Abstract: Method of manufacturing a plant receptacle wherein the following steps are performed: a) a PLA thread is co-extruded with a flexible aliphatic polyester, said flexible aliphatic polyester comprising 10 wt % to 30 wt % bamboo material, such that the flexible aliphatic polyester covers the PLA thread, thereby creating a weldable biodegradable thread; b) using said weldable biodegradable thread in a woven or non-woven process, making a permeable sheet material; c) continuously forming said sheet material into a continuous receptacle, by bringing the side edges of said sheet material into contact and welding said side edges together; d) cutting said continuous receptacle in predetermined lengths thereby creating separate plant receptacles.

Abstract: A multiple plant container self-watering system comprises a primary container at a first elevation and a plurality of secondary containers at different elevations, fluidly connected by means of tubing. The primary container comprises a primary outer shell that encloses a primary reservoir pot, having an expanded upper portion and a tubular lower portion, a primary wick and a primary grow pot. Each of the plurality of secondary containers comprises a secondary outer shell that encloses a secondary reservoir pot having an expanded upper portion and a tubular lower portion, a secondary wick, and a secondary grow pot. The diameter of the lower portion of the primary and secondary reservoir pot is greatly reduced in comparison to the diameter of the upper portion thereof, thereby allowing for substantially similar dry-down time for a plurality of fluidly connected plant containers at different elevations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly, comprising a plant pot (258) having a bob tons (260) and at least one side wall (264), extending from the bottom up to a top rim and at least one hole (268) which is arranged in or at least near the bottom, at least one wick (30) extending from below the bottom and through the hole and a container (256), dimensioned to accommodate at least a bottom portion of the plant pot comprising the hole through which the wick extends out of the plant pot. The container and the plant pot in an assembled state define a reservoir to accommodate fluid, such as water, for the plant to be drawn up through the wick during at least one of growing, transporting and display for sale of a plant in the plant pot, which is accommodated in the container. An overflow (284) with a controllable valve (288) may function to distinguish between a stationary state of the assembly and transport thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular device for raising seedling that comprises at least two individual containers to receive a culture medium and a seedling, and at least a coupling member. Each of the individual containers is provided with at least a pair of the coupling bumps arranged on two opposing positions respectively on both lateral edges of the individual container, and is protruded at a predetermined height from a backside of the individual container. Each of the coupling members is provided with a mating groove which is arranged in extending around its longitudinal shape so as to form a serial connection of the individual containers by means of mating the coupling bump with the mating groove within the same coupling member between two adjacent individual containers.

Abstract: A hydroponics apparatus includes a plurality of rails, a plurality of chambers formed beneath the plurality of rails, a plurality of pod inserts disposed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of rails, a plurality of air lines, and a plurality of hoses. The upper surface of each of the plurality of rails is angled upward relative to a horizontal plane. Each of the plurality of pod inserts is configured to receive a plant. Each of the plurality of air lines is disposed in a rail of the plurality of rails, and the plurality of air lines are configured to transport air through the plurality of chambers. Each of the plurality of hoses is disposed in a rail of the plurality of rails and includes a plurality of atomization sprayers. The plurality of atomization sprayers are configured to spray a solution within the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus can produce hydrogen-containing gas from biomass with high thermal efficiency at low costs without severe trouble caused by tar generated by pyrolyzing the biomass, while maximizing the gasification rate of the tar. The gasification apparatus includes a biomass pyrolyzing zone for heating biomass in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and a gas reforming zone for heating the resulting pyrolyzed gas in the presence of steam. A plurality of preheated granules and/or lumps is moved from the gas reforming zone to the biomass pyrolyzing zone, the apparatus reforms the gas generated by pyrolyzing the biomass and pyrolyzes the biomass, using the heat of the granules and/or lumps. The biomass pyrolyzing zone and the gas reforming zone is provided in a single vessel, and at least one partitioning plate is provided between the biomass pyrolyzing zone and the gas reforming zone.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for removing porting, and using geometry to create a heat soaked surface area in an ice area related to door assemblies. Heat conducting material such as, e.g., aluminum, is used to conduct heat efficiently to prevent icing at the transition point between an end of a door panel and its vertical guide structures in applications where freezer environments must be maintained while permitting ingress and/or egress from or out of a freezer environment.

Abstract: Fire and smoke barriers are deployed automatically on detection of fire of smoke. This can result in evacuees being on the wrong side of a deployed barrier and needing to evacuate through the barrier. The barrier includes a curtain rolled on a roller in a head box, a pair of side guides and a bottom bar. At least one of the side guides being partially movable, temporarily opening the barrier to allow the escape of an evacuee. Both side guides can be movable, allowing the barrier to swing from its top. Alternatively one side guide can be hinged to a wall with the other being able to move away from its wall, the head box joining the tops of the side guides. The barrier opens like a door to allow escape of an evacuee. The door having a closure spring to ensure it returns to its closed position.

Abstract: A frame assembly that includes a frame side, a channel disposed in the frame side and a Teflon guide disposed in the channel, the Teflon guide having a seal feature and a guide feature.

Abstract: A closure plug for closing an opening has an annular sealing section which is provided to rest against an edge of the opening, and an expansion section which is formed in one piece with the sealing section and can be adjusted from a mounting position, in which the sealing section has a mounting diameter at least at one axial end, to an expansion position, in which the sealing section has a larger diameter.

Abstract: A double leaf hatch cover comprises first and second hatch cover portions. Cooperating interfitting seal components seal the gap between adjacent edges of the hatch cover portions. A dam structure is provided along the edge of a first of the hatch cover portions. The dam portion includes an upwardly extending dam projection. An elongated shield is provided along the edge of the second of the hatch cover portions. The shield overlies the dam with the dam projection engaging a gap seal member in the channel when the hatch cover portions are closed. A peripheral seal is provided along the upper edge of an upright wall of the frame. A side gap seal is provided at each of the respective sides of the hatch cover to seal the side gap between the perimeter seal and the gap seal member.

Abstract: A door sash includes a sash member including: a body portion having: a first sidewall facing one side of a door glass; a second sidewall facing the other side of the door glass; and a bottom wall that connects base ends of the first side wall and the second sidewall and faces a end face along a thickness direction of the door glass; and a fin portion which extends from a corner between the first sidewall and the bottom wall and has a surface flush with a surface opposite to a surface, which faces the door glass, of either one of the first sidewall and the bottom wall, and wherein the sash member is bent in a width direction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an abrasive agent including a dispersant and also including cerium oxide as a main abrasive material component. The method involves: a step for recovering an abrasive agent component by salting out a spent abrasive material slurry by using a cation of an element of the first Group or second Group with an ionic radius of 80 pm to 160 pm in six-coordinate conversion, and solid-liquid separating the cerium oxide by coagulation and sedimentation; and a step for adding a dispersant including an anionic polymer to the abrasive agent component after the recovery.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond structure comprises a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the second region being bonded to the first region by intergrowth of diamond grains. The first region comprises a plurality of alternating strata or layers (21), (22), each or one or more strata or layers in the first region having a thickness in the range of around 5 to 300 microns. The polycrystalline diamond (PCD) structure has a diamond content of at most about 95 percent of the volume of the PCD material, a binder content of at least about 5 percent of the volume of the PCD material, and one or more of the layers or strata in the first region comprise and/or the second region comprises diamond grains having a mean diamond grain contiguity of greater than about 60 percent and a standard deviation of less than about 2.2 percent. There is also disclosed a method of making such a poly crystalline diamond structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.

Abstract: A building having a foundation and abutting wall panels seated on the foundation. Together they define at least one wall section, tied together by orthogonal tensioners. The tensioners include vertical tensioners located parallel and between adjacent wall panels and fixed to the foundation and at a respective anchor positioned at the top of the adjacent wall panel. These vertical tensioners allow a binding of the adjacent wall panel by said vertical tensioner onto the seat of the foundation. The tensioners also a horizontal tensioner extending between said anchors at each end of the wall section to allow a horizontal binding of wall panels of the wall section together.

Abstract: An insulated vent chute and blocking assembly which can be inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters of a building construction having a pitched or flat roof, the roof supported by a building wall. The assembly comprises: a generally flexible insulated body having a roof facing surface, an attic space facing surface, the surfaces spaced apart from each other to define a pair of longitudinal rafter facing sides, a top and a bottom transverse end, the ends connecting the sides; and a reflective substrate covering the attic space facing surface, the substrate for reflecting heat away from the attic space facing surface and back into attic insulation. The assembly is fabricated from a flexible insulated material, and can assume an arcuate form in embodiments when the body is inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters in the building construction with a pitched or flat roof such that the bottom transverse end can contact the top of the building wall.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (2) and method associated therewith is able to shift between a first assembly operating configuration and a second use operating configuration. The apparatus (2) includes a sub-structure (21), which supports the apparatus (2), a mast (23), which is pivoted to the sub-structure (21), around which it rotates to shift between the assembly operating configuration, which is substantially horizontal, and the use operating configuration. A drill floor (22) is liftable and connected to the mast (23). An actuating device (3) allows the drilling apparatus (2) to shift between the two operating configurations. The actuating device (3) is hydraulic and directly connected to the mast (23). The drill floor (22) includes a first portion (22a), projects with respect to the mast (23), and a second portion (22b) constrained to and rotating with the mast (23. A draw-works (58) is permanently installed on the sub-structure (21).

Abstract: A solar panel mounting for installing a solar cell panel on a folded-plate roof. The mounting includes a metal foundation fixedly attachable to a ridge of the folded-plate roof, a plurality of first brackets including a foundation-side-bracket and a panel-side-bracket, a base of elongated shape, and a mounting bracket to mount the foundation-side-bracket and the panel-side-bracket on the base. The first brackets each include a first coupling portion and a first triangular portion. The first triangular portion is of generally triangular shape including a hypotenuse portion and extends perpendicularly from the first coupling portion. The first coupling portion of the foundation-side-bracket is coupled to the metal foundation. The first coupling portion of the panel-side-bracket is configured to support a solar cell panel. The foundation-side-brackets and the panel-side-brackets are located on top of the metal foundation such that the hypotenuse portions are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A universal leveling device for outdoor structures of wood and other vulnerable materials for leveling, stabilizing and protecting against ground hazards, has at least a first and a second flat groove on its top, at right angle to each other, and on its bottom has first and second vee grooves each with two opposing angled walls. The reversible device can accommodate vertical and tilted support structures.

Abstract: A removable tool for leveling a vertical structure in a vertically level orientation is also disclosed, the tool including a flat substantially non-bendable material, wherein the tool has a central hole formed in the center thereof that does not extend to or open out to the periphery of the tool, and four slots extending radially away from the hole and spaced from each other evenly about the tool. Contemplated systems and methods for utilizing the removable tool are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A truss for use in a staggered truss system in provided. The truss includes at least one slip joint for allowing relative movement between the top chord of the truss and the bottom chord of the truss. The staggered truss system may be suitable for use in seismic regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting headstones, including a rigid structure situated below the surface of the ground, and a plurality of sockets formed in the top of the rigid structure, wherein each of the sockets is formed to receive the lower end of a headstone and hold the headstones in an aligned position with respect to one another and with respect to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eco-friendly structure capable of reducing strong wind pressure and a method for manufacturing the structure and, more specifically, to an eco-friendly structure capable of reducing strong wind pressure and storing rainwater and a method for manufacturing the structure, wherein: the structure is installed in order to protect various structures being used in farming and fishing villages, and fruit trees, temporary buildings or vehicles on a road, or rail and port facilities, in case of the occurrence of a typhoon or strong wind pressure; hexagonal blocks are manufactured using waste concrete (stone) and waste plastic, which are construction and industrial waste; and a plurality of the manufactured hexagonal blocks are vertically and horizontally stacked in one or two rows in order to protect from a typhoon and strong wind pressure.

Abstract: Wall systems according to certain embodiments of the present invention provide a means for finishing interior walls such as basement walls. In certain embodiments of the present invention, wall panels offer several options for light switches, plug outlets, cable outlets, communication box outlets and the like. In other embodiments of the present invention, wall panels are provided with a means for eliminating or reducing the need for taping and filling that is used in conventional drywall finishing.

Abstract: An outer covering of a building includes anchor bolts configured to extend outwardly from an exterior side of floor support structures of the building, a plurality of anchor plates that adjustably mount to the plurality of anchor bolts, and a plurality of spandrel units that mount to an exterior side of the plurality of anchor plates. Each of the plurality of spandrel units includes a first mounting structure that receives a first outer covering section from above and supports a dead weight and lateral load of the first outer covering section via a corresponding one of the plurality of anchor plates and associated anchor bolts, and a second mounting structure configured to rotationally receive a second outer covering section after dead weight of the second outer covering section is loaded on an adjacent spandrel unit located below that one of the plurality of spandrel units.

Abstract: An assembly for integrating an elongate structural member such as a post or a beam, and one or more panels is provided. The elongate structural member includes a notch defined within the elongate structural member. The notch includes a base surface and two side surfaces at opposite ends of the base surface. At least one of the side surfaces is tiered. The tiered side surface includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are substantially parallel to each other. The inner portion is substantially perpendicular and is adjacent to the base surface. The outer portion is offset from the inner portion and is positioned further away from the second side surface compared to the inner portion. A first panel is positioned within the notch and faces at least the base surface and the inner portion of the tiered surface. A second panel may be positioned within the notch.

Abstract: A fast installation/removal building partition structure is applicable to an indoor or outdoor partition wall and includes a top retention member, a bottom retention member, and a plurality of form boards. The top retention member and the bottom retention member are respectively set at top side and floor of an indoor or outdoor space. The form boards each include two surface panels, which define therebetween a receiving chamber for reducing weight. The form boards each have four side edges each forming a connection section, whereby the connection sections are coupled to the top and bottom retention members through projection-and-groove engagement. The connection sections located between the form boards are coupled to each other through projection-and-groove engagement. As such, the form boards can be conveniently and efficiently installed and removed for easy transportation to achieve easy installation, construction, repeated use, and adjustment as an indoor or outdoor partition wall.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide an environmentally resistant structural member for use in areas exposed to water or other environmental elements. The structural member includes a core member and a polymer layer. The core member has an environmentally sensitive composition wherein extended exposure to the environmental element causes degradation of the core member. The core member includes at least one surface, such as a bottom and side surfaces. The surface is configured for positioning in the area exposed to the environmental element. The polymer layer has a molded shape and covers the surface so as to seal the surface of the core member against exposure to the environmental element.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition disposed at the junctions of the framing and exterior sheathing. In particular, an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition in the form of a sealing structure in contact with both the framing and exterior sheathing of a building are described.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: An attachment strip for attaching lath to a wall and a system for attaching lath to a wall with increased water resistive characteristics. The attachment strip has protruding teeth on an attachment plate that holds the lath in place, and a mounting plate that secures the lath furring strip against the wall and framing. In addition, since attachment strip, instead of the lath directly, is secured to the sheathing, fewer mounting devices are needed compared to when a lath is directly secured to a sheathing, where substantially more mounting devices would be needed. Thus in this arrangement, fewer penetrations are created when installing the lath. Additional water resistive features, such insulation layers, and a drainage space surrounded by two water resistive barriers, create space that not only increases insulation, but protects the inner layers of a wall from damage.

Abstract: An insulating strip is disclosed. The insulating strip includes a support layer and a plurality of insulating material strips secured to the support layer where the plurality of insulating material strips are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An insulated panel structure and method of making the same are provided for enhancing the thermal efficiency in a building structure. The insulated panel structure includes a foam member, multiple brace members, and a reflective layer. The multiple brace members are coupled to the foam member to provide strength to the foam member and structural integrity to the panel structure. Such foam member is configured to resist conductive heat flow therethrough. Further, the reflective layer includes an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface. The reflective layer is positioned alongside an interior side of the foam member such that the exterior facing surface faces the interior side of the foam member. With this arrangement, the interior facing surface is configured to reflect radiation heat toward an interior of the building structure and the exterior facing surface is configured to reflect radiation heat toward an exterior of the building structure.

Abstract: A ladder-type solid-wood two-layer floor product and related methods are provided. The floor product includes a floor support main body layer and an upper decorative surface layer. The main body layer is formed by splicing two parallel frames and a group of strip-shaped solid-wood cores parallel to each other and perpendicular to the frames. The floor product has a simple structure and high economic value. It avoids bending, deformation and the like from internal stress due to temperature and humidity variations.

Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.

Abstract: An elongated clip for hard clapboard style siding such as fiber cement, composite wood, fiberglass, plastic, oriented strand board or other materials. The clip includes rainscreen and standoff features for proper placement from a support wall structure. In addition, the clip includes a support feature for the installation and proper alignment of an upper course of siding.

Abstract: A connecting joint between two panels of a glazed wall is intended to cooperate with a face of each panel and includes: at least one support having a first external face and a second external face; a first fastener arranged on the first external face of the support; a second fastener arranged on the second external face of the support. The right-angle separation force of the first fastener, measured on a glass panel with a mobile-jaw tensile testing machine with a 100 mm/min displacement speed of the mobile jaw, lies between 3 and 20 N/cm, while the right-angle separation force of the second fastener, measured on a glass panel with a mobile-jaw tensile testing machine with a 100 mm/min displacement speed of the mobile jaw, is greater than or equal to 30 N/cm.

Abstract: A system and method of attaching a natural stone to a wall surface includes attaching a piece of natural stone to a base plate so as to leave at least a portion of the base plate uncovered by the piece of natural stone and attaching the base plate to the wall surface with a fastener extending through the uncovered portion of the base plate.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar with improved adherence for reinforced concrete component, consists of a metal profile section (1) in the form of a flattened strip of rectangular cross section with two opposite wide faces (10, 10?) on which longitudinally separated projecting anchoring portions are formed.

Abstract: A brick bracket which is installed in a recess provided by removal of brick of a brick veneer in order to be attached to studs of a framework of the building without contacting the bricks. The brick bracket has a front wall which extends outwardly and covers the brick facing and carries carriage bolts to which a ledger can be affixed such that the ledger is able to support an attached structure so that the brick bracket will not apply any force to the bricks of the brick facing.

Abstract: An insulating strip is disclosed. The insulating strip includes a support layer and an insulating material strip secured to the support layer.

Abstract: The invention is a method to build and erect super high rise buildings with a completely new concept of civil engineering, which is based on concept and method of building of vertical columnar structures by multi stacking of columns using hydraulic suspension and elevator arm system, and then strengthening them with concrete. This is followed with building of gateway support structure around vertical columnar structure and central core to stabilize the high rise building. Next stage is the building of horizontal steel framework platforms at ground level and elevating them by central core elevator and cable hoist system. The passage of horizontal platforms through gateway structure is conducted by alternating opening and closing of gates. The process enables to populate the vertical columnar structures with horizontal platforms, which are then inter locked with vertical columnar structures and central concrete core wall Finally the steel framework platforms are strengthened with concrete.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel building system comprising panels, corners, ringbeams and boxseams having a molded core of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between, and bonded to, at least two facings. The facings are attached to faces of the core formed by molding. Preferably the core is an expanded polymer molding and the preferred polymer is polystyrene. The building system can be used for residential, commercial and industrial structures.

Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs 10 connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a 1 connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A portable processing plant for processing granular material is provided. The portable plant includes a plurality of portable processing modules configured to be stacked vertically to allow for a vertically downward progression of the generally granular material through the portable processing plant. Each portable processing module includes a self-supporting independent frame structure and has at least one processing component affixed to the self-supporting independent frame structure. The self-supporting independent frame structures of the plurality of portable processing modules combine to define a structural skeleton of the portable processing plant. Each self-supporting independent frame structure can be removed from the structural skeleton substantially fully assembled while the at least one processing component carried by the self-supporting. Methods of assembling and disassembling the portable processing plant are also provided.

Abstract: It's now accepted that hurricane tie-down straps should be wrapped over the top of rafters/trusses, avoiding the crucial weakening effect of wood splitting around the nails of common side-nailed straps. That “wrap-over” is easy to do during construction but has been difficult and costly to do for existing houses, where the sheathing and roofing is in the way. But now such wrap-over can be an easy retrofit, according to this invention: Without damaging sheathing or roofing, force the sheathing off the rafter/truss just enough to allow a special strap to be pushed through the gap, then proceed much as in new construction. Unique wedge-blade and lever types of devices quickly create just the right gaps.

Abstract: A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.