Abstract: A reinforcement for buildings is provided. The reinforcement is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic in the reinforcement.

Abstract: A suspended metal ceiling system having a grid of support members suspended from a structural ceiling and a plurality of ceiling panels positioned on the grid of the support members having a locking mechanism for connecting the ceiling panels to the grid actuatable from a side wall of the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A panel for a drop ceiling is made of a semi-rigid but resilient material such as spring steel and includes corner clips adapted to cooperate with the inverted T-shaped stringers of a drop ceiling support system so that the panel is self-centering between opposing stringers and is spring biased into a clamped relationship with horizontal flanges of the inverted T-shape stringers to prevent the panel from moving up and down. The corner clips are also designed to transfer any horizontal compressive shear force in the mounting system to vertical edges of the panel so as not to undesirably bow the flat base of the panel.

Abstract: A composite panel assembly includes first and second panels. An edge of the first panel is positioned adjacent to an edge of the second panel to define a joint. The edge of the first panel and the edge of the second panel each define a recessed portion. An insert is positioned between the first and second panels at the joint. A portion of the insert is received within respective recessed portions of the first and second panels.

Abstract: A method of mounting elements in a wind turbine tower, whereby the elements are partly or completely attached to the wind turbine tower by means of magnetic attraction forces. Wind turbine suspension units may be attached to the wind turbine tower, preferably completely or partly to the inner wall by means of magnetic attraction forces, which present structure-weakening attachments to the tower or part of the tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: The system and method of securing a single ply membrane to a roof deck or structure described utilizes sections of cable or reinforced membrane material that are completely protected or surrounded by the single ply membrane. A set of perimeter cables or interior cables secure the membrane to a roof decking by stretching the cables or reinforced membrane sections until taut. The cables are secured at their endpoints and additional fasteners may be provided along their lengths. Membrane material is used to weatherproof the fastening of the cables to the roof decking.

Abstract: A structural system for use in areas in which space is valuable. The structural system has the ability to transform from a first object or shape into a self-contained meeting center. The structural system may be used for interior and exterior applications. The structural system may also include a mobile, micro-climate controlled chair system.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite structure has a reinforced core for carrying loads. The core includes a web connected between the facesheets by edge bonded joints for transmitting compressive, tensile and shear loads. The edge bonded joints are laterally reinforced by bridging members bonded to the facesheets, on opposite sides of the webs. The bridging members may comprise low density, high temperature rigid foam.

Abstract: This new versatile steel connection has three unique features: (1) utilizes three dimensional connection plates in a simple and consistent manner, and is suitable for all possible connection type that is made of steel W-sections; (2) uses through the depth steel rods, coupled with typical web stiffeners to transfer shear and bending moment across the connection. The shear transfer mechanism is similar to stirrups in reinforced concrete beams; (3) all components and parts can be prefabricated in shop, and conveniently bolted together at field. The merits of the connections include higher strength and ductility, stronger yet simpler connections, higher quality, small components for easy storage and transportation. In one word, it eliminates all of the inherent drawbacks and problems of conventional bolted and/or welded connections.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing tobacco-oriented goods is disclosed. The method includes moving, in a consecutive sequence, a plurality of tobacco product containers across a path. The path takes them within range of a pushing mechanism. The consecutive sequence is determined based at least upon a picking support component that causes the plurality of tobacco product containers to interject tobacco product containers of a first order in between two different collections of tobacco product containers of a second order. The method also includes utilizing the pushing mechanism so as to remove the tobacco products of the second order from the consecutive sequence. This is done through activation of the pushing mechanism so as to route the tobacco products of the second order to a takeaway mechanism.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-layer film for making pouches for containing flowable materials, said multi-layer film comprising generally five layers in order: inner sealant-layer, first interposed layer, the core layer, second interposed layer, and the outer sealant layer. All layers are ethylene-based. The combined thickness of the first and the second interposed layers is in the range of from about 10% to about 27% of the total thickness of said multi-layer film. Similarly, a combined thickness of the inner and the outer sealant-layers is in the range of from about 10% to about 27% of the total thickness of the multi-layer film. The interposed layers comprise high-density polyethylene that has a density of at least 0.950 g/cm3 and a melt-index of less than 1.05 dg/min.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-layer film for making pouches for containing flowable materials, said multi-layer film comprising generally five layers in order: inner sealant-layer, first interposed layer, the core layer, second interposed layer, and the outer sealant layer. The sealant and core layers are ethylene-based, and the interposed layers are polypropylene-based. The multi-layer film thickness is in the range of from about 35 microns to about 66 microns. The interposed layers comprise a novel polypropylene blend with a major component polypropylene and a minor component polypropylene, wherein the minor component polypropylene is a heterogeneous polypropylene interpolymer with a density in the range of from about 0.875 to about 0.91 g/cm3.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a wrapping material for use in covering an article on an automated packing machine includes an interconnected network of a plurality of machine-direction strands being integrally joined to a plurality of cross-direction strands to form a netting. A first film segment is situated overlapping and bonded to the netting to form a first machine-direction seal. A second film segment being spaced apart from the first film segment is situated overlapping and bonded to the netting to form a second machine-direction seal. The first or the second seal has a wave height maximum, crest-to-trough, of less than 0.25 inches. The wrapping material is capable of use without jamming the automated packing machine and without rupturing the first or second seal and processed about an article.

Abstract: A package for a cryopreservation container including at least an adhesive fluoropolymer film. The package for a cryopreservation container makes it possible to store blood, rare cells and vital tissues in a very low temperature environment without any damage to the container. Further, the sealing strength resulting from heat sealing after placing a cryopreservation container in the packages is very good. Therefore, liquid nitrogen can be inhibited from entering the inside and thus contamination with bacteria, viruses or the like contained in liquid nitrogen can be avoided and the package can be prevented from being broken by expansion of intruder liquid nitrogen on the occasion of thawing. Also disclosed is a method for packaging a cryopreservation container and a method of producing a package for a cryopreservation container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The dimensions of the cover system can vary depending on the ULD they are designed to be used with. The cover system can also be adapted to any individual skid such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads used in air transport or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts that wrap the shipment. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials, and different layers can incorporate different materials. The different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. In specific embodiments, materials used for the cover system are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) friendly.

Abstract: A medicament-packing unit contains a sheet feeder, a medicament-feeding hopper and a heat-sealing section. The sheet feeder feeds a packing sheet, folded into two in a longitudinal direction, to the heat-sealing section. The medicament-feeding hopper provides a medicament on the packing sheet fed by the sheet feeder. The heat-sealing section seals the packing sheet to pack the medicament provided on the packing sheet. The heat-sealing section contains a horizontal sealing roller, a first drive motor, a vertical sealing roller, a second drive motor, and a motor controller. The horizontal sealing roller seals the packing sheet in a horizontal direction. The first drive motor drives the horizontal sealing roller. The vertical sealing roller seals the packing sheet in a vertical direction. The second drive motor drives the vertical sealing roller. The motor controller controls the first drive motor and the second drive motor.

Abstract: A horse halter apparatus includes top nose portion with a curved rigid nose bar, a separate left chin portion with a first rigid chin bar, and a separate right chin portion with a second rigid chin bar. Soft, pliable covers enclose each rigid bar and hide the bars from view while protecting the horse's face from scratches or marks. A user holding a leash may apply pressure, via the rigid bars, in three different directions: downward, left and right. Each of the nose portion and chin portions may be adjustable in length. The rigid bars may be removable from the covers. The rigid bars may come in different configurations with varying profiles such as circular or rectangular, and may be formed with protuberances directed towards the horse's face.

Abstract: A treeless western saddle comprising a flexible base coupled to an underside of a flexible substrate. A seat section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. A pommel section is integrally formed in the flexible substrate. The flexible base has an upper stirrup aperture and a lower stirrup aperture formed in a lateral side of the flexible base. The underside of the flexible substrate has a cavity formed in a lateral side of the underside of the flexible substrate, the cavity to extend from the upper stirrup aperture to at least the lower stirrup aperture.

Abstract: A spur attachable to a boot is provided. The spur includes a body comprising a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a fourth arm, and a neck with a head disposed on the distal end of each arm. The first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are configured to be forward relative to a heel of the boot and the neck is configured to be rearward relative to the heel of the boot, and the third arm and fourth arm are configured to tighten a single strap attached to the head disposed on the distal end of each arm when the neck drops relative to the boot.

Abstract: A spur attachable to a boot is provided. The spur includes a body having a first arm, a second arm, and a neck. A first bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the first arm and a second bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are configured to be forward relative to a heel of the boot and the neck is configured to be rearward relative to the heel of the boot.

Abstract: A multifunction air purifying device which has functions for eradicating house dust mites, collecting dust and producing warm, cleaning air comprises of a main body (1) incorporates a printed circuit board (PCB) (5), an aspiring module (2) provided within said body, connected electrically to the PCB (5), multiple buttons disposed on a surface of the body (1) connect electrically to the PCB (5) and a handle (4) attached to the body (1). Said body (1) consists of a substrate (11), a cover (12) with a suction hole (121), and a base (13) with an exhaust hole (131). Said aspiring module (2) is composed of a housing (21) having an air intake (211) and an air outtake (212), a centrifugal fan (22), a motor (23), and a heating means (24).

Abstract: A generally rectangular tractor cab air filter housing arrangement (20) has a main body portion with inlet zones (20a) at each end through which air enters the housing, a first outlet aperture (20c) in the housing over which a filter element (18) is supported, and a second aperture in the housing in which a door (21) is pivoted to provide access to the filter for maintenance. The inlet zones (20a) are formed as chambers which are structurally interconnected by side portions (20d) of the housing so that the housing can be formed as a single piece hollow plastics moulding. The door (21) may also be a hollow single piece plastics moulding. Both the housing and/or the door may be formed by blow moulding or rotational moulding.

Abstract: A filter cartridge that includes a filter media. The media is pleated and the pleats are arranged into a tube about an axis with a first pleat proximate a last pleat. The filter cartridge includes a strap that has first and second end portions and that extends at least one revolution around the pleated media tube in a helix such that the first and second end portions of the strap are axially displaced from each other. The first and last pleats of the media are attached to each other and the first and second end portions of the strap are attached to the media. The filter cartridge may be made by an associated method. In one specific example, a stitching attaches the strap to the media.

Abstract: Filters capable of dissipating static charges. One example includes a filter media pack comprising fluted media secured to facing media; the fluted media having cellulose fibers; and the fluted media including an amount of carbon black sufficient to impart a static charge dissipative property thereto. One example includes an air filter cartridge having a filter media pack comprising fluted media secured to facing media; the fluted media comprising cellulose fibers; the fluted media having at least one side coated with a static charge dissipative amount of a metallic coating. These filters are useable in, for example, dust collectors.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a frame for mounting the filter assembly. The frame defines a rectangular opening. A channel is disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the rectangular opening. Filter media pleat pack is disposed in the channel in the frame. The filter media pleat pack extends across the entire rectangular opening in the frame. The filter media pleat pack separates particles from a gas flowing through the filter media in a first direction. Support structure is connectable with the frame. The support structure engages the filter media pleat pack to limit movement of the filter media pleat pack when gas flows in the first direction through the filter media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automatic harvesting of fruits cultivated in rows, comprising an autonomous vehicle, with a tubular structure (2), formed by stringers (5) attached to one another by means of crosspieces (6), and with wheels (3) encompassing several crop rows (4), incorporating autonomous and independent robotic arms (7) controlled by means of a common processor, being assembled on a platform (8) moving on a guide (9), and the end of which has a viewing and positioning system, and has a curved receptacle (13) in the form of a funnel (14) provided with a groove (15) with an obliquely arranged blade (16). The viewing and positioning system comprises a camera (10), a contact sensor (11) and a distance sensor (12).

Abstract: A divider support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism for connecting a divider to a header frame. The mechanism includes a first element for carrying the divider and a second element configured for connection to the frame, and at least one resilient biasing element disposed between the first element and the second element and biasable by generation of a torsional loading condition between the first and second elements for applying a preload force therebetween. A preload adjusting mechanism in connection with at least one of the first element and the second element is operable for selectably adjusting the biasing of the at least one resilient biasing element in a manner for adjusting the preload force. The preload mechanism is also operable for damping vibrations emanating from the divider.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to lyocell filament fibers having fatigue resistance and durability, of which the dimensional stability at high temperature and the high speed driving performance are good, and a tire cord prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided for a filter house. The filter house is configured to channel air into a turbine engine. The heat transfer system includes at least one of an expansion device and a compressor, a circuit coupled to at least one of the expansion device and the compressor, at least one sensor that detects a parameter of at least one of air channeled through a filter house and the fluid channeled through the circuit, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to selectively control flow of fluid through the circuit to change the parameter of air channeled through the filter house based on the parameter detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a gas turbine powerplant with an engine oil line and an engine fuel line incorporates a heat transfer control module that includes a reversible heat pump with a heat pump compressor for circulating working fluid in forward and reverse directions through a working fluid line of the heat pump. The heat control module also includes a first heat exchanger having a heat exchange path for the working fluid between the compressor and a heat pump expansion valve and another heat exchange path for the engine oil. A second heat exchanger has a heat exchange path for the working fluid between the compressor and the expansion valve and another heat exchange path for the engine fuel. The heat pump can be operated in forward or reverse directions depending on whether heat is to be transferred from the engine oil or the fuel to the heat pump working fluid.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system (10) for a vehicle having an engine (14) includes a fluid passageway (20) extending from the engine to an ambient (18) for fluidly communicating exhaust gas (F). A diesel particulate filter (24) is disposed on the fluid passageway (20) downstream of the engine (14). At least one exhaust throttle valve (30A-30D) is located downstream of the engine (14) on the fluid passageway (20). When the exhaust throttle valve (30A-30D) is actuated, the valve obstructs the flow of exhaust gas (F) and increases the temperature of the exhaust gas. The heated exhaust gas (F) causes regeneration at the diesel particulate filter (24).

Abstract: A method for reducing NOx molecules in an exhaust flow within an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine includes storing NOx from the exhaust flow on a NOx storage component within an aftertreatment device exposed to the exhaust flow. When the exhaust flow includes molecular hydrogen, he stored NOx is released to create ammonia in the exhaust flow. In a selective catalytic reduction device that is downstream of the aftertreatment device, the created ammonia is utilized to reduce NOx in the exhaust flow.

Abstract: A method includes raising a temperature of an SCR catalyst for a predetermined time period while dosing urea. The method further includes maintaining the temperature of the SCR catalyst without dosing urea for a second predetermined time period. The method further includes filtering out at least low frequency data from a first NOx sensor upstream of the SCR catalyst and from a second NOx sensor downstream of the SCR catalyst, and comparing the filtered data from the first NOx sensor and the second NOx sensor without dosing urea over a third predetermined time period. The method further includes providing a NOx sensor condition index for at least one of the first NOx sensor and the second NOx sensor in response to the comparing.

Abstract: A method for the self-diagnosis of an exhaust gas probe (20). The exhaust gas probe (20) has at least one heating element (26). The method includes a modeled heat output PH is determined for the heating element (26) by means of a computer program comparing parameters of the gas stream with a measured heat output, and determining, when the parameters of the gas stream exceeds the measured heat output by more than a defined tolerance limit, that one of the exhaust gas probe (20) is defective, and an exhaust gas section (17) in which the exhaust gas probe (20) is installed is faulty.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing overstress of a DPF are provided herein. One example of such a method is based on a radial temperature gradient near the exit face of the diesel particulate filter. In this way, it becomes possible to more closely correlate radial stresses to actual risk of DPF fracture.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter includes elevating a temperature of a gas stream flowing into an inlet of the diesel particulate filter to greater than or equal to 450° of the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, wherein the gas stream at the inlet of the diesel particulate filter contains an amount of NOx of equal to or greater than 300 ppm, and an amount of O2 of equal to or greater than 5% volume, thereby burning the soot within the diesel particulate filter. The method also includes elevating a temperature of the gas stream flowing into the inlet of the diesel particulate filter to less than or equal to 550° C. at the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, wherein a burn rate of soot from porous walls of the diesel particulate filter is greater than or equal to 3.8 grams/liter/hour.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a flue gas purifying device that can suppress leakage of ammonia and can efficiently decrease nitrogen oxides in flue gas. The object is achieved by including: an exhaust pipe that guides flue gas discharged from an internal combustion engine; a urea-water injecting unit that injects urea water into the exhaust pipe; a catalyst unit that includes a urea SCR catalyst that promotes a reaction between ammonia produced from injected urea water and nitrogen oxides and a support mechanism arranged inside of the exhaust pipe on a downstream side to a position where urea water is injected in a flow direction of the flue gas to support the urea SCR catalyst; an ammonia-concentration measuring unit that measures an ammonia concentration in flue gas at a measurement position in a region where the SCR catalyst is arranged; and an injection control unit that controls injection of urea water based on a measurement result acquired by the ammonia-concentration measuring unit.

Abstract: To homogeneously diffuse, in the exhaust gas, an additive that is fed into a device for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Provided are exhaust systems and components suitable for use in conjunction with gasoline engines to capture particulates in addition to reducing gaseous emission such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxides. Exhaust treatment systems comprising a three-way conversion (TWC) catalyst located on a particulate filters are provided. Coated particle filters having washcoat loadings in the range of 1 to 4 g/ft3 result in minimal impact on back pressure while simultaneously providing TWC catalytic activity and particle trapping functionality to meet increasingly stringent regulations such as Euro 6. Sufficient to high levels of oxygen storage components (OSC) are also delivered on and/or within the filter. The filters can have a coated porosity that is substantially the same as its uncoated porosity. The TWC catalytic material can comprise a particle size distribution such that a first set of particles has a first d90 particle size of 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer device, more preferably for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, preferentially of a motor vehicle, with at least one warm tube for conducting a fluid emitting heat, with at least one cold tube for conducting a fluid absorbing heat and with at least one thermoelectric generator for generating electric energy from a temperature difference, wherein a thermoelectric generator each is arranged between a warm tube and a cold tube. The efficiency of the heat transfer device is improved if the respective thermoelectric generator is in contact with the respective tube via a heat conducting material and if the respective heat conducting material is configured as shaped body.

Abstract: An exhaust system device comprising a liquid-cooled non-ferrous housing including a liquid cooling passage and defining a path for exhaust gas, and an exhaust flow insulator carried in the exhaust gas path of the housing to convey exhaust gas through the housing to limit heat transfer from exhaust gas to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, more preferably of a motor vehicle with a housing comprising a jacket and an outlet funnel, with at least one exhaust gas treatment element which is arranged in the jacket and which via a support ring is axially supported on the housing, wherein the outlet funnel comprises an outer funnel and an inner funnel. A simplified design is obtained if the outer funnel at an inner end facing the jacket is connected to the jacket in a fixed manner and at an outer end facing away from the jacket is connected in a fixed manner to the inner funnel, and if between the inner funnel and the outer funnel an insulation space circumferentially running in circumferential direction is formed and the inner funnel at an inner end facing the jacket carries the support ring and relative to the outer funnel is at least axially loose.

Abstract: Generally, the invention relates to power generation and energy storage. In particular, to systems and methods for providing constant power from hydraulic inputs having widely-varying pressures. More particularly, the invention relates to hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery systems that include either a fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor and control systems that allow a user to maintain constant power from the fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor.

Abstract: For controlling supply priorities, a hydraulic system includes several loads, a pump, and a tank. One load has a first-level supply priority, and optionally a second load has a second-level supply priority subordinate to the first level. A third load has a third-level supply priority subordinate to the second level. Each load can be connected to the pump by a separate supply line. The supply lines for the first and the optional second load are connected to the pump by a common load-pressure-controlled priority valve and the supply line for the third load is connected to the pump by an additional load-pressure-controlled priority valve. A first load-pressure line leading to the pump is connected to a load-pressure line of the third hydraulic load and to a second load-pressure line.

Abstract: An energy conversion system, including a wave chamber, and a turbine wheel coupled to a shaft and fluidly coupled with the wave chamber. The energy conversion system may also include a first radial flow passage fluidly coupled with the wave chamber and the turbine wheel, and first vanes disposed at least partially in the first radial flow passage, each of the first vanes being compliantly mounted and pivotal between first and second positions, the first vanes being configured to allow a motive fluid to flow in a first radial direction through the first radial flow passage when the first vanes are in the first position, and the first vanes being configured to substantially prevent the motive fluid from flowing through the first radial flow passage in a second radial direction when the second vanes are in the second position.

Abstract: A heat engine includes: a high-temperature space portion and a low-temperature space portion, each of which has a working gas with a different temperature range from each other; a regenerator provided between both of the space portions; a first piston configured to cause volumetric changes of the working gases in the space portions and transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of the working gases; and a second piston and a third piston provided in the space portions, respectively, the second piston and the third piston configured to transfer the working gases between both of the space portions and move with a 180° phase difference from each other with respect to the regenerator. The second piston is slidably housed in a cylinder portion included in the first piston. The first piston, and the second piston and the third piston are configured to move with a phase difference smaller than 180°.

Abstract: Actuation and control of the deployment of a polymeric memory-shape material on a wellbore device on a downhole tool may be accomplished by treating a compacted or compressed polymeric memory-shape material with a deployment fluid to lower its Tg and/or decrease its rigidity, thereby softening the polymeric shape-memory material at a given temperature and triggering its expansion or recovery at a lower temperature. Alternatively, the deployment of the compacted or compressed polymeric memory-shape material may be prevented or inhibited by shielding the material with an environment of a fluid that does not substantially lower its Tg, decrease its rigidity or both, and then subsequently contacting the material with a deployment fluid.

Abstract: A drive module includes: a cylindrical or columnar driven body 4; a cylindrical supporting body 5 for containing the driven body therein; flat spring members 6, 7 for elastically holding the driven body movably along a certain direction with respect to the supporting body; and a drive means 10 for driving the driven body against a restoring force of the flat spring members, in which the spring constant of the side of the flat spring members on which a force generated by the drive means acts is larger than that of the opposite side on which the force generated by the drive means acts through the driven body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy cell (10) operable to generate a pressurized fluid for use as an energy source when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy cell (10) comprises a housing means (12) holding the phase change material (PCM), and an insulating means (14) arranged between the housing means (12), and the phase change material (PCM). The energy cell (10) also comprises a heat exchanging means (16) encompassed by the phase change material (PCM) and comprising a number of pipe means (400), and a number of disc means (402, 404), each provided with a number of aperture means (500) and each encompassing a part of the pipe The energy cell (10) also comprises a centrally located, bladder means (410) which at its end parts are fixed to the energy eel! (10) and are open, and between the end parts being flexible. Each pipe means (400) comprises a heat transfer media.