Abstract: An apparatus for use with a jacking device utilized in leveling modular type homes at a job site which includes an elongated tubular type member having a first predetermined length and a first predetermined shape and is formed from a first preselected material. An end cap member is engageable at a first end thereof with a bottom end of the elongated tubular member which has a predetermined configuration at a second end thereof to enable engagement with an upper portion of a jack. The end cap member is formed from a second preselected material. Finally, there is a top plate member engageable with an upper end of such elongated tubular member for supporting a predetermined structural member attached too such modular type home. The top plate member includes each of a second predetermined length and a second predetermined shape and is formed from a third preselected material.

Abstract: A floor system for use in a conservatory or other annexes includes a panelled floor and a frame construction. The frame construction at least partly surrounds the panelled floor. The floor system is anchored in the ground by at least one ground anchor. The use of ground anchors makes a prior excavation substantially completely unnecessary. The floor system is a dry construction system, in which no construction material containing water are used during construction of the floor system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a joint structure for an earthquake-resistant member can be provided at an intersect portion of a steel column extending in a substantially vertical direction and a steel beam extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and facilitated for joining an earthquake-resistant member to the intersect portion. The joint structure can include: a first joining plate located along the steel column without fixing the first joining plate to the steel column; a second joining plate located along the steel beam without fixing the second joining plate to the steel beam; a first movement-restraint member which restrains the first joining plate; and a second movement-restraint member which restrains the second joining plate. The earthquake-resistant member can be joined to the first joining plate and the second joining plate.

Abstract: The Safety Seasonal Storm Shelter that attaches to any Mobile home trailer and residential homes for a safe haven. It is a rain tight fiber—glass or plastic safety mold of different sizes—depending on the family. The Safety Seasonal Storm Shelter is a step—up for safety improvement into the tornado allies and hurricanes season that would be good for the instant safety for temporarily pull up by RV's, Coaches, Manufactured homes, and the Mobile Home Trailer Industry.

Abstract: A mailbox or wooden post protector made of a unitary, resistantly-flexible plastic material, having four walls and an opening within one of the walls for installation around the base of the wooden post. The plastic sheet material is typically polycarbonate, which can better withstand deterioration, cracking and fracture even at low temperatures over several years, compared to conventional plastics, and has a thickness of about 5 mil to about 40 mil, and more typically from about 15 mil to about 30 mil, and can be formed by folding adjacent walls along a transverse crease lines. The polycarbonate sheets can be transparent, translucent or opaque, and can be made clear or in a variety of colors.

Abstract: A multiple-glazing unit capable of reliably maintaining the gap between adjacent glass sheets thereof without impairing its appearance is provided. In a multiple-glazing unit 10 according to the present invention, a gap-maintaining member 20 for maintaining the gap between two facing glass sheets 12 is fitted in a space 18 formed in a concave shape in section by an outer peripheral surface of a resin spacer 16 and the inner sides of peripheral portions of the two facing glass sheets 12. The gap-maintaining member 20 is disposed such that its outer side face 20A is flush with peripheral edges 12A of the two glass sheets 12 or is slightly closer to an air space 14 than the peripheral edges.

Abstract: This kit stops the draft that comes trough the old windows and glass sliding doors. It is a quick and easy way of changing a single pane window to a double. This product ellemates the high cost of installing new double pain windows or storm windows, for less than a ? of cost. It is a vinyl sheeting that comes in various colors of tint as well as transparent. The tented vinyl sheeting also helps keep out the suns ultra violet rays. Stopping these rays, stops the discoloring of your drapes, curtains and furniture. It is an all season product that keeps the cold air of winter out, and the hot air of the summer from coming in. Its helps with your energy bill. By sealing off these areas of your home or office with this product, gives you about a bout a 40% savings. It all made of durable plastic. It takes on average of about 20 minute per window to install. Its works good in antic or older homes, by keeping the authenticity of the home up and energy cost down.

Abstract: A profiled frame, as a component of a window or door, for holding a plate-like panel supported in a circumferential frame, and comprising a profiled frame member having a profiled chamber that extends over at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the profiled frame member; molded elements to be inserted into, and positively held by, the profiled chamber; a hinge shaft for insertion through bores of the molded elements; and at least one monolithic hinge to be disposed between molded elements for mounting the profiled frame on a supporting component, wherein the hinge has a hinge bore via which the hinge can be threaded onto the hinge shaft, and wherein the hinge is fixed in position on the hinge shaft via adjoining molded elements.

Abstract: Window trim designs are disclosed for use in commercial and residential building construction and repair. Brick mold, flat trim, and sill nose designs are disclosed, each having a similar structural arrangement configured to correspond with receiving structures of a window frame, and to lock and seal the trim to the window frame. Each design has a co-extruded flexible seal that engages the associated window frame member to shed water due to rain, etc. A secondary caulk/gasket seal is also provided between the trim and window frame. The external surfaces of the trim designs are embossed to mimic the appearance of wood. The trim designs may be cut, mitered and joined to provide a “picture frame” trim appearance. Alternatively, the provision of a sill profile allows the assembly of a more traditional window trimming appearance, with brick mold or flat trim on three sides, and sill member on the bottom.

Abstract: A framing corner joint includes first and second framing rails of fiberglass-reinforced resin construction. The first and second framing rails have hollow mitered ends. A pair of thermoplastic plugs are received in the mitered ends of the respective framing rails. Each of the plugs includes a body inserted into the hollow interior of an associated framing rail and a flat plug flange at an angle of 45° to the body. The plug flanges extend outwardly from the peripheries of the bodies between the rail ends and have flat end faces that are bonded to each other. The bodies of the plugs preferably are hollow, and preferably are received by interference press-fit within the ends of the rails. The plug flanges of the plugs preferably are welded to each other.

Abstract: A modular case and method of forming the same, the case preferably formed from a plurality of panels, edge members and corner pieces having ribs. The panels, edge members and corner pieces are preferably connected to align the ribs, forming substantially continuous ribs capable of distributing forces over a large area of the modular case. The case is most preferably made of plastic, the connections preferably being hot-plate welds. Most preferably, the panels and edge members have a dual skin construction with internal ribs, proving for greater strength and allowing for superior structural properties including air-/water-tight integrity. Edge members are preferably formed with protuberances to allow for better base-to-lid and case-to-case engagement. Hardware attachments to the modular case can be advantageously made while distributing the force on attachment points and without compromising structural integrity.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration.

Abstract: A concrete beam and a mounting mechanism, which is a part thereof, is a system with which reinforced concrete beams made into the form of a log structure are quickly, flexibly, and tightly mounted together, generating waterproof structures to be used, among others, in dam structures, bulkheads, piers, jetties, bridges. The beams (17) and (18) are fastened onto each other with a joint device (7).

Abstract: An abutment is provided for use as a start or end post of a plasterboard partition wall or as a join between two such walls which run in different directions. The abutment comprises an elongate plaster moulding designed to run between the ceiling and the floor and having an abutment surface for abutment against the end of the partition wall. In a preferred embodiment, the abutment includes a tapered edge at the abutment surface to provide a space at the join in which a skim of plaster can be applied to provide a seamless join between the partition wall and the abutment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in the thermal insulation of buildings which can be used, in particular, for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate tensile strength and tear resistance.

Abstract: A support apparatus for positioning between two space apart stud members. The support apparatus comprises an elongated board member and a bracket member. The elongated board member has a front surface, a back surface, a first and second side panel and a top and bottom panel. A slot member is disposed on the back surface. The slot member is spaced apart from both the first side panel and the second side panel, and closer to the first side panel. The slot member is structurally configured for receiving a portion of one of the parallel spaced apart stud members. The bracket member includes a base section overlying at least one of one of the front surface, the back surface the top panel and the bottom panel. A wing section is integrated with the base section. The wing section positioned adjacent to the second side panel, and attachable to the other of the at least two spaced apart stud members.

Abstract: Embodiments of a structural stud and panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed. Devices and methods for forming structural studs and panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions. The method may include applying a continuous longitudinal cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip to a joint area of the first concrete portion and then forming the second concrete portion over the grout strip. The system may include a first concrete portion having a joint area, a continuous cementitious and reactive waterproofing longitudinal grout strip connectable to the joint area, and a second concrete portion formable over the grout strip. There is also provided a use of a cementitious and reactive waterproofing grout strip in the construction of a concrete waterstop joint between first and second concrete portions.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form has: a first side wall portion; a second side wall portion substantially parallel with said first side wall portion; and a pillar portion extending between said the side wall portions. The pillar portion has: a first tapered section; a second tapered section; and a center section extending between said tapered sections. The first tapered section, the second tapered section and the center section each have an octagonal-shaped longitudinal cross-section. The insulated concrete form may include a plurality of pillar portions extending between the side wall portions, with the plurality of pillar portions being substantially parallel with each other. A wall structure may be formed from a plurality of such insulated concrete forms.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer with a plurality of vertical rebar. A first layer of horizontal rebar is attached to the vertical rebar above the footer and a first layer of blocks is attached onto the footer. A plurality of joining strips is pressed into the longitudinal grooves atop each block, with about half their width protruding from the grooves. A plurality of lateral clips is attached to the pair of joining strips and across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves. A second layer of horizontal reinforcing bar is laid across the lateral clips and attached to the vertical reinforcing bars. A second layer of foam blocks is placed atop the first layer of blocks, with the blocks' lower longitudinal grooves engaged onto the joining strips atop the first layer of blocks. The reinforcing bars are approximately centered within the continuous air gaps formed between the adjacent blocks, both horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: A decorative, wood fire-rated door with a graphic or image imprinted or applied to a front or rear face on the door that does not change or impact the door's overall fire-rating. With the use of flatbed or ultraviolet ink printing press machinery, a fine art quality image that utilizes six various colored ultraviolet inks can be applied directly onto the door face used on a fire-rated door. Alternatively, the photographic files can also be produced onto an adhesive backed graphic panel with a protective laminated layer that can be applied directly onto the door surface.

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: The invention relates to a flooring panel having opposed pairs of substantially parallel side edges, a tongue connector member, and a groove connector member. In one aspect, the tongue connector member extends along one side edge and the groove connector member extends along the opposed side edge. The tongue connector member and the groove connector member are configured to cooperatively couple with each other such that portions of the coupled flooring panels are positioned in abutting relationship.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding panel and a method of making the siding panel. The siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.

Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.

Abstract: A fire resistant siding system made up of combinations of preformed pumice concrete pieces that can be fastened to a typical internal building support structure through the use of traditional fastening materials such as nails or screws. These pumice concrete pieces are made of a concrete mixture that allows these items to be significantly lighter than other concrete products of a similar size, and can therefore be easily transported and connected to an internal building structure such as the framing studs of a house or other structure. These devices have a high resistivity to fire and are highly insulative, thus, providing fire protection to the occupants and items within a structure encased in these materials, as well as reducing the heating and cooling costs of these structures.

Abstract: A panel (1) for laying floors, characterized in that it includes two or more tiles (M) and a membrane provided with engagement projections on both its faces to which said tiles are secured beforehand in the correct position for their lying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped block for forming a wall or a retaining wall. The shaped block includes a body (K) and wings (F) arranged on the body that are oriented toward laterally adjacent shaped blocks. The shaped block (S) has a left wing (F, FL) and a right wing (F, FR) which are arranged in front of or behind a vertical plane (E), which divides the shaped block (S) at the half shaped block depth into a front half (SHV) and a rear half (SHH). The wings (F; FL, FR) are arranged offset with respect to one another by at least one wing depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel and a locking system for panels with edge profiles provided on at least two opposite edges of the panels for the positive connection of similar panels, including an edge profile designed as a groove profile, with an upper groove wall and a lower groove wall, and an edge profile designed as a tongue profile, with a notch projection on the underside of the tongue that engages a notch recess in a the lower groove wall on an adjacent panel in the assembled state, where the engaged edge profiles form an articulated joint that acts to restore the panels to their installation plane when deflected either up or down, where the upper groove wall has a flank on the inside that opens towards the free end of the groove wall.

Abstract: A tile comprised of a backing material, formed in a mold or cut from a composite panel to shape desired by the user. This tile could be attached to a surface to serve as a decorative or protective surface. The present invention relates to a new and improved tile to cover a desired surface. The tile will be of varying shape to add interest and protection. In particular, the invention relates to a tile machined or molded that will be attached to surfaces. The present invention is a new and improved design that features a composite layering of backing material with or without decoration, decorative inserts encapsulated by resin that can be formed in any shape desired by the user. The composite tile could be formed in a die, a mold, or cut from a sheet. It would offer a light weight resistant surface that is appealing in appearance and functionally effective.

Abstract: Composite doors are described which include a frame defining at least two openings and at least two composite panels situated within the openings in the frame. Preferred uses for such composite doors are as plug doors for use on railcars.

Abstract: A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block has vertical and horizontal interlocking structures with mating surfaces (11,15,16,17). The main block, has a stabilizing slot. Metal reinforcement tendons are inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals and connected to the wall at the top and bottom. Corner blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are used in alternating configurations to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. This is also done with the main blocks. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the reenforcing tendons permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass.

Abstract: A structural support system consisting of a bridging structural element and two (2) or more frangible elements providing fatigue and/or shock load(s) capacities utilized as a structural jointing between a foundation and a superstructure.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a housing unit includes packaging for storing and transporting building materials. The building materials are used to assemble the housing unit. The building materials may include a door, windows, beams for forming a frame, each having pre-formed symmetric holes, and sheets of material for forming walls, a roof, and a floor. The building materials also include a plurality of fasteners for connecting the beams to one another and for connecting the door and the sheets to the beams. The building materials also include a squaring strap to ensure that the beams are situated at fixed angles. Some of the building materials may form part of the packaging. The remaining building materials, if any, are included inside the packaging for storage and transport to the desired site for the housing unit.

Abstract: A connection between a metal column, in particular a vertical I-beam, and an underlying structural member, in particular a ferroconcrete foundation, using a connector that is fastened to the metal column using both bolts and screws.

Abstract: The invention is a cross-tie used to connect two walls made of multiple bricks or blocks together so that concrete or other material can be poured into the cavity between the walls to form a single strong, dense wall. The cross-tie can also be used to attach decorative veneers to a wall. One embodiment of the cross-tie of the invention includes an inserting portion, a sleeve portion, and a wedge that is used to link the inserting portion and the sleeve portion. Another embodiment of the cross-tie includes an inserting portion and a sleeve portion that are linked by being glued together.

Abstract: A rigid, metallic clip and a method for providing hard fastened, anti-racking ceiling and wall construction. A flat, perforated body portion bordering an integral, perforated tab extends downwardly from a junction at the midpoint. A pair of spaced apart and parallel fingers projecting forwardly engage the top plate, snugly resting beneath insulation to temporarily retain clips for screwing. A pair of elongated, reinforcing grooves extending from the clip rear to the junction are convex, so the bottom of the clip flushly mates with the ceiling sheet. The rigid, integral tab projects downwardly at a preferred angle of eighty-seven degrees. Clips positioned on the top plate are fastened by screws that penetrate the tab. The horizontal ceiling sheet can then be screwed to adjoining clips. A sidewall sheet disposed substantially vertically is then screwed to framing. The sheets cover the clip body, and no jagged edges or sharp points remain visible.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an object for attachment to a substantially vertical surface. The apparatus comprises at least two elongate columns having a plurality of apertures. The columns are securable in parallel, spaced apart relation to the surface. Support members are insertable through the apertures of each of the columns, the support members being operable to receive and support the object for attachment to the surface between the columns and the surface. The apparatus finds particular application in supporting siding for installation on a building. The apparatus allows for a single worker to perform the installation and is capable of reliably handling newer, heavier fiber-cement composite material siding. The apparatus also finds application in the installation of drywall panels. The apparatus can also be used as a modular shelving system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a synthetic decorative stone with inlays includes steps of: cutting or scrunching a stone or other solid decorating materials into thin small pieces; putting the thin small pieces in a bottom of a larger mold; mixing various materials which can form a synthetic stone with adhesives and then dumping them into the mold; taking out the mixed materials with the thin small pieces surrounded therein from the larger mold after being solidified; and then polishing the surface of the side with the thin small pieces. In accordance with the present invention, the synthetic decorative stone with inlays is made by using of various materials, which saves stone materials, creates a new inlay art and increases the decorative effect.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a releasable adhesive layer and an engaging layer. In one embodiment the mounting apparatus includes an elongate support member having an attaching face comprising a removable protective layer and an adhesive layer that is exposed when the protective layer is removed. The engagable layer may include a face portion angled from the attaching face that is adapted to engage with another mounting apparatus. A system of the invention includes two spaced apart mounting apparatus that define a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus attached to an object to be mounted. The mounting system comprises a first engagable mounting apparatus track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The first track and the second track cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks.

Abstract: A roof membrane and insulation removing device including a wheeled frame having a pair of handlebars. A number of first cutting blades are secured to the front of the wheeled frame. Each one of the first cutting blades is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. A second cutting blade is secured to the wheeled frame between the first cutting blades and the handlebars. The second cutting blade is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. A first motor is connected to the first cutting blades, for rotating same. A second motor is connected to the second cutting blade for rotating same.

Abstract: A doorframe kit includes a head jamb for installation over a top portion of a doorway and a vertical jamb adapted to be joined to the head jamb and extend along a surface of a wall adjacent the doorway. The doorframe kit may include an adjustable spacer having a shaft adjustably engaged with a retaining member. The retaining member may be fixedly mounted to the vertical jamb at an adjustment location spaced below the head jamb. The shaft may be selectively movable relative to the retaining member to project outwardly from the vertical jamb and bear against the surface of the wall, when in use, to thereby define a standoff distance between the vertical jamb and the wall at the adjustment location. Inserting a tool into an access opening formed in the vertical jamb allows the tool to drive the adjustable spacer outwardly thereby increasing the standoff distance.

Abstract: An ornamental filled glass unit (“FGU”) is manufactured by placing a first glass lite in a horizontally supported position and affixing a spacer frame around a periphery of the first surface, providing a space for filling. A first joiner element centered on the first surface, the joiner element having an upward height that slightly exceeds an intended gap between the first lite and a second lite to be placed on the spacer frame. Additional joiner elements may be used, depending upon the area of the first surface. A filler design is built by arranging a plurality of infill elements in the filling space. The second lite is affixed to an adhesive sealant around a top surface of the spacer frame, and to an adhesive on an upwardly-extending surface of each joiner element. The filler design is spatially maintained when the filler space is sealed by the second lite.

Abstract: The bag top folder and labeler includes bottom and side conveyor assemblies for conveying a filled bag to extend between a pair of folder subassemblies wherein, with the bag top extending above the subassemblies, a second subassembly is operable to in cooperation with a first subassembly reversely fold the bag top relative to the second subassembly center folder and flap tuckers to form a generally Z-shaped bag top closure including ears extending outwardly in opposite directions and elevator mechanism for elevating the bag relative to the first subassembly to compensate for different densities of product in filled bags. Thereafter labeler mechanism applies labels to the folded bag top including to the ears, folds the ears downwardly along the end walls and wipes the labels to adhere to the ears and the bag front and rear end walls below the ears.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a packaging box for the flexible material part, dimensioned to hold said part flat; folding means for folding said part without direct handling; and a reception tube for receiving said folded flexible material part. The invention is characterized in that the reception tube is not longitudinally slit, and the folding means comprise; a traction suture connected to the flexible material part, which passes through the tube, and, walls forming a funnel whereof the base emerges proximate to the opening of the tube through which the flexible material part is designed to be inserted into said tube, said funnel being designed, when a traction is exerted on the traction suture, to gradually fold down the zones of the part located laterally relative to the tube towards the zone of the part located opposite the opening of said tube, to enable the part to be inserted into the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods suitable for adjusting a carton pocket size in a cartoning machine. First and second side plates are spaced longitudinally apart from one another a first distance to form a first pocket size adapted to accommodate a carton of a first configuration. Means are provided for longitudinally moving the first and second side plates a distance with respect to one another to vary the first pocket size. In one embodiment, the means for longitudinally moving comprises a gear and first and second gear racks that are adapted to mesh with the gear and be driven in longitudinal directions by rotation of the gear. The first and second gear racks are coupled to the first and second side plates, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide translating gates having at least one cooperating stiffener assembly and related, apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products. The translating gates with at least one stiffener assembly may be particularly suitable for non-pivoting clippers, such as, for example, stationary-mount clippers. The stiffener assembly can be configured to stiffen, brace and/or otherwise keep the gate assembly tightly closed during a clipping operation.