Abstract: An artificial hill is disclosed protecting a habitable area from tornados, having a predetermined height and slope angles. The hill is capable of dispersing tornados and protecting the area therefrom. The hill comprises a top portion having a predetermined height and including solid bodies, a footing portion having a predetermined height, and a means for heating the solid bodies. Preferable configurations and locations of the hill, sizes of the heights and slope angles, and weights of the solid bodies are specified. Preferable materials for building the hill are described, including rocks, concrete slabs, used auto tires and auto bodies, etc. Preferable types of the heating means are discussed. A method for constructing the hill is included. Various objects can be built on or in the hill, including windmills, antennas, solar panels, recreation zones, as well as agricultural, entertainment, storage, and industrial facilities, which increases economical effectiveness of the structure.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding at least one photovoltaic panel on a roof, characterised in that it comprises: a base plane extending between two fixation wings; holding means for said photovoltaic panel(s) extending vertically relative to said base plane in order to define an air volume between said base plane and said photovoltaic panel(s), said holding means including air inlet/outlet means that permit air circulation in said air volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly system used to form insulating floors, in which two types of elements are coupled to one another, namely: hollow prismatic floor modules (100) including one face (110) which forms the load-supporting useful surface and containing cylindrical elements (160, 162, 164, 166) for receiving coupling elements (200); and coupling elements (200) comprising cross-shaped elements with U-sections forming the arms thereof, intended to receive the vertical faces (140, 142, 144, 146) of the floor modules (100), and posts (230) which are coupled to the corresponding hollow cylindrical elements (160,162,164,166) of the floor modules (100) to be joined. The geometric configuration of the modules (100) and the coupling elements (200) ensure that the load on the assembled floor is transmitted to the ground through the vertical walls (140,142,144,146) of the prismatic body (100), the coupling elements (200) and a central cylindrical load body (170).

Abstract: A structural member (1) comprising: a run portion (2) formed by a sandwich structure having first (10) and second (20) plates and a core of a plastics or polymer material between and bonded to said metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween; and a rise portion (3) formed by a metal member/said rise portion being fixed to said run portion and with a first longitudinal end portion (41) of said metal member being inserted between said metal plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double layered window having indoor and outdoor windows. There is provided a double layered window in which a ventilation device or a ventilation hole is formed in window frame to control temperature and moisture of an intermediate layer, thereby preventing dew condensation, and in a case where the double layered window is installed to an outer wall of a high-story building, the intermediate layer between the indoor and outdoor windows is used as an air pressure buffering space, thereby preventing a problem caused by an air pressure difference.

Abstract: The baseboard has a side with a first contour and an opposite side with a second contour. In order to be able to mount the baseboard in either of two 180°-rotated positions, the baseboard has a longitudinally extending axis of symmetry. The first contour in a first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the second contour in a second edge region. Moreover, the second contour in the first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the first contour in the second edge region.

Abstract: A foundation for a building superstructure has a number of hollow foundation tubes laid horizontally on the ground and susceptible to degradation over time by contact with the ground. Each tube is protected by one or both of the following: (1) a reinforcement housed within the tube, shaped conformably to the interior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground; and (2) a membrane surrounding the tube, shaped conformably to the exterior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground. The tubes are arranged to form the footprint of a small building. In completing the building superstructure, other tubes, which need not have the same protection, are stacked on the foundation tubes. Degradation of the foundation tubes over time because of their contact with the ground is rendered inconsequential by the reinforcement or prevented by the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof ceiling with multiple types of structures. The waterproof ceiling includes a hanger unit secured at an upper end thereof to a ceiling wall or the waterproof ceiling and placed perpendicularly to a ground to support load on a lower end. A carrying channel is connected to the lower end of the hanger unit and placed parallel to the ground so as to be at right angles with the hanger unit. A drain module bar is connected and secured to a predetermined portion on the carrying channel and forms a predetermined angle with the ground to create a flow passage for leaked water. A waterproof panel is fitted to each of both sides of the drain module bar, thus closing a space between drain module bars. A water collecting pipe is provided vertically on an end of the drain module bar, thus collecting the leaked water and discharging the water to the outside. The hanger unit is connected to the lower end of the drain module bar to support an additional load.

Abstract: A building panel has a unitary foamed core, and a unitary cover layer of resinous polymeric material covering the core and covering a bottom edge or drip edge and an upper edge of the panel. A system for installation of adjacent panels includes the adjacent panels having vertical clip-receiving grooves slidably receiving narrow edges of a clip. The clip holds adjacent panels in coplanar abutting relationship to minimize movement while installed on a wall of a building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a translucent building block (1) having at least two, a first and a second bounding surfaces (2, 3), between which there is at least a part of a translucent member (4) and cast material surrounding said member (4) connected to an retainer structure (5), whereas the latter is arranged between said surfaces (2, 3). The invention also relates to a an insert (8) for producing a translucent building block (1) having an retainer structure (5) and at least one translucent member (4) arranged on said auxiliary retainer (5), and the translucent member (4) has at least one section (9, 10) projecting from said retainer structure (5), and said insert is provided with an opening formed on said retainer structure (5) and/or with a fixing member (19, 20, 21). The invention also discloses a method for producing a translucent building block (1).

Abstract: Floor panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system allowing that two of such floor panels can be connected to each other at said sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement, in the other floor panel; wherein the vertically active locking system includes a locking element in the form of an insert; wherein this locking element includes at least a pivotable lock-up body. The pivotable lock-up body includes a support portion which is rotatable against a support surface pertaining to the floor panel concerned, and more particularly in a seat.

Abstract: A perimeter insulation strip for use when laying laminate or parquet floors is described. The perimeter insulation strips comprises a vapor barrier film including a perimeter insulation strip bonded on a front side and at least one adhesive layer arranged behind the perimeter insulation strip on a back side. The vapor barrier film has at least one overlapping section starting from the perimeter insulation strip to connect with a vapor barrier film below a floor covering to be laid.

Abstract: A fire resistant door assembly is disclosed comprising a pair of horizontal rails, a pair of vertical stiles, first and second door skins, and a foam core. The first and second door skins are made from a molded fiberglass material that includes aluminum trihydroxide, which provides a degree of ultraviolet light resistance as well as fire resistance. The foam core is made from a polyurethane foam qualified to ASTM E84, Class I, while the stiles and rails are made from a polyvinylchloride material. The resulting door assembly is made from 100% composite material, provide a high degree of durability, while resulting in a door that maintains its structural integrity and resistance to smoke and fire in accordance with state and local building codes.

Abstract: A heat insulation panel includes a plate-shaped vacuum heat-insulation material embedded in a board-shaped resin foam. When the heat insulation panel is brought into abutment with another heat insulation panel of same dimensions and structure at proximal edges thereof, the vacuum heat-insulation materials in the respective heat insulation panels are in a relationship that the vacuum heat-insulation materials overlap with each other at their proximal end portions as viewed in a thickness direction of the heat insulation panels. The heat insulation panel is economical and is excellent in heat insulating properties, handling, installation and the like. A heat insulation structure making use of a plurality of such heat insulation panels is also provided.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for bridging a gap that is located between spaced-apart structural members. The expansion joint system may be utilized, for example, in roadway, bridge and tunnel constructions where gaps are formed between spaced-apart, adjacent concrete sections. The expansion joint system includes flexible moment connections for connecting vehicle load bearing members to the support member. In certain embodiments, the expansion joint system includes flexible moment connections and friction springs. The expansion joint system may be utilized where it is desirable to absorb loads applied to the expansion joint systems, and to accommodate movements that occur in the vicinity of the expansion joint gap in response to temperature changes, seismic cycling and deflections caused by vehicular loads.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion joint system of a concrete slab arrangement, comprising an expansion joint reinforcement to be arranged between a first and a second concrete slab, the expansion joint reinforcement comprising at least one local or continuous dowel arranged to transfer loads which are perpendicular to the slab plane. A shear reinforcement or a location for attaching the shear reinforcement has been arranged in advance in the expansion joint reinforcement.

Abstract: A method of making a wall block and a mold box therefore. The wall block design maximizes the use of the mold box. The method produces wall blocks having a large surface area front face compared to the front face size of prior art blocks. The blocks have about one third more front surface area. This results in faster construction of walls and a faster construction sequence. The method of making the blocks makes efficient use of mold space and material, resulting in higher production yields and/or higher total daily production square footage.

Abstract: A flooring system employing an improved overlap system for floating installation of flooring panels. Each floor panel having a floor panel body, L-shaped panel sections and L-shaped panel receiving sections. The floor panel body is a multilayered composite structure having a bottom layer. The L-shaped panel sections are prepared on adjacent sides of the floor panel body and include a base section, a vertical support and a cut out section which is formed between the vertical support and the floor panel body. The L-shaped panel receiving sections are prepared on opposite sides of the L-shaped panel sections. The bottom layer of the floor panel has a thickness that is equal to or greater than a height of the L-shaped panel sections and depth of the L-shaped panel receiving sections. Each L-shaped panel receiving section includes a downward facing protrusion and a vertical support receiving passageway, which may engage a cut out section and receive a vertical support from another floor panel respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing plastic profiles having a foam core in a coextrusion method, a material which can be foamed being co-extruded into the cavity of a plastic hollow profile, in particular in the solid state, and foamed therein. The method according to the invention is suitable in particular for the production of sash and frame profiles of windows.

Abstract: A connecting device, which is provided for a separation element with a panel, in particular a glass panel, comprises at least one profile strip, which comprises a back element and a first and second side element, which define a mounting channel, within which the edge of the panel is held by means of an adhesive. According to the invention the profile strip comprises an anchor channel, which is connected by a through slot to the mounting channel, within which a separation profile which is provided with window openings, through which adhesive applied to the panel can penetrate into the anchor channel, separates with a middle part the back element and with a first and a second side part the first or second side element respectively of the profile strip from the panel. The profile strips mounted according to the invention, which preferably form a frame, can be connected to further profiles, e.g. a holding grip, or to at least one guide device, in particular to a carriage guided in a rail.

Abstract: A grating system typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, longitudinal filler bars seated on the crossbars between the deep bars and axial joining bars which join the deep bars and filler bars to one another. The crossbars are inserted lengthwise through slots formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are inserted lengthwise into holes formed in the deep bars and filler bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the crossbars.

Abstract: A rebar positioner configured for being placed in a diagonal orientation within a cell of a masonry block including first and second end sections oriented in a first plane, a center S-shaped section in a second plane parallel to the first, laterally offset linear sections oriented in the second plane, and first and second vertical sections interconnecting the first and second end sections with the first and second linear sections, wherein the second end section terminates in a telltale extending away from the center section.

Abstract: A device to be placed in floating floor slabs and the installation system thereof, the device comprising a cube having a pair of tubes on each side thereof, parallel with the base, with facing sides in identical position; within said sides a section designed for placing rods on which the different layers of the rebar mesh are supported and a system for fitting the mesh on the rods, and also the securing of the corners of the different levels of the rebar mesh by means of linking of the cubes using the rods.

Abstract: An anchorage system is provided for fixing the guardrail tubes for the building works. The anchorage system includes a body member having a recess, an end portion being formed thereof locations allowing to receive screws fitting therewith for be fixed in a wood casing before that the concrete be poured therein and that the casing be removed thereof, a cavity, and grooves. The recess receives an end tube provided of a rod and being formed as integral part of a guardrail tube. The end tube is blocked therein the cavity by the rod sliding therein grooves, and for that the end tube be blocked therein, the guardrail tube is rotated and fixed to the braces. The same anchorage system is also used with a fastening device for connecting a safety harness in a concrete slab.

Abstract: In an anchor for installation into a lightweight construction panel including at least a cover plate, wherein the anchor includes a radial clamping section for firm engagement with the cover plate when installed in a bore formed into the construction panel, the radial clamping section comprises an upper zone provided with axial grooves and a lower zone having transversely extending grooves both in engagement with the walls of the bore in the area of the cover plate.

Abstract: A method for erecting a tower includes the steps of providing a first pre-cast section of concrete and positioning it atop a foundation. A radially-inwardly extending ledge is attached to an interior wall of the first pre-cast section and a plurality of jacks is positioned below the ledge in circumferentially spaced apart relation to one another. The ledge and the first pre-cast section are raised to a first height by operating jacks in an ascending mode. A second pre-cast section is positioned beneath the first pre-cast section after the first pre-cast section has been lifted to the first height. The first pre-cast section is lowered onto the second pre-cast section by operating the jacks in a descending mode or the second pre-cast section is lifted by operating the jacks in ascending mode. An assembly building that surrounds a base of the tower protects workers from inclement weather.

Abstract: A wind turbine is formed of a concrete tower which is erected by slip forming. A primary lifting device is erected onto the tower by being lifted together with the slip form and being subsequently transferred onto the tower from the slip form after the tower has been formed. The nacelle, generator, and rotor of the turbine are then lifted onto the tower using the primary lifting device. A secondary lifting device supported on the tower is used to lower the primary lifting device to the ground after the nacelle, generator and rotor are assembled. The height of the tower is therefore not limited by the availability of suitable cranes so that a greater height of tower can be erected to take advantage of winds at greater elevation.

Abstract: Method for establishing a wind turbine (1) on a foundation (7) where at least a part of the wind turbine rotor (4) means is attached to a wind turbine tower (2) by attachment means. Further the method comprises the steps of positioning said wind turbine tower including said at least a part of the wind turbine rotor means on the foundation, elevating a wind turbine nacelle (3) to a use position on said tower, and directly or indirectly connecting said nacelle to said at least a part of the wind turbine rotor means. The invention also relates to transport of a wind turbine tower, and a vessel (10) suitable for transporting a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A non load-bearing metal wall stud has a sheet metal body with a web, a pair of flanges extending at right angles to the web, a pair of lips, each extending at a right angle from a straight edge of one of the flanges and a pair of skirts each extending at an angle from the straight edge of one of the lips. Knurled channels in the flanges and in the web stiffen the stud further.

Abstract: A load smart system for continuously loading preformed pouches into a fill-seal machine is provided. A plurality of pouches are disposed within a pouch delivery device, each of the pouches having an upper edge and an indicia. The fill-seal machine includes a rotating turret having a plurality of radially extending grippers. The rotating turret rotates the plurality of gripper pairs between a loading station, an opening station, a filling station, a sealing station, and an unloading station. A robotic transfer device is positioned between the pouch delivery device and the loading station of the fill-seal machine. The robotic transfer device includes an optical sensor positioned on a gripper member. During operation, the optical sensor scans the indicia to determine the pouch characteristics and a controlling station controls the gripper member to deposits the pouch within the gripper pairs at the loading station a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the pouch.

Abstract: An inline product feeder for a packaging line and related methods are disclosed. In one example, an inline product feeder includes a product input line configured to receive a contiguous supply of products and configured to guide the products in continuous motion along a path of travel. The inline product feeder also includes a packaging line configured to receive separated groups of the products from the product input line. The inline feeder further includes a feeder unit configured to separate groups of products from the contiguous supply of products in the product input line and move the group of products into the packaging line, each of the separated groups of products including a predetermined number of products from the product input line.

Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules, each of which defined by a bottom and a cap, with pharmaceutical products, the bottoms and the caps of the capsules are moved forward in sequence about a plurality of wheels provided with at least two actuating members movable under the control of respective tappets engaged in respective cams to open and close the capsules themselves, respectively; the cams being obtained on the outer surface of a drum mounted to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the wheels.

Abstract: A capping head (11) comprising a support (12) adapted to be associated with means arranged within a capper comprising at least two identical working units (13, 14), which are associated with the support (12) and are motorized in the same direction, each working unit (13, 14) comprising a shaft (17) provided with motor drive means, which is connected, with the interposition of a torque-limited coupling, to a transverse arm (21, 28) adapted to support a rotating roller (24, 29), both rollers (24, 29) are designed to come into contact with a cap (15) to be screwed onto a container.

Abstract: A bottle support with clutch includes a tray (1), a small gear (2), a shell (3) and a rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the small gear (2) is connected with the shell (3) through a bearing (7). The shell (3) is connected with the rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the tray (1) is sleeved in the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2), and a clutch (8) is provided between the shaft sleeve of the tray (1) and the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2). The bottle support of the invention has a simple structure, and works in a reliable manner. The revolution and rotation of the tray (1) are completely consistent with that of the capping head during working, thus improving cover rolling quality.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.

Abstract: In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine (1) for automatic placement of sliders, including in particular: a first supplier (100) for supplying closure profiles (20), said closure profiles (20) being provided with complementary means (22) allowing the progression of the closure profiles (20) in said machine (1); a second supplier (200) for supplying sliders (10); a device (400) for placing sliders (10); and a separator guide (300), situated opposite the device (400) for placing sliders, said guide (300) comprising a guide channel (310a, 310b) in which the closure profiles (20) progress, the width of said channel (310a, 310b) being smaller than the thickness of the closure means (22), such that when the profiles (20) are brought by the supply means (100) into the separator guide (300), the closure means (22) do not penetrate the guide channel (310a, 310b) while the portion (23) underlying said closure means (22) is squeezed by the walls of the guide channel (310a, 310b), in order to separate the respective free ends

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation means through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.

Abstract: A method is described for sealing a continuous tubular packaging (20), which is fed in a vertical direction, the continuous tubular packaging (20) being shaped as a continuous tubular element (20) exhibiting with a closed bottom (5), in which products are contained, and a group (1) for actuating the method. The group (1) comprises: sealing means (4), configured such as to act in a transversal direction with respect to the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate an inner volume thereof, such that a closed stick pack (2), containing said products, and a new closed bottom (5) are formed; and compression means (8, 9) arranged downstream of the sealing means (4) with respect to the feeding direction (W) of the continuous tubular packaging (20), which are configured such as to compress the continuous tubular packaging (20), consequently eliminating air fluid contained therein, and which are activatable prior to sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) with the sealing means (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a combination permanent partial decoration and temporary decoration to mass customize refillable glass vessels. The method comprising: decorating a glass vessel with a permanent partial decoration, receiving the glass vessel at a filling facility, washing the glass vessel in caustic solution to remove presence of a temporary decoration, filling the glass vessel with a product contents, printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, distributing the glass vessel to a marketplace for use by a consumer, receiving the consumer used glass vessel at the filling facility, and recycling the glass vessel by returning to the step of washing. Other embodiments include not using the permanent partial decoration and printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, wherein at least some of the temporary decoration is printed on top of a background region to increase the luminance qualities of the temporary decoration.

Abstract: A filter cooling construction includes a mass of filtration material held in a filter body and a cooling member extending in the mass of filtration material. A manifold communicates with the cooling member for channeling a cooling fluid to the cooling member. In another embodiment, a heat transfer construction is provided so that a temperature control fluid can flow to the heat transfer member thereby selectively heating and cooling the mass of filtration material. Once use for such constructions is in air filters.

Abstract: A harvester head (14) comprising at least first, and second panels (28, 30) of sheet metal that are disposed to direct a lateral flow of outcrop material toward, a feederhouse (18), and an adhesive layer (52) that fixes the first and second panels together.

Abstract: Method for harvesting algae and/or plants in an open and continuous system whereby the algae and/or plants are grown on a submersed substratum, wherein the substratum is moved during growing of the algae or plants.

Abstract: A header assembly for a combine harvester includes a header carried by an adapter on the feeder house of the combine and on a pair of gauge wheel which can be adjusted from inside the cab to change height of the cutter bar from the ground. This is used in combination with an Automatic Header Height Control so that the main suspension is adjusted to carry approximately 90% of the header weight, the header is dropped on the ground until the gauge wheels contact the ground, and causes the header to “float” with respect to the main carrier frame and the AHHC is set so that the combine feeder house stops lowering when a pre-set amount of header to adapter separation (float) is achieved with the AHHC operating to maintain this set amount by controlling the height of the feeder house.

Abstract: A combination grass discharge and mulch plug insert apparatus and method are provided where the insert can include a first end configured for communication with a discharge opening of a lawnmower and a second end also configured for communication with the discharge opening. The first end can be configured for preventing discharge of grass clippings from the lawnmower, whereas the second end can be configured for allowing discharge of grass clippings through the second end. Further, the insert can be reversible such that it can be oriented in either a first position in which the first end is inserted into the discharge opening or a second position in which the second end is attached to the discharge opening. As a result, the lawnmower can be easily converted between mulching and side- or rear-discharge modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a comminution device comprising at least one rotor and at least one counter-blade for the comminution of organic materials, earths, plant cultures or similar, wherein the organic material may be comminuted and transported to a trap device by means of the at least one rotor.

Abstract: A removable bat attachment to be applied when required over the tine tubes and fingers of reel of a harvesting machine is formed by an elongate flexible plastic extruded member having a first wall lying against the leading face of the plurality of fingers, a second wall at the inner edge of the first wall wrapping around the tine tube to define a generally cylindrical channel shaped receptacle to receive the tine tube therein and a third wall at the outer edge. In one arrangement the outer edge wraps around an outer end of the fingers and is snap fit onto the outer ends of the fingers and on to the tine tube so as to be held in place thereon by the snap fit. In another arrangement the outer edge has an end wall with a series of holes one for each finger so that the fingers project outwardly from the outer edge.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.