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

Abstract: A secondary wastewater treatment filtering bed medium, which includes a hollow tubular plastic body and a plurality of elongated ribs affixed to an outer surface of the body aligned with an axis of the body.

Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down assembly (2) for tightening retaining straps (70) about winches (64) securing cargo (71) on a carrier (73). The assembly (2) has an actuator (15) connected to a pneumatic circuit (61) and providing reciprocating linear motion to a torque linkage (60) connected to the winch (64). The torque linkage (60) has a wrap spring clutch (17) connectable to the ratchet wheel (7) of the winch (64) and a connector arm (11) connected to the actuator (15). The torque linkage (60) transmits the linear motion to the winch (64) as a corresponding rotational motion. The required tension level of the retaining strap (70) is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit (61) drives the actuator (15) thereby actuating the torque linkage (60) which tightens the strap (70) on the winch (64) until the tension level is reached.

Abstract: A document authentication apparatus and system is provided comprising a scanner, PC, a central database and a network. The scanner emits a stimulus which illuminates security features such as ink, fibers or planchettes in or on a substrate of a value item such as a check, bank note, credit card or identification document. A sensor(s) detect the illuminated security features and values are generated relating to the color, coordinates on and depth of the security features in the substrate. The values are digitized and recorded for comparison when a value item is presented for authentication. Matching digitized values indicates a match of the substrates thereby identifying the value item.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasifying solid organic fuel includes a refractory-lined oxidation chamber, fuel storage, a transfer connecting the fuel storage with an inlet into the oxidation chamber for transferring in an upwardly inclined direction the solid fuel from the fuel storage into the inlet to form an upwardly mounded fuel bed. An oxidant is supplied into the fuel bed to gasify the organic materials in the fuel to produce a gaseous effluent from the fuel bed, thereby leaving a residue of the fuel. The residue drops through an opening under the oxidation chamber onto a residue removal transfer. The oxidant is supplied through a plurality of perforated air distribution members extending across the fuel bed cavity in the oxidation chamber so as to introduce air into the interior of the fuel bed to thereby promote evenly distributed gasification, evenly distributed through the fuel bed.

Abstract: A training device 100 for swing development. A pair of telescoping rods 10 and 12 extend from a spring, one from either end. Each rod is connected to a coupling device 24, 26 having a rotating bearing to which are connected a pair of handles 4, 6. The handles 4, 6 extend perpendicularly to the telescoping rods 10, 12 and in opposite directions to one another. Various attachments can be connected to the handles 4, 6 to be rotated therewith; for example, representations of the sporting equipment to be swung such as a golf club 30 or racquet, or attachments to cause resistance to handle rotation or providing a periodic noise to work on swing rhythm.

Abstract: A leveling assembly (2) comprising at least two leveling elements (4, 6) and having an uppermost surface (10) for seating a free-standing object 18. Elements (4, 6) are generally wedge-shaped, have upper (10, 14) and lower (12, 16) surfaces angled to one another (38, 42), are adapted to be placed one on the other and rotated relative to one another in order to vary the angle between the uppermost and lowermost assembly (16) surfaces. The elements (4, 6) may have co-operating guiding means (78, 82) or co-operating connecting means (184, 187) to aid in rotating the elements (4, 6) relative to one another and to resist shifting. In addition, the surfaces (16, 56) of the elements (4, 52) may be adapted with concave or cavity portions (58) in order to allow better seating on a surface (8). Reference markings (22, 28) placed on the elements (4, 6) aid in determining a suitable rotation of the elements (4, 6) relative to one another in order to compensate for a given slope.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having a cushioning valve assembly. A tubular body is capped by a pair of cylinder heads. A hollow cylinder rod having a piston assembly and cushioning valve assembly is seated within the tubular body for reciprocating action therein. The piston assembly is formed of a piston having a bore passing longitudinally therethrough and a cylindrical collar. The collar is mounted about the outside of one end of the hollow cylinder rod and the piston caps the end. The cushioning valve assembly comprises an elongated rod having a cushion piston at one end and a head at the other and is seated within the bore of the piston, such that the cushion piston is fitted within the interior of the hollow cylinder rod.