Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for the manufacture of bone cement by mixing components intended therefor, said mixing device including a mixing member (1) with a mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12). A vacuum-generating device (17) is provided to generate a vacuum in the mixing space (2) for mixing said components (11, 12) under vacuum. A mixing means (10) is provided to mix the components (11, 12) with each other in the mixing space (2). A sealed container (20) with one of the components (12) is provided in an outer container (22). The sealed container (20) can be opened when it is provided in the outer container (22) to permit flow of one of the components (12) to the other component (11) in the mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12).

Abstract: A stand mixer having an electrical speed control circuit for providing a temporary incremental power burst to the motor of the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for pre-conditioning the materials in a bulk bag to effect easier unloading of the materials. A frame is provided with an open space for receiving the bulk bag. A series of spaced-apart, opposing breaker bars is provided for automatic thrusting against the sides of the bags to break up compacted material. The bars preferably have an angled profile. Parallel pairs of opposing horizontal bars are provided, evenly spaced from the bottom; and preferably a single opposing vertical pair is provided on the opposite sides. The pairs of bars are operated, by thrusting into the sides of the bag, in a timed sequence, to effect break up of the material. Additionally, a series of bars may be provided on the bottom of the frame, such that a break up effect is achieved against the material residing in the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A register having a predetermined set value is provided in parallel with a counter for counting a basic signal generated from a crystal oscillator. The register and the counter are connected to a comparator for inputting a count signal into a time-counting circuit every time when the count value of the basic signal in the counter has reached the set value in the register. A signal based on the time-counting signal is sent from the time-counting circuit to a display which indicates time based on the signal. The time indicated on the display is compared with the standard time indicated by a television or the like. In this case, when there is a time difference between the display time and the standard time, a correction value, in terms of the number of seconds, corresponding to the time difference is input through an input unit. The input correction value is calculated in a computing circuit, and is set as a new set value in the register.

Abstract: The fuel heat content of fuel is measured on-line while a combustion turbine system is running by measuring data from the combustion turbine system during combustion of the fuel. The measured data are corrected using a standard correction algorithm. The fuel heat content of the fuel is determined using at least a portion of the corrected data. From the measurement of the fuel heat content, any changes in the fuel heat content are determined. Also, any changes in the control and operational parameters attributable to the change in fuel heat content are determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing burn injury to underlying tissue from a flammable material. The apparatus includes an artificial human tissue and a plurality of temperature sensors located at predetermined locations in the artificial human tissue to measure temperature of the artificial human tissue during a flammability test. The apparatus further includes a heat sink device for simulating the heat sink properties of a human body. The apparatus further includes a heat exchange tank for maintaining the artificial human tissue at a regulated temperature, the heat exchange tank being filled with a fluid. The apparatus further includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the fluid in the heat exchange tank. The apparatus further includes a water supply device for supplying water to the interior of the heat exchanger. The apparatus also includes a data acquisition system attached to the plurality of temperature sensors for recording the temperature of the artificial human tissue.

Abstract: A reusable comfort enhancing frame for holding an intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes four integrally formed side members with a single contiguous perimetric contact surface having a generally rounded cross-sectional configuration and rounded comers. There is a pocket formed in the four integrally formed side members adapted to have the intraoral x-ray film packet inserted and retained therein, and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, there is a slot in one of the four integrally formed side members through which the intraoral x-ray film packet can be inserted to reside in the pocket. In a second embodiment, the pocket is a snap-in pocket comprising at least one lip element projecting from an interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members and at least two snap-fit elements also projecting the interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members.

Abstract: Packaging bags are produced by cutting a larger material sheet into individual portions and folding each of these individual pieces to form a main body having a front wall, a back wall, side walls which stand up from a flat bottom. A lid for closing the upper opening is uniformly sloped upward from the front wall to the back wall. A ridge is formed, extending upward from the back wall, for sealing the bag closed. A trapezoidally folded flap extends upward from the back wall and is folded forward over the seal ridge. A pair of fastening tapes is used to keep the flap detachably attached to the seal ridge such that the bag, after it is once opened, can be closed again. Instead of the fastening tapes, an elongated member serving like a belt loop may be used to keep the flap retractably inserted under it to keep the flap closed.

Abstract: A roller guide apparatus comprises: a track rail comprising a rail body extending in a longitudinal direction thereof and having a section in a width direction thereof in shape of circular arc protruding downward in an installed state and a base portion supporting a lower surface of central portion of the rail body in the width direction thereof, the rail body having an upper surface and lower surfaces extended in the width direction from the base portion, the upper and lower surfaces of the rail body having concentric circular arc shapes; a movable block body comprising a block body arranged so as to straddle the rail body and having a lower surface, in an assembled state, opposing to the upper surface of the rail body, a pair of bilateral leg portions extending downward from bilateral end portions of the block body with the track rail being interposed therebetween, a pair of support piece portions extending towards the track rail so as to oppose to the extended portions of the rail body; at least one barrel

Abstract: A bearing metal positioning structure in a split connecting rod with lowered production cost and improved accuracy in positioning the bearing metal. The bearing metal positioning structure includes a pair of bearing metal halves, each of which is formed into a circular arc shape traversing 180 degrees. The pair of bearing metal halves have flat mating planes which abut one another to form a cylindrical bearing metal. A pair of projections are disposed on each of the mating planes at both axial ends so as to project radially outwardly therefrom. Locking grooves to be engaged with the pairs of projections, and additional locking grooves, are integrally die-formed simultaneously with the production of a die-formed body of the split connecting rod.

Abstract: A bearing construction for a drive shaft in which a spindle is disposed internally of an axle bearing of a wheel. An outer joint of the drive shaft is disposed internally of the spindle, and drive force from an engine is transmitted to the wheel through the outer joint. A bearing diametrally supporting the outer joint is provided between the spindle and the outer joint, and a washer is axially press-fitted on the outer joint axially between the spindle and a part of the outer joint.

Abstract: An end cap holds an antifriction bearing on a journal at the end of an axle, clamping the inner race of the bearing tightly against a backing ring that is located around the journal. The end cap has an cross wall which extends across the end of the journal and an axial wall formed integral with the cross wall and extended over the journal to provide an abutment surface which is presented toward the inner race of the bearing. The cross wall contains bolt holes through which cap screws pass to thread into the journal and secure the end cap on the journal. The end wall possesses its thickest cross section in regions between the bolt holes and its thinnest cross section in regions generally surrounding the bolt holes. This distributes the clamping force exerted by the cap screws more uniformly over the abutment surface at the end of the axial wall.

Abstract: An adjustable bearing spacer (12) includes a cylindrical outer body (42) having a first end (44) for abutment with a bearing cone (28) disposed within one end of a hub (10) and an adjustable ring (46) for abutment with an opposite bearing cone (30). The ring (46) is threadingly engaged with the outer body (42) so as to be extendable from an end (48) of the body (42) allowing adjustment of the length of the spacer (12). End (48) is provided with a plurality of evenly-spaced markings. Two of these markings are in the form of small holes into which the prongs of a tool can be inserted. End (58) of ring (46) is also provided with markings in the form of holes into which the prongs of a tool can be inserted. The markings form an indexing scale for providing an indication of the extension in the length of the spacer (12) when the ring (46) is screwed in or out. The degree of extension is calculated as follows E11=1/x.

Abstract: The optical fiber connector of the invention includes two optical fibers facing to each other, in which one optical fiber of the two has a spherical end face, when the core diameter of the optical fiber having the spherical face is given by E1, the numerical aperture thereof by NA1, the refractive index by n1, the radius of curvature of the spherical face by r, the core diameter of the other optical fiber by E2, the distance between the two optical fibers by L, the focal length f of the optical fiber is expressed by f=r/(n1−1). Further, when the beam diameter on the end face of the optical fiber is given by Es, the beam diameter Es=2·L·tan(sin−1·NA1) is deduced, and the connection efficiency &eegr; of the two optical fibers satisfies the following inequality: E2/(E1+Es)<&eegr;<(E2/(Es+(L/f−1)·E1))2≦1.0, in the focal length f≦L; or E2/(E1+Es)<&eegr;<(E2/(Es+(1−L/f)·E1))2≦1.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: A method of making an optics package is described in which an exposed length of optical fiber is deliberately subject to a predetermined bend. The relationship between the exposed length of the optical fiber and a distance between a location at which it is supported and a fixing point on an optical device is determined taking into account the induced strain in the optical fiber. An optics package designed according to the method is also set forward.

Abstract: A laser diode system permitting indirect measurement of optical power includes a laser diode which emits usable light from a front facet and spontaneously emits stray light substantially proportional to the usable light from another facet; and a light pipe disposed proximate to the laser diode which collects and waveguides only the stray light to thereby generate a stray light beam providing an indication of optical power.

Abstract: A light transmission module for transmitting a light signal through an optical fiber coupled to a light device and/or receiving a light signal transmitted through the optical fiber is provided. The light transmission module includes a light device module having a socket member having a plurality of leads for transmitting an electrical signal, and a light device installed within the socket member to be electrically connected to the leads, for converting the electrical signal into a light signal or converting the light signal into an electrical signal, a connector module having a holder coupled to the socket member, and at least one optical fiber installed in the holder to face the light device, for transmitting the light signal, and a coupling means for slidably coupling the light device module and the connector module and packaging the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed a camera in which two lens covers are enabled by a spring force of an open and close spring in a direction that the two lens covers are closed.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a relockable cartridge for photosensitive media, comprising (a) photo-inert and optically opaque media-receiving tray having a media access opening; (b) flexible, photo-inert and optically opaque cover for the media access opening; the cartridge including an openable and relockable magnetic seal between at least portions of the cover and tray, characterized in that one part of the magnetic seal is located on upperlips or projective guides of said tray and the other part of the magnetic seal consists of or is fixed to said cover.

Abstract: A heat developing apparatus having a structure such that a heat developing photosensitive material on which a latent image has been formed, by exposure to a corresponding image, is developed by performing heating. An inhibitor for inhibiting development when a heat development temperature has been raised is contained in the heat developing photosensitive material, and the heat developing photosensitive material is developed with heat at a temperature satisfying |&Dgr;D/&Dgr;T|≦0.15 when an assumption is made that &Dgr;D is an amount of change in the density and &Dgr;T is an amount of change in the heat development temperature.

Abstract: A current member is disposed above a wafer holding section for holding a wafer and a top plate and a bottom plate of the current member are positioned so that respective air holes are overlapped each other in a vertical direction, and a developing solution is heaped on a front face of the wafer. Thereafter, the developing is performed with the bottom plate of the current member slid in a lateral direction so that the air holes are not overlapped each other in the vertical direction. In this configuration, air streams to the wafer are obstructed during the developing because the air holes in the current member are obstructed in the vertical direction, whereby occurrence of temperature distribution of the developing solution within the plane of the wafer caused by flows of air currents to the wafer is prevented and uniform developing processing can be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along the processing path for selectively applying a coating of the processing solution only on the undeveloped exposed portion of the strip of photosensitive media. The apparatus further includes sensors for determining the location of the undeveloped exposed portion of the image exposure area. A scanner may be provided for scanning the strip of photosensitive media so as to obtain a digital record of the images developed thereon.

Abstract: A video controller generates a video signal from image data on the basis of a print instruction, and an engine controller controls a laser scanner in accordance with the generated video signal to record an image on recording paper by an image forming section. A master controller of an optional master unit performs overall control of a variety of optional units, such as a paper-deck optional unit and a sorter optional unit, in dependence upon a control instruction sent from the video controller. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus to which a wide variety of optional units can be connected freely without raising the cost of the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having a print head and a media support platform that is displaced relative to the print head, the media support platform having a rigid support surface for a media item having a non-rectangular configuration such as a compact disk, the support platform having a mask with a cutout substantially in the shape of the non-rectangular disk, the mask and media item combining to form a contact surface for the print head to uniformly distribute a constant force of the print head in a uniform pressure across the mask and media item during printing, the mask providing, in addition, a holding apparatus for the media item which is contacted by a displaceable retainer pin urging the media item against the edge of the mask with the print head avoiding contact with the retainer pins on the printing area, the printer having a mechanism to displace the retainer pin and sense whether a media item is properly placed in the cutout and retained by the retaining apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated keyboard input device is disclosed, including those used for Point-Of-Sale system (POS). The standard keyboard is integrated with one or more optical scanners and any combination of other input peripheral devices, the optical scanner being mounted within the keyboard housing. The peripherals preferably can be selectively connected and disconnected from the keyboard and are interfaced with a keyboard wedge which allows each input peripheral to communicate directly to a computer in keyboard data format without requiring separate electrical connections to the computer.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus permits easier installation of slide retaining pins to a retaining portion and prevents intrusion of dust into the keyboard apparatus from the back surface of a supporting substrate thereof. A first retaining portion has a narrow area and a wide area, and slide retaining pins are latched in the wide area. A dust-proof sheet is provided on the bottom surface of a supporting substrate to cover through holes in the supporting substrate, the through holes resulting from the formation of the first retaining portion and second retaining portions.

Abstract: A line printer is provided in which disturbances during the start of printing are prevented with low power consumption. The printer has a motor control section which performs a stop printing operation by driving a stepping motor in a direction reverse to that in which print paper is fed by a predetermined number of steps and then turns off the stepping motor to stop printing and performs a start printing operation in which the stepping motor is driven in a forward direction by the same predetermined number of steps before starting a printing operation.

Abstract: A media handling system for handling sheets of media. The system includes a pick roller having a circumferential media-contacting surface and arranged for rotation about a roller axis to contact and pick a sheet from an input source. A drive roller rotates about a drive roller axis, with a media path extending between the pick roller and the drive roller. A first guide structure is positioned along a first longitudinal edge of the media path and providing a first media guide surface. A second guide structure is positioned along a second longitudinal edge of the media path and provides a second media guide surface. The first and second guide surfaces are positioned to constrain the movement of a media sheet in the media path between the pick roller and the drive roller, thereby alleviating trailing edge print defects.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tubular element (1) with a slideway in which there is mounted so that it can slide a cup (3) intended to receive a stick (B) of product and including at least one stub (4) engaged in a slideway (2); a cylindrical casing (11) in the wall of which is provided at least one helical slot (13), this casing being fitted tightly onto the tubular element, the stub (4) being engaged in a slot (13); and an outer sleeve (14) in which the casing (11) is immobilized, while the tubular element (1) can turn relative to the casing (11) and sleeve (14). Flexible rubbing means (F) are provided between the casing (11) and the tubular element (1), and these include at least one tongue (15), flexible in the radial direction, provided on one of the components and designed to interact with an inclined bearing surface (20) provided on the other component. The tongue (15) and the inclined bearing surface (20) are situated, in the axial direction, beyond the lower end of the outer sleeve (14).

Abstract: An applicator for a correction fluid includes a stem, an applicator tip including foam, and a flexor within the foam portion. The applicator preferably has a flexibility of at least 0.0005 inch of deflection per gram of force.

Abstract: A disposable make-up applicator comprising at least one layer of a porous, flexible material, where at least one part of a first face is impregnated with at least one slakable make-up product, and having a second face, opposite the first, which is covered with an impermeable film. The first face has at least one peripheral portion zone, which is not impregnated with the make-up product, and serves as a zone for gripping the applicator and/or a zone for shading off the product when applied by the user.

Abstract: In a brush for the application of a cosmetic liquid, in particular a nail varnish brush, comprising a stem with a handle section on the side of an end thereof, at least one bunch of bristles, which stands out in the axial direction, being disposed on the opposite end of the stem, it is provided that at least two bunches of bristles are provided, which, while forming a recess, are spaced from each other in a proximal portion of the stem, and which at least partially overlap in a distal portion thereof

Abstract: An assembly for retaining and displaying a plurality of greeting cards in a space efficient manner is claimed. The assembly includes an album structure that has a front cover and a back cover. Both the front cover and the back cover have interior surfaces that face each other when said album structure is closed. A plurality of elastic cord segments are arranged in parallel lines across the interior surface of at least one of the covers. A plurality of elastic cords can also be present on separate sheets that are bound within the album structure. Greeting cards can be placed around each of the segments of elastic cords. The elastic cords retain the greeting cards in an overlapping pattern in the same plane as the surface that supports the segments of elastic cords. Each segment of elastic cord can engage at least one greeting card. As such, multiple greeting cards can be retained and displayed on each surface that supports the elastic cords.

Abstract: To connect a large and a small diameter pipe, a pipe connector has a tightening bush with a cut through it and is compressed around the pipe and has a main body with a receptacle for the tightening bush. The tightening bush has first axial ribs on a circumferential region of the periphery. The main body receptacle has cooperating complementary second internal ribs engaged by the first ribs so that as the bush is tightened, it does not rotate in the receptacle. A large pipe holder extends down from the receptacle for the bush and receives the large diameter pipe. An auxiliary bush may be disposed inside the large pipe in the radial space between the large and small diameter pipes.

Abstract: A rod anchor is threadedly connected to a tension rod. The rod anchor includes an anchor head having a threaded first bore hole formed therein, and a sealing nut attached to the anchor head in sealing relationship therewith. The sealing member forms a second bore hole axially aligned with the first bore hole, whereby a threaded end of the tension rod extends through the second bore hole and into threaded engagement with the first bore hole. The sealing nut includes sealing material forming a seal between the sealing nut and the tension rod.

Abstract: A fastening device for the fastening of a plurality of furniture fittings to a furniture part includes an anchoring rail which is to be fastened to a side wall of a piece of furniture and has lateral openings for receiving fastening pins of the fastening device has a locking rail (10, 19) which is complementary to the and is displaceable relative to the anchoring rail while advantageously being guided therein and which has edge portions which latch in behind projections of the fastening pins in a locked position. The locking rail is movable by way of an eccentric mounted in the anchoring rail rail.

Abstract: A street tunnel arrangement accessible to vehicles in densely populated areas. The above-ground and underground arrangement of streets extending in tunnels in densely populated areas does not meet the increasing growth of traffic in large cities. The purpose to develop a concept to solve the traffic problem in densely populated areas is attained in such a manner that at least one ring street arranged along the periphery of the densely populated area and a plurality of tunnels, which are arranged at regular intervals within said ring street and extend at a depth below the public utility systems of the densely populated area, and a plurality of underground parking garages, which are accessible through the tunnels and have access devices to the surface of the densely populated area, are provided. The tunnels are designed either as ring tunnels or as series of parallel tunnels arranged at an angle with respect to one another and at various depths underneath the ground.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and associated method for impeding the motion of a land vehicle travelling along a pathway on a terrain surface. First and second supports are positioned at first and second sides of the pathway, respectively, each capable of being actuated from a compressed condition to an extended condition. A propulsion system is effective to actuate the supports. A barrier extends between the supports at a mean first height that is effective to permit passage of a vehicle when the supports are compressed and supported by each support at a mean second height effective to impede passage of the vehicle when the supports are extended. When the supports are compressed, vehicles pass over the barrier unimpeded. When the supports are extended, the barrier impedes the motion of a vehicle travelling along the pathway. At least one deceleration cable mechanically couples the barrier to a brake system.

Abstract: A metal spike has a plurality of sharp blades which are functionally adapted for puncturing a rubber tire as the tire passes over the spike. As the rubber tire moves away from the spike assembly or array, the spike is withdrawn from the holder and remains embedded in the tread of the tire. The spike includes a plurality of grooves which extend along the body of the spike and between adjacent blades to allow pressurized air escaping from the tire to run along the spike grooves and to a central internal airflow vent until the tire is partially or completely deflated.

Abstract: A vertical prefabricated composite drain for improving conventional consolidated acceleration of saturated soils. The composite drain is installed in a generally vertical manner in water saturated soil to be treated for expelling pore water from the soil and is provided with an elongated core with at least one channel therealong for conveying fluids and is also provided with filter fabric which surrounds the core. At least one elongated tube is installed in juxtaposition and coextension with the drain core and fluid under pressure is forced through the tube for thereby assisting an expulsion of pore water from the drain.

Abstract: Self-contained ecological watering system, protected against obturations, and capable of irrigating at low cost uniformly and regularly a variety of cultivated areas; the system operates automatically a series of fertirrigation cycles requiring minimum actuation power and reduced water flow rate. The system permits implementation of various configuration including a plurality of local subsystems (1) which are controllable locally or from a remote station (6); each subsystem comprises a container (2) capable of accumulating the volume of liquid to be discharged per cycle, a watering assembly (3) capable of regulating the watering volume and discharging it upon receiving a low power signal; a low consumption electronic control unit (4) capable of determining the frequency and the appropriate time to send said signal; and a low restriction distribution network (5) capable of transporting the water to irrigate the locations in need.

Abstract: A flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the collapsed position, the upper membrane section overlies the lower membrane section, whereas in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: System and method for coupling of a bottom based pipeline to an adjacent riser pipe or another pipeline, of the kind wherein is utilized a bottom based coupling frame. The underside of the frame (2) is designed in order to undergo displaceable movements along the sea bottom or on a fundament thereon both during and subsequent to coupling of the pipelines to the frame. On the frame are mounted coupling members for one importing and one exporting pipeline, and a pipe connection between the pipe couplings, optionally including a valve and other equipment. In accordance with the method, a tool including a winch and a pulling wire, is mounted on the frame whereby the frame, including the pipeline, can be pulled together in order to accomplish the coupling operations.

Abstract: A device for digging and backfilling of ditches, in particular for laying pipes, comprising an automotive travelling mechanism (2) carrying a machine frame (4) with an upper structure, a boom (6) pivoted on the machine frame (4) and having a plurality of boom arms (8, 10, 12) connected with each other with hinges and an excavator bucket (16) pivoted on the free end of the boom (6) is provided with a milling/mixing rotor (22) mounted to the excavator bucket (16).

Abstract: A method of installing a foundation for a tension leg platform is described that eliminates the foundation template as a permanent, load bearing part of the foundation. As an embodiment of the invention, piles are installed by, for example, being driven into the ocean floor so that each pile is secured to the ocean floor, but is unsecured to any other structure that is on the ocean floor. A tension leg platform is coupled via tendon structures to the piles so that anchoring load paths are defined from the tension leg platform to the ocean floor in a plurality of generally vertical paths extending in axial alignment through the tendon structures to the pile and the ocean floor. Each of the tendon structure to pile anchoring systems is substantially independent of one another.

Abstract: A sea wall anchored into ground in proximity to a body of water comprising a plurality of elongated tubular members arranged in upright side by side relation one to another forming a sea wall section, a lower portion of each tubular member embedded into, and receiving support from, the ground along an edge of the body of water and method of installation thereof. An elongated generally horizontal rebar-reinforced concrete cap extends along, and rigidly interconnects together, each upper end portion of each of the tubular members. The cap is cast formed in place after the tubular members are installed. Each tubular member is preferably rebar-reinforced and substantially filled with a cured aggregate reinforcement. A layer of filter cloth is held in place by fill dirt placed against the land or dry side of the sea wall to substantially prevent fill dirt placed against the dry side of tubular members from washing into the body of water between adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, and sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a geogrid including drawn, polymeric longitudinal straps which run parallel or substantially parallel to each other and polymeric transverse straps bonded to the longitudinal straps, with the crosswise elastic modulus of the transverse straps being less than 15%, preferably less than 8%, of the lengthwise elastic modulus of the longitudinal straps. Such geogrids have improved strength compared to conventional geogrids.