Abstract: A solar roofing shingle assembly includes an attachment panel configured for attachment to a roof deck and a solar shingle mounted to the attachment panel.

Abstract: A door as provided includes a one piece molded outer frame, a transparent panel, and a one piece molded inner frame, the inner and outer frames being coupled via a clip component and clip receiving component with the transparent panel secured therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reinforcement structure of a rectangular flat metal plate, which is provided with: a rectangular flat metal plate that is predominantly subjected to in-plane shear, and supports a compressive load as necessary; strip-like rectangular section members that are spliced in parallel with both side edges of the flat plate in the longitudinal direction so as to reinforce the flat plate; and a plurality of square tube-like members that are parallelly arranged for each constant interval in the shorter side direction of the flat plate, and are spliced on one side surface of the flat plate, or are spliced so as to overlap one another across the flat plate between both surfaces of the front and back of the flat plate, wherein the torsional rigidity and torsional strength of the rectangular flat metal plate are increased to ensure a yield shear load, and shear yield strength can be stably maintained even in the transition of shear deformation after the yield.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a wall structure that can be formed from one or more permanent wall forms (or formworks). The wall forms can be prefabricated at a factory or shop in a controlled environment and then shipped to the job site. Construction of the wall structure at the job site generally entails positioning the wall forms at the desired location for the wall structure and then filling the wall forms with concrete. When the concrete cures, the wall forms are not removed and become a permanent part of the wall structure.

Abstract: A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface.

Abstract: A runner, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of installing a suspended ceiling, the runner having a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles, a hinged web connected to the base between the flanges so as to be foldable between a flat configuration with the web folded against one of the flanges and an inverted-T configuration with the web normal to the base for suspension and use, the hinged web allowing for economies is shipping when compared to conventional rigid inversed-T shaped runners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce the width of cracks that may be induced in masonry. The reinforcement strips comprise at least two straight, substantially parallel reinforcement wires connected to each other by means of a wire connecting structure. The reinforcement wires have a design yield strength fyd equal or higher than 550/?s N/mm2 and an equivalent diameter d equal or lower than 4 mm. The reinforcement strips have a resistance F against loads applied on said reinforcement strip and a design value of resistance Fd. The reinforcement strip embedded in said joint has a bond capacity Fbok and a design bond capacity Fbod. The design yield strength fyd and the diameter d of said reinforcement wires are chosen so that the design value Fd of the reinforcement strip is equal or lower than the design bond capacity Fbod of the reinforcement strip.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical folding locking system on short edges that only locks vertically and a mechanical locking system on long edges that prevents displacement along the long edges.

Abstract: A cargo carrying flooring system, made of planks of wood arranged side by side. Each plank is made of a plurality of rows of wood strips, the strips being connected end to end by shaped coupling portions, and side by side. At least some of the rows of wood strips are made of machine graded softwood lumber.

Abstract: A fastener for securing first and second decking boards with a joist is shown and described. The fastener may include a joist connecting member capable of engaging the joist, a board connecting member capable of engaging the first decking board, where the board connecting member is generally perpendicular the joist connecting member. The fastener may also include a retention feature laterally spaced from the board connecting member, where the retention feature is capable of engaging the second decking board.

Abstract: A modular frame system includes a structural member which can take the form of a vertical post or a horizontal beam. The member has a central, generally rectangular tubular body. The tubular body has four sides, two of which are connected by a substantially flat corner part. The member also has four fins extending from the tubular body in different directions for increased rigidity and stability. The fins also support floor, roof or wall panels. Holes are fabricated in the fins such that the member may be stacked on or attached to other similar structural members to create frameworks for buildings.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Pre-preg and pre-cured reinforcement sheets with high tensile strength fabric core and with desired rigidity and elasticity are wrapped around structural elements, forming an external reinforcement shell with a space between the structural element and the shell, where the space will be filled with materials such as concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the space created between the structural element and the shell.

Abstract: A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed.

Abstract: A method of installing a prefabricated tileable shower bench includes placing a seating member which defines at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom, in a shower enclosure space. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall, which lies in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench. The combination provides a contiguous surface over which finishing material such as shower tile may be installed.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting a plurality of capsules having at least one sheet component for orienting capsules and at least one base component for guiding the oriented capsules to a following assembly. The assembly for orienting capsules can be adapted to a hand-held assembly for filling capsules or to a bench-top assembly for filling capsules. The assembly for filling capsules may further include a capsule-loading tray and a locking plate.

Abstract: Broadly, an embodiment of the now disclosed apparatus generally provides an ammunition magazine storage and dispensing apparatus to enable a user to remove a weapon's magazine from the apparatus quickly and easily for subsequent insertion into that users weapon, the apparatus comprising means for securing the top of a magazine, means for securing the bottom of a magazine, a back plate connecting the two securing means, and means whereby the apparatus may attach to other objects, including but not limited to the person or gear of a user.

Abstract: A miniature component carrier includes a thin, resilient mask through which are formed multiple spaced-apart apertures each of which is sized and shaped to compliantly receive and hold a miniature component in a controlled orientation during termination processing such that the side margins of the aperture primarily contact and grip the corner regions of the miniature component. At least some of the apertures have side margins that form rhomboidal or elliptical apertures. The shape and size of the multiple spaced-apart apertures confine within an operational tolerance contact between the side margins of the aperture and the side or end wall surfaces of the electronic component. This reduces mechanical damage to the side and end wall surfaces that results from their contact with the side margins during receipt and gripping of the miniature component in the aperture.

Abstract: A closure for silica glass crucible to be mounted on an opening portion of a silica glass crucible is provided with a peripheral edge mounting portion closely adhered to an inner peripheral end of the opening portion.

Abstract: A method of forming disposable absorbent articles includes forming at least two different types of absorbent articles on a single product line. Each type of absorbent article has an absorbent structure that differs from the absorbent structure of at least one other absorbent article type on the product line. The method further includes creating a visual distinction between the different types of absorbent articles and packaging the different types of absorbent articles in a single package.

Abstract: A selectively reconfigurable wrapping machine [A] for sequentially wrapping upright products. An infeed conveyor carries products to a wrapping station module where a tube of shrink-wrap material, pulled from rolled storage [B], is formed about the products by a film directing and tracking module generally designated [C] by use of a film plow [D]. Marginal edges of the shrink-wrap material are joined by a selectively configurable bottom seal module [E] which pulls the tube in to form a selectively positionable longitudinal bottom seal. A film sealing and cutting module [G] has opposed sealing heads [G2L, G2R] carried to face each other with fixed angular orientation such that the heads travel with products in the tube for a distance as it moves giving sealing dwell time for nonstop operation. A microprocessor-driven control system provides user setup controls.

Abstract: A saddle pad is described for placement on a horse or other riding animal's back. The saddle pad can include a pad and an outer cover into which the pad is inserted. The saddle pad is placed directly on the back of the animal and a saddle is placed on top of and over the saddle pad. The pad can be constructed from one, two, or more pieces of material and includes one or more cushioning elements. One of the cushioning elements can be located along a central longitudinal axis of the pad. The cushioning elements of the pad can be constructed from walls, baffles, or bladders, which may be filled with a gas, a liquid, or a gel material to increase stability of the saddle pad and to provide additional cushioning between the saddle and the animal's back as well as between the rider and the saddle.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for mounting filters. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for mounting one or more filters in a housing with a tubesheet, an intermediate support, and a directional mount. The method can include providing a filter with a first filter section, manipulating the first filter section with respect to the intermediate support, and manipulating the first filter second end with respect to the intermediate support, where the first filter second end maintains its relative position with respect to the intermediate support, and the intermediate support is operable to engage with a second end of the directional mount.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing filtration. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for mounting a filter including two or more filter sections in a housing. The method can include providing a first filter section configured for mounting to a tubesheet, the first filter section having a first filter first end and a first filter second end, wherein the first filter second end comprises one or more upper clamp devices; mounting the first filter section with the first filter first end adjacent to the tubesheet; providing a second filter section having a second filter first end comprising one or more lower clamp devices; and securing the second filter section to the first filter section, wherein the one or more lower clamp devices cooperate with the one or more upper clamp devices to secure the second filter section relative to the first filter section.

Abstract: A haymaking device has a frame movable in a direction of travel and has at least a first and a second crop processing tool which are arranged side to side. The device further includes transfer mechanisms for transferring the first and second crop processing tools from an operative position, in which the crop is engaged, to a standby position, in which the crop is not functionally engaged, and vice versa, respectively. A programmable control unit for the transfer mechanisms independently activates the transfer mechanisms from each other, and processes data indicative of an angle between a direction of travel of a work stroke of the device over the field and a boundary line. The control unit also processes data on the speed of the device in the direction of travel, and activates the transfer mechanisms one after another in dependence on the data upon arrival at the boundary line.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

Abstract: A cotton harvester and baler (20) to be towed by a vehicle (24), carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit (30), a mechanized cotton baler (32) having packing apparatus (76) for compacting the picked cotton into bales (84) which are successively discharged. Cotton conveying apparatus (34) extends between the picking unit or units (30) and the baler (32), for receiving the picked cotton and conveying it to a baling chamber (72) of the baler (32) for compaction by the packing apparatus (76). The conveying apparatus (34) can comprise all mechanical, all pneumatic, or a combination of mechanical and pneumatic apparatus. The picking unit or units (30) can be removed to allow picking up and baling material such as straw or hay.

Abstract: A front attachment for a self-propelled combine harvester for harvesting stalked crop includes a number of intake conveyor mechanisms are arranged side by side, each of which exhibiting grooved conveyor wheels that rotate about a substantially vertical rotational axis. Snapping units are located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of crop flow are formed with snapping rollers extending horizontally and transversely to the direction of travel. A transverse conveyor is equipped with opposing auger sections via which harvested fruits are drawn together in the center of the front attachment and fed from there to a feed rake. The grooved conveyor wheels of the individual intake conveyor mechanisms include, on the outer circumference thereof, radially extending driving elements. The driving elements engage via sections thereof into guide channels to pick up and convey plant stalks.

Abstract: A system for separating CO2 from combustion exhaust gas by means of MCFC multistacks comprises: a first MCFC unit (10) and a second MCFC unit (20), having respective cells (11, 21) with respective cathodic compartments (12, 22) and respective anodic compartments (13, 23); at least one CO2-capture unit (31, 32); and a connection network (30) that connects the units (10, 20) to one another and to the CO2-capture unit (31, 32); the first unit (10) is formed by one or more MCFC cells (11) without active direct internal reformer; and the second unit (20) is formed by one or more MCFC cells (21) with active direct internal reformer; the units (10, 20) are connected in such a way that the exhaust gas to be treated are supplied to the cathodic compartments (12) of the cells (11) of the first unit (10), and the cathodic compartments (22) of the cells (21) of the second unit (20) are supplied with cathodic exhaust of the first unit (10), either alone or with additions that do not include portions of exhaust gas that ha

Abstract: An apparatus for propulsion includes a main body, a fluid flow channel for fluid mass to circulate within a self-sealed apparatus, an air flow channel for air to circulate within a self-sealed apparatus and/or to the open environment, a fluid mass, a rotator having compartments to move the fluid mass centrifugally, a cover providing sealed containment for the apparatus and providing the means to remove the rotator from the main body, and a rotator shaft providing rotation to the rotator by motor. A preferred embodiment includes an apparatus with two or more fluid flow channels for fluid mass to circulate within a self-sealed apparatus. Another preferred embodiment includes an apparatus with two or more air flow channels for air to circulate within a self-sealed apparatus and/or to the open environment. And another preferred embodiment includes the main body that can be manufactured in one or more parts.

Abstract: A fiber laser powered, optical to thermal conversion thruster with improved practicality and operational and design flexibility.

Abstract: This invention is a packaged propellant air-induced variable thrust rocket engine that has a vast number of uses and applications for this invention. The primary purpose of the device described here is to provide a light weight, torque and vibration free thrust generator for the propulsion of aircraft. This device will facilitate the fabrication of very light weight aircraft because of the lack these forces. This device can also be used anywhere high velocity air flow and or the resulting thrust is needed. The invention uses aerodynamic principles to compress and accelerate the incoming air, prior to it being heated and accelerated by a short duration burst of thermal and kinetic energy from discrete packets of a mixture of oxidizable fuels. The heated and accelerated air then expands as it travels thru the device providing thrust.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool, a turbine coupled to drive the spool, and a propulsor that is coupled to be driven by the turbine through the spool. A gear assembly is coupled between the propulsor and the spool such that rotation of the turbine drives the propulsor at a different speed than the spool. The propulsor includes a hub and a row of propulsor blades that extends from the hub. The row includes no more than 20 of the propulsor blades.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train, said spool includes a low stage count low pressure turbine.

Abstract: A combustion gas generator has: a motor case; a first propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a first pulse; a second propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse a front motor head fixed to a front portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole; and a rear motor head fixed to a rear portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole. A combustion gas supply control device prevents combustion gas of the first propellant at the first pulse from flowing into the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head and supplies combustion gas of the second propellant at the second pulse to the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an emission control system and method is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises a reductant reservoir having an intake pipe for receiving reductant and a heater for heating the reductant. A pump provides the heated reductant to an injector and also to a conduit extending into the intake pipe to provide heated reductant into the intake pipe to melt any frozen reductant in the intake pipe. The method comprises heating reductant stored within a reservoir of a vehicle emission control system, and pumping the heated inductant into an intake pipe of the reservoir to melt any frozen reductant in the intake pipe.

Abstract: A system for purifying an exhaust gas may include a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst adapted to absorb nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas at a lean atmosphere, release the absorbed nitrogen oxides at a rich atmosphere, and reduce or slip the released nitrogen oxides according to a temperature thereof; a particulate filter adapted to trap particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas and regenerate the trapped particulate matters by using the nitrogen oxides slipped from the LNT catalyst; and a controller adapted to selectively create the rich atmosphere when the temperature of the LNT catalyst is higher than or equal to a first predetermined temperature or a temperature of the particulate filter is higher than or equal to a second predetermined temperature. A method for controlling the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes: a cylindrical diesel particulate filter disposed on a flow passage through which an exhaust gas from an engine is discharged, the filter having gas flow passages formed and disposed therein by dividing an inner space into a lattice form; and an electrode unit disposed at at least one of both side surfaces of the filter, the electrode unit receiving electric power to heat the filter. A plurality of regions resulting from division into a lattice form in the filter have alternately disposed open and closed sections. A device for reducing an exhaust gas including the above filter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust pressure line for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine block and is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter. The exhaust pressure line has a pressure line configured to send pressure signals from the Diesel Particulate Filter to an exhaust pressure sensor. A portion of the pressure line extends through the engine block.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine aftertreatment system at least partially located in an engine compartment including a pressurized air source and an air conduit. The pressurized air source is configured to generate a cooling airflow. The air conduit is connected to the pressurized air source. The air conduit is configured to provide the cooling airflow to the engine aftertreatment system.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a housing for an internal combustion engine includes a manifold section configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from cylinders of the internal combustion engine and a turbine section, wherein the turbine section and manifold section are a single member. Further, the housing includes a volute chamber within the turbine section configured to direct the exhaust gas flow to a turbine wheel disposed about a turbine axis and a circumferential septum positioned inside the volute chamber to separate two chambers that are substantially nested about the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A system controlling pressure in a transmission including a variable displacement pump, a circuit carrying fluid from the pump to the transmission, a valve using fluid in said circuit to regulate pressure that controls displacement of the pump, a source of control pressure including an accumulator, a first spring acting with said source causing the valve to change the regulated pressure, and a second spring acting with feedback pressure from said circuit to oppose said change.

Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.

Abstract: A drive train of a vehicle has a drive motor and a traction drive driven by the drive motor. A hydraulic work system has at least one hydraulic pump driven by the drive motor. To deliver torque into the drive train and/or to absorb torque from the drive train, the drive train is provided with an additional hydraulic machine which can be placed in communication with a hydraulic pressure accumulator and/or a tank and can be operated as a pump and a motor in the same direction of rotation. The hydraulic machine has an inlet connection and an outlet connection and a switching valve device is provided to control the connection of the inlet connection and the outlet connection with the pressure accumulator or the tank.

Abstract: An actuator configured for tunable stiffness control and method is provided. The actuator includes a plurality of stiffness elements, one or more of the stiffness elements including a shape memory alloy (SMA). At least one of the elements has a stiffness characteristic different from another of the stiffness elements. The stiffness elements are actuable individually or in combination to provide an intermediate actuation output, which may be provided by partially transforming the smart material of one or more stiffness elements during actuation. Two or more of the stiffness elements may be actuable in combination to provide a combined output which may be non-linear, or may be functionally substitutional for an individual output of another stiffness element. The actuator may be actuable to provide a first and second output for the substantially same input, or may be selectively actuable to offset degradation of one or more of the stiffness elements.

Abstract: A turbocharger of a supercharging apparatus includes a turbine impeller, which is rotatable by exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. An electric heater is placed in an exhaust passage, which extends from an exhaust outlet of the internal combustion engine to the turbine impeller. The electric heater generates a heat when the electric heater is energized.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a housing assembly for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The housing includes a turbine housing that further includes a turbine inlet passage in fluid communication with a turbine volute configured to house a turbine wheel. The housing assembly also includes a turbine outlet passage integrated in the turbine housing, the turbine outlet passage in fluid communication with the turbine volute, the turbine outlet passage configured to direct the exhaust gas flow to a catalytic converter coupled to the turbine outlet passage. Further, the housing assembly includes a compressor housing integrated with a compressor inlet passage in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel coupled to the turbine wheel, the compressor inlet passage including a wall that is shared with the compressor volute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for converting waste heat of an internal combustion machine (2) into mechanical energy. The device comprises a piston machine (3) that converts the waste heat of the internal combustion machine (2) during an OCR process into mechanical energy which can be transmitted onto a shaft (7) driven by the internal combustion machine (2). Furthermore, a variable gear (6) is provided via which the piston machine (3) transmits the mechanical energy onto the shaft (7) of the internal combustion machine (2). The variable gear (6) translates an initial rotational speed of the piston machine (3) into a rotational speed of the shaft (7) driven by the internal combustion machine (2). In this way, the ORC process can be carried out in an optimal manner.