Abstract: A ring beam structure (100) for use in constructing a timber frame (101) for a building comprises a plurality of rows (100a, b, c) of timber beams (1). Each row (100a, b, c) forms a ring beam wherein at least one row comprises a floor stage and at least one further ring beam comprises a roof stage. The floor and roof stages are assembled at ground level and releasably secured together allowing the ring beam structure (100) to be lifted clear for construction of the ground floor wall structure (102b). The ring beam structure is then lowered and the floor stage attached to the ground floor wall structure (102b). The floor stage is then released and allowing the roof stage to be lifted clear off for construction of the upper wall structure (102a) on the floor stage. The roof stage can then be lowered and attached to the upper wall structure to complete assembly of the timber frame (101).

Abstract: A tangential flow filtration assembly having a filter holder, a TFF cassette, and a hollow elongate port adapter. The filter holder includes a pair of compression manifolds, with at least one of the compression manifolds having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a port leading to a fluid pathway from the outer surface to the inner surface. The TFF cassette, functionally engaged between the compression manifolds, utilizes a single filter plate comprising an ultrafiltration membrane disposed within a substantially planar framework. The hollow elongate port adapter has an engagement side and an insertion side with a flange disposed therebetween. An elastomeric sealing element is disposed in the adapter's insertion side.

Abstract: A timber block for construction of load bearing walls has horizontal upper and lower timber members connected by vertical timber components spaced apart lengthwise of the block. The upper and lower timber members are provided with calibration markings between the timber components for cutting the block to size without cutting through the timber components. A panel of sheet material attached to the timber components on at least one side of the block is provided with incisions aligned with the calibration markings to assist cutting through the block.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a pump bracket that is adapted to allow for the inboard or outboard mounting of a mechanical seal or packing material to accommodate different pump configurations and applications. The universal pump bracket includes a first flange that is adapted to be connected to a pump housing and a second flange, which is laterally displaced from the first flange and adapted to be connected to a bearing carrier. If an inboard mechanical seal or inboard packing arrangement is desired, the bracket can be installed so the seal is facing the inboard direction. Alternatively, if an outboard seal arrangement is desired, the bracket can be installed on the rotor so the seal or packing faces the outboard direction.

Abstract: A process for forming a package of hot melt adhesive material includes forming a bottom layer of molten non-tacky polymeric material in a container and depositing a bead of molten non-tacky polymeric material along the top edges of an open-faced rigid container and allowing the bead of polymeric material to pour down the walls of the rigid container by gravity so as to coat the inside wall surfaces and bottom surface of the container with a substantially uniform layer of the non-tacky polymeric material. The layer of non-tacky polymeric material is allowed to solidify in the container and form a substantially rigid mold of the polymeric material within the container. The mold is located in a rigid support structure and is conveyed to a molten adhesive filling station. The mold is filled at the filling station with a metered amount of molten adhesive which is allowed to cool and solidify within the mold thereby forming a solidified package of hot melt adhesive material.