Abstract: A ridge end assembly for a hipped roof is disclosed in which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof are connected to the ridge end by connectors which are provided with means for locating lengths of sealing material betwen panels supported, in use, by the panel supporting members and an overlying ridge end cap. In one embodiment, the ridge assembly can include a ridge structure, a ridge cap for fitting atop the ridge structure, the ridge cap having a channel at its underside, and at least one fastener having an enlarged part for reception and retention in the channel, the fastener comprising a flexible tie by means of which the cap can be drawn into place on the ridge structure and then secured by a locking member co-operating with the tie.

Abstract: The current invention is a concrete post anchor and method of using comprising two substantially vertical side brackets, side brackets operatively connected opposite one another and spaced apart with a base bracket, forming a U-shaped bracket. A portion of the side bracket extends below the base bracket forming a tab. An anchor rod is operatively connected to the tab extending away from the base bracket in a direction opposite the U-shaped bracket. The anchor can be embedded in a concrete pier and then a post can be fastened to the anchor. This allows for post built-type buildings to be constructed without wood directly contacting the soil, thereby creating substantially stronger and longer-lasting posts buildings.

Abstract: A drainage and ventilation system for a building is provided which includes two or more stacks which communicate fluid therein. The stacks are connected to a sewer for discharging liquid thereto, with at least one of the stacks having a discharge source for delivering liquid to a wet stack portion of that stack. A trap is positioned between the wet stack portion and the discharge source for inhibiting the passage of gas therethrough. The stacks are interconnected at an upper end thereof by a connecting member such as a connecting pipe or manifold, whereby air may be communicated between the stacks. An air admittance valve and a positive air pressure attenuation device are located above the connecting member, whereby air may be introduced into the stacks to compensate for entrained air moving with the liquid into the sewer, and air may be accumulated during increased pressure events, both helping to preserve trap seal integrity without releasing foul air into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A reduced thickness and/or reduced width insulation product is provided for use in combination with spray-on foam insulation. The insulation product is configured to be inserted into standard-size spaces between adjacent wall studs to which a spray-on foam insulation has been applied. The reduced size of the insulation product is specifically designed so that the combined width and thickness of the insulation product and the spray-on foam insulation fill the entirety of the building space, but do not overfill the space.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A one-piece open bottom fiber reinforced precast concrete arch unit is buried in compacted soil and has an arcuate top wall portion integrally connecting arcuate side wall portions. The fiber reinforced wall portions have a configuration which provides ductility and flexure strength for effectively utilizing the surrounding compacted soil to resist deflection of the unit in response to a load and to redistribute stresses in the unit. Each of the side wall portions of the unit has a reducing wall thickness towards its bottom and has a radius of curvature greater than the rise of the unit and at least twice the radius of curvature of the top wall portion. Bands of continuous fibers may be attached by adhesive resin to the outer surface of the arcuate side and top wall portions of the unit near opposite ends of the unit to increase the load carrying capacity of the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier tile consisting of film-like plastic for a floor, wall or ceiling structure, in particular a tile-clad wall or floor structure, for achieving decoupling between the base and a surface cladding to be applied to the film-like tile which has a multiplicity of chambers which are formed by depressions out of a plane of the carrier tile and the outer end faces of which form the first tile side, the depressions being designed for receiving a curing contact means, such as mortar or adhesive, provided for forming a contact layer with the surface cladding to be applied, and with a net-like fabric or nonwoven arranged on the first tile side, wherein the chambers between the first and an opposite tile side have an undercut-free wall portion, and wherein a net-like fabric overlapping the depressions is provided on the opposite tile side.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly to the foot. The second arm may also extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: A roofing shingle has a folding nail-down or securing strip added to the edge of the shingle that is placed on the lower or down edge of the shingle. This folding nail-down strip is attached to the roof and then the shingle is folded up over the stip. After a row of shingles have been secured across the roof, then a second (and additional rows thereafter) are placed on the top edge of the first row. The folding nail-down strip is attached to the roof over the top edge of the first row, and the shingle is then folded up and over covering the attachment strip. Rows are similarly added until the roof is completely shingled.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The isokinetic analysis of the forces upon the human muscles of the forearm, wrist and hand from the forces encountered by the tasks of support and stabilization are reduced by the inclusion of sections along the rail in the direction(s) of said task forces, in sufficient length and shape to engage repeated gripping. The human user can impart less force to prevent slipping and loss of control with less strain of muscles required for gripping. Non-obvious embodiments include portable devices such as ladders, boats and bus hand rails.

Abstract: A strut joint of a truss features a contact trough on an inner chord face being in an area contact with a rotationally symmetric strut end surface having a contact radius of at least half a strut height. The rotation axis of the strut end surface and the trough is substantially perpendicular to the struts protrusion direction and the chord's protrusion direction. The area contact provides for snug contact irrespective deviations from a predetermined strut joint angle between strut end and chord. An optional interposing structure may extend the area contact in between two opposite strut end surfaces of a single strut joint.

Abstract: A monitor apparatus includes a monitor main body displayed with an image, a base to support the monitor main body, a lower link having an end coupled to a base hinge to tilt with respect to the base, an upper link having an end coupled to a monitor hinge to tilt with respect to the monitor main body, and a middle link having a first side tiltably coupled to a first middle hinge with respect to the lower link and a second side tiltably coupled to a second middle hinge with respect to the upper link to control the upper link and the lower link to be folded in parallel. The monitor apparatus provides a various angle change of the monitor main body, and a packing volume of the monitor apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the ductility of a structural member, such as a reinforced concrete beam or column, by providing a region of increased compression yielding in the compression zone of the plastic hinge region or nearby. This can be achieved by using ductile compressive material in the compression zone, or by forming a mechanism provided in the compression zone to provide the ductile compression zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning a staggered anchorage comprised of a plurality of tension members, which are anchored in a bore hole at various depths, thus having different free steel lengths. For each staggered anchorage, each tension member is tensioned up to a predetermined maximal load and is then subsequently adjusted to the working load. To achieve a consistent elongation reserve of the individual tension member and thus to increase the security of a staggered anchorage, the staggered anchorage is adjusted to the working load, all tension members are adjusted to a reduced elongation (?Iw) by a uniform elongation difference (?Imax??Iw) relative to the respective elongation (?Imax) of the predetermined maximal load. An arrangement for performing the method has a single tensioning plane, which is force interconnected with defined locking elements that are arranged on tension members in clamping planes.

Abstract: A method for replacing a tile floor with a non-porous sheet comprises removing a plurality of tiles to expose a sub-floor in a replacement area, defining a pour volume above the sub floor in the replacement area, filling the pour volume with a settable material, and securing a non-porous sheet upon the settable material.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a water-tight seal around roof pipes extending upward on a roof surface is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for sealing a joint around a roof pipe by securing the apparatus to the roof around the pipe.

Abstract: A package for contact lenses includes a first panel having a housing mechanism, such as receptacles or wells, for housing a set of contact lenses in the first panel and a covering layer removably attached to the first panel for enclosing the set of contact lenses in the housing mechanism. The package also includes a second panel attached to the first panel. The second panel is pivotable relative to the first panel between a first position, in which the second panel is folded onto the first panel, and a second position, in which the second panel is pivoted away from the first panel. When the second panel is positioned in its first position, the first and second panels form a substantially flat package which is adapted for display on a conventional display unit.

Abstract: A tube with an internal channel of a complex geometry. The channel does not distort or collapse when the tube is bent 90 degrees with a 4-inch radius. Fabric may be inserted into and securely held in the internal channel. The tube is suitable for constructing frames of fabric structures, such as dodgers and biminis for boats, tents, chairs, etc.

Abstract: A spacer for a double-glazing unit, and a double-glazing unit, which make it possible to improve the durability performance of the double-glazing unit and moreover are capable of housing a granular desiccant in the spacer. The double-glazing unit 10 is comprised of a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 each of thickness 3.0 mm that face one another with a predetermined gap therebetween, a spacer 13 that is inserted between the glass plates 11 and 12 at a peripheral portion thereof so as to fix the predetermined gap between the glass plates 11 and 12 at, for example, 14.5 mm, and a secondary sealant 16 that is filled between the glass plates 11 and 12 on the outside of the spacer 13 and seals the spacer 13 from the exterior. The spacer 13 is comprised of an elongated thin-walled hollow body 13b that is interposed via a primary sealant 15 between the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 in the double-glazing unit 10 and houses a desiccant 13a.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for making a pouch style package is provided, comprising an optional bulge forming station for forming a puff or bulge; a heating and filling station for create seals and filling the pouch; and an optional flap making station comprising means for folding over a flap and sealing the inside portion of the flap to the front face of the pouch.

Abstract: Tablet automatic packaging machine and method for automatically recognizing cassettes of the cartridges of the tablet automatic packaging machine are disclosed. The tablet automatic packing machine includes a plurality of cartridges arranged in multiple layers. Each cartridge is coupled to a tablet cassette having a cassette memory in which tablet information or cassette information is recorded. Also, the cartridge comprises an inner memory to store cartridge information, a first data transmitting/receiving unit to transmit and receive commands related to preparation therefrom/thereto, a second data transmitting/receiving unit to transmit and receive commands related to cassette positions, and a control unit to control transmission from the cartridge information read from the inner memory to an external device based on reception of the commands related to cassette positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a wrapping apparatus and associated methods. The wrapping apparatus may include a first holder for holding first items to be wrapped. The wrap is placed on a rotating table when the rotating table is rotated into a first position. One of the first items to be wrapped is moved from the first holder onto the wrap on the rotating table when the rotating table is rotated to a second position. A wrapping mechanism then wraps the first item in the wrap.

Abstract: For an installation for packaging tablets in a blister strip moving beneath a bulk feed device for said tablets, the invention provides a distribution system comprising a mounting stand (1) for motorized control elements which has an attachment surface (100) provided with at least two sets of fixing members (41, 42) for detachably mounting thereon at least two interchangeable distribution units, each in working relationship with at least some of said motorized control elements in order to drive corresponding means to execute the distribution of the tablets between the bulk feed device and the blister strip. Such interchangeable units may preferably include at least one dispersion-based distribution unit with rotating brushes in succession above the travel path of the blister strip, and at least one channel-based distribution unit with descending guide ramps for the tablets.

Abstract: The method of packaging coils uses a tear-resistant packaging tube having openings at either end. The tear-resistant packaging tube is made from at least one layer of material. The coil is generally cylindrical and defines a length, a circumference, an inside diameter, and an opening with an inner periphery. The coil is placed inside of the tube so that there is excess circumferential tube material extending from a first end of the coil. The excess circumferential material of the tube is then inserted through the opening at the center of the coil and drawn through the coil to the second end. The edges of the tube which extend from the second end of the coil are then folded back around the outside of the coil and sealed to secure the tube on the roll.

Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat sealable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A method of individually packaging a diaper includes reconfiguring a diaper from a first configuration to a second configuration; and compressing the diaper to, and retaining the diaper in, a compressed condition by vacuum-packaging of the reconfigured diaper. Vacuum-packaging of the reconfigured diaper includes the steps of locating the diaper in an interior space of a substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the diaper at the negative pressure in the interior space of the flexible material. The packaged diaper may be the only diaper contained within the interior space of the flexible material. The diaper also may be packaged such that the packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person.

Abstract: A method for making pods (1) for products for infusion comprises the steps of: feeding a first portion (5) of filter material; making a compressed disk (2) of product, the disk being equivalent to a single dose of the product, at respective dosing and forming stations (3, 4); placing the compressed disk (2) on the first portion (5) of filter material; and superimposing a second portion (6) of filter material over the first portion (5) of filter material with the compressed disk (2) on it in such a way as to form the pod (1). The invention also relates to an apparatus that embodies this method.

Abstract: Products (2) presenting bevelled or rounded corner edges (35) are advanced singly and in succession along a predetermined path (P), each enveloped in a wrapper (11) of parallelepiped box-like shape, and directed ultimately into a station (15) where each product (2) is subjected to a finishing step that consists in deforming at least one part of the wrapper (11) and causing it thus to adhere to the surface of the relative product (2), in particular at the bevelled or rounded corner edges (35); thereafter, the finished products (2) are stacked and wrapped in respective stick packs (36) of which the longitudinal corner edges (38) will hug the corner edges (35) of the stacked products (2), adapting to the contours of the bevelled or rounded profile.

Abstract: Soap bars are packaged in a single sheet of material which can be plastic, paper, paperboard or combinations of these materials in the form of laminates. The soap bars are packaged in high-speed machines at more than about 50/minute. The single sheet of material is die cut to form a main section with the top, bottom and longitudinal side panels and end flaps appended to each panel. In order to promote folding at the desired points the sheet of material is weakened by scoring, perforating or scoring at the fold points. This weakening can be done just prior to feeding to the wrapping machine or at the time of die cutting. The die cutting can be done at the time of feeding in to the wrapping machine. The packaged soap bar will have planar end surfaces so that the package can stand on end and can have corner vents to permit the escape of some moisture and some fragrance at the point of sale.

Abstract: A product such as meat or a ready meal (12) is packaged in a tray (14) covered with a cover film (34), these being bonded together by dielectric heating between opposed electrodes (18, 24). The dielectric heating is carried out through at least one barrier layer (22, 28) comprising a foam material of a polymeric material that is not susceptible to RF. The film (34) may be of laminated form, for example comprising a polymer such as APET laminated to a bonding layer of polyethylene. This welding process avoids heat wastage, it can provide narrower seals, and enables a good seal to be obtained despite contamination of the surface of the tray.

Abstract: An air filtration unit, includes a filter cartridge (4) of the filtration bag (6) type, the bags (6) being arranged vertically and held extended by appropriate fixing elements (16, 17), between two support structures (12, 13). The upper ends (15) of the bags (6) are fixed to an upper support structure (13), in the form of a perforated sheet and the lower ends thereof (14) are fixed to a lower support structure (12), in the form of a grille. According to the invention, the fixing elements (16, 17), for the filtration bags (6), are embodied to permit the tensioning of the bags (6) at the upper end (15) thereof. The invention further relates to a particular method for assembly of a filtration bag within a unit as above, a tool for tensioning bags, embodied to be suitable for the unit.

Abstract: A system for measuring fume generation rates and total fume emissions of welding and allied processes includes a fume collection chamber and an automated welding assembly. The fume collection chamber includes a fume chamber housing, a door attached to the housing, a filter support connected to the housing, a hood connected to the housing and a connector attached to the housing and/or the hood. The automated welding assembly includes a rail, a carriage moveably mounted on the rail, a gun arm connected to the carriage and a welding gun mounted to the gun arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaner capable of quickly cleaning air in a larger area in an improved air circulation construction in which a body of an air cleaner is formed in a cylindrical shape, and air is sucked through an entire surface of a cylindrical body, and the sucked air is passed through a cylindrical filter and a cleaning unit, and the cleaned air is discharged in an upward direction, and in addition it is possible to prevent inlet air and outlet air from being mixed each other for thereby achieving an effective cleaning operation.

Abstract: An air treatment assembly for treating air passing through an air duct comprises a frame defining an interior space and having an inlet opening providing access to the interior space, an air treatment medium sized to be inserted into the interior space through the inlet opening, and a keyed connection between the frame and the air treatment medium to control the engagement of the air treatment medium with the frame. The air treatment assembly also comprises a frame defining an interior space, an air treatment medium sized to be received within the interior space, and an air quality module integrated with the frame.

Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.

Abstract: A device that is a fully self-contained motorized mowing apparatus with an electric-clutch. It is in tow behind self-propelled mowing equipment. A tow hitch frame is attached above and to the carrier frame, back of center of the mower carrier frame. Front wheels are stationary and rear wheels pivot, allowing the mower to follow directly off to the side of the lead equipment. Towing more specifically to “zero turn” tow units without leaving an uncut strip of turf.

Abstract: A fill detection device for a grass container includes: a detection switch; a pivot sensor that is fastened inside the grass container, that can actuate the detection switch as a result of contact with cut grass, and whose position can be changed between a raised non-detection position and a lowered detection position, the pivot sensor having: a first pressure-sensing surface that faces generally upwardly when the pivot sensor is in the non-detection position; and a second pressure-sensing surface that is linked to the first pressure-sensing surface, and that faces generally substantially rearwardly when the pivot sensor is in the non-detection position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly to mount the base of a hydraulic motor on a mower deck includes a cast iron mounting plate having stiffening structures around the perimeter and spanning the perimeter, and rubber isolators between the mounting plate and the mower deck.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower having a cord guide system for routing a recoil starter cord relative to a handle assembly of the mower. The guide system may include a cord guide operable to hold the starter cord to a non-interfering position such that a rear collection hopper can be easily removed from the lawn mower for dumping of collected grass clippings. The cord may be moved from the non-interfering position back to a starting position by application of a pulling force to the cord.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop, and a reel mounted on reel arms having a plurality of reel bats at spaced positions around the reel axis each reel bat having reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis. Each bat is mounted for pivotal movement about its bat axis. At both ends of each bat is mounted a crop divider which pivots with the bat and is formed with a plate lying in a radial plane of the bat with angularly spaced fingers around the outer edge. A leading edge of the plate and front finger is convexly curved relative to the concave curve of the front edge of the finger and is angularly advanced relative to the leading edge of the adjacent fingers such that the rotating crop dividers on the reel co-operate with a stationary crop on the header to separate the cut crop from uncut crop passing alongside the end of the header.

Abstract: An adjustable connector for a lawn rake has a sleeve, a rake head and a lever. The rake head is connected in front of the sleeve. The lever is attached pivotally to the sleeve and has a cam head operationally pressing against a shaft of the lawn rake when the lever is pivoted to lock the handle in the sleeve. By directly pressing the cam head of the lever against the handle, other accessories such as separate compression clamps in the prior art are obviated so that the structure of the adjustable connector is simplified.

Abstract: A fireproof composite yarn includes: -flameproof fibers at a quantity of more than 40 percent relative to the total weight of the yarn, the fibers being made of a crystalline or semicrystalline polymeric material; -hydrophilic fibers at a quantity ranging between 10 and 45 percent relative to the weight of the flameproof fibers, the hydrophilic fibers being made of an infusible material; -thermostable fibers at a quantity ranging between 4 and 50 percent relative to the total weight of the yarn, the thermostable fibers being made of a non-flammable material. The invention also relates to a fabric having at least one woven or knitted textile layer made of such a yarn.

Abstract: An air covered yarn is formed by feeding multiple polymeric yarns along a predetermined path to an air jet. Before reaching the air jet, the polymeric yarn ends are textured to form covering yarns. An elastomeric core is also fed along a predetermined path to the air jet. The covering yarn and elastomeric core are then pneumatically entangled to form a composite yarn.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a distally located surgical or diagnostic tool, a plurality of links proximal of the surgical or diagnostic tool, with at least two or more adjacent links being moveable relative to one another; and a joint assembly proximal of the plurality of links, with the joint assembly connected to a manually moveable handle extending proximally of the joint assembly. The links are operably connected to the joint assembly by cables such that manual movement of the handle causes a corresponding movement of the two or more adjacent links.

Abstract: The exhaust gas of a turbine engine can include water vapor. Aspects of the invention relate to various systems for recovering water from the exhaust gas of a gas turbine engine. In one system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to an absorption chiller. In another system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to a direct contact heat exchanger. In a third system, a portion of the exhaust gas can be routed to a fin-fan cooler. In each of these systems, the portion of gas can be cooled below its dew point temperature to release a portion of its humidity as liquid water. Aspects of the invention can be used with the turbine exhaust of simple and combined cycle power plants. A water recovery system according to aspects of the invention can minimize or eliminate a power plant's dependence on local water sources.

Abstract: A gas turbine control system is disclosed which operates to stabilize the system frequency in a case of transitional variations of the system frequency without making the strength of hot gas path parts of the gas turbine below a maximum stress value of the hot gas path parts. When a system frequency abnormality is detected, the output of the gas turbine is adjusted to recover the system frequency by making a gas turbine combustion gas temperature control inoperative. For this purpose, there are provided a logical circuit operative to make the gas turbine combustion gas temperature control disabled or inoperative in response to an abnormal system frequency detection signal, and a recovery circuit that operates to cancel the inoperative state of the gas turbine combustion gas temperature control. The detection of an abnormal system frequency may be carried out by an outside signal. An abnormality detection unit may be provided in a combined cycle plant.

Abstract: Pulsed detonation engines (PDEs), or various components thereof, such as the detonation chamber and/or nozzle, can be economically constructed from materials having low thermal stability, such as plastics, composites, and light metals. During operation, the intermittent injection and detonation of reactants produces a motive force (e.g., thrust) over relatively short intervals useful in orbit control and the like. The relatively short intervals of operation prevent temperatures of the PDE components from reaching temperatures that would result in their dimensional failure.

Abstract: Pulsed detonation engines (PDEs) are adapted for use in reaction control systems (RCS), such as thrusters for orbital correction and control (e.g., for earth-orbiting satellites), divert thrust generation and control for space-based interceptor devices, and for missile trajectory correction and motion control. According to one aspect of the invention, PDEs are adapted for motion control of so-called “kill vehicles,” which are small devices, typically launched from satellites, for strategic missile defense.

Abstract: A composite fan casing for a gas turbine engine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a core having a plurality of core layers of reinforcing fiber bonded together with a thermosetting polymeric resin. Each core layer includes a plurality of braided reinforcing fiber tows. The braids of reinforcing fiber tows are aligned in a circumferential direction with each fiber tow including a plurality of reinforcing fibers. The core also includes at least one additional fiber tow braided into at least one predetermined axial location to form at least one concentrated stiffening ring.