Abstract: A user assemblable picket rail panel includes a top rail with a transverse wall, a first side wall and a second side wall each extending from the transverse wall with a plurality of openings disposed spaced apart along a length of the transverse wall. The top rail further includes a first locking ledge extending from a first side wall and a second locking ledge extending from the second side wall. A picket plug is configured to be secured to the top rail by the first and second locking ledges and has a picket-insertable portion that is configured to be aligned with one of the plurality of openings in the transverse wall. The picket plug defines a through hole that is configured to receive a fastener. The rail panel also includes a support picket that is configured to receive the picket-insertable portion of the picket plug and includes a threaded hole that is configured to receive the fastener.

Abstract: Baler devices, systems, and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device includes an access door that is generally repositionable about a maintenance opening in a compression chamber. A chamber maintenance assembly may include a repositionable chamber access door, a pair of opposing hydraulic actuators, and a pair of extension arms connecting the access door and the hydraulic actuators. The result is devices, systems, and methods to provide improved access to the compression chamber to attend to jamming maintenance.

Abstract: Baler devices, systems, and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device includes an access door that is generally repositionable about a maintenance opening in a compression chamber. A chamber maintenance assembly may include a repositionable chamber access door, a pair of opposing hydraulic actuators, and a pair of extension arms connecting the access door and the hydraulic actuators. The result is devices, systems, and methods to provide improved access to the compression chamber to attend to jamming maintenance.

Abstract: A method of calculating an effective age of an active optical cable including a fiber optic cable, at least one optical transducer, a first memory, and a second memory includes, during regular intervals that are divided into regular subintervals and after each of the regular subintervals, sensing an operational parameter of the active optical cable and recording in the second memory a value corresponding to a sensed operational parameter; after each of the regular intervals, storing in the first memory the values recorded in the second memory; and calculating the effective age of the active optical cable based on the values stored in the first memory.

Abstract: Baler devices, systems, and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device includes an access door that is generally repositionable about a maintenance opening in a compression chamber. A chamber maintenance assembly may include a repositionable chamber access door, a pair of opposing hydraulic actuators, and a pair of extension arms connecting the access door and the hydraulic actuators. The result is devices, systems, and methods to provide improved access to the compression chamber to attend to jamming maintenance.

Abstract: Baler devices, systems, and methods are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device includes an access door that is generally repositionable about a maintenance opening in a compression chamber. A chamber maintenance assembly may include a repositionable chamber access door, a pair of opposing hydraulic actuators, and a pair of extension arms connecting the access door and the hydraulic actuators. The result is devices, systems, and methods to provide improved access to the compression chamber to attend to jamming maintenance.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention is directed to an improved composite fence and, more particularly, to a composite fence made of cellulosic fillers and/or inorganic fillers. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a fence in which a substrate is embedded in a plastic composite. One example of a component of the present invention is comprised of a substrate sheet that is embedded in a plastic composite. Another example of a component of the present invention is a perforated substrate that is embedded in a plastic composite.

Abstract: Products and methods that may enhance the manufacturing, structure, appearance, assembly, or installation of synthetic building or construction products. In particular, exemplary embodiments include panels, wall structures, and other panel assemblies that may have contoured or textured surfaces to simulate the appearances of other building or construction products. For instance, exemplary embodiments of panels, wall structures, and other panel assemblies may have contoured and textured surfaces that may simulate the appearances of conventional building or construction materials including, but not limited to, stone, bricks, masonry, concrete, stucco, wood, other conventional building materials, and combinations of any of these materials.

Abstract: A composite panel comprised of a sheet of substrate and a coextruded layer of plastic covering the substrate. The panel may be used as a retaining panel for a body of water in a cantilever wall or an anchored sheet pile wall. The retaining panel may include a central portion, two side portions, and two flanges. The retaining panel may also include integral connecting portions. The substrate may be comprised of a material such as aluminum or steel, while the plastic may be a material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other applications of the composite panel include uses as building panels for sidewalls or roofs.