Abstract: An adhesive coating and a net are applied to the upper surface of a preexisting roof in a manner effective for reinforcing and securing roof shingles when exposed to high wind conditions. A compressive force and a top coat may additionally be applied atop the net for added adhesion and durability. Appropriate application results in improved resistance to shingle damage, and subsequent building damage, during winds storms, gales, hurricanes, and any other high wind incidents. The method and apparatus may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of pre-existing roof shingles or other roof structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slab formwork system having a plurality of formwork elements which have first hook members at their lower side for establishing a hook connection with second hook members provided at upper end sections of vertical supports. The first and second hook members are designed to establish the hook connection, on the one hand, when the formwork elements and the vertical supports extend parallel or obliquely to one another and such that pivoting of a formwork element is possible, on the other hand, while maintaining the hook connection, into such a position in which the formwork element and the vertical supports include an angle of approximately 90°. The formwork element can be coupled, prior to the pivoting, with a railing member extending substantially perpendicular to the formwork element. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the preparation of a slab formwork system of this type.

Abstract: The housing positioning system and method encompasses a residential subdivision having rectangular adjacent building lots including adjacent driveway areas perpendicular to a street and separated by a fence having a partial gradient. Dwelling units are placed on the lots so that a front wall of each dwelling unit faces the driveway area at approximately a 45° angle. A structure having an exterior wall disposed perpendicular to a centerline of the driveway areas includes a common internal wall to form separate garages servicing each of the respective dwelling units. Additionally, the structure may have a rear wall that is essentially parallel and proximate to a rear lot line. Alternatively, each dwelling unit may have an attached garage. For each property, a storage shed may be disposed adjacent to the garage. To limit yard maintenance, the driveway areas may wrap around a rear-facing wall of the dwellings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a variable width door jam assembly for adjustment of a decorative door jam in an environment in which the frame of the door openings varies in width depending on materials and architecture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a window jamb assembly mountable in a jamb of a double hung window for cooperative engagement with upper and lower sash assemblies. The window jamb assembly includes a jambliner that has inner and outer sash hardware accepting recesses and first and second weather-strip retaining recesses disposed between the sash hardware accepting recesses. First and second weather-strips are retained by the first and second weather-strip retaining recesses and cover strips are disposed in a remainder of the weather-strip recess that is not retaining a weather-strip. The cover strips have a facade portion that provides a visually pleasing finish.

Abstract: Architectural glass panels for use in a wide variety of building wall systems, such as curtain walls and storefronts, which have improved resistance to damage from earthquake and/or other loads that could cause horizontal racking movements of architectural glass panels within their glazing frames are disclosed. Embodiments include various types of architectural glass panels that have material removed at panel corners and are fabricated with smooth edge contours in the corner regions. A preferred embodiment includes various types of architectural glass panels that have rounded corners with edges finished as deemed appropriate for the glass panel type.

Abstract: A window film anchoring device is disclosed which comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member between which a free film portion of a film affixed to a window pane is inserted. The first and second engagement members are attached to a corresponding window frame portion, and film engaging surfaces of the first engagement member are in interlocking and lateral motion preventing relation with complementary film engaging surfaces of the second engagement member so as to maintain a constant pressing force on the free film portion. The anchoring device is adapted to be a retrofit kit, and is able to be easily attached to an existing window frame, in order to increase the impact or impulse resistance of the window pane. The anchoring device may also be factory assembled to a newly produced frame.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device is provided including a luminescent medium layer, wherein the luminescence medium layer includes plural layers, wherein the plural layers includes a low molecular material layer comprising low molecular material and a high molecular material layer comprising high molecular material, and wherein at least one low molecular material layer is directly formed on at least one high molecular materials layer.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket is provided with profiled parts (2, 3), a hinge (4) between the profiled parts (2, 3) and with a duct (7, 8) for accommodating media lines (9). The duct (7, 8) is formed of a flexible material. A fastening device (5, 6) for the duct (7, 8) is present on the top side and/or the underside of the profiled parts (2, 3) in such a way that it can be guided over the hinge (4).

Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric panel system and method for production and use thereof, enabling the rapid construction of a building foundation wall or other structure and in particular a below-grade foundation. The polymeric foundation system includes polymeric wall panels and other components suitable for withstanding lateral and end compression loads. The walls include two parallel faces separated by a series of webs or ribs, where the webs and faces of the wall panels may be formed of a similar polymer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The wall panels and/or other components may be extruded so as to enable the rapid production of sections of wall panels, where the panels may be cut to length and then affixed to adjacent panels to form a foundation wall. The method of affixing adjacent panels may include welding, gluing or other techniques and may be performed on the job site or in a pre-fabrication facility.

Abstract: A fire rated wall structure includes a channel-shaped top track and bottom track each having male protrusions formed along their side walls. The wall structure further includes at least one stud member interconnecting the top and bottom tracks. The stud member comprises a stationary portion and a slip extension slidably nested within the stationary portion. Female recesses are formed in a terminus end of each of the slip extension and stationary portion and are adapted to nest with male protrusions of the top and bottom tracks. A slot formed within the slip extension accommodates fasteners initiated from a panel member and which passes through the stationary portion side wall and extends into the slot to allow relative sliding motion between the slip extension and the stud member. A top overcap disposed in overlapping relation to the top track includes a male protrusion for slidingly bearing against the panel member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibre insulation material for the manufacture of a non-woven fibre batt comprising primary fibre components of a portion of 50% to 90% cellulose fibres; 2% to 20% synthetic fibres, said synthetic fibres being crimped fibres having a length between 12 to 75 mm; and 2% to 20% bi-component fibres comprising a core and an outer sheathing, said outer sheathing having a lower melting point than the core. Hereby, an inexpensive and voluminous fibre product is achieved having good spring elastic properties as well as good sound and heat insulating properties.

Abstract: A set of faux-stone architectural panel members can be installed to create a stone-look wall or facade. Each panel member is cast from a concrete mixture of a cement or bonding agent and a light-weight aggregate. The various panel member may have one, two or three courses, i.e., rows, with the courses being offset at their ends, so as to achieve mating tenons and voids in respect to adjacent successive panel members. The tenons and voids of the panel members interfit or dovetail at corners. A coloring agent is applied onto said stone faces of the panel members. Hanger straps are embedded in the panel members and protrude up from them for attaching to a wall substrate using drywall screws or similar fasteners.

Abstract: A horseshoe stud with a head and a shaft having a plurality of ribs formed thereon and extending at least partially circumferentially around the shaft. Preferably, the ribs have a frustro-conical shape. The stud according to the present invention can be simply installed in a stud hole by using a punch like device, the stud is installed in a stud hole located on the punch and an impact is given by way of an impacting tool so as to drive said stud into a predrilled hole made into a shoe. This installation is much easier to carry out compared to the installation of prior art drive-in studs having smooth shafts.

Abstract: A solid, reinforced and pre-wired rebar support apparatus that supports, positions and firmly secures rebar in a footing. The apparatus comprises a body made of a cement mixture having a triangular shape that includes a reinforcement structure located centrally within the body and recessed depressions wherein rebar is to be seated and secured. Tie wires are wound around the reinforcement structure and embedded into the body of the apparatus. Portions of the tie wires emanate from either side of the depressions and are twisted around the rebar once the rebar is positioned to secure the rebar and prevent it from shifting during the concrete pour.

Abstract: A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable the connector to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.

Abstract: A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.

Abstract: A flange engaging strip is provided for engaging a vehicle flange, wherein the flange has a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension. The flange engaging strip has a closed end and projecting limbs and can include a carrier having a corresponding base and projecting legs that define a constant combined cross sectional length, wherein the cross sectional length of the closed end varies corresponding to the thickness of the flange along a longitudinal dimension of the flange engaging strip.

Abstract: The invention is a novel moment-resistant building column insert system for distributing lateral and vertical loads between the column-beam and column-foundation connections. Loads are distributed between the column and beam using a column insert, nut plates and beam end plates incorporated to beam-ends. The column insert is hollow and similar cross-section shape to the building column for inserting there to. The column, column insert, nut plates and endplates have patterns of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts tightened to nuts held by nut plates. Loads are distributed between the column and foundation using a base plate, column insert, and insert plates integrated with anchor bolts, nuts and washers in a concrete foundation. The base plate having mounting holes is incorporated to the building column bottom end to receive the plurality of anchor bolts there through for fixedly tightening as an exposed end of the column insert fits in the column.

Abstract: A structure for supporting loads includes a flexible envelope filled with a filler material. The envelope may comprise a mesh or non-mesh material and may have a high tensile strength. The filler material may comprise a loose or coarse material. The resulting structure may permit an applied compressive force to result in a tensile force applied in the envelope material.

Abstract: A post system for a railing, the post system including a railing post, an insert and a post base. The railing post includes an elongated tubular body with first and second ends. The insert may snugly be insertable within the first end of the railing post. The post base may be connectable to the first end of the railing post and may have an inner member and an outer member substantially encasing the inner member. The inner member may be constructed from a first material, while the outer member may be constructed of a second material. The post base may include a base member and a housing member connected to and extending from the base member. The housing member may be adapted to engage the railing post.

Abstract: Process for forming building members from a metal coil is described, where the members have a thermal barrier coating on at least one contact or exposed surface. Such building members and apparatus for continuously coating and forming the members are also described.

Abstract: The modular panel assembly comprises a plurality of different design inserts that can be readily assembled into a panel using a plurality of structural members. The different kinds of design inserts and structural members have the same type of coupling mechanism so as to allow many different configurations based on insert members of many different appearances.

Abstract: Extruded profiles for use in assembling panels comprises a rigid peripheral frame of extruded material which serves as a base structure onto which are put flat surfacing materials such as glass, metal, wood or any of a variety of composite materials normally used for making cabinetry.

Abstract: When viewing in the direction of material flow of a flat film web of a packaging machine for tubular bags, a film conveying device is situated behind a shaping shoulder of a packaging machine for tubular bags. The film conveying device enables the film web to be drawn off from a film delivery device and pulled over the shaping shoulder. The film web can be shaped by means of the shaping shoulder into a bag extending in the direction of material flow. When viewing in the direction of material flow, a film joining device is situated behind the shaping shoulder. This film joining device can join together opposite lying edge areas of the film web. An incorrect position of the film web perpendicular to the direction of material flow can be detected and transmitted to a control device by a sensor device located, when viewing in the direction of material flow, between the shaping shoulder and the film joining device.

Abstract: A machine for stuffing a food product in a casing, comprising a clipping unit which is adapted to apply two clips with an intermediate cut at the trailing end of a product introduced in a casing and comprising a device for inserting ties which are supported by a ribbon which moves stepwise, moving progressively the ties, one after the other, to a clipping standby position, in which the tie is available for being engaged by a clip in its motion from the magazine to the closure position, a bar being provided which is adapted to be associated with the tie in its movement from the clipping standby position.

Abstract: A method for forming a packaging material in multi-layer band (2) includes feeding a first band (3) of thermo formable material and at least a second band (4) along respective first and second feeding paths (P1, P2), which extend through a station (10) for joining the first band (3) and the second band (4). The bands (3, 4) are joined, by sealing, in the joining station (10), in order to obtain a third, multi-layer band (2) fed along a third feeding path (P3). Moreover, the method includes another step, during which at least one of the bands (3, 4, 2) undergoes a process for defining a visual, three-dimensional effect image on the band.

Abstract: A method for packaging flat articles, whereby the flat articles (1), when in a transport flow (3), are covered on both sides by a packaging means (2a, 2b) and a processing means (11) establishes cross-connections between subsequent articles (1) in an upper area (2a) and a lower area (2b) of the packaging means. Processing means (11), for example welder terminals (11) that are moved along with a transport flow (3), are provided with at least one resilient hold-down element (12a, 12b) each which brings the packaging means (2a, 2b) to be processed into a defined position in relation to each other. The hold-down element (12a, 12b) compresses the packaging means (2a, 2b) before the processing means contacts the packaging means (2a, 2b) and executes a processing operation such as welding or pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include means for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a precured tread strip, whereby a rubber mixture is extruded into a continuous tread strip, from which the precured tread strip is detached; the bottom surface of the precured tread strip is buffed, and the precured tread strip then inserted inside a bag made of material impermeable to air and which is then sealed; and a vacuum is formed inside the bag just before the bag containing the precured tread strip is sealed.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: A loader includes a sling for supporting a one or more items. The sling is secured on opposite sides of a loading chamber. The loader also includes a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism can lower the sling. The loader includes a release mechanism that secures one or both sides of the sling. After the sling is lowered by the lowering mechanism an adequate distance to place the one or more items close to the receptacle, the release mechanism releases one or both sides of the sling, which places the one or more items in or on a receptacle. The loader includes a take-up mechanism attached to one side of the sling. The take-up mechanism takes up the sling when the opposite side of the sling is released by the release mechanism. The loader is capable of inserting close fitting items into receptacles, such as a stack of trays of produce.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting a spheroidal container comprising a spheroidal body and a neck portion and the method for using the same, the apparatus comprising a container feeder, a channel having a longitudinal gap and arranged for receiving the spheroidal containers from the container feeder and operative to orient the spheroidal containers in an upside down orientation with the body supported by the channel and the neck portion extending below the spheroidal body and into the longitudinal gap; and a twister for receiving the spheroidal containers in the upside down orientation and inverting the spheroidal containers. An apparatus for packaging a beverage in a spheroidal container and the method for using the same, comprising the apparatus for orienting a spherical container and further comprising a filler for receiving the spheroidal containers and filling the spheroidal containers with the beverage, and a sealer for sealing the beverage in the spheroidal containers.

Abstract: A package (10) for a bulb (12) having a bulbous, light-emitting end (14) and a socket end (16), has a first thin-walled plastic body (18a) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (20) and having a closed end (22) and an open end (24), the open end (24) having a diameter D transverse to the longitudinal axis sufficient to admit insertion of the bulbous, light emitting end (14) of the bulb (12), the closed end (22) of the first thin-walled plastic body (18a) formed with at least one internal surface support (26) extending away from the longitudinal axis (20) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis and substantially contiguous with a curve of the bulbous light emitting end (14), the open end (24) providing a circumferential coupling area (28); and a second thin-walled plastic body (18b) formed with a socket receiving end (32) and a mating coupling area (34) formed to conform to the circumferential coupling area (28) and coupled thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an ice-bagging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and hopper for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a drawer system, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The drawer system includes top door and drawer. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a blower engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the drawer and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging system including an outer container and an inner container present within the outer container. A void space is present between the outer container and the inner container for receiving an outsert.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of customizing the saddle to fit the back of a particular horse by using shims of various shapes and sizes between the underside of the saddle and pad. These shims are attached to the underside of the saddle and to the pad by a hook and loop fastening system. Different types molding or rebounding pads may be used. The rebounding pads are useful to allow the interchange of saddles between different horses while achieving a perfect fit on each horse.

Abstract: A particulate matter accumulation amount detection apparatus includes a filter pressure loss detecting section, an incombustible component amount estimating section, an incombustible component accumulation state estimating section, and a particulate accumulation amount detecting section. The filter pressure loss detecting section is configured to detect an upstream-downstream differential pressure of an exhaust gas purification filter having a plurality of substrate walls. The incombustible component amount estimating section is configured to estimate an amount of an incombustible component. The incombustible component accumulation state estimating section is configured to estimate an accumulation state of the incombustible component on the substrate walls based on the engine operating state and the amount of the incombustible component.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a top, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirt air inlet and a fluid outlet, a screen positioned around the fluid outlet such that fluid exiting the cyclone separator passes through the screen and the screen is removable through the top of the cyclone separator, and, a fluid flow motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirt air inlet and a fluid outlet, a plate having a cyclone chamber surface and positioned to substantially divide the cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, the plate being removably mounted in the cyclone separator, a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber and a fluid flow motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, a cyclonic cleaning unit comprising a plurality of cyclones and at least one dirt collection chamber, each of the plurality of cyclones having an outer wall, an interior, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirt inlet and a fluid outlet, the at least one dirt collection chamber having an outer wall and an interior, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is constructed such that the interior of the at least one dirt collection chamber is visible from a position exterior to the surface cleaning apparatus and a fluid flow motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may have a filter with a housing that is at least partially transparent.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner having at least first and second cleaning stages wherein the first cleaning stage has a dirt collection member and the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones and at least one dirt collection chamber, wherein the first and second cleaning stages are emptied separately. One cleaning stage can be removably mounted from the vacuum cleaner without removing another cleaning stage.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, at least a first cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and a plurality of dirt collection chambers that are emptied concurrently wherein the plurality of cyclones and the plurality of dirt collection chambers are removable as a unit from the surface cleaning apparatus, and an air flow motor.

Abstract: A portable appliance comprises a dirt inlet, first and second cyclonic stages wherein each cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the second cyclonic stage is downstream from the first cyclonic stage and a fluid flow motor.

Abstract: An indoor vacuum cleaner comprises a dirty air inlet, a handle, a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirty air inlet and a fluid outlet, a plate having a cyclone chamber surface and positioned to substantially divide the cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, each of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber having an outer wall, the outer wall of each of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber having an outer perimeter, the dirt collection chamber having a cyclone chamber end spaced from a dirt collection floor, a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber, the passage configured such that separated dirt travels at least outwardly as the dirt travels through the passage and, an air flow motor.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting material that is entrained in a gas stream comprises a housing defining a space within it, the housing having inlet and outlet ports for the gas that is to be filtered. The assembly includes a flow conduit which has a first conduit opening for communication with one of the ports and a second conduit opening for communication with the space within the housing. The axis of the first conduit opening and the axis of the second conduit opening are not aligned. The flow conduit contains at least one vane positioned within it so that the flow of gas along the conduit between the first and second conduit openings passes over the vane and is smoothed by it.

Abstract: A convenient vacuum cleaner for collecting dust or liquid is provided with a filter in the collecting tank, and a porous bag is provided to cover the filter. The filter is provided with a base seat at the bottom, the base seat is provided with a stopping portion thereon, and a receiving room formed in the stopping portion for a floating ball to be placed therein, and spaced through holes are disposed in the lower circumference of the stopping portion. The porous bag is made of non-woven cloth or other material capable of filtering and provided to cover the filter, so as to prevent dust or solid impurities from entering the filter.

Abstract: A panel filter for removal of contaminants from a gas, the panel filter having at least one V-pocket formed of two halves, each half composed of multiple pleats of filter media. The pleats extend generally parallel, often at an angle of less than 5 degrees or even less than 1 degree, to the overall filtration path, so that air or gas to the filtered passes through the pleats in a generally straight manner, with minimal bends. Each pleat has two legs of different length. The panel filter provides improved dust collection and retention while restricting pressure drop.

Abstract: A system for notifying the operator of a reel-type greens mower, or any blade-based cutting system, of the relative sharpness of the blades. A controller receives at least one input from the mowing unit such as current draw of the mowing unit, driving energy input to the mowing unit, or rotational speed of the reel, for example, and monitors that input in comparison with the forward cutting speed of the mower to make a determination as to the relative sharpness of the blades. A display may be provided to alert the operator of the condition of the blades, including when maintenance of the blades in necessary. A speed control circuit may also be provided to maintain the speed of the greens mower below the maximum effective cutting speed of the mower.

Abstract: A connection arrangement between a mowing sickle drive and a linear reciprocating mowing sickle has a first metallic connection element (4). The first connection element (4) forms either one component with the mowing sickle (1) or serves to connect the same. The first connection element (4) is at least partially formed annularly and includes a circular cylindrical bore (6), which defines a longitudinal axis (5). The first connection element (4) is slotted and includes a clamping mechanism (11) to change the cross-section of the bore (6). A metallic ring (14) has a circular cylindrical outer face (19) to nest in bore (6). A hollow spherical inner face (18) is on the intermediate ring (14). The intermediate ring (14) has at least one slot on its circumference. A rotational rolling member bearing has an outer metallic bearing ring (20) and is closed in a circumferential direction.