Abstract: A slotted roof flange offset conduit support in accordance with the present invention includes a support member including a mounting portion, a flange portion, and a peripheral edge having an opening therein. The support member includes an elongated slot therein the support member for receiving a conduit. The elongated slot extends from the opening through the mounting portion and into the flange portion. At least one engagement member is disposed in the flange portion for securing a conduit in the elongated slot.

Abstract: A diagonal support brace for a screened enclosure of the type having a plurality of laterally spaced apart frames extending over a recreational area. The support brace comprises an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion slidably received in the outer tubular portion. The support brace includes a frame attachment at a first end of the brace for attaching to an upper portion of the frame and an anchor attachment at a second end of brace for selectively attaching to a lower portion of the frame or to a surface of the recreational area.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: A method of constructing a soundwall comprises forming a back panel comprising a longitudinal wall connecting two opposing end walls, such that the end walls are relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal wall, wherein each opposing end wall has a first end and a second end, wherein the end wall first end joins the longitudinal wall, and the end wall second end has a perpendicular attachment mechanism, for attachment relatively perpendicular to the end wall. The back panel is then filled with a sound absorbing core, which is then enclosed by attachment of a of a perforated front panel to the back panel end wall perpendicular attachment mechanism. The front panel has opposing panel ends, wherein the end wall perpendicular attachment mechanism comprises a u-shaped protrusion at the end wall second end, wherein the u-shape is generally perpendicular to the end wall, and further, wherein the perforated front panel ends each have a mating u-shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure. The buckling restrained brace of the present invention is accomplished by a buckling restrained brace 1 wherein a steel-made center axial member 3 is passed through a buckling-constraining concrete member 2 reinforced with a steel member 6, and an adhesion-preventive film 4 is provided to the interface between the steel-made center axial member and buckling-constraining concrete 5, the adhesion-preventive film showing a secant modulus in the thickness direction of at least 0.

Abstract: A ground surface cast-in-place foundation assembly adapted to vertically engage a perimeter beam of a level modular housing comprising a buttress assembly that includes a means for seating the perimeter beam, a tubular stanchion having an upper and lower end, an anchor base plate fixedly connected to the lower end of the stanchion and a couple of transverse tabs attached to the intermediate portions of the stanchion; and a flowable and settable foundation material which envelopes at least a portion of the buttress assembly, wherein the foundation material conforms to the shape of a porous fabric container into which it is poured, and it sets with the enveloped portion of the buttress assembly embedded therein.

Abstract: This improved method of forming a foundation uses a dynamic leveling foundation and method uses a prelevel coplanar support while installing permanent foundation. This improved method starts when a manufactured house arrives at the permanent site. The manufactured house has flooring assembly supported on its underside by horizontal parallel beams or joists that needs firmly grounded foundation support. The temporary support step provides a temporary level support for the manufactured house. When the temporary support is established, the house arrives from the factory. The preferred temporary support is a temporary tripod support system that may be installed under the sidewalls and the mate line. The tripod support system comprises multiple tripods each having a triangular transverse frame to support an extended undercarriage area. Each tripod makes at least two separate supporting abutments with its overlying perimeter joist or mate line joist which reduces total labor time.

Abstract: A laminated one-ply support mat comprised of a plurality of individual wood hat includes means for transferring load and interlocking with an adjacent one-ply The laminated one-ply support mat may be suitable for the construction of ads, flooring, or platforms to support heavy equipment. The laminated one-ply ay include a non-laminated member fastened to each side to prevent damage to the laminated support mat. The laminated one-ply support may be comprised of a individual wood laminations fastened together by a plurality of nuts and bolts support mat to be disassembled and repair in the field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening means of air grille including a grid face, a filtering device, a stationary frame and door latches, in which said grid face is hinged to the stationary frame with one side, and the opposite side of the grid face is fastened on the stationary frame with the door latches; wherein said door latches molded of plastic is located on the grid face in movable connection with a catching hook at the middle portion; a pushing portion is built upon the upside of the door latch, and a L-shaped catching shoe on the lower portion, above the L-shaped catching shoe the catching hook is built up for holding the grid face on, and an open slot constructed of the low leg of the L-shaped shoe and the bottom of said pushing portion is used to catch on the stationary frame.

Abstract: A method and device are presented that creates a channel adjacent a nailing flange of a window in between the window and the rough opening that receives the window. The channel is created by establishing a barrier that prevents foam insulation inserted into the space between the window and the rough opening from reaching the nailing flange. The channel then ensures proper drainage of water that enters the window cavity down to the window sill. A gasket is presented that can be attached to the window or the rough opening to create the barrier. Alternatively, a disintegrating object or a wicking object can be used to impede the flow of insulation foam and to create the appropriate channel. The present invention is equally applicable to doors or other framed objects received into the exterior shell of a building.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a base; a supporting surface mounted in a fixed spaced relationship to the base; and an engaging member having an engaging surface. The supporting surface is a surface of a supporting member, a portion of the second surface of the base, or combinations thereof. The engaging member is connected to the base, the supporting member or combination of the base and supporting member. The engaging member is moveable under a biasing force toward the supporting surface into an engaging position. The mounting devices can be mounted on a surface of a substrate, e.g. an automotive transparency to provide a panel, and the panels can be fixedly secured over an opening, e.g. an opening the body of a vehicle, without the use of structural adhesive.

Abstract: A connection element (1) comprises a base plate (4) and two side walls (5, 6). The cross-section of the side walls (5, 6) is curved several times. The side walls (5, 6) have a first cushioning zone (7, 8) and a second cushioning zone (9, 10). This design enables the free ends (28, 29) of the side walls (5, 6) to be cushioned both parallel and perpendicularly to the base plate (4). The claimed connection element (1) is suitable for connecting the ends of metallic or plastic hollow sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a floor sound-insulating type heating system in which a floor sound-insulating structure for reducing the transmission of an impact sound from upstairs to downstairs in an apartment complex and a dry floor heating structure are integrally formed with each other. The floor sound-insulating type heating system can achieve improvements in construction efficiency as well as sound insulation and heat insulation effects.

Abstract: A ceiling system having panels suspended from a ceiling with a frame and suspension connections. The panels are a non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and second effect fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone and a second planar zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The second planar zone includes a greater concentration of second effect fibers and second binder fibers. The first planar zone can include a first surface skin associated with the first planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material, and a second surface skin associated with the second planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material.

Abstract: Provided herein are masonry structures, including walls, which are disposed upon a footing having a re-bar disposed longitudinally therethrough. The masonry structures of the invention include vertical bores disposed along their lengths, and include tensioned cables which extend through a first vertical bore, are spirally wound about the re-bar, and also extend through a second vertical bore such that the end portions are rigidly anchored in position near the top course of masonry units used in constructing the structures, and wherein the tensioned cables are under a relatively high mechanical tension. By staggering a plurality of tensioning cables, structures comprising a plurality of masonry units of enhanced structural stability over structures of prior art are provided.

Abstract: A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails or adhesive. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a floor system for efficiently absorbing an impact applied to a floor. The floor system includes a first impact-absorbing material, and a second impact-absorbing material installed at an upper side of the first impact-absorbing material and having a higher density than that of the first impact-absorbing material.

Abstract: A siding attachment strip for and method to install siding panels on a building structure are provided. The siding attachment strip consists of an elongate body, a number of siding top edge clips spaced along the elongate body, and a number of finger slot channels adjacent to the siding top edge clips. Each siding top edge clip is capable of holding the top edge of a siding panel. The finger slot channels receive a fastener attached to the siding panel to keep the siding panel in place.

Abstract: Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder, as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.

Abstract: A press-formable light-gauge truss framing element which comprises a longitudinal constructional beam having a uniform generally T-shaped cross-section, in which a generally vertical portion of said cross-section defines a web of said beam and a transverse horizontal upper portion thereof defines symmetric opposing portions of a hollow solid rectangle. An upper-most outer surface of each of said portions includes longitudinal channels thereon. The beam comprises a material having a thickness in a range of about 10 to about 22 gauges and having a yield strength in a range of about 36 to about 55 kips per square inch and, prior to press-shaping, a width of about one foot.

Abstract: Truss spacing devices (1) having truss holding legs (11) and truss accommodation areas (4) are provided. One embodiment has an outer body section (2) and at least one inner body section (3) extendably housed within the outer body section (2). A truss accommodation area (4) is formed between the truss holding leg (11) and the inner body section (3). To use, a person adjusts the inner body sections (3) so as to correspond with the appropriate width of a truss (9) and locks the inner body sections (3) in place. Then, the user places the truss (9) in the truss accommodation areas (4). Finally, a person positions the truss (9) at the desired location on a tie beam for securement. Alternate embodiments of the present invention allow for the use of the truss spacing device (1) in conjunction with roof pitches (17).

Abstract: Connectors for connecting preformed concrete panels, which connectors have doubletee flanges extending from a center flange, forming a U shape, with the flanges twisted at their ends an angle of 90 degrees from the center, forming a curved surface between the ends and the center flange, the connectors carried in and having the center flanges flush with the sides of the panels, each center flange meeting a like center flange in an adjoining panel, with the center flanges welded together to connect the concrete panels.

Abstract: A fastener system including two interengaging members for securing boards to supporting members.

Abstract: A building element connection and spacing device including a strip member (420) of substantially inextensible material, a connector (424) located at at least one longitudinal position on said member for providing a connection between orthogonal building elements (431, 450), and at least one index (439) at a longitudinal position on said member corresponding to an element spacing distance. In one form, a plurality of the devices are adapted to be laid end-to-end to provide a series of building element connections at fixed intervals, such as those between a wall frame top member (431) and a series of roof trusses, a bearer member (435) and floor joists (434) or between a wall frame bottom member (433) and uprights (432).

Abstract: A slotted channel with a supplemental flange as a building member has at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the member web or primary flanges yielding a building member with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted member presents a reduced area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer.

Abstract: A composite beam that comprises a web (21) having a corrugated-shaped profile, with aligned parts (23, 22) in two parallel planes (27, 25) in the longitudinal direction and tilted parts (29) between them; two flanges (17, 19); a first element (33) of C-shape and a second element (43, 53, 63) of beam-shape, such as C or Z, each of them having webs (35; 45, 55, 65) bonded to the parallel parts (23, 22) of the corrugated web in one plane (27, 25) enclosing the web (21) between them, and having the caps (37, 39; 47, 49; 57, 59; 67, 69) of said first and second elements bonded to one or two additional single flanges (7, 9) or bonded between them to form the beam flanges (17, 19).

Abstract: A fuel gas is passed into one set of channels in a compact reactor (12) consisting of a plurality of metal sheets (41) arranged to define first and second gas flow channels (14 and 15), the channels being arranged alternately to ensure good thermal contact between the gases in them and each channel containing a removable metallic heat conducting insert (44) coated with a ceramic. In the set of channels carrying the fuel the ceramic supports particles of a transition metal oxide, which is reduced by the combustion gas to form metal particles. In the other set of channels the ceramic supports particles of a transition metal, and these channels carry a flow of an oxidizing gas, which oxidises the metal. The flows to the two sets of channels are then exchanged. If the oxidizing gas is steam, the result is a stream of pure hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securing articles against theft. According to the inventive method, at least one strapping means (10) is tightened around an article (2) to be secured, whereby overlapping areas of the strapping means (10) are linked with each other. At least one electronically detectable securing element (21) is fed to the strapping means (10) in such a manner that the securing element (21) is included between the overlapping areas. The invention also relates to an installation (1) for securing articles against theft by tightening around them at least one strapping means (10) comprising a locking installation (18) for locking the overlapping areas of a strapping means (10) enclosing the article (2) to be secured. The installation further comprises a device for applying at least one electronically detectable securing element (21) to the strapping means (10) before the latter is closed.

Abstract: A device comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. The plug is positioned within the housing to occlude a port hole in the housing. The housing is positioned within a container so the port hole faces a wall of the container. A hole is created in said container above the port hole. To evacuate or inject air into the container, a hose adaptor with a specialized hose tip is connected to a vacuum or air hose. When inserted into the port hole, the hose tip temporarily displaces the plug from the port hole. Vents within the housing allow air to move through the housing and into or out of the hose tip. Removal of the hose tip allows the plug to resume position over the port hole to maintain the vacuum or air pressure within the container.

Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. The process may further include flushing the container with an inert gas. The flushing step may be performed while the container is empty or prior to being completely filled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine with which packaging cavities (3) are filled with a product to be packaged and are closed by a cover film (2). The packaging cavities (3) are displaced in an intermittent manner along the packaging machine, and the cover film is stretched to its exact positioning on the packaging cavities. The invention also relates to a method for sealing a cover film on packaging cavities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner cartridge filter turbine, consisting of a turbine vacuum power unit mount, a turbine impeller blade and a cartridge filter cage mount. The suction air stream through the shop vacuum cleaner and through the turbine impeller blade rotates the cartridge filter on the filter mount of the cartridge filter turbine, creating centrifugal force on the outer surface of the rotating cartridge filter, which inhibits particles carried by the air from settling on the filter. This rotating action of the filter keeps the filter relatively clean, allowing air to pass through the filter unobstructed and thus prolonging the optimum function of the filter and reducing otherwise required filter service. The shop vacuum cleaner cartridge filter turbine can readily be built into a new vacuum cleaner or retrofitted in existing vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle equipped with a public service air filter, comprising an air intake an air filter connected by fluid passageway to said air intake. An air outlet is adapted to exhaust the filtered air outside said motorized vehicle. In one preferred embodiment, a static and high voltage discharge chamber is used to ionize the air. In another preferred embodiment, easily changed filters are used. In another preferred embodiment any combination of above said filtration systems may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shop vacuum cleaner cartridge filter rotating system, consisting of a turbine mount, a turbine impeller blade and a cartridge filter mount, assembled on an axle. The suction air stream through the shop vacuum cleaner and through the turbine rotates the cartridge filter on the filter mount of the filter rotating system, creating centrifugal force on the outer surface of the rotating cartridge filter, which inhibits particles carried by the air from settling on the filter. This rotating action of the filter keeps the filter relatively clean, with air passage through the filter unobstructed, which prolongs the optimum function of the filter and reduces the frequency of necessary filter service. The shop vacuum cleaner cartridge filter rotating system can readily be built into a new vacuum cleaner or retrofitted in existing vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: The invention is a filter for gaseous media that comprises nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix with the nano alumina fibers to create asymmetrical pores. The filter is a high efficiency, high capacity particulate filter that intercepts pathogens and other particulate matter from gaseous media, including vapor-suspended particles. The new filter has an improved retention of water-aerosolized particles as compared to conventional HEPA filters and may be used as a pre-filter that extends the life of HEPA filters by about five to ten times. The invention is also a method of manufacturing and using the filter.

Abstract: A forage harvester comprises feeder means for feeding harvested crop material to the processing means along a crop feed path. It is equipped with a foreign object detector for signaling the presence of foreign objects in said harvested crop. The detector means comprises a sensor having a detection field extending into at least a portion of said path. The sensor is substantially symmetric with respect to a direction transverse to the crop feed path and the detector further comprises restriction means distinct from said sensor, making said detection field asymmetric with respect to said transverse direction. As a result, the detector becomes less sensitive to noise caused by the other components of the harvester.

Abstract: A method of adjusting at least one working unit of a harvesting machine includes taking pictures or picture series of a crop-material flow at a position downstream from a particular working unit in a crop-material conveyance path at various setting states with certain control parameter setting values of the working unit, storing the pictures or picture series such that they are assigned to control parameter setting values belonging to a particular setting state, with which a picture or a picture series is selected based on an analysis of the crop-material flow depicted in the picture or picture series, and adjusting the particular working unit using the control parameter setting values assigned to the selected picture or the selected picture series; and a harvesting machine carries out the method.

Abstract: A grass collector adapted to be attached to a rear of a riding-type mower for receiving cut grass from a mower unit through a duct, the grass collector comprises a front container section having a rearwardly facing opening and adapted to be attached to the riding-type mower, the front container section carrying a first bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position; and a rear container section supported pivotably about a pivot point located in a rear upper region of the front container section and pivotable between a first position wherein the rear container section substantially covers the opening of the front container section and a second position pivoted from the first position to allow cut grass to fall, the rear container section having a second bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: Modular pruning and/or topping machine, that can be used in agriculture, viticulture, fruit or tree growing or for brush clearing, includes at least one cutter bar. The cutter bar basically has juxtaposed cutting modules. Each module includes a rotary cutting tool and a three-phase asynchronous electric motor for individual rotational driving of the respective tool.

Abstract: Thrust augmentation in a rocket nozzle is achieved by incorporating injectors for the introduction of unburnt fuel and oxidizer into a nozzle to combust in the nozzle and thereby supplement the primary thrust that is supplied by fuel and oxidizer that are combusted prior to entry into the nozzle. These secondary injectors are incorporated into the design of expansion-deflection nozzles and plug nozzles. In expansion-deflection nozzles, the injectors are either in the flow deflector itself or in the wall of the divergent section of the nozzle. In plug nozzles, the injectors are either in a shell of the nozzle surrounding the forward end of the centerbody or in the centerbody itself.

Abstract: A hybrid electric-laser propulsion (HELP) thruster. A propellant has self-regenerative surface morphology. A laser ablates the propellant to create an ionized exhaust plasma that is non-interfering with a trajectory path of expelled ions. An electromagnetic field generator generates an electromagnetic field that defines a thrust vector for the exhaust plasma. Multiple HELP thrusters may be ganged together, and controlled, according to mission criteria.

Abstract: A device and method for heating exhaust gas from the combustion of fossil fuel upstream of an emissions control device, especially a diesel particulate filter. A conduit receives an exhaust gas flow, and is in fluid communication with the emissions control device for supplying exhaust gas thereto. A flow straightener is disposed in the conduit, and a portion of the exhaust gas flows through the flow straightener. An igniter is disposed in the conduit between the flow straightener and the emissions control device for igniting fuel supplied thereto to produce a flame to heat the exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A system or method for controlling the delivery of fuel into the transient flow of an exhaust system to control emissions. A mathematical model representative of the exhaust system can be used to determine, based on operating conditions of the exhaust system, a rate of fuel delivery suitable for achieving a desired result. The desired result can be to increase the temperature of a diesel particulate filter to a temperature suitable for regeneration without exceeding a temperature that may damage the diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: This system, in which the depollution means (1) are associated with oxidation catalyst-forming means (2), and the engine (4) is associated with common rail means (7) for feeding it with fuel and adapted to implement a regeneration strategy using at least one post-injection of fuel into the cylinders, is characterized in that it includes means (8) for detecting a request (req.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a diesel engine, a catalytic device in communication with the engine for treating emissions from the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system having a cooler configured to provide cooled recirculated engine exhaust to an engine intake, and an EGR cooler bypass for providing uncooled recirculated exhaust to the engine intake, a method of regenerating the catalytic device including increasing a flow of uncooled recirculated exhaust provided to the engine intake via the EGR cooler bypass, thereby operating the engine with an increased flow of uncooled recirculated exhaust, and purging the catalytic device of a stored exhaust component while operating the engine with the increased flow of uncooled recirculated exhaust.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in whose exhaust-gas region at least one SCR catalytic converter is disposed, which is acted upon by a reagent contributing to the NOx conversion in the SCR catalytic converter, and a device for implementing the method. The reagent level in the SCR catalytic converter is controlled or regulated to a predefined reagent setpoint level, which is specified to at least a maximum value, which corresponds to an SCR catalytic converter completely filled with reagent. In this way the SCR catalytic converter is always operated at the highest possible efficiency at which the highest possible NOx conversion takes place.

Abstract: A power generation system comprises a diesel engine and a fuel reformer configured to receive the engine exhaust. Two or more separate LNT bricks are configured in a parallel valveless arrangement wherein each simultaneously receives a separate portion of the exhaust leaving the fuel reformer. The LNTs are each adapted and configured to simultaneously store NOx when the exhaust from the fuel reformer is lean and to simultaneously reduce stored NOx and regenerate when the exhaust from the fuel reformer contains reformate. This parallel multi-brick arrangement reduces the effective length to width ratio of the LNTs as a group without the packaging difficulties associated with a single LNT having an equivalently reduced length to width ratio. Axial temperature gradients that develop in the LNTs during desulfation are thereby mitigated.

Abstract: This system in which the depollution means (1) are associated with oxidation catalyst-forming means (2), and the engine (4) is associated with common manifold means (7) for feeding fuel and adapted to implement a regeneration strategy using at least one post-injection of fuel into the cylinders, is characterized in that it includes means (8) for detecting a regeneration request (req.RG)), means (9) for detecting when the engine is idling, means (11) for acquiring the temperature downstream from the catalyst-forming means, means (8) for determining, on the basis of said temperature, a maximum quantity of fuel to be injected when post-injections take place while the engine is idling on the basis of said temperature, and means (7, 8) for progressively reducing post-injection as soon as the quantity of fuel injected has reached the maximum quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for estimating ash accumulation. An interpolation module calculates a first particulate accumulation from an interpolation function. An ash feedback module calculates an ash accumulation as an ash feedback function of the first particulate accumulation and a stored first ash accumulation estimate. In one embodiment, an ash feedforward module calculates an added ash estimate. An ash accumulation module may calculate a second ash accumulation estimate as the sum of the ash accumulation and the added ash estimate. A regeneration module may deep clean the filter if the second ash accumulation estimate exceeds an ash threshold. In one embodiment, a soot calculation module calculates a soot accumulation as a second particulate accumulation minus the second ash accumulation estimate.