls, and railroad ties. The rubber encased pillars are concrete-filled steel beams encased in rubber material derived from recycled scrap tires. The rubber encased railroad ties include raised sections for mounting and supporting railroad tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a protective barrier to a surface, such as a wall, ceiling or floor. The protective barrier can be plastic sheeting or any other suitable, material, which is impermeable by water, dust, debris and related contaminants. The apparatus and method for its installation and use being capable of connecting the protective barrier to a surface so that no dust, debris or other contaminants can pass between the protective barrier and the surface to which it is being attached.

Abstract: A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

Abstract: A transition strip is used to install, replace, and repair a floor panel in a floating floor system in accordance with the invention. The transition strip may be a film or tape that may comprise plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyolefin, or nylon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for temporarily repairing a roof structure damaged by the environment or accident in order to provide for a dry interior space. Such damage may be caused by a storm, high winds, hurricane, tornado, explosion, fire, and other like events caused by nature or man. Such a process of providing a dry interior space after such an event is commonly referred to as “drying in” the structure by way of a “dry-in” process. The invention involves placing a moisture-barrier substrate over the damaged roof portion, mechanically fastening the substrate to the underlying roof structure, and finally applying a closed-cell form barrier over the substrate and surrounding roof structure, thereby creating a temporary liquid-impermeable roof patch. This process can be used in connection with at least rubber, smooth asphalt and metal roofs.

Abstract: A flooring system is constructed on a base. The flooring system includes a permeable barrier layer, a porous underlayment, an impermeable sealing layer, and a flooring. The barrier layer is configured to cover the base. The underlayment overlies the barrier layer, with the barrier layer preventing binding of the underlayment to the base while permitting fluid to pass between the base and underlayment. The underlayment presents a top face, and the sealing layer coats the top face of the underlayment. The flooring is fixed relative to the top face of the underlayment.

Abstract: A structural assembly for use in building applications is disclosed. The assembly has spaced inner and outer face sheets, as well as one or more intermediate panels positioned between the inner and outer face sheets. The intermediate panels are parallel to the inner and outer face sheets, and are supported by alternating flanged web members that engage either the inner or outer face sheets. The assembly provides an enhanced ability to dissipate blast or projectile impact forces and to carry the forces throughout the assembly, thus maintaining sufficient structural integrity in the building to enable the occupants to evacuate, to enable contents to be evacuated, and to enable reuse of the building itself.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the sidewalls. The base defines a hole therethrough disposed adjacent one bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel assembly for a wall of a prefabricated building and a method of constructing the panel assembly. In the present invention, the simple assembly and construction operation renders it possible to enhance the workability in a construction site, thus reducing the cost of labor. Further, the panel assembly is simple and elegant, thus satisfying the aesthetic sense of users. In addition, the panel assembly is scientifically designed so that it can be precisely constructed. The functional structure of the panel assembly can maximize the waterproofing effect while minimizing the generation of noise. Furthermore, because the panel assembly is made of aluminum material, the reduced weight thereof facilitates the processing operation and transportation. Also, the panel assembly reliably resists ultraviolet rays and rainwater.

Abstract: A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elements each having a groove therein, comprising a support, at least one split tongue extending from the support, the split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging steps located in the groove. During insertion the sub-tongues are flexed toward each other and remain in a partially restored configuration. This, combined with the angled catches, reduces the space between the abutting construction elements.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.

Abstract: A corrugated metal plate comprises a plate configured to define a series of crests and troughs, where the plate has longitudinal edges extending parallel to longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs and transverse edges extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs. The corrugated metal plate further comprises at least one of: at least one longitudinal flange extending from each longitudinal edge, and at least one transverse flange extending from each transverse edge.

Abstract: A method for installing a truss-wall stud unit includes coupling a set of bottom plates with a foundation, coupling a set of hinge brackets with the set of bottom plates, coupling a first partial truss with a second partial truss to form a truss-wall stud unit, coupling the truss-wall stud unit with the bottom plates and hinge brackets, and hoisting the truss-wall stud unit into a substantially vertical position. A system includes truss-wall stud units which are connected to bottom plates using hinge brackets. Once connected to the hinge brackets and bottom plates, the truss-wall stud units are hoisted upright into a substantially vertical position using a cable system with a cable support system. Temporary interlocking spacer bars are used to brace the truss-wall stud units at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A strip-shaped feed magazine (10) for holding roof mounting clips (14) to be fed to a fastening tool comprises a plurality of clip holders (18), distributed along said feed magazine (10), for holding roof mounting clips (14) to be fastened onto a roof support structure by said fastening tool.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed an apparatus for reverse rectification, relating to the field of civil engineering technology. The apparatus for reverse rectification comprises two sets of steel plate hooks, which are reversely arranged and respectively fixed on the building and the skewed large-scale structure that needs to be rectified, and a jack which is horizontally placed on the steel plate hooks. The steel plate hooks, which are driven by the jack, push the skewed structure towards the existed building, whereby the skewed structure and the existed building can be spliced correctly. This present invention has more advantages, e.g. simple structure and convenient operability, which can improve the construction efficiency and reduce the construction costs. Therefore it can be widely used in the field of civil engineering technology. Further, the present invention also discloses a method for reverse rectification by using the apparatus.

Abstract: A constructing method for a concrete cylinder of a construction steel bar of a high-rise steel structure adopts a constructing method of supporting inside and climbing outside. The outside of the cylinder adopts hydraulic mutual-climbing adhesive lifting scaffold creeping formwork system (100), and also has an outside wallboard mechanical formwork erection function and an outer frame protection function. For the inside of the cylinder, except that an appropriate structure is left for later processing according to a schedule requirement, beam walls all adopt a steel cylinder support to perform formwork erection, so as to greatly reduce the workload of repeatedly mounting/dismantling the scaffold and the formwork at a high place.

Abstract: A drywall backing apparatus for metal studding consists of a two-limb backing member, with one limb extending orthogonal to the other to present a generally L-shaped form. The metal studding comprises a plurality of U-shaped studs, the flanges of which have overturned edges for engagement and registration with grooves in the backing member which bridges and is secured by fasteners to successive studs to provide suitable fixing for wall furniture.

Abstract: Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.

Abstract: The system for synchronising work stations of a blister-packing machine with an advancing of a blister strip comprises video cameras (V1, V2, V3) predisposed upstream of the work station (S1,S2,S3).

Abstract: A method of making an upwardly open container having a base wall, an upright perimeter wall, and an upright internal wall between one part of the perimeter wall and another part of the perimeter wall, the perimeter wall and the internal wall forming first and second compartments within the container, wherein the method comprises injecting a molten water-soluble polymer into a mould cavity between cooperating male and female mould parts; wherein there are independently movable first and second male parts separated by a gap in which the internal wall is formed, and wherein the first and second male parts correspond to the first and second compartments of the container to be formed.

Abstract: A packaging system (10) for packaging on or more articles the packaging system comprising two or more devices (14, 16, 20, 24, 32, 34) each for performing at least one packaging operation upon on or more articles, each of the two or more packaging devices being coupled to one another in a linear series by a first conveyor (19), the system comprising at least one bypass conveyor (26, 28) providing a forward bypass path and/or a reverse bypass path for bypassing one or more of the devices in a forward and/or reverse direction, and wherein there comprises one or more transfer switches (18, 22, 30, 36) for transferring one or more articles between the first conveyor and the at least one bypass conveyor.

Abstract: A container treatment system (1, 13) that has at least two working areas (AP). Each of the working areas (AP) respectively comprises at least one exchangeable working tool (2) and/or one adaptable format part. Furthermore, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprises at least one handling device (10) which is movable, in particular drivable, to the at least two working areas (AP), which handling device (10) can be connected selectively to any of the respective working areas (AP), in particular using centering means (22, 32), and which handling device (10) comprises tools for exchanging the working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of the respective working area (AP). The invention further relates to a handling (10) device for exchanging working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of at least two different working areas (AP) of a container treatment system (1, 13).