Abstract: A protective canopy for protecting an opening in a structure has two symmetrical side portions seamlessly defining a pitched portion between them to form a protective canopy over an opening. A flange portion is integrally formed at a right angle to the side and pitched portions and adapted to provide an attachment means for the canopy. The canopy may be applied before applying siding or applied to an existing wall using a gasket. Side and pitched portions include a plurality of decorative ridges. The canopy is made of a weather-resistant material like plastic that may be added to the pigment during manufacture or applied as paint by the user on site.

Abstract: A roof fastening system that joins building walls or roof structures of a building frame to its foundation to provide a continuous load path that resists upward and lateral forces without interfering with the natural downward forces exerted on the frame over time. This system includes a composite material that combines the properties of a house wrap with high tensile strength low elongation fibers along one direction of the fabric and lower tensile strength high elongation fibers along one or more fabric directions that cross the high tensile strength low elongation fibers. The composite material extends from the top plates or heel truss of the framing of the structure down to its foundation to hold the frame together against high wind loading.

Abstract: A magnetic wallpaper system designed to easily install and remove wallpaper without damaging either the wallpaper or the surface of the wall. Such magnetic wallpaper may be printed for personally customized designs or images. Also such magnetic wallpaper may be printed to reflect a season, holiday, event, etc., and be easily changed according to the desired theme for a room. Further, the magnetic wallpaper system comprises a magnetic wallpaper communication system providing patterned wallpaper with non-patterned voids for writing notes and other indicia on a dry-erase surface of the magnetic wallpaper onto walls of a metallic locker.

Abstract: A wind power machine including a mast that is articulated so as to adopt an upright position above a foundation anchored into the ground and a folded-up position close to the ground. The mast includes substantially straight parts articulated together so as to pivot to bring the mast into the upright position or into the folded-up position. The wind power machine further includes a locking device placed at least one of the articulations between two of these parts to lock the mast in the upright position. The locking device includes: a radially movable clamping ring, placed at the end of one of the two parts of the articulation inside the mast; and an actuation mechanism capable of moving the clamping ring radially so as to produce an intimate male/female-type connection between the two parts of the articulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.

Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.

Abstract: A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Abstract: A demountable barrier (8) for substantially preventing access of water into premises (2) through an access region (4) provided in a wall (6) of the premises. A frame member (10) has a longitudinal channel (20) in a first face (22) open towards the wall of the premises. A resilient membrane (30) is secured to the frame member and framed by the frame member and overlying and closing the longitudinal channel. A non-return air valve (28) extends to the longitudinal channel from a second face (24) of the frame member and is sealed through an aperture provided in the frame member. A compressible sealing member (38) is located between the frame member and the wall of the premises and pump means (40) provides pressurised air into the longitudinal channel through the non-return air valve, to effect ballooning of the resilient membrane overlying the longitudinal channel and compression of the compressible sealing member, whereby a substantially water-tight seal is effected between the frame member and the wall.

Abstract: An improved simulated authentic divided-light windows, includes an internal muntin grid structure sandwiched between the panes of a double-glazed sealed window pane, and an external muntin grid removably attached to each side of the sealed window pane. The internal grid is equipped with multiple neodymium magnets, which are embedded in the grid structure at regular intervals, while the back side of each of the outer muntin grid structures is equipped with multiple steel or iron inserts which align with the neodymium magnets when the outer grids are positioned, as intended, on the sash. Outer grids used on the inside of a building can be made of wood or plastic. Outer grids used on the exterior of building are preferably made of extruded aluminum or other weather resistant material. The steel or iron inserts are threadably secured or adhesively bonded to apertures in the back side of the grid.

Abstract: A high impact panel and its method of installation for withstanding high winds and impacts from flying debris, including large debris, and particularly suited for use in violent storms such as hurricanes. The present inventive panel may be further incorporated into a high impact panel system to enclose and protect an opening on a building, such as a porch, or the system of the present invention may be used to form its own independent structure for temporary housing and the like. When protecting an opening of a preexisting structure, the present invention may be adapted to fit within the dimension of the opening of the structure and may incorporate and utilize already present support structures such as columns, posts, or poles. Additionally and as necessary, a door or other means of access may be incorporated into a high impact wall panel of the present invention.

Abstract: A wall panel retention system including an upper panel retention structure incorporating the ceiling molding and a lower panel retention structure incorporating the base molding with retention structures for holding the sides of the wall panels to the building wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flooring product the surface of which consists of a naturally grown crystal structure which is held together by a binding agent. Moreover, the present invention discloses a method for the production of a flooring product.

Abstract: Glue based hardwood floor boards are provided by this invention. The floor board includes a protruding tongue on one end and a receding groove on the other end. A string of glue capsules is placed inside the receding groove. When the protruding tongue of an adjacent floor board is forced inside the receding groove of the first floor board, the glue capsules are broken and the glue leaks into the receding groove, thus bonding two floor boards.

Abstract: Framing component with built-in-thermal break, comprising a structural member and an insulation member secured to the structural member on an inside of a building, the structural member being made in wood, the insulation member being made in a thermal break material; the structural member and the insulation member forming a one-piece insulated framing component, a bearing depth of the component being smaller than a bearing depth of the wall.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a novel building system of portable light-weight wall panels for commercial and residential construction. The walls panels of the novel system are easy to manufacture in a variety of decorations and colors at a low price. Furthermore, these wall panels may be composed of environmentally friendly materials while providing a high level of insulation to commercial and residential structures. The walls panels of this system are small in size and light weight, making them easy to transport from manufacturers to construction sites. In addition, the small size and weight of these wall panels makes them easy to lift for on-site installation on the interior or exterior of walls with minimal training to installation staff.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational image

Abstract: A siding system including interlocking panels for installation on a support surface. Each panel has opposing top and bottom edges, and adjacent panels are interlocking at least one location between their top and bottom edges. The panels are supported by projections extending from their rear faces against movement toward the support surface when installed. The panels simulate an arranged plurality of individual building elements such as bricks or stones, and have a variegated appearance. A system for creating the panels is also provided that includes a conveyance by which a panel is conveyed through a plurality of coating stations at which a plurality of different coatings are applied. The plurality of applicators are configured to dispense at least two different coatings onto the panels as the panels move along the conveyor.

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: A block is provided for use in a wall structure. The block comprises a first block side which is configured to form a section of one side of the wall structure, a second block side which is configured to form a section of an opposite side of the wall structure, a plurality of ribs which are configured to receive a rib insert or a block corner insulation, and a stud component which is configured to accept a finishing material, wherein the stud component includes a recess portion.

Abstract: A sealant composition for roofing shingles that includes a base asphalt, a linear and/or a radial copolymer, oil, and a wax is provided. The linear copolymer has an A-B di-block or an A-B-A tri-block structure. The radial copolymer may have an (A-B)n radial structure, where n is at least 4, or a tri-block (A-B-A) radial structure having from 4 to 8 arms. Blocks A and B may individually represent (1) styrene and butadiene or (2) styrene and isoprene. The oil is a petroleum-based oil that both “softens” the asphalt and reduces the viscosity of the sealant composition. The wax may be a bis-stearamide wax. Additionally, the sealant composition may be reacted with elemental sulfur to crosslink the copolymer blend. The sealant composition seals at temperatures lower than conventional sealants and promotes the easy release of the shingle from a shingle bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building block serving as a mold when carrying out civil engineering and construction works and forming an external appearance of a structure, a building structure and a method of bricking a wall using the same. The building block comprises first and second exterior walls facing each other and spacing from each other in back and forth directions, and a connecting portion connecting the first and second exterior walls to each other and having an upper portion provided with a first mounting groove for mounting a width-directional reinforcing bar. Here, concavo-convex coupling portions are formed at inner peripheries of the first and second exterior walls, for concavo-convexly coupling to each adjacent block, and here, leakage preventing recesses are respectively formed at outer peripheries of the first and second exterior walls.

Abstract: A method for installing a first surface covering element onto a surface is provided. The element has one half of a hook and loop attachment system, and the surface has the other of the hook and loop attachment system. The method may include the steps of: (i) placing the first element onto the surface so that at least some of the respective hooks and loops of the first element and surface engage; and (ii) applying a force to the first element to encourage tensioning in the loops; and (iii) securing the first element into place.

Abstract: A panel and panel systems are described herein and can include a rigid panel that includes a plurality of apertures and an undulating pattern. The panel acts to block sunlight and may otherwise protect the area behind the panel. In an example, the panel is fixed in a spaced apart relation to a building. The panel or panels block a portion of the direct sunlight to assist in the environmental control of the building. The panel can be strong enough to further protect the building from weather damage or other damage.

Abstract: A flexible wrap of rotatably interlocking fluted strips is provided. The fluted strips may have similarly shaped cross-sectional areas and be rotatably interconnected with one another such that the flexible wrap may be wrapped around an object. One end of a fluted strip may have a socket means for rotatably interlocking with an adjacent fluted strip. The socket means may have a circular inner diameter and two curved arms with an opening between their ends. The opposite end of the fluted strip may have a ball means for rotatably interlocking with another adjacent fluted strip. The ball means may have a circular outer diameter sized to slide into the circular inner diameter of the socket means of an adjacent fluted strip, and an arm sized to slide between the opening of the curved arms, during assembly. One fluted strip may be designed to join in the middle to facilitate wrapping.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

Abstract: The radial tetrahedral structures consist of four spokes radiating outward from a hub at the center of a tetrahedron with each spoke terminating in a connecting node at one of the four vertices of the tetrahedron. Each of the left handed and right handed radial tetrahedral structures (FIGS. 1A & 1B) of the embodiments described in detail in this application fit within a cubic envelope (although other envelopes are possible) and each is capable of being connected to its opposite version at any or all of its six cubic envelope faces. This results in versatile modular structures that can be used to extend into all three spatial dimensions just as cubes could be stacked to produce a multidimensional stack of any shape that results from the addition of more cubes. For example, a left handed and right handed radial tetrahedral structure could be assembled to replace the common 2 by 4 piece of wooden lumber in everyday use.

Abstract: A frame construction for a low rise building. In the construction, a wall frame panel is made of thin light-gauge section steel by bonding together a surface member, a lower frame member, vertical frame members and an upper frame member. Roof or floor support girders are made of heavyweight section steel having H-shape or channel shape. The girders are coupled to frame construction panels by bolts or hold-down fasteners.

Abstract: Panels (20A, 20B) are attached to extrusions (66A, 66B) by fasteners 90. Clips (70) are attached to a structure (50) by fasteners (35). The extrusions and the clips engage in a manner which allows the panels to move in any direction, as needed, without the panel detaching from the structure and falling. The extrusions also provide for the use of optional reveal strips (87). An extrusion has a restraining area (86), a reveal strip stop area (58), and a T-slot (65). A clip has a T-channel (74), a tensioning stop arm (69), and a secondary reinforcing arm (80). The panels can be installed in rows, in columns, or diagonally, as desired.

Abstract: A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transport and installation system that serves the purpose of convenient moving doors from the delivery to the place of installation, positioning doors for ease of hinge installation and providing for horizontal, straight vertical and angular position of the doors with the door jam for installation of the hinge mountings. The new and unique air actuator utilizes a base, stationery vertical guides and removable attachment to a hand cart to solve the problem of handling these heavy unwieldly objects.

Abstract: A strip-pack manufacturing apparatus for attaching an end part (Z) of a bag (X) to a strip comprises holding means for holding the bag (X) and transporting the same to a predetermined attaching position; a pair of rollers (52a, 52b); a stopper (84); and adjusting means. The pair of rollers (52a, 52b) are provided to a receiving position at which the holding means receives the bag, the rollers rotating while sandwiching the end part (Z) of the bag (X). The stopper (84) controls the position of the end part (Z) of the bag (X) to stop at a predetermined position, the end part (Z) having been drawn by the rotation of the pair of rollers (52a, 52b). The adjusting means causes a supporting member (78) for supporting one of the rollers (52a, 52b) to pivot around an axis is that parallel to a rotation axis of the roller (52b), thereby adjusting the distance between the axes of the rollers (52a, 52b).

Abstract: A web wrap apparatus is provided in conjunction with a round baler. The web wrap apparatus has a feeder, a separator for the web, and a motion means. An actuator is provided at the motion means, which assists the separator in cutting the web, when the separator gets close to a cutting position.

Abstract: A round baler is provided having a web wrap apparatus with a feeder for introducing web into a bale chamber through a gap between adjacent motion means. The motion means are provided with protrusions, and anti-interference spacing means are provided to prevent the feeder from contacting the protrusions.

Abstract: A stretch wrap machine for wrapping a product comprising a base, a turn table on the base for rotating the product, a source of stretch wrap connected to the base, and a wrapping assembly configured to bring an end of the stretch wrap above the product, cut the stretch wrap at a position above the product after the product has been wrapped and/or hold an end of the stretch wrap at a position above the product as the turntable begins rotating the product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container and method for filling same. The container includes a thermally resealable portion that is fusible in response to thermal energy, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent axial movement of the body, and applying thermal energy to the resealable portion to thermally fuse the penetrated region thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.

Abstract: A method for making a shrink pack (1) is disclosed wherein pre-cut films (10, 11) of a shrinkable film (3) are cut off diagonally to a longitudinal direction (30) of the film (3). The pre-cut films (10, 11) are wrapped in each case about at least two articles (2). The pre-cut films (10, 11) are shrinked onto the wrapped articles (2) to form a shrink pack (1) in each case. The film (3) is cut before the shrink-on process and before the cutting off into pre-cut films (10, 11) respectively into at least two film webs (4, 5, 6, 7) along the longitudinal direction (30). Then, at least two adjacent film webs (4, 5, 6, 7) are brought together at their adjacent sides (14, 15, 16, 17) in longitudinal direction (30) such that they form an overlap (9) with a width (31) at the adjacent sides (14, 15, 16, 17). A shrink pack (1) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat tunnel for applying heated air to articles enclosed in shrink-wrap film includes at least one air supply unit; a conveyor; and a heat shroud spaced from the conveyor. The air supply unit includes a source of heated air, a fan, a heated air plenum, air ducts, and a return air plenum. Multiple air supply units can be provided along the conveyor to create a heat tunnel of desired length.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing device for a top fin of a gable-topped carton includes two jaws consisting of a jaw (2) with a planar active face and constituting the outer end portion of an ultrasonic horn (A1) and a jaw (6) constituting an anvil and having an active surface (10) which is planar except for upper and lower linear ribs (12) and (14) each extending the length of the surface (10). The lower rib (14) is linear and horizontal except for an upwardly bowed middle portion (16). The two jaws (2) and (6) serve to render gas-and-liquid tight a top fin of a conventional, plastics-coated paperboard, gable-top carton. The ribs (12) and (14) produce, in the outer surface of one of the outer sealing panels of the fin, corresponding furrows which extend over the whole length of the fin at levels where the inner sealing panels are sandwiched between the outer sealing panels, so as to seal the top fin in a gas- and liquid-tight manner along its whole length.

Abstract: Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid the which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit that the at its lower end provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

Abstract: A dust collector that collects dust (12) in gas (11) and purifies the gas (11) includes a tube plate (16) being provided in a dust collector frame (13) that separates an interior into a gas introduction chamber (14) and a gas discharge chamber (15), a plurality of dust collection pipes (17) being hung from the tube plate (16) that feeds the gas (11) from outside to inside and removes the dust (12) on a surface thereof, a gas introduction pipe (18) being provided in the gas introduction chamber (14) that includes a gas opening end portion (18a) positioned near the tube plate (16), and supplies the gas (11) to the dust collection pipes (17) in a downflow direction, a diffuser (19) being provided at the opening end portion (18a) of the gas introduction pipe (18), and a gas discharging unit (21) being provided in the gas discharge chamber (15) that discharges purified gas (20).

Abstract: The system for inertial particle separation removes particulate matter, such as sand, from an air stream, such as that drawn into a turbine engine. The system includes first and second walls spaced apart and positioned within a housing of the turbine engine. The first wall is in the form of an airfoil with variable geometry. An annular air flow path is defined between the first and second walls. The air flow path leads inwardly from an ambient inlet and turns to an outlet. A splitter member is positioned between the first and second walls. A scavenge flow path is defined between the splitter member and the first wall. An inlet thereof is in communication with the ambient inlet, and a filtered flow path is defined between the splitter member and the second wall. The splitter member is also in the form of an airfoil having a variable geometry.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly is provided, which is configured for alternate installation therein of different sized filter cartridges. Features of the air cleaner assembly and components for use therewith, are described. Also methods of assembly and use are described.

Abstract: A filter medium has a woven fabric (1) made from mineral yarns that is in turn covered with polymeric staple fibres (2) by needling. Optionally, a diaphragm (3) made from porous polytetrafluoroethylene is applied at least on one side of the filter medium, in particular on its inflow side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter unit panel in which the generation of an organic gas derived from an adhesive can be suppressed although a plurality of filter units each having a frame body made of a resin member and an outer frame that surrounds these units are used together. This filter unit panel includes a plurality of filter units (100) and an outer frame (10) that surrounds these units. Each of the plurality of filter units includes a pleated filter medium and a frame body that supports the filter medium. Both of the outer frame (10) and the frame body are resin members. The filter units (100) are integrated into a single unit by welding their frame bodies adjacent to each other, and the outer frame and the frame bodies are integrated with each other by welding.

Abstract: A filter element includes support grid secured about its periphery edges to a periphery frame member. A pleated filter media is secured to the frame member and is sized and positioned to fully cover the filter fluid aperture. The support grid is positioned such that it is effective in providing support to the filter media against fluid forces. At least one elongated comb member is provided and includes a plurality of spaced tapered teeth protruding outwards towards the filter media. The teeth are sized and spaced to be received into at least a portion of grooves present between the pleats of the filter media. The teeth of the comb member are sized and spaced to regulate filter media pleat separation and spacing.

Abstract: An improved air filter element is provided with an anti-crown support grid on a clean side of the filter media. The support grid includes at least one side rail provided along periphery portions of the grid and at least one support rib spanning between and secured at opposing ends to the side rails. A plurality of frame attachment members extend outwardly from the support rails and are configured for embedding into the seal frame to secure the support grid to the frame. The support grid includes at least one alignment feature sized, configured and positioned to be receivable into a complimentary feature of a housing so as to positionally lock the filter element and the housing.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a filter element of layers of a flat material and a corrugated material resting against one another, wherein the corrugated material has peaks and valleys, an adhesive is applied onto the flat material or the peaks of the corrugated material in a direction substantially parallel to the peaks of the corrugated material to be glued onto the flat material. The peaks of the corrugated material are then glued onto the flat material. A filter element is thus produced of layers of a flat material and a corrugated material resting against one another, wherein the corrugated material has peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks of the corrugated material are glued onto the flat material by adhesive strips that extend substantially parallel to the peaks.