Abstract: Utility modules used to form a utility distribution system, where the utility modules are disposed on a foundation with the construction of a building, and where the utility modules may be covered with panels. The utility modules include coupling elements at edge regions and at major surfaces thereof. When coupled together, the utility modules can form a utility distribution system which is used to distribute utility services throughout a building. The utility services can be provided by a utility service system, which preferably comprises a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a temporary portable shelter for an individual or individuals from the severe effects of a tornado or hurricane. The Enclosure consists of an case, having six sides, which is constructed of polycarbonate thermoplastic of extremely high quality and of superior strength and endurance. The Enclosure has a hinged door with door latch assemblies that may be operated from the inside. It has ventilation padding to protect the individual from injury while within the Enclosure. It may be bolted to the floor. Light may enter the Enclosure and a person inside may see out of the Enclosure. The Enclosure may also be outfitted with reflective tape detailing or a battery operated strobe light to help emergency staff quickly locate victims of severe weather conditions.

Abstract: A wall positioning and bracing method is disclosed. The method comprises providing a device comprising first and second elongated members, each having proximal and distal ends, and being pivotally attached to one another at their proximal ends, such that the second elongated member is movable into an open position, coextensive with the first elongated member; affixing the device to the floor of a building under construction and to the upper end of a wall of a building under construction when the wall is lying flat on the floor of a building under construction; raising the wall so that the brace is in the open position and the first and second elongated members are coextensive, such that the wall is moved to a position perpendicular to the floor; and securing the members in the open position. The method permits a wall to be raised to and braced in a position perpendicular to the floor.

Abstract: An earth anchor for a pole that includes a base, a spike, and attaching apparatus. The base has a lowermost face for contacting the earth, an uppermost face opposite to the lowermost face, and a longitudinal axis. The spike is for insertion into the earth, and depends from the lowermost face of the base. The attaching apparatus is for engaging a pole, and is disposed on the uppermost face of the base. The base is disk-shaped with a circular periphery for providing a blunt round edge that eliminates corners when tipped on which a player could fall and be injured, and is wide for leaving enough room for the pole to still be pushed into the earth using foot pressure. The attaching apparatus includes a stop boss disposed on the uppermost face of the base, along the longitudinal axis of the base, which centers the attaching apparatus for allowing the pole to have identical stability in all directions.

Abstract: A shear wall panel for a building has a rectangular frame of vertical and horizontal members. Inside of the rectangular frame, at least four diagonal members are joined at their ends to create a multi-segmented assembly having at least three vertices and first and second ends and preferably forming a polygon, one of the at least three vertices secured to each of the vertical and an upper horizontal members, the first and second ends secured to a lower horizontal member. The members are preferably of wood and connected together with toothed plates. A lower horizontal member is shear connected to a foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel. Upper strap connectors attach the upper horizontal member to a roof, floor or wall of the building. The upper strap connectors comprises metal straps, a first portion of which have teeth bent out of the metal strap, a second portion of which have holes for nailing through the metal strap into the roof, floor or wall of the building.

Abstract: A water seepage controlling device for draining away water from between an inner wall and an edge of a foundation wall. The water seepage controlling device includes a device positionable between a front surface of an inner wall and a peripheral edge of a foundation wall. The device has a base panel. The base panel is elongate having laterally spaced first and second opposing edges. A first panel controls water seepage and abuts against the front surface of the inner wall. The first panel has a first and second edge. The first edge of the first panel is fixedly coupled to the first edge of the base panel. The first panel is oriented generally perpendicular to the base panel. A second panel controls water seepage and abuts against the peripheral edge of the foundation wall. The second panel has a first and second edge. The first edge of the first panel is fixedly coupled to the base panel. The second panel is oriented generally perpendicular to the base panel.

Abstract: An underground below-building bunker has bunker quarters (1) positioned under ground (2) below a dwelling-related structure (3), such as a garage, a room or a hallway of a dwelling (4). A floor-entry door (5) such as a trapdoor, horizontal slide door or other through-floor entry leads to a vertical passageway (6) where a bunker door (7) provides entrance to a stairway (8) or ladder (9) to a bunker floor (10). A buffer zone of protection is provided in the vertical passageway intermediate the floor-entry door and the bunker door, which in combination provide a predetermined level of protection against foreseeable hazards. The ground below the dwelling-related structure has a depth at which enclosure structure (12) of the bunker quarters can provide protection against predetermined hazards. Air vents (15, 17) into separate portions of the bunker quarters provide safety redundance of air from safe-air sources (19).

Abstract: A roll-form roof ridge vent having alignment means to facilitate ease of installation. The indeterminate-length, single-sheet vent is provided with a pliable medial hinge strip, or a set of expandable live hinges, which enable the otherwise straight vent to be laterally and/or angularly repositioned from its substantially straight configuration. Thus, lateral adjustments can be made to the positioning of the vent as it is being installed so that the vent is centered throughout its length over the roof ridge. The lateral adjustments do not result in buckling of the vent or unwanted distortion.

Abstract: A roof louver filter system for preventing snow from entering an attic of a building structure through a roof louver vent during inclimate weather conditions. The inventive device is comprised of an air permeable material that is formed into a U-shaped structure for being positioned within a roof louver. The U-shaped structure includes a front portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion includes a first slanted edge and the second side portion includes a second slanted edge for conforming to the rear rim of the roof louver when installed. The inventive device is preferably constructed of a polyester fiber material thereby preventing water and insects from entering into the roof louver. The inventive device prevents snow from directly blowing into the attic of the building through the roof louver during inclimate weather conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a door and doorway shield system are shown and described, each including at least one hook for hanging or gripping onto a portion of the door or the doorway. The shield preferably hangs on the door by a J-shaped hook portion that extends substantially along the entire top edge of the shield. The shield preferably includes a protective portion which extends across the space between a door and a doorway and across the trim molding of the doorway to substantially cover, or hook on, the front trim molding of the doorway. In embodiments which hook on the trim molding, the trim hook holds the shield in place to provide resistance to impacts pushing the shield off of the door. A J-shaped hook portion may also be provided on the bottom of the shield, to allow for connection to the bottom of the door or for turning the shield up-side-down for use both left-hinged and right-hinged doors.

Abstract: A sill for supporting a wall panel such as window panels for a modular solarium comprises a forward or outer sill, an intermediate rail, an inner channel, and an inner flange. The intermediate rail extends laterally inward from the outer sill. The rail includes a ramp and a raised surface. The ramp defines an outermost portion of the rail and extends upwardly from the outer sill to the raised surface. The rail terminates at the channel. The channel extends laterally between the rail and the flange. The bottom of a wall panel fits over the rail and has an inner leg which extends into the channel. Fasteners secure the inner leg on the wall panel to the inner flange.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frame that is placed at an opening portion in a partition provided in houses and the like, and specifically an adjustable frame comprising a plurality of frame adjustable fasteners including: a fixing member including an external thread member having a cylindrical manner for being incorporated at a partition side of an opening portion in a partition provided in houses and the like, and a base member for rotatably supporting said external thread member; and an internal thread member for being rotatably engaged with said external thread member and for installed in a frame body. The adjustable frame allows the external thread member to be turned, thereby adjusting its length, capable of fixing to the opening portion of the partition. Further, if necessary, the adjustable frame may be comprised of a pair of frame members having the width where a first frame member and a second frame member overlap in part in a thickness direction of the partition (wall thickness).

Abstract: An isolating plate (10) and insulated bolt assembly (51) for electrically insulating a cabinet (22) for holding telecommunications switching equipment. The isolating plate (10) functions as an installation template to assist an installer with locating and installing cabinets (22) in a telecommunications center. The precut cable ways (12) and mounting holes (14) allow the installer to quickly locate and cut the floor as needed for cables (15) and bolts (26) required to install the cabinet (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device enabling reinforced concrete elements (1, 2) to be linked by means of metal cables, certain portions of which are inserted into the just made concrete (1) while the cable portions which are not inserted protrude into the enclosure formed by the second contiguous concrete element (2). The first concrete element (1) presents a reinforcement which terminates in the area of contact with the second concrete element (2). In parallel or extension to said reinforcement of the first concrete element, pieces of metal cable (4) are inserted so as to provide either spaces for locating the cable free ends in the first concrete element, or passages in the enclosure formed by said first concrete element.

Abstract: A system for diverting rain water from the underside of a deck structure is comprised of a side-by-side array of flexible water-collecting elements , each of which collect and divert rain water from a regional area of the deck structure. Each water-collecting element is shaped to control the flow of water without restriction or impediment. This shape further increases the rigidity to the water-collecting element making it relatively easy to install and support. Coupling elements are interposed between adjacent water-collecting elements which function to fix them together such that the resulting array gains structural properties and impermeability comparable to a single corrugated sheet of the same material. Mounting elements secure this array to the underside of the deck. The result is an aesthetically attractive and environmentally rugged system which is realized with very economical components.

Abstract: A ceiling tile dust guard is provided wherein the dust guard includes in combination a room having wall and the wall comprising a ceilimg, a ventilation duct vent, and rails in the ceiling. The duct vent defines a plane parallel to the ceiling and provides a direction of air flow out of the vent into the room; the dust guard adjacent the duct vent provides a peripheral wall substantially perpendicular to and projecting away from the duct vent into the room diverting air flowing through the vent away from the ceiling adjacent the vent so that static electricity doesn't attract particles in the air flow onto the ceiling. The duct vent comprises a vent housing and the supporting means comprises rails in the ceiling supporting the vent housing.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system, method and components adapted for the cosmetic enhancement of overpass structures, said system comprising plastic sheeting adapted for attachment to overpass structures. The method comprising attaching plastic sheeting adapted for covering overpass structures to the overpass by way of suitable attaching means, and the plastic sheets being adapted for such use.

Abstract: A reinforced roofing underlayment positioned between a roof support structure and an overlayment in order to provide a waterproof barrier for the roof structure. The roofing underlayment including an interwoven scrim comprising a mesh of interwoven strands of thermoplastic having a tensile strength sufficient to resist tearing when exposed to tensile loads from various directions. The interwoven scrim having a layer of waterproof material affixed to at least one side of the scrim in order to provide a weather-resistant barrier which prevents moisture and other external elements from passing through the roofing underlayment. The waterproof material is preferably a layer of thermoplastic film which is co-extruded over both sides of the scrim. The roofing underlayment may also include a slip-resistant outer surface in order prevent a person installing the roofing underlayment from slipping while walking on the roofing underlayment.

Abstract: The present invention is a roofing fastener assembly. The assembly includes a fastener, a barbed washer, and a screw. The screw projects through the fastener and exits the free end of the fastener. Upon installation of the screw and fastener, the barbs of the washer penetrate into the roof membrane and insulation layer. An extending rim on the washer receives the head of the fastener to resist the relative lateral movement of the washer and fastener. Stabilizing fingers project from a free end of the fastener and hold the screw in place during assembly.

Abstract: A device for interlocking form panels. It contemplates an elongated member having first and second sections that are substantially planar and have first and second ends and first and second sides. First and second flange members are attached to the ends and diverge from the elongated member. These flange members are also substantially planar, parallel to each other and protrude perpendicularly out of the plane of the elongated member an equal distance from the first and second sides of the elongated member. A first pair of guide rib members is attached to the elongated member at a point near the first end of the elongated member, is in a parallel planar relationship with the first diverging flange member, and protrudes perpendicularly from the first side of the elongated member. This first pair of guide rib members is attached at a point from the first diverging flange member so as to define a distance that is substantially equal to the thickness of a form panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel comprising a plurality of panel members (1) applied parallel to each other to a backing (2), spacers (4) which are applied to the backing between adjacent panel members in order to position the same (11) spaced from each other by a gap, as well as cover members (5) which are applied over the gap between two adjacent panel members and which have a width which is greater than the width of a spacer. The spacers (4) have a thickness which is different from that of the panel members (1) and on their rear face the cover members (5) exhibit a groove (6) or a ridge which is essentially as wide as the spacer and exhibits opposite limiting edges (8) which in coaction with edge portions of the spacer and of adjacent panel members respectively, achieve centering of the cover member over the spacer and the gap. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such a panel.

Abstract: A surface cladding system is disclosed in which corrugated plastic sheeting is utilized as wall cladding. In a preferred system, battens made of the same corrugated plastic sheeting are secured to the frame members of a wall. The battens are provided with a double side adhesive tape to which the corrugated plastic sheeting is attached. The joints between adjacent panels fall over frame members so that the edges of the adjacent sheets are sealed against water penetration by the double sided tape. The system can preferably be used in agricultural or industrial locations in which walls are frequently subjected to pressure spraying with water or other liquids. The wall system may also be used in recreational and domestic environments such as swimming pools or public washrooms, and also to line the cargo bays of cargo vehicles.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: A mounting structure formed on a plate-like member and for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle, the mounting structure comprises an approximately T-like shape in cross section. A trim assembly for a vehicle comprises: a plate-like member; a cushion member disposed on the plate-like member; and a top cover covering the whole cushion member, wherein peripheral portions of which are secured to peripheral portions of the plate-like member; wherein a mounting structure comprising an approximately T-like shape in cross section, for mounting the trim assembly to a trim panel for a vehicle is formed on the plate-like member.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing rolled fabric as a vapor retarder in an insulated building structure which includes a frame member and a purlin contact which firmly biases the roll of fabric against the structural members on which the fabric is being laid but which is of a construction so as to avoid abutment with building cross members that would normally interfere with the dispensing operation.

Abstract: The invention uses flat, transparent or opaque plastic sheets to build curved structures that are used in constructing habitable buildings. The curved structure is divided into sections using a Computer Assisted Drafting program. The plastic sheets are cut into sides and top and bottom panels by a Computer Assisted Manufacturing program. The sides are joined to form a frame. The sides have curved upper and lower edges that match the curvature of the structure. The top and bottom panels are placed on the frame formed from the sides and bent to match the curvature of the sides. The panels are joined to the sides. The sections are joined together to form the curved surface.

Abstract: A generally planar structural insulated panel for building construction includes interior and exterior facings of weather resistant plastic impregnated paper (PIP) disposed on opposed outer surfaces of an inner insulating core such as of plastic foam or an agricultural product such as wheatboard or strawboard. Spaced elongated, linear studs are attached to either the outer or inner surface of one or both of the PIP facings. The spaced studs, which are preferably comprised of metal or wood, increase the panel's strength, facilitate connecting the panel to a building structure in a secure manner, and facilitate attachment of a structural facing such as of gypsum or cementous composite or exterior siding to the panel. When attached to the inner surface of a PIP facing, the stud is disposed in the panel's insulating core. When disposed on the outer surface of a PIP facing, the studs provide a gap between a PIP facing and an outer facing such as of exterior siding to allow for water drainage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing packs, in particular cigarette packs. A change in the type of pack makes it necessary for the operators carefully to provide the correct packaging material assigned to the new type of pack. In practice, this change of material often takes place incorrectly. The invention avoid errors when the type of pack is changed in that markings, which are assigned to packaging material of different designs and are provided on the packaging material and/or the carrier thereof, in particular on a core of the reel, and/or the pack, are used to identify the packaging material and to check it for correct assignment in relation to the type of pack which is to be produced.

Abstract: A control system and control method for use in a machine for wrapping an article in plastic film are disclosed, the machine including a sealing head and a corresponding anvil movable by a pneumatic cylinder from an initial separated position to a contact position. The cylinder has an air exhaust outlet for exhausting air from the cylinder during operation of the cylinder from its initial state to an actuated state. A selectively actuatable valve disposed in the outlet selectively directs exhausting air through a first path of relatively low airflow resistance and a second path of relatively high airflow resistance. The valve directs exhaust air flow from the first path into the second path during operation of the cylinder and just prior to the cylinder being placed in the actuated state to cushion contact between the head and anvil.

Abstract: A drug filling machine has a plurality of feeders containing a plurality of different kinds of drugs. A plurality of drugs are discharged from one or some or the feeders into a vial. A sealing unit is provided for sealing the mouth of the vial with a transparent sheet. The sealing unit includes a sheet presser for pushing the transparent sheet into the mouth of the vial to form a sealing sheet having a tray-shaped section, a cutter for cutting the transparent sheet into a predetermined shape, and a heater for fusing the transparent sheet to the top end of the vial to seal the mouth of the vial.

Abstract: A leveling or elevational positional adjustment system comprises a leg frame member, a leg extension member, and a leg extension stop member. The leg frame member comprises an external corner component having a substantially arcuate configuration, and an internal cross-plate component disposed across the interior of the corner component. The leg extension member has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration essentially matching that of the external corner component of the leg frame member so as to be disposed in surface-to-surface contact with the external corner component of the leg frame member when the leg extension is inserted into the leg frame member, and the leg extension stop member has an external arcuate cross-sectional configuration also substantially matching that of the leg extension member.

Abstract: The computer manufacturing system includes an assembly unit wherein various assembly parts are assembled into a main chassis according to a process order to complete the assembly of a computer body, an aging and test unit for testing and checking the performance of the computer body transferred from the assembly unit, and a package unit for packaging the computer body transferred from the aging and test unit. The assembly unit, the aging and test unit, and the package unit are sequentially aligned in accordance with process sequences. The assembly unit and the package unit are aligned to the opposite facing each other while the aging and test unit is located between the assembly unit and the package unit.

Abstract: The lower folders (P1, P2) of the packaging machine are driven by a rod and crank system (1, 2) moved by an electric motor (5) with control of speed and phase, regulated by an electronic processor (7) with a corresponding programming and dialogue unit (8). The rod and crank system is designed and arranged in such a way that, when the folders are closed, the rod (1) is aligned with the crank (2), and this position (K) is taken to be the zero position by the said processor and is detected for this purpose by a sensor (6). To drive the folders through a complete cycle of closing and opening, the motor (5) has to execute only one pulse, to transfer the rod and crank system from one to the other of two limit positions (K1, K2), spaced apart from the said zero position by an identical distance which is variable, according to the format of the products to be packaged, by means of the said programming unit (8).

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a leading flange. The leading flanges are sealed to thermoplastic film material which is used to make the reclosable packages and to each other. A perforation extends along the length of the zipper strip so that the profiles can be readily separated.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing and handling a variety of fluid component packaged goods efficiently. A manufacturing/handling instructing data code containing both manufacturing information of the fluid component and handling information of the fluid component packaged goods is indicated on the package to carry out the whole manufacturing and handling steps from first to last by the data code.

Abstract: A sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film includes a bottom part, side parts oriented transverse and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein the side parts oriented transverse to the direction of feed can be displaced downwardly, while the other parts of the bottom sealing tool are fixed in their spatial arrangement, relative to the frame of the machine.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for packaging a product, said apparatus having a bag magazine containing a number of preformed bags from which bags are separated by a lifting member which lifts each bag at or adjacent to its sealed end; a support device for separating a bag from the magazine and presenting it for opening by a movable gripping and opening device; means for opening the inlet region of the bag by said gripping and opening device, said gripping and opening device transporting the bag onto an outlet, said outlet being configured to grip the inlet region of the bag such that a product can then be ejected into the bag.

Abstract: A loader arm assembly for use in a packaging system, comprising an arm, a housing, and a load jam detector. The housing is operably connected to at least one motive mechanism, and is adapted for moving the arm to load product into a package. The arm has both a latched state and a released state with respect to the housing. The arm normally is in the latched state to load product into the package, and enters the released state to relieve pressure upon detecting the load jam condition. The arm includes a base plate and a loading head. The housing is formed with a guide passage that is adapted for receiving the base plate. The load jam detector preferably includes at least one detent adapted for holding the base plate with respect to the housing in the latched state. The detent preferably is formed by a tip of at least one plug extending through the housing to the guide passage. The tip is adapted for applying a holding force against the base plate.

Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind commercial type lawn mower having a frame with a mower deck attached to a front section of the frame, an engine mounted to a rear section of the frame, and a handle bar assembly attached to and extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear section of the frame. The mower deck includes at least one rotatable wing section pivotally attached to the frame of the mower deck for movement between a substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. The rotatable wing section extends the mowing width of the mower deck and allows mower to travel through narrow passageways of an enclosed mowing area. A locking mechanism secures the wing section in its substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. A rotatable caster wheel attached to the front of the wing section may be retracted to provide maximum clearance when the wing section is in its vertical position.

Abstract: A treatment device for treating cut fodder includes a treatment rotor, first and second supports, and a driving device for driving the treatment rotor. The first support of the treatment device is located near a first end of the treatment rotor. The first support includes a first bearing in which the first end of the treatment rotor is guided in its rotation. The driving device includes a transmission device. The transmission device includes a first and second wheels, at least one endless transmission member, and a regulating or adjusting mechanism for regulating or adjusting the tension in the at least one endless transmission member. The second wheel of the transmission device is mounted on the first end of the treatment rotor. The at least one endless transmission member is wound around both the first and second wheels of the transmission device.

Abstract: A leaf rake for mounting to the chassis of a conventional lawn tractor. Frame kits for attaching the leaf rake to either the front or rear of the tractor for various manufacturers. The lawn tractor may be equipped with hydraulic systems for raising or lowering the leaf rake unit. A spring loaded locking hinge mechanism allows the unit to be raised. Designed leaf raking tines and a forward sweeping leaf rake collect the leaves and allow them to be piled up for disposal.

Abstract: Denim fabric and articles of clothing having a “washed” or heather look/effect are produced in a manner that retains color intensity and substantially avoids the waste of chemicals and/or water inherent in conventional washing processes. A first coarse feeder yarn of cotton and/or other natural fiber by ring or open end spinning, and then is continuously dyed (such as by indigo rope dyeing, slasher dyeing, or sheet dyeing). The dyed yarn is dried and then cut up into lengths of about four inches long or less (and opened if necessary) into individual fibers. The fibers are blended with other fibers (e.g. about 10-90% greige fibers) to produce a blended composite. The blended composite is then carded, spun into yarn, and woven into denim fabric having a washed look, or a heather effect, which then can be made into any suitable article. A second coarse yarn made similar to the first coarse yarn may be added to the blending station.

Abstract: Singled fibers from a fiber strand, separated by a rotor, are collected by suction on a continuously moving surface of a perforated belt or rotary drum. The fiber packet is not formed with a twist in this region and, only upon transfer to a downstream region is the twist applied, e.g. by a ring spindle.

Abstract: A steel cord for reinforcement of a radial tire and a radial tire employing the same are disclosed. The steel cord is made of more than three steel filaments of which one or two filaments are regularly twisted, the other filaments are open-twisted and each filament is twisted in same direction. Each steel filament using carbon steel has the carbon content of 0.7 to 0.96 wt %, the tensile strength of the filament is in the range of 260 to 380 kgf/mm2, the twisting pitch is 10 to 20 mm, and each filament is plated with brass. The topping characteristic is improved and the uniformity of tire is enhanced.

Abstract: Nanofibers are produced having a diameter ranging from about 4 Å to 1 nm, and a nano denier of about 10−9. The use of the electro-spinning process permits production of the desired nanofibrils. These fibrils in combination with a carrier or strengthening fibers/filaments can be converted directly into nonwoven fibrous assemblies or converted into linear assemblies(yarns) before weaving, braiding or knitting into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional fabrics. The electrospun fiber can be fed in an air vortex spinning apparatus developed to form a linear fibrous assembly. The process makes use of an air stream in a properly confined cavity. The vortex of air provides a gentle means to convert a mixture of the fibril fed directly or indirectly from the ESP unit and a fiber mass or filament into an integral assembly with proper level of orientation. Incorporation of thus produced woven products into tissue engineering is part of the present invention.

Abstract: A drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links (1) interconnected by intermediate outer links and elongate pins (7) that are received in apertures in the inner and outer links. There is substantial clearance between the outer link and the corresponding inner links so as to permit flexion of the adjacent elongate pins in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the chain. The outer link may be in the form of a separate plate (6) or may be an integral part of the pins. In one embodiment the outer link is a crimped plate that offers resilience in the direction of the chain. The drive chains provide for shock absorption.

Abstract: The temperature can nowadays be reduced by about 400° C. as a result of the cooling of the guide vane (15) of the first guide wheel. The many film bores leading outward from the guide vane (15) must therefore remain free of blockages or deposits caused by suspended matter in the cooling medium. Only pure gas must therefore be used as the cooling medium for the first guide wheel. This purpose is served by a dust separator which is designed advantageously as an axial cyclone (24, 24′). The latter has no moving structural parts, has a simple design, is therefore insusceptible to faults and can be exposed to high temperatures. The axial cyclone is a centrifugal deduster without gas stream reversal.

Abstract: A supercharger for improving performance of a gas-turbine power plant at high ambient temperatures. The supercharger comprises an auxiliary fan that can pressurize air before it enters the gas turbine and means for limiting turbine power output at lower ambient temperatures. The means for limiting turbine power may include control over supercharging pressure, gas-turbine inlet air temperature, or burner exit temperature. The supercharger preferably also comprises cooling means located in the air stream between the auxiliary fan and the inlet to the turbine. The air cooler is preferably a direct evaporative cooler, but could also be an indirect evaporative cooler, a cooling coil with associated mechanical or absorption refrigeration system, etc. The supercharger may also include a bypass damper that allows air to move freely around the auxiliary fan when the fan is not operating. This supercharger is especially suitable for retrofit on existing gas-turbine power plants.

Abstract: A turbine and gas turbine comprise an annular stator and a turbine rotor rotatably disposed in the stator. The stator includes a tangential inlet to introduce a jet stream of motive gases in a tangential direction, an outlet to exhaust expanded gases, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending flow deflectors. The turbine rotor includes an annular jet stream path communicating with the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of turbine blades circumferentially spaced in close proximity with the annular jet stream path, which accommodates the flow detectors to deflect the jet stream toward the turbine blades.

Abstract: A rocket engine nozzle with an outlet portion having a curved profile in axial section. In order to control the flow separation occurring within the nozzle outlet, the radius of the outlet portion, in axial section, varies circumferentially in length.