Abstract: An elongate ground gutter device designed to be placed on the ground with the central trough section thereof open above ground. The gutter device is designed to receive rain water falling down from the roof into the trough section, deflect that water inward into the trough, and transport it a distance away from the building.

Abstract: An articulated collapsible planar structure (10), including a number of parallel rigid beams (12) of substantially trapezoid cross-section rigidly attached in close formation. The structure (10) is rollable into a compact cylindrical package when the thin sheet faces the center of curvature and forms a curved structure when the beams face toward the center of the curvature.

Abstract: An anchoring device adapted to be partially buried in a concrete member during forming thereof for cooperation with a pick-up unit, the anchoring device comprising an integrally formed lifting pin and a void former.

Abstract: A cover for a concrete construction has a pair of anchor-engaging members extending from a disk-shaped body. The anchor-engaging members include fins which are configured to engage an anchor formed into a recess of a concrete block or wall to cover the recess. The cover is easily installed to the anchor by positioning the cover over the recess and urging the anchor-engaging member into engagement with the anchor.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: False return tread modules are provided that include a treadplate, a bullnose joined to the treadplate, a riserplate, and a stairbracket joined to the riserplate, such that the stairbracket/riserplate subassembly and treadplate/bullnose subassembly form the false tread module. The false tread modules of the invention permit fast and easy onsite installation, with or without preattached balusters.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: A deformable plastic trim strip useful for trimming the installation of doors, windows, and the like. The trim strip has a first side suitable for viewing in a finished installation, and a second side with an attached band of contact adhesive. In storage, the contact adhesive is covered by a peelable backing. The trim strip is formed of material which is capable of some deformation while retaining the elastic memory to retain its original flat shape. The trim strip can be cut, bent, roll formed, etc. to produce the shape desired for the installation. The user then removes the peelable backing and uses the contact adhesive to affix the strip in the desired location. The trim strip is preferably stored in a roll within a dispenser box. The dispenser box allows the compact storage and transportation of many feet of the material.

Abstract: A fire resistant assembly which may be used to ensure the fire resistance of a fire barrier such as a wall, comprising a first layer having a lumen therein, a second layer adjacent the first layer, and a box having a cavity defined by a wall, an opening in the wall, and a flange proximate the opening, wherein the box is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and wherein the opening is disposed on the lumen of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steel structural system for erecting stories of buildings, especially stories containing dwelling rooms, work rooms or rooms for accommodating household appliances where at least one floor structure (3) and ceiling structure (30) are provided, that each ceiling structure (30) serves as a floor structure (3) for another story, that load-bearing story supports (2) are arranged on the floor structure (3), and the ceiling structure (30) rests on these story supports, that an elastically sound-dampening joining system (4) is provided, which joins each of the story supports (2) with the floor structure (3), that the joining system (4) has a securing element (5), which is provided for laterally fixing the story support (2) to the floor structure (3), and is joined to the floor structure (3), that the joining system (4) exhibits a separating layer made out of flexible material with a high degree of resilience when deformed and a low plastic long-term compression, and that the separating lay

Abstract: The present invention is a pin-fuse joint generally utilized in a beam-to-column joint assembly subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse joint resists bending moments and shears generated by these loads. The joint is comprised of standard structural steel building materials, but may be applied to structures comprised of structural steel, reinforced concrete, and or composite materials, e.g., a combination of structural steel and reinforced concrete. The beam-to-column assembly is comprised of a column and a beam and a plate assembly that extends between the column and the beam. The plate assembly is welded to the column and is attached to the beam via the pin-fuse joint. The pin fuse joint is created by a pin connection through the beam and the connection plates of the plate assembly at the web of the beam. Additionally, both the plate assembly and the beam have curved flange end connectors that sit flush against one another separated only by a brass shim when the beam and plate assembly are joined.

Abstract: A floor perimeter safety rail arrangement for the protection of workers on the floor of a building on which the workers are workers. The rail arrangement comprises a cement encasable hollow receiving base for attachment to a support surface and a stanchion post removably received in the receiving base. A locking arrangement is provided for both securing and unlocking the stanchion post with respect to the receiving base after the cement has been poured.

Abstract: A stay in place concrete formwork wall element comprises a major surface defining a portion of a face of the concrete wall, said surface having a plurality of uniformly sized and spaced apertures substantially throughout the surface allows concrete to seep partially through the apertures thereby providing an irregular trowelable surface facilitating the application of stucco or other wall coverings.

Abstract: The composite floor system of the present invention comprises a system of joists, where each of the joists has a top chord, a bottom chord and a web, including tension and compression members in the space between the top chord and the bottom chord and secured to the top and bottom chords, and a top chord that is formed substantially in the shape of a cross.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attaching a first stud (20) against a transverse second stud (30). The respective stud(s) include(s) at least two opposite flanges (5). A connector piece (40) is brought to extend at said first stud (20) into a longitudinal groove which is arranged at a flange inner side (6), whereby an outer locking end (42) arranged at said connector piece is brought into a locking engagement with a corresponding groove (12) in the other stud (30). The present invention also relates to a stud (20, 30) which includes opposite flanges (5) and a first longitudinal groove between said flanges. An additional longitudinal groove (12) extends in into the respective flange (5) and defines a retaining edge (14) for a connector piece (40) which extends in the groove. The present invention further relates to a connector piece (40) for connecting studs (20, 30).

Abstract: An aperture guide that facilitates alignment of masonry blocks to construct opposing walls of an aperture is disclosed and claimed. Apertures so formed typically are used for placement of windows, doors, and the like. The aperture guide is formed of components that form a parallelogram of varying angles owing to the rotatability of four junction points. When positioned for use, effectively linear edges guide the placement of blocks to result in greater accuracy and precision, with increased worker efficiency. Methods of use also are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A wall cladding assembly is disclosed having elongate jointing elements 12 for mounting to a frame 11 and having flanges 17 extending therefrom, a plurality of walling members 10 having elongate recesses along opposed sides thereof for receiving the flanges 17 whereby the plurality of walling members 10 is supported by the plurality of jointing elements 12 to form a wall, and elongate cover means 15 for fastening to the jointing elements 12 to cover the jointing elements 12 between adjoining walling members 10.

Abstract: An arrangement for effective handling of sheet material, such as banknotes, or transferred messages printed on sheet material, wherein the arrangement comprises sheet bundling means (33), a store (25, 27) of so-called enveloping material (26, 28), means (30, 32,-34) for enveloping bundles of sheet material with material (26, 28) taken from the store (25, 29) of enveloping material, wherein said store includes two mutually co-acting rolls (25′, 27′) of enveloping material; and processors for co-ordinating and controlling the co-action between the various units in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The store of enveloping material (25, 27) has pulse generating elements (2521, 2531, 2522, 2532). Pulse reading elements (29) for reading the pulses generated in response to roll movement and sending these pulses to the processor are provided on a fixed body (20) of the arrangement and in close connection with the pulse generating elements.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a trolley (1) for an autoclave. The trolley is furnished with U-shaped profiles (7) to receive packages (6), which are to be sterilized in the autoclave simultaneously with their contents. The profiles (7) have a large number of openings. By the position and the form of the profiles (7) at least four sides of each package (6) are reached by steam of the autoclave. The angled sides (8) of the U-shaped profiles (7) assists in collecting the cooling water of the autoclave and lead it towards the packages (6).

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives spout-equipped bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections made of rails that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.

Abstract: A wrapper folding apparatus of a packaging machine has a second wheel (10) for use as a folding turret. The second wheel (10) is supplied with a cigarette bundle and an aluminized sheet (S) in an inlet position. As this is done, the aluminized sheet (S) is folded around the periphery of the cigarette bundle, and lug portions formed by the peripheral folding are folded by means of primary lug folding guides (36). Since the lug protions are kept folded by means of holding guides (38) thereafter, they cannot be freed until an outlet position is reached. When the cigarette bundle is discharged in the outlet position of the second wheel (10), the lug portions on the end-flap side are folded by means of secondary lug folding guides (46). After the folding, side flaps continue to be folded without allowing the lug portions to be free.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing a pack filled with one or more objects, including a main case; a first sealing member provided in the main case; a second sealing member facing the first sealing member; a movable supporting part supporting the second sealing member and allowing the second sealing member to move near to, and away from, the first sealing member; and a heater provided in at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to heat and melt the pack interposed therebetween.

Abstract: For pre-sterilizing a tubular bag packing machine to be operated under sterile conditions after the pre-sterilization phase, following the steam sterilization of the device metering the loading material and forming part of the machine, and of the forming pipe simultaneously serving as a filling pipe, the subsequent supply of sterile air to the meter, to the forming pipe and to the sterile chamber will be maintained. The longitudinally sealed tube of packing material formed on the forming pipe from the web of packing material is kept open underneath the opening of the sterile chamber in order to allow both the sterile air and the mixture of steam and sterilization agent conducted after pre-sterilization of the metering device into the sterile chamber to be discharged through the forming pipe and the tube of packing material open at the bottom.

Abstract: A log packaging apparatus for packaging logs using a turret or a shuttle. The turret or shuttle can be used in conjunction with a wrap conveyor. The turret system can include a rotatable turret with at least one clamp movable into different positions in the apparatus, a log station at which logs are received, and a log ejector for ejecting logs from the log station into clamps of the turret. Logs can be ejected from the log station, through wrap material, and into the turret clamps. In other embodiments, a wrap conveyor inserts wrap material between a shuttle and a log station at which logs are received. Logs in such embodiments can pass from the log station to the shuttle through the wrap material.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: In order to reduce the percentage of leaks in sealed packages, the sealing jaws contain one or more raised regions that correspond to problem areas for leaks, i.e., adjacent to back seals and folds in the package design. The raised regions are raised approximately 4-20 mils above the regions that seal the normal two layers of material.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.

Abstract: A riding stirrup includes a foot-receiving part 1 and a plate-like part 2 which is suspended from a strap 14. The part 1 is pivotally received on a tongue 7 held by a flange 8 and a retaining plate 9 which is secured to the plate 2 by snap fasteners 11. Normal downward forces on the stirrup do not dislodge the plate 9, but if the rider falls from the saddle the part 1 pivots in direction A levering the fasteners 11 apart. The retaining plate 9 is thus freed allowing the foot-retaining part 1 to separate from the suspension part 2.

Abstract: An air filter and corresponding filter element for use in an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The filter element has a seal bead made of an elastomeric material that forms the frame of the filter element. A pleat block, made of a filter media, is molded into the seal bead in a first area of the filter element and a baffle is located in a second area of the filter element to protect the pleat block from wetting. A channel is formed in one side of the seal bead which allows the filter element to be retained during assembly without the use of fasteners and a surface is formed opposite the seal bead that in conjunction with the channel seals the filter element within the air filter when the air filter is fully assembled. The air filter has an intake silencing chamber that is located to receive outside air before it is provided to the pleat block and a sealed flow path is created from the intake silencing chamber to the pleat block by a third area of the filter element.

Abstract: An air filter housing for an internal combustion engine, which includes an unfiltered air capsule and a filtered air capsule, contains an orifice with perforations which are covered by air-permeable fabric or a sound element. Airborne sound emission occurs through these orifices and through the fabric or the sound element in such a way as to optimize the exterior and interior sounds of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary machine is disclosed having a rotor 11, a stator 16, and blade rows 12, 14 on the rotor and stator that impart a high swirl component to gases flowing through the machine so that the denser impurities are deflected radially outwards by centripetal action onto the inner wall of the stator of the machine. A ramped guide surface is provided on the inner wall 17 of the stator along which any impurities separated by the centripetal action from the main gas stream are entrained by the main gas stream and guided to flow from the gas intake side to the gas outlet side of the machine. The guide surface is radially stepped to resist only reverse flow of the separated impurities back towards the gas intake side of the machine and serves at the downstream end of the machine to discharge the separated impurities back into the main gas stream for the impurities to exit from the machine with the main gas stream.

Abstract: A commercial riding mower with a chassis built on a relatively rigid frame and having a number of operating systems such as the power plant, motive system, cutter drive system, and fuel storage and delivery system, each of which is accessible through a swing away panel, or hatch, for easy maintenance and repair without compromising safety of the operator or anyone in close proximity to the mower in operation, or impairing the structural integrity of the mower.

Abstract: A mower suitable for attachment to a utility vehicle and adapted to follow terrain and retract in response to an immovable obstacle, the mower generally including an attachment frame configured to be pivotally attached to the utility vehicle, a secondary frame pivotally connected to the attachment frame, and a housing positioned adjacent to the secondary frame and being laterally movable with respect to the secondary frame, wherein the housing retracts in a direction toward the secondary frame when contact occurs between the housing and the immovable obstacle and automatically returns to an approximate pre-contact position when contact between the housing and the immovable obstacle is eliminated.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes an operator station. The operator station provides an operator console. An adjustable mount provides a swivel and tilt adjustment for an electronic display panel connected to the console. Adjustment is provided by an elongated member with a first end pivotably connected to the operator console. The elongated member is pivotable about a first axis. An ICDU is pivotably attached to the elongated member and is pivotable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: An agricultural crop processing machine, including a processing apparatus having a width; a crop pickup located forwardly of the crop processing apparatus and having a width greater than that of the crop processing apparatus; at least one auger having an axial core wherein the core has a drive wheel or sprocket at one end; and first and second bearing supports are disposed to journal the core and disposed inward of the drive wheel or sprocket. In a preferred embodiment, both bearing supports are inwardly disposed of the auger drive sprocket, which decreases the overall pickup width so as to increase the tine row-to-overall pickup width. A deflector plate acts as a bearing support and deflects crop material to allow for a shorter auger screw. A pickup cam drive wheel or sprocket and the auger drive wheel or sprocket are disposed in substantially the same plane.

Abstract: A spun yarn comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) staple fibers at a content of at least 15% by weight, the spun yarn having an elastic recovery percentage of elongation at 5% elongation (%) ≧0.1X+70 (wherein X represents the content of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) staple fibers in the spun yarn (wt %)). The spun yarn is excellent in knitting and weaving characteristics, stretchability and stretch-back property and in shape stability and durability when worn for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for driving an accessory, such as a fuel pump or an oil pump in a turboengine, said system comprising an electric motor and further comprising an air turbine associated with said electric motor. Said air turbine is suitable for being fed with a flow of air taken from a compressor of said turboengine and contributing to driving the accessory. The system also includes a valve for controlling the flow of air taken from the compressor, which valve is in the closed position while the turboengine is starting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preheating combustibles in combined gas and steam turbine installations. Said device comprises at least one steam generator (5, 6, 7) for heating, evaporating and superheating feed water, which has a feed water preheater (15, 16, 43, 51), an evaporator (8, 9, 10) and a superheater (11, 12, 13), at least part of the heated feed water being used for preheating combustibles in a combustible preheater, which can be supplied with feed water of a predetermined temperature by a feed water supply line (35, 36, 37, 56, 58, 60, 73) Once the combustible has been heated, the cooled feed water can be drained using a feed water drain line (57, 59, 61, 74). The aim of the invention is to configure a device of this type so that it can be used in different gas turbine installations and its heating capacity can be rapidly and cost-effectively adapted to predetermined combustible preheating requirements.

Abstract: In a gas turbine control apparatus, a frequency analyzing section frequency-analyzes at least one of pressure oscillation in combustors of a gas turbine and acceleration oscillation of each of the combustors and outputs a first frequency analysis result as the result of frequency analysis for a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. A control unit controls at least one of a first fuel flow rate of fuel and a first air flow rate of air based on the first frequency analysis result for the plurality of frequency bands. The fuel and the air are supplied to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine combustor having a plurality of venturi mixers, each connected to an air supply path that passes air compressed by a compressor and to a supply source of gaseous fuel, which mix the air and the gaseous fuel to produce an air-fuel mixture and supply the air-fuel mixture to a combustion chamber for generating premixed combustion or diffusive combustion such that produced combustion gas is supplied to a turbine through a turbine nozzle to rotates the turbine that outputs its rotation through an output shaft, while driving the compressor by the rotation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and device for clearing an ion thruster grid of contaminants. A typical method includes applying a power supply to a grid to clear contaminants, monitoring an energy applied to the grid of the applied power supply and suspending application of the power supply to the grid after the monitored energy substantially reaches a predetermined value. A typical device includes a controller for applying a power supply to a grid to clear the grid of contaminants and a timer for monitoring an energy applied to the grid of the applied power supply and suspending application of the power supply to the grid after the monitored energy substantially reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus including a structural jacket, a forward liner, and an aft liner, and an associated method of constructing the same are provided. The structural jacket defines a passage including a first end, a second end, and a neck. The neck is positioned between and separates the first and second ends of the passage. The forward liner is positioned within the first end of the passage and has a throat fitted within the neck of the passage. The aft liner is positioned within the second end of the passage and has an upstream potion abutting the throat of the forward liner. The forward and aft liners are brazed together, and are bonded to the passage of the structural jacket, to form a longitudinal combustion chamber so that combustion of the propellant is contained and directed through the combustion chamber from the forward liner to the aft liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating regeneration in a particulate trap including the steps of locating self-mode-stirring microwave-absorbing material in the particulate trap in areas that particulates build up, generating microwaves, absorbing microwaves with the microwave-absorbing material, and controlling the microwaves to initiate a burn-off of particulates.

Abstract: A control (30) for controlling a variable valve actuation mechanism (26) of an internal combustion engine (10) to regenerate a NOx adsorber catalyst (35) in the exhaust system (22) of the engine. The control comprises an operating program (50) for regenerating the catalyst while the engine is running under its own power by causing the variable valve actuation mechanism to change the timing of operation of the intake valves (18) so as to transition the fuel-air ratio of mixture that is being combusted in the cylinders (16) from a relatively leaner mixture to a mixture that sufficiently richer than stoichiometric to effectively regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control apparatus includes a NOX catalyst provided within an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine where fuel combustion is continuously performed at a lean air/fuel ratio, and a reducing agent supply valve within the exhaust passage upstream of the NOX catalyst. If the NOX stored in the NOX catalyst is required to be decreased, a selector valve position is selected between a forward and a reverse flow positions so as to decrease a flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOX catalyst. Then a reducing agent is supplied upon elapse of a predetermined time period from the timing when the signal instructing to select the position of the selector valve. An oxygen sensor detects an oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas discharged from the NOX catalyst upon supply of the reducing agent. The elapsing time is corrected such that a peak value of the detected oxygen concentration accords with the target value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary air feeding apparatus and a method of detecting an abnormality in the apparatus capable of making a precise determination on abnormalities in components and detecting operational failures as well. According to one aspect of the invention, the opening-closing state of opening-closing means (ASV) is switched during the operation of an air pump, and abnormalities in respective components are detected on the basis of pressure values and pressure fluctuation values detected by a pressure sensor disposed between the air pump and the ASV before and after the switching of the opening-closing means.

Abstract: A method of desulfurization of a ceramic storage medium (10, 12) for sulfur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides situated in a gas stream, in particular a storage device for nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides situated in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine is described, a mixture having a low oxygen concentration being established in the gas stream to release the stored sulfur oxides. A measuring signal is recorded by an oxygen probe (14) situated downstream from the storage medium (10, 12) in the direction of flow of the gas stream, the curve of this measuring signal being used to determine the loading of the storage medium (10, 12) with sulfur oxides. This method makes it possible to determine the need for desulfurization as a function of the loading of the storage medium (10, 12) with sulfur oxides, to monitor and control the progress of desulfurization initiated and to check on how complete the desulfurization that is concluded has been.

Abstract: A method for heating a catalytic converter in internal combustion engines is introduced wherein: an index for the temperature of the catalytic converter is formed; below a predetermined temperature of the catalytic converter, a first heating measure takes place wherein the temperature of the exhaust gas is increased; and, above the predetermined temperature, alternatively or supplementary to the first heating measure, a second heating measure takes place wherein a reaction-capable mixture is supplied to the catalytic converter in addition to the exhaust gas and the reaction of this mixture releases heat in the catalytic converter.

Abstract: In an operating method for internal combustion engines which operate with exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems, in particular diesel internal combustion engines, a plurality of operating programs are used. The first of these programs, as an initial stage, works on the basis of automatic regeneration. The second of these programs provides measures which assist regeneration, for example by increasing the exhaust-gas temperature, in the event of conditions which are unfavourable for regeneration, for example on account of unfavourable driving cycles. The third of these programs has the purpose of reactivating the damaged components in the event of non-irreversible damage to the components of the exhaust-gas system.

Abstract: Two motors are arranged on opposing sides of a common shaft, drive plates of the pump/motors being rigidly coupled to each other, for example by being in hard contact with opposing sides of the shaft. By providing hard contact between the pump/motor drive plates and a common shaft, the drive plates and shaft act as a substantially solid element under compression, thereby substantially canceling axial loads generated by the pump/motors directly through the shaft. Residual axial loads are handled via bearings positioned on the shaft adjacent the drive plates in such a manner that the drive plates are in light contact only with the bearings. As a result, friction experienced by the bearings is substantially reduced as compared to conventional systems, thereby improving the efficiency of the system.