Abstract: A fastening system for attaching an expandable building panel or surface covering system to a substrate is provided. The fastening system includes at least one slip clip which, when utilized, allows for longitudinal movement of the building panel, while substantially preventing transverse movement. Typically, a spring clip will be used in combination with the slip clip to apply pressure to the panel, thereby allowing expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction while eliminating gaps between the adjacent end-to-end panels. A method of installing building panels using the described fastening system is also provided.

Abstract: A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block has vertical and horizontal interlocking structures with mating surfaces (11, 15, 16, 17). The main block, has a stabilizing slot. Metal reinforcement tendons are inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals and connected to the wall at the top and bottom. Corner blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are used in alternating configurations to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. This is also done with the main blocks. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the reenforcing tendons permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass.

Abstract: The present invention an elongated metal construction panel for use in forming a portion of the vertical walls of a building structure by being fastened to an identical adjacent panel, the metal construction panel comprising a front portion co-extensive with the length of the panel; end plates co-extensive with the length of the panel disposed substantially normal to said front portion and extending from distal ends of said front portion, said end plates defining the depth of said panel; flanges co-extensive with the length of the panel and extending inwardly from distal ends of said end plate, wherein said flanges are spaced from and parallel to said front portion; and wherein said end plates include end troughs co-extensive with the length of the panel such that when metal construction panels are placed adjacent each other by bringing into contact said end plates, said end troughs form a bonding channel adapted and sized for pouring bonding agents therein thereby securely fastening adjacent panels together

Abstract: A metal channel for positioning and retaining metal studding and wall panels to form partition walls, comprising a central web with retaining flange portions along its opposite sides. The web is segmented, being divided along its length into discrete segments by transverse slots. One of the flange portions is similarly divided into segments by transverse slots aligned with the slots. Adjacent segments of the flange portions are however connected together by expansible bridges and optionally by frangible bridges. The other of the flange portions is provided with lines of perforation aligned with the slots and defining flexure zones. The channel is formed straight but can be bent into smooth curves by expansion of the expansible bridges.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.

Abstract: The invention is a wane-free engineered wood product and the method of its manufacture. Lumber having wane along one or more edges is first milled to produce rectangular notches along each of the four edges. The notches are sized to remove all or most of the wane. The notched piece is then ripped lengthwise to produce two strips. These are rotated 180° and placed adjacently so that the notched edges face each other and form longitudinal channels. Strips of oriented strand board or a similar material are then affixed into the channels, preferably by gluing, reuniting then again into a unitary wane-free structural member.

Abstract: A precast and transportable mobile home foundation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a mobile home to the ground by utilizing a plurality of elongated concrete slabs that are placed within elongated ditches formed in the ground and to which the mobile home is secured.

Abstract: A polymeric roofing shingle composition is shown which includes (a) a rubber component present in the range from about 10-95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition and (b) a polyolefin component present in the range from about 5-50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. A SBR/EVA closed cell rubber composition can be formulated which has a weight of less than 150 pounds per roofing square for 1/8 inch thickness and which is flame retardant at thicknesses of 1/8 inch and higher without the addition of separate flame retardant components.

Abstract: A modular panel for the construction of buildings in general, having thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics, comprising at least one contoured plate-like element made of insulating material. On the faces of the plate-like element a first reinforcement net and a second reinforcement net are respectively provided, which are mutually joined by connecting elements which pass through the plate-like element.

Abstract: A double glazing unit has a pair of glass sheets 1, 2, with a frit seal 3 therebetween, the frit seal being fused to both sheets and extending around the periphery of the unit. The frit seal is fused by irradiation with light 4 from a laser. Typically, the frit is of brown glass, whereby it readily absorbs heat on laser irradiation.

Abstract: A mosaic tessera, particularly for outdoor and/or indoor paving, constituted by a small metallic plate which is peripherally provided with perimetric raised portions forming a recess together with the corresponding face of the plate and by a filler element which is shaped complementarily to the recess and is associated with the recess so as to form a single tessera adapted to be applied to the foundation of the paving.

Abstract: A combined large round baler and whole bale wrapping apparatus includes a wheeled chassis carrying and extending between the baler and the wrapping apparatus and including tandem wheels carried at opposite ends of walking beams. A lower region of the baler is secured to the front of the chassis. First and second braces are fixed to, and diverge upwardly from, a fore-and-aft middle location of the chassis respectively to the hinge joint between the front and rear sections of the baler and a wrapping arm assembly. A tie-bar extends between the two braces. The wrapping apparatus includes a wrapping table mounted to the chassis for fore-and-aft movement between a receiving position, wherein it is disposed for receiving a bale formed by the baler, and a wrapping position, wherein it is located centrally below the wrapping arm.

Abstract: Methods for making packages having improved openable and reclosable interlocking seals from a continuous web of composite packaging film, the seal having male and female portions of arrowhead shape in cross section, snap detents, and being formed transversely to the direction of film flow during package formation at line speed. The packaging film is provided at package length intervals with thermoformable strips secured thereto transversely to the running length of the film, and is fed to a modified standard vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine where the film is formed into a bag with the thermoformable strip inside in ends abutting folded facing relationship at the upper end of the bag, product deposited into the bag, the bag sealed, the reclosable interlocking seal formed, and the bag severed from the next bag being formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled or modified atmosphere packaging of products such as foodstuffs, whereby the product (17) is weighed prior to or in the packaging machine and regulating the amount of gas inserted into the package in proportion to the weight of the product. User controlled variables may be used to determine the amount of gas to be injected into a package for a given weight or size of package, typically 1.5 to 1.75 liters of Carbon Dioxide per Kg of meat cut depending upon the type of meat, number/size of voids and bag size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in inactivating pathogens in fluids such as blood or blood components. The apparatus includes a container having a main body portion, a plurality of openings into the main body portion of the container, and at least one weld which partially surrounds at least one opening into the main body portion of the container. The method includes flowing fluid into the container via at least one of the plurality of openings and sealing at least one opening closed by extending the partially surrounding weld so that it completely surrounds the opening.

Abstract: The invention is a food preserver device for evacuating air from plastic zipper bags by mere, oral suction.

Abstract: The machine is intended to wind a width (6), with a top lateral edge (7) and a bottom lateral edge (8) of a reel (2) of wrapping film around the load. It comprises a reel holder (1) and a device (5) for pleating the width of film (6), this device being intended to bring the two lateral edges (7, 8) of the width (6) closer together. The pleating device (5) is designed to bring the two lateral edges (7, 8) of the width (6) closer together simply by slipping the top lateral edge (7) downwards.

Abstract: An outer layer of mesh material is used to loosely cover the exterior of an animal blanket to provide a protective buffer against damage caused by impact and abrasion experienced during use. The mesh material utilized in the manufacture of the outer protective layer is made with a high-strength polyester yarn that has been extrusion-coated with a polyvinyl chloride sheath. This fiber material has been found to have physical characteristics that are particularly advantageous for this protective application. Specifically, in addition to the light weight, strength and flexibility provided by the inner core of the fiber, the PVC coating provides temperature stability and resistance to color fade, abrasion, flame, and mildew.

Abstract: An improved two-stage separator uses reusable containers for collecting particles separated by each separation stage. The reusable containers are constructed such that a user empties both reusable containers by the actions required to empty just one of the reusable containers.

Abstract: A device for filtering pigment particles from used vaporized paint sprayed from a spray gun, includes a hood member which is mounted on a supporter and which confines an operating space with an inlet for entrance of the used vaporized paint. A tubular coupling member is connected to the hood member, and has a duct communicated with the inlet. A filtering member is disposed in the duct and downstream of the inlet. A motor-driven impeller is disposed upstream of an outlet of the duct and forces the filtered vaporized paint through the filtering member out of the outlet.

Abstract: A tractor comprising a vehicle frame, an engine including a flywheel, a first vibration isolator through which the engine is supported by the vehicle frame, and a transmission including an input shaft and a housing, wherein the input shaft is disposed at an upper portion of the housing and lower than a rotary axis of the flywheel. A pair of first and second universal joints are interposed between the flywheel and the input shaft. The first universal joint being nearer to the flywheel than the second universal joint. A second vibration is isolator interposed at least either between the flywheel and the first universal joint or between the input shaft and second universal joint.

Abstract: A wheel assembly, mounted at two points by clamps, on a line trimmer drive shaft, which has two wheels. The assembly utilizes two L-shaped metal legs, bolted to the lower clamp, which allows mounting over the existing trimmer shield or “toe guard” and unimpeded use of the “bump cap” or “tap-n-go” line feed function of the trimmer. The L-shaped design also allows the use of shorter legs while still providing adequate clearance, and a more compact design. The second clamp on the trimmer drive shaft is located above the wheels and axle of the assembly and connects to the assembly with a two-piece metal strap which has bolt-holes at regular intervals. By changing bolt placement through the two-piece strap, the operator can adjust the entire trimmer to a comfortable working height.

Abstract: A single row or single plant harvesting machine which is particularly useful for harvesting test and developmental plots used by plant breeders of cereal grains. The harvester has a cutting head with cutter that severs the stalks of the grain plants and produces cuttings. The cuttings are threshed by an impeller to free the grain, seeds or other plant product. The impeller is also used to generate a vacuum which draws the cuttings into an intake port which feed the thresher. The impeller further conveys the threshed cuttings to a separator which separates the grain seeds from the straw and chaff which are discharged onto the ground. The harvester can be carried on a human operator or be rolled using a wheeled carriage. The harvester eliminates bundling and remote threshing while also speeding and simplifying the harvesting of small test and developmental plots.

Abstract: A towed farm implement includes a set of auxiliary wheels mounted for elevating the implement to a height which permits the implement to be pulled over and lowered onto a transport trailer or which permits the trailer to be otherwise maneuvered to a loading position beneath the implement. Once the implement is loaded, a pivoted tongue of the implement is positioned so as to be used for the endwise transport of loaded implement. In one embodiment, the auxiliary wheels are mounted on their own lift arms for being swung vertically by an adjusting mechanism that is independent of that use to effect vertical adjustment of the ground wheels. In another embodiment, the wheel support arms of the ground wheels and the lift arms to which the auxiliary wheels are mounted are secured together for being swung by the same adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A pruning machine for pruning vegetation includes a frame arranged for connection to a tractor or the like so as to enable the machine to be moved along the vegetation to be pruned. A first pruning assembly is arranged for attachment to the frame, the first pruning assembly including first and second pruning apparatus arranged so that in use they can be positioned either side of a vegetation support wire on which required vegetation is located. The first and second pruning apparatus are arranged to prune non-required vegetation extending substantially above and/or below the support wire.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various aspects of the invention, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.

Abstract: Widening a partial load operation range of an exhaust gas recovery type combined cycle plant in which a gas turbine and steam turbine are combined and further improving heat efficiency.

Abstract: A power plant and a method for operating a power plant with a CO2 process is shown. The power plant includes a compressor, a turbine, a generator, a recuperator, and a burner unit with an oxygen separation device and a burner. Oxygen-containing gas, CO2 medium from the CO2 process, and fuel are supplied to the burner unit. The oxygen separation device removes oxygen from the oxygen-containing gas and adds it to the CO2 medium. To improve the efficiency of the burner unit, the burner unit is provided with an additional burner. A portion of the oxygen-enriched CO2 medium as well as fuel is fed to the additional burner. Hot CO2 medium formed by the combustion in the additional burner is mixed with the heated CO2 medium at the input of the oxygen separation device.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recovery system for an internal combustion engine recovers the high heat energy generated by an exhaust gas clarification catalytic converter intermediately disposed in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine as electrical energy without causing an increase in exhaust gas resistance. A stack device in a heat-driven type sound wave generating portion is provided at a one end of a resonance pipe. The resonance pipe is disposed adjacently to an exhaust gas clarification catalytic converter intermediately disposed in the exhaust system. A first end portion of the stack is heated by the heat generated by the catalytic converter, thereby providing the stack with a temperature gradient. A transducer for converting a sound wave generated by the sound wave generating portion attendant on the temperature gradient into electrical energy is provided at the other end portion of the resonance pipe.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, in which a compressor is disposed in the intake duct and a turbine is disposed in the exhaust duct, and wherein the turbine has a turbine wheel in a turbine housing with at least one inlet flow passage for the introduction of exhaust gas which flow passage is provided with a variable turbine geometry for the variable setting of the effective turbine inlet flow passage cross-section, the variable turbine geometry being adjustable between a shut-off position that minimizes the turbine inlet flow cross-section and an open position that maximizes the turbine inlet flow cross-section, a gas-collecting chamber is provided which is in communication with the inlet flow passage in the turbine housing, the total volume of flow passage and the gas-collecting chamber being adjustable by an actuator movably disposed in the turbine housing as a function of the operating state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion system comprises a cylindrical combustor, a plurality of combustion sections in an arrangement spaced apart in an axial direction of the combustor, a plurality of fuel supply lines independently connected to the combustion sections, respectively, premixed fuel supply sections respectively provided for the fuel supply lines for supplying a premixed fuel, a diffusion combustion fuel supply section for supplying a diffusion combustion fuel to the combustion sections, and a control switching over the fuel supply sections to selectively supply either one of the premixed fuel and the diffusion combustion fuel. The premixed fuel at a first combustion stage is burned while the premixed fuel of subsequent stage is ignited by a high-temperature gas generated from combustion of the premixed fuel of a preceding combustion stage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

Abstract: A device for cooling and tapping of beverages that are delivered in containers. It integrates a cooling unit to an insulated casing. Inside the casing a cooling volume is formed, that is closed by a bonnet. The cooling volume is formed as a tub. Beverage containers are inserted into this tub. The casing is swivel-mounted on a stand and is equipped with a tapping unit.

Abstract: A juice dispensing apparatus particularly designed for dispensing a “not from concentrate juice” packaged in a bag in a box format, the apparatus having a compartment in which the bag in a box is mounted, a thermoelectric device for cooling the compartment and a piezoelectric device for agitating the juice in the bag to thereby maintain the juice in a suspension. The apparatus requires minimal maintenance while permitting the dispensing of fruit juices or vegetable juices which are not reconstituted from a concentrate.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a process control block having a plurality of inlets for receiving ingredients and a plurality of outlets. A mixing block has a plurality of inlets connected to the process control block outlets such that ingredients flowing through the mixing block are mixed together therein. At least one freezing chamber is connected to the mixing block outlet to receive the mixed ingredients therefrom, and a refrigeration system is arranged to refrigerate the freezing chamber. A dispensing valve and a drain valve are connected to the freezing chamber. A controller is connected to the process control block to control operation of the frozen beverage machine. The beverage machine includes an automated sanitizing system operated by the controller, in which the beverage mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber to sanitize the machine.

Abstract: A clutch of the compressor is selectively engaged and disengaged by a coaction of an engine ECU and an air-conditioning ECU. If an air-conditioning system operating switch is detected as being turned on after a startup of an engine is detected, the clutch is changed from an off-state to an on-state to actuate the compressor to discharge a liquid refrigerant therefrom on the condition that an engine coolant temperature is higher than a reference engine coolant temperature. When the engine coolant temperature is higher than the reference engine coolant temperature, e.g., 40° C., the liquid refrigerant stored in the compressor is discharged of its own accord, and hence the amount of the liquid refrigerant stored in the compressor becomes small.

Abstract: In a refrigerator using a evaporator, and particularly in an apparatus and a method for controlling a refrigerating cycle of a refrigerator which is capable of easily switching a three-way stepping motor valve, by adjusting a flow of a refrigerant in a refrigerating cycle by using a three-way stepping motor valve, noise occurred in the conventional valve switching can be reduced, a power consumption of a three-way stepping motor valve can be reduced.

Abstract: The electrical transmission system for a motor vehicle having a traction input, a power electronic system that controls the traction input and a cooling system for cooling the power electronic system. The cooling system is a refrigerator, or possibly a heat pump, with an integrated carburetor and a compressor unit. The electrical transmission system is particularly suitable for urban buses.

Abstract: A frozen confection dispensing machine for dispensing a predetermined volume of a frozen confection. In one embodiment, the machine includes a user interface and programmable control circuit to allow an operator to select the volume of extruded frozen confection for a particular product. In another embodiment, the machine includes a readily accessible hollow member to supply the machine with additional mix without interrupting extrusion of the frozen confection. In another embodiment, a plurality of frozen confection dispensing machines are located adjacent a conveyor belt for filling a pastry product with a selected volume of frozen confection.

Abstract: An insulated container has a container wall, and a space to be warmed or cooled defined within the container wall. The container has an opening in the wall and a receptacle positioned so that objects introduced through the opening can seat in the receptacle and extend outwardly through the opening so that part of the object, such as a canned or bottled drink, seats within the receptacle, and part extends outwardly of the container so that a user can reach it. Either or both of the receptacle and the container can be collapsible.

Abstract: A system for producing decorated articles of elastic material in which a rubber band is selected and a design is selected for that rubber band. A preferred embodiment prints or paints at least one of a series of graphic designs around at least a portion of the outer flat width of the rubber band. In a preferred embodiment, the design images are line drawing and silhouette style. In a preferred embodiment, the designs are applied to the rubber band with a wearable, washable, and stretchable paint process. The design may be repeated to go around the entire rubber band or only partially around, whichever way each particular design works best for the width and length of the rubber band.

Abstract: A cut design for diamonds having a crown of substantially a frustum shape and substantially a conic pavilion directly under the frustum part, the diamond being enhanced in the brilliancy and scintillation of its crown part, the brilliancy and scintillation twinkling, and bluish lights being returned as reflected lights. A crown angle c and a pavilion angle p are so determined that lights coming in crown facets and emitted from crown facets, lights coming in the table facet and emitted from the crown facets, and lights coming in the crown facets and emitted from the table facet be directed toward the observer at the same time. Further, it is preferable to determine the crown angle c and the pavilion angle p so that the angles formed by incident lights and emitted lights are substantially equal to each other. Its table diameter should be between or equal to 0.60 and 0.33, more preferably not more than 0.55 and even more preferably not more than 0.38, in its ratio to the girdle diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a soot preform for an optical fiber. The soot preform is fabricated by depositing glass particles on a starting rod capable of being rotated and pulled up. The apparatus comprises elements as follows. A reaction chamber is used for depositing the glass particles on the starting rod. An upper room is located above the reaction chamber for receiving the soot preform formed in the upper portion of the reaction chamber. At least one core burner is installed in the reaction chamber. A gas-supplying inlet is located in the top part of the sidewall of the reaction chamber closest to burner(s), and a gas-exhausting outlet is located in the top part of another sidewall opposite to the gas-supplying inlet. In addition, at least one cladding burner is installed in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an EUV lithography element mirror includes sagging a plate of a glass material to produce an EUV mirror blank; and polishing a top face of the EUV mirror blank to produce a polished EUV mirror. A method for manufacturing an EUV lithography element mirror includes grinding a top face of a piece of a glass material; sagging a plate of the glass material over the top face of the piece to produce an EUV mirror blank; and polishing a top face of the EUV mirror blank to produce an EUV polished mirror.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an extreme ultraviolet lithography mirror for use in includes machining a bottom face of a mirror blank, polishing a top face of the mirror blank to produce a polished mirror, and cutting a piece from the polished mirror. Another method for manufacturing an extreme ultraviolet lithography mirror for use in includes annealing a faceplate to a honeycomb core, polishing the faceplate to produce a polished mirror, and cutting a piece from the polished mirror.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for vitrifying nuclear waste comprises a tunable microwave cavity connected by a first wave guide to a source of microwave energy; cooling coils for cooling the exterior of the cavity; a hopper for loading particulate fusible material to the interior of the cavity; within the cavity a crucible made of melted and re-solidified fusible particulate material; an exit-chamber connected by a second waveguide to a second microwave source; and a pipe for supplying argon gas to the exit chamber so that a plasma torch can be generated. The separating of the crucible form the cavity walls by unmelted material gives significant advantages in case of cleaning and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: A latch needle includes a needle shank; a hook formed at one end of the needle shank; a saw slot formed in the needle shank adjacent the hook; and a latch supported in the saw slot for pivotal motion about a pivot axis. The latch has first and second end positions and a position of rest situated between the end positions adjacent one of the end positions. Further, the latch has first and second engagement faces spaced from one another. A spring situated in the saw slot has a first pressing face which is in contact with the first engagement face when the latch is in the position of rest; and a second pressing face spaced from the first pressing face and being in contact with the second engagement face when the latch is in the end position adjacent the position of rest.

Abstract: A lock mechanism (10, 110) including a lock gear lever (12, 112) movable between unlocked, locked and superlocked positions, the lock lever being connected to further components of the lock mechanism to provide for corresponding unlocked, locked and superlocked conditions of the lock mechanism, the lock lever being operably movable between the unlocked, locked and superlocked positions by a stepper motor (22, 122) (FIG. 7).

Abstract: A top tube assembly is detachably mounted between a seat tube and a head tube of a bicycle and comprises a tube, two hook-like attaching members, and two latch members. Each attaching member has an end securely attached to an associated end of the tube and mounted around an associated one of a seat tube and a head tube of a bicycle. Each latch member has an end pivotally connected to the associated end of the tube. Each latch member is pivotable along a horizontal plane between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A controlled release urea-formaldehyde liquid resin having a nitrogen level of at least 28 wt % and its method of manufacture. The controlled release urea-formaldehyde resin is useful as a fertilizer.