Abstract: A fuel composition is disclosed comprising a major amount of hydrocarbons boiling in the diesel range and an effective deposit-controlling amount of at least one stability additive or at least one antioxidant additive or mixtures thereof, and wherein the fuel composition contains no more than 30 ppm of active detergent additive or active dispersant additive or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A renewable processed biochar composition made with an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system from a processed organic-carbon-containing feedstock made with a beneficiation sub-system is described. Renewable biomass feedstock passed through a beneficiation sub-system to reduce water content to below at least 20 wt % and water-soluble salt reduction of at least 60% from that of unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock on a dry basis. The processed feedstock is introduced into an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system to result in renewable processed biochar having an energy density of at least 17 MMBTU/ton (20 GJ/MT) a water content of less than 10 wt %, and water-soluble salt that is decreased by at least 60 wt % on a dry basis from that of the unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock.

Abstract: A method for producing levulinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass comprising hemicellulose including one or more six carbon chain compound precursors comprises the steps of hydrolyzing the lignocellulosic biomass to form a first phase comprising partially hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass including cellulose and lignin and a second phase comprising one or more five carbon chain sugars and one or more six carbon chain sugars from degradation of the hemicellulose, separating the first phase from the second phase, and converting at least a portion of the one or more six carbon chain sugars to levulinic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of biological feed material and to a process for catalytically converting the purified biological feed material into hydrocarbons suitable as biofuel components. The purified feed material is treated in a reactor system including a catalytically active guard bed phase and a catalytically active main reaction phase. At least one of the phases includes a catalyst bed with a combination of hydrodeoxygenating (HDO) and hydrodewaxing (HDW) catalysts. The process provides biofuel with acceptable ignition and cold flow properties.

Abstract: A gardening box is disclosed. The gardening box may include a main body having a receiving space; a separation board having a plurality of through holes to secure water absorbing units and dividing said receiving space into an upper space and a bottom space; a plurality of observing holes located at a lower portion outside the main body; and a plurality of water absorbing unit secured at the separation board, and a lower portion of the water absorbing unit exposes at the bottom space to absorb water from the bottom space to moisturize soil and plants thereabove. Water level can be observed from the observing holes because the water level of the bottom space is identical to the observing holes according to the law of communicating vases.

Abstract: A plant growth system is provided in which an irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to a plant growth substrate. The plant growth substrate comprises an MMVF slab and a single MMVF block on a first surface of the MMVF slab. The MMVF slab comprises a drain hole which is disposed at one end of the surface, and the irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to the substrate at a position more than 50% of the length of the slab away from the drain hole. This improves the control of water an nutrients in the slab as a whole.

Abstract: The weight measurement instrument comprises a support frame, a plant holder, and a load cell. The plant holder is assembled with the support frame and has an upper opening and a lower opening, a hydroponic plant can be planted in the plant holder and grow towards the upper opening and the lower opening; the load cell is fixed with the support frame and is used for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically. A method for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gasifier for gasifying fuels having a container with a top, sidewalls and a bottom for facilitating the gasifying process. One or more open vertical shafts extend downward inside the container for allowing a downdraft or updraft of air and fuel for the gasifying process. A rotating bed is preferably included inside the container and below the one or more shafts for receiving the fuel. The bed rotates essentially perpendicular to the shaft to facilitate even heating and gasifying of the fuel. The bed is further movable relative to the vertical shaft in order to increase or decrease the volume of fuel flow to the fuel.

Abstract: A processed biogas composition made with an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system from a processed organic-carbon-containing feedstock made with a beneficiation sub-system is described. Renewable biomass feedstock passed through a beneficiation sub-system to reduce water content to below at least 20 wt % and water-soluble salt reduction of at least 60% from that of unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock on a dry basis. The processed feedstock is introduced into an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system to result in processed biogas having an energy density of at least 700 BTU/cubic ft (26 MJ/cubic meter), a carbon monoxide concentration of less than 20 vol %, and a carbon dioxide concentration of less than 15 vol %.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions. The window assembly may include conductive heater grids that are electrically powered without use of jumper wires that electrically connect between heater grids of the fixed window panel at opposite sides of the movable window panel.

Abstract: A pivoting shutter having adjustable slats for buildings includes an upper panel provided with a first group of adjustable slats, mounted by the upper end thereof on a horizontal pivoting shaft. A lower panel is provided with a second group of adjustable slats, hinged by the upper end thereof to the upper panel and connected by the lower end thereof to a driving means for vertical movement for pivoting the panels between an open position and a closed position. First and second connectors are provided, which, when rotating the slats, link the adjustable slats of the first and second groups, respectively. A transmission mechanism links the two groups of slats in the closed position of the upper and lower panels, enabling in the closed position the simultaneous rotation of all the slats, and maintaining the groups of slats unlinked from one another in the open position of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window and more particularly, to a window incorporating means for effecting pivotal movement of the window panel out of the plane in which the panel is slidable so as to facilitate cleaning of both sides of the window panel. The window includes a top rail guide member 13, a rotatable panel 14, and a bottom rail guide member 15, at least one of the guide members being moveable with the window panel in a direction other than one which is slidable. The invention also includes a lifting mechanism adapted to vertically displace the rotatable panel 14 in order to disengage the complementary engaging members 27, 29 connecting the panel and bottom rail guide member together and allow the rotatable panel 14 to rotate.

Abstract: A locking system for a casement window that provides a corner drive assembly for transmitting vertical movement of a lock bar along one side of the window frame into horizontal movement of a lock bar disposed along a top of the window frame. Thus, lock points on both the non-hinged side of the window frame as well as the top of the window frame may be provided. The corner drive assembly includes a side plunger that is coupled to the side lock bar and a top plunger that is coupled to a top lock bar. Both side and top keepers are provided to provide lock points along the non-hinged side as well as the top of the window. The system may also be extended with a second corner drive assembly in the second upper corner of the casement window and that may extend down the hinged side of the frame and sash as well.

Abstract: A draft guard balancer is provided that attaches to, or is otherwise mechanically coupled to, or an integral part of, an existing balance shoe or balancer for a fenestration product such as a double hung window. The draft guard balancer creates a weatherstop along the track of the fenestration product that resists air, water, dirt, dust, pollen, and insects from entering the track and then the building. The draft guard balancer may be used with a balancer having a variety of springs, spring assemblies, balancer shoes and pivot bar arrangements. The draft guard balancer creates a seal that also prevents the increased friction that results from dirt and debris entering the track, thus making for a more energy efficient, easier to operate fenestration product. The draft guard balancer is equally applicable to both top and bottom sashes of a double hung window as well as other fenestration products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving window installation structure of a sliding window system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a moving window installation structure of a sliding window system which is configured to prevent a vertical reaction force from being applied between a rail and a roller for supporting the weight of a moving window that constitutes a sliding window having an aluminum alloy sash structure such that the moving window can be smoothly moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail and the sliding mobility of a large-sized window having a heavy weight can be improved, and to improve a profile cross-section structure of a window installation frame provided with a sliding window such that heat insulation can be remarkably improved and wind pressure resistance against wind pressure can be enhanced.

Abstract: A threshold with a sill deck, a removable sill extender and a seal. The sill extender slides into a press-fit engagement with the sill deck such that the seal provides a press-fit connection between the sill deck and the sill extender.

Abstract: A bond matrix for metal bonded abrasive tools includes a metal bond system, porosity and an optional filler. Tools according to embodiments of the invention exhibit long tool life, produce an acceptable quality of cut and can have self-dressing properties. The bond matrix can be used, for example, in abrasives tools configured for the electronics industry, such as 1A8 wheels for slicing ball grid arrays (BGAs) and other such slicing operations.

Abstract: A lapping slurry and method of making the lapping slurry are provided. The lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains dispersed in a carrier. The carrier comprises water, ethylene glycol and between about 0.5 wt % to about 60 wt % surfactant. Abrasive particles are positively charged when dispersed in ethylene glycol having a pH in a range of from 5 to 9, as evidenced by zeta potentials.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a composite product includes hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), and a plurality of cubic boron nitride (cBN) particles, wherein the plurality of cBN particles are dispersed in a matrix of the hBN. According to another embodiment, a composite product includes a plurality of cBN particles, and one or more borate-containing binders.

Abstract: An agglomerate abrasive grain includes a mixture of individual abrasive grains and hollow bodies, wherein the abrasive grains and the hollow bodies are held together via a binding matrix of aluminosilicate and alkali silicate, and the agglomerate abrasive grain has an open porosity and a closed porosity in each case ranging from 5% by volume to 40% by volume, wherein the total porosity of the agglomerate abrasive grain is less than 50% by volume.

Abstract: Shaped ceramic abrasive particles include a first surface having a perimeter having a perimeter comprising at least first and second edges. A first region of the perimeter includes the second edge and extends inwardly and terminates at two corners defining first and second acute interior angles. The perimeter has at most four corners that define acute interior angles. A second surface is disposed opposite, and not contacting, the first surface. A peripheral surface is disposed between and connects the first and second surfaces. The peripheral surface has a first predetermined shape. Methods of making the shaped ceramic abrasive particles, and abrasive articles including them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inside corner gutter piece for a roof gutter system having an angled outer wall of a center segment extending at a 45 degree angle to outer walls of two straight end segments, the outer wall of the center segment acting as a flow diverter for directing rain runoff from a roof valley into connected straight gutter sections, with a top and down turned edge acting to block a rainwater off-flow stream from flowing up and out of the outer wall of the inside corner gutter piece.

Abstract: A dome enclosure that can be constructed on any foundation includes a plurality of dome structures and a bonding material. Each of the plurality of dome sections has a curved beam, a wall bracket, and a plurality of blocks. The wall bracket rests on the foundation and can be fitted for straight walls, curved walls, corners, etc. The curved beam is positioned into the wall bracket, wherein the wall bracket can be moved to readjust the position of the curved beam. The plurality of blocks is supported by the curved beam, wherein the plurality of blocks of an arbitrary section spans the distance to a subsequent section. Once the plurality of dome sections has been erected around the foundation, the bonding material is poured, or otherwise applied, wherein a single solid structure is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bi-directionally raisable drilling rig mast system that includes a drilling rig mast having a bi-directional mast erection connection, a first erection connection positioned proximate a first side of a rig substructure, and a second erection connection positioned proximate a second side of the rig substructure, the second side being at an opposite side of the rig substructure from the first side. The system further includes at least one mast erection apparatus having an upper end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the bi-directional mast erection connection and a lower end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the first erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the first side of the substructure, the lower end being further adapted to be pivotably attached to the second erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the second side of the substructure.

Abstract: A pedestal for supporting a partition and a method for a partition. The pedestal includes a base for mounting onto a floor, the base having a peripheral outer surface. The pedestal also includes a body having a first end opposite a second end and an inner surface proximate the first end interfacing with the base peripheral outer surface. A cap is coupled to the body proximate the second end, and a bracket is coupled to the cap for coupling with a partition. The method includes connecting a base to a floor, coupling a body of to the base, coupling a sleeve to the base on which is coupled a bracket, and coupling the partition to the bracket.

Abstract: A niche-assist inurement system for simplifying the insertion of a cremation urn into a niche in a columbarium including a bracket, for temporary attachment to the frontal surface of the open niche, the bracket having an elongated body and a load supporting upper surface that slidingly supports a sled on which the cremation urn is placed and which is adapted to carry the urn into the niche and be retracted from the niche leaving the urn inside the niche.

Abstract: A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.

Abstract: A hotel room with furniture arranged for optimal television viewing from a bed and another location, such as a sofa or second bed. Furniture pieces are connected or closely aligned together and are arranged so that they provide premium viewing for a television, regardless of a location of a person within the hotel room. To this end, embodiments utilize furniture arrangements where the bed and/or sofa are turned at an angle to the walls of the room, and the room is laid out efficiently to account for this different design affect.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed. An example seal assembly includes a projection panel mountable to extend outward from the wall in proximity with a doorway. A first face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the first face panel has a first distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel. A second face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the second face panel having a second distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: An improved door assembly includes a door frame having a door jamb and a door having a fixed portion including a hinged side and a locking side where the hinged side of the door is hinged to the door frame. At least one of the hinged side and the locking side of the door has at least one pivotable door portion configured to pivotably move between a retracted position inside the door and an extended position that extends inside at least one complementary shaped channel within the door jamb of the door frame to interlock the door and the door frame.

Abstract: A tower includes a plurality of stacked sections extending in a longitudinal direction from a base section to a top section. At least one of the stacked sections includes a first block and a second block joined together. The first block and the second block have interlocking portions such that a first portion of the first block is located above a first portion of the second block in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and a unit for a masonry wall system, each unit comprising a face shell wherein the interior surface has a transverse axis running from the top surface to the bottom surface of the face shell, and one or more webs having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end of each web is integral with or attached to the interior surface of the face shell along the transverse axis. The method for wall construction further comprising positioning one or more vertical reinforcement rods or tendons with one end embedded in a wall-foundation and laying a layer wall units on the wall-foundation such that the one or more webs of the layers of wall units are aligned, and the vertical reinforcement rods or tendons run through or are adjacent to the webs of the wall units.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide cement sheathing is laminated to plywood, OSB, wood, steel, other building products or other substrates to enhance fire, structural and sound performance of the substrate to meet new and more stringent fire codes while also providing water, insect, mold and rot protection. Further, the magnesium oxide cement board laminated to a foam core enhances fire performance and mold and rot protection over that of the foam core alone. The magnesium oxide laminate is used in wall, floor and roof assemblies to meet or exceed performance as specified in the building codes.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use with insulated forms for concrete walls. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of the insulated form to provide for a means of attaching the header or rim joist to the bracket. The bracket is provided an anchoring plate extending from the attaching plate for insertion into the interior of the insulated form. The present invention also provides for a method of attaching a header or rim joist to a concrete wall formed using insulated forms. The method involves cutting a vertical slot in the insulated form and inserting a bracket into the slot. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior surface of the insulated form and an anchoring plate extending from the attachment plate through the slot into the interior of the insulated form. Concrete is poured into the form and allowed to set, after which the header or rim joist is attached to the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layered framing system for securing cladding to an exterior wall having exterior insulation. The framing system provides horizontal elements positioned across the exterior insulation, wherein the horizontal elements are secured to studs within the wall using fasteners. Vertical elements are secured to the horizontal elements. Then panels of cladding are secured to the vertical elements.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first block including a first end; and a second block assembled with the first block at a same height as the first block, the second block including a second end facing the first end of the first block. The first block and the second block are connected to the assembly such that there is no structural connection between the second end of the second block facing the first end of the first block.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.

Abstract: Deck systems, deck system components making up the deck systems, and methods of assembling and disassembling deck system components and the deck systems are described herein. A box-frame can be assembled from box-frame segments, angle clips, and fasteners. A box-frame can be supported by posts attached to the box-frame using post brackets and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be assembled using joist segments, joist spacers, and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be positioned within the box-frame. The joist assemblies can be secured to box-frame segments or another joist assembly using roll-lock tabs and roll-lock tab receivers and locking tabs and locking tab retainers that part of extrusions making up the box-frame segments, joist spacers, or joist segments. Deck boards can be secured to the joist assemblies using deck screws or deck clips. The post brackets can accommodate support posts below deck boards and railing posts extending above deck boards.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for providing enhanced assembly tolerances (for thermal or manufacturing variations, e.g.) in constructing gazebos or other standalone decking systems, decks adjoining a house or other primary structure, or other such structures for walkways or human occupancy.

Abstract: A tower portion for a wind turbine includes at least one wall segment and at least one opening segment. The opening segment includes an opening, one or more inner edges, two side edges, an upper edge and a lower edge, the opening being delimited by the one or more inner edges. The wall segment is shaped as less than a full 360° ring. The opening segment is coupled with the wall segment by the side edges. The opening segment and the wall segment form segments of a ring and when coupled form a full 360° ring. The opening segment has a variable thickness increasing from the side edges to the inner edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet (layer A); a waterproofing adhesive (layer B); a protective coating (layer C), wherein the protective coating is substantially free of surfactant and comprises an acrylic or methacrylic polymer or copolymer, an inorganic filler and a white pigment; and a releasable material (layer D), wherein the releasable material comprises amorphous nanoscale silica and a polymeric binder. The waterproofing membrane does not require a release liner, binds strongly to concrete cast against it (even after UV exposure), tolerates foot traffic, and withstands immersion in water over an extended period.

Abstract: A tool handling system (200) for transporting a sealing tool is provided. The tool handling system comprises a trolley (2) comprising a vertical height adjustment member (22a) operable to move between a first position and a second position; and a support table (3) for supporting a sealing tool, said support table comprising a first attachment member (34a) complimentary to said vertical height adjustment member (22a), wherein the trolley (2) is arranged to receive the support table (3) in an attachment position that aligns the first attachment member (34a) with the vertical height adjustment member (22a), such that when the vertical height adjustment member is moved from the first position to the second position, the first attachment member (34a) engages with the vertical height adjustment (22a) member and the support table (3) attaches to the trolley (2).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and associated devices for one or more of rucking, derucking, braking or rerucking sleeves of covering material off of and/or onto a chute body include a gripper with a stacked set of discrete gripper layers with forward facing protrusions. The grippers can have an automated stroke cycle whereby cooperating pairs of gripper assemblies can be configured to travel inwardly a distance sufficient to snugly abut an outer surface of a chute body and remain in contact with the chute body while traveling in a longitudinal and/or axial direction to contact covering and pull the covering along the chute body.

Abstract: A combination chamber and external suction vacuum packaging machine is operable to evacuate a vacuum bag and seal closed an open margin of the bag. The vacuum packaging machine includes a base and a lid that define a vacuum chamber operable for use in a chamber packaging operation, where the bag is entirely received within the vacuum chamber, and an external packaging operation, where only part of the bag is received within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Automatic packaging machine (10) for continuously packaging products (P) each wrapped in a single envelope (B), comprising a conveyor (12) that defines a conveying plane (PT) for conveying a continuous sheet (F) of packaging material, in particular paper, along a conveying direction (DT), said conveying plane (PT) comprises an entrance end (12a) of the continuous sheet (F) and an exit end of a plurality of envelopes, each containing a product (P), in which the entrance end (12a) is associable with a feeding unit of a plurality of products (P) in succession one after the other and at a distance one from another on the continuous sheet (F) fed on the conveying plane (PT), a feeding unit (18) of the continuous sheet (F) on the conveying plane (PT) and that feeds the continuous sheet (F) along a feeding plane (PA) that extends below the conveying plane (PT), is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction (DT) and is defined at the entrance end (12a) of the conveying plane (PT), wherein the c

Abstract: A method and a device for can manufacture and canning, having cans manufactured in a manufacturing process and filled in a filling process, the manufacturing process being integral with the filling process in one plant, and the cans being transported from the manufacturing process to the filling process in a hygienic conveyor.

Abstract: A filling plant for containers and a method for operating the filling plant. At least two separately controllable transport paths for pressureless container transport, each including at least one single-track container buffer, are provided downstream of a filling machine, and the transport paths can, according to requirements, flexibly be charged with containers having a round or non-round cross-section and in the event of a production failure in one of the transport paths at least the other transport path can still be used for production.