Abstract: Disclosed is a compact steam reformer which integrally comprises a housing; a reforming reactor having an upper mixing compartment for mixing natural gas and steam and a lower compartment for accommodating a catalyst bed; a natural gas feeding coiled pipe through which natural gas is introduced while being heated; a steam generating coiled pipe in which pure water is converted to steam by the exhaust; a metal fiber burner for heating the reforming reactor; a high-temperature converter for primarily removing carbon monoxide from a synthetic gas; a low-temperature converter for secondarily reducing the carbon monoxide level of the synthetic gas; and a heat exchanger, provided between the high-temperature converter and the low-temperature converter, for cooling the gas effluent from the high-temperature converter. The steam reformer enjoys the advantage of being easy to install in situ and being fabricated at low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate is repaired by lowering the crossing gate mechanism with a lever. The end of the lever can contain a conical opening mating with the conical pivot pin on the gate mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control of the movement of a sliding or swinging and sliding door (1) in its end closing area (X), wherein by means of a free wheel (8) or the like the movement of the door leaf (2) in the closing direction is possible always, but the movement in the opening direction is possible only when a brake, coupling (9) or other fixation for the part of the free wheel remote from the door leaf is lifted, and wherein a device for determining the door position is present.

Abstract: Movable wall that comprises a plurality of panels, each panel of which is mounted by means of at least one suspension device having a guide roller from a runner rail so that it can move in the runner rail, which runner rail comprises at least one running surface on which the runner rollers lie. The at least one suspension device comprises lateral guidance means for the suspension device or parts thereof, by which the runner rollers are held in the running surface in the direction of movement. The runner rail has at least one junction at which the suspension device of the panel is steered in a predetermined manner into a direction of movement on the running surface, whereby the truck has only one carrier roller and one guidance roller, and that the guide roller actuates a junction in the form of a switchable switch which has a pivoting running surface for the carrier roller.

Abstract: An illuminating weatherseal for sealing an interface between confronting surfaces and illuminating the adjacent environment is disclosed. The illuminating weatherseal includes light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light is emitted along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into the illuminating weatherseal for selectively actuating the light line.

Abstract: A contiguous surface film for a composite strip, such as a weatherseal is disclosed, wherein the surface film is formed of a colliquefied powder coating. The surface film can be located on a carrier, sealing or trim portion of the weatherseal, wherein the surface film can be colored, and selected to provide a desired surface characteristic such as reduced coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seal with a profiled section, inside a second profiled section (5) wherein is housed a third profiled section made of an elastically deformable flexible material, whether or not adjacent to the second profile (5) and forming by itself or with the part of the first and/or the second profiled section whereto it is adjacent a sealed tubular member connected to a source of fluid under pressure and adapted under the action of said fluid, to be urged into contact with the inner face of the second profiled section (5) wherein it is housed, to improve the sealing and soundproof properties of the seal when the vehicle moves at a high speed.

Abstract: A window shutter frame defining a recess in which various selected decorative strips may be inserted. The shutter frame also carries a flexible flap so the frame may be pre-manufactured and installed in window recess or other installation location which are not dimensionally accurate without the necessity of cutting and trimming. Preferably the frame components are extruded from synthetic polymeric material.

Abstract: Provided are an abrasive tape suitable for finishing of surfaces or the like of precision components such as optical connector ferrules and semiconductor wafers, and a process for producing it. A coating agent in which abrasive particles having an average particle size in the range of 1 to 200 m&mgr; are dispersed in a binder resin solution. The coating agent is applied, with intervention of a primer layer if necessary, onto a base for abrasive tape to form an abrasive layer, thus obtaining an abrasive tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the blockage of an internal corner roof gutter (31). An opening is formed at the intersection of the two gutters (12, 13) and a rainwater head (30) with attached downpipe is fitted under the opening. The rainwater head can be designed to include an arcuate section (32) which extends between the two faces of the gutter.

Abstract: A gutter cover for directing the flow of rainwater from a building roof into a gutter mounted to the peripheral edge thereof while preventing debris such as leaves and twigs from entering and clogging the gutter The cover is secured to the roof of the building such that rainwater flowing down the shingles will flow across the cover at the bottom roof line. A lower end of the cover has an arcuate nose disposed substantially above the outer edge of the gutter The surface of the gutter is treated with one or more combinations of coatings and/or substrate textures to slow the flow of water while improving flow to the cover surface. Rainwater will flow around the arcuate nose into the gutter while debris carried by the rainwater is expelled outwardly over the edge of the gutter.

Abstract: The combination of: a) a first water collection section for a masonry wall having a first bottom wall, a first back wall, and a first side wall bounding a first collection space; b) a second water collection section for a masonry wall having a second bottom wall, a second back wall, and a second side wall bounding a second collection space; and c) a first connector for joining the first and second water collection sections to maintain the first and second water collection sections in an operative relationship.

Abstract: The invention provides a weather-resistant exterior building material which has been unavailable in the past with respect to characteristics of keeping harmful insects such as white ants, and so forth away therefrom, light weight, a long service life, insusceptibility to variation in temperature, hygroscopicity, and easiness in fabrication, and an exterior article made up of the same. The weather-resistant exterior building material according to the invention makes use of a compact formed of RB ceramic, CRB ceramic, or fire-resistant CRB ceramic.

Abstract: A concrete slab construction in which a building ring is used to isolate the slab from a column which supports upper parts of a building. The ring is placed on a concrete pier beneath the column. Concrete may be poured to form a slab outside of the ring and also inside the cavity formed within the ring. The column may be placed directly on the pier before the ring is filled with concrete or on the concrete which is poured inside the ring. The ring may be tapered from bottom to top to enhance isolation of the column and pier from the slab. The ring may be adjustable in diameter and height and may have a fastening foot for securing the ring in place on the pier.

Abstract: A method for draining accumulated moisture from the juncture between a wall and footing of a foundation is provided. The method comprises excavating a channel into the floor adjacent to the wall into which a drainage conduit is placed. The drainage conduit is wrapped with a wicking fabric to draw moisture into and along the drainage conduit for conveying to a moisture collection reservoir.

Abstract: A tile comprises a fire resistant ceramic, which is obtained by mixing and kneading defatted bran obtained from rice bran and a thermosetting resin, primarily baking the resulting mixture in an inert gas at 700° C. to 1000° C., crushing the resulting product into carbonized powder, mixing and kneading the carbonized powder with a ceramic powder, a solvent and, optionally, a binder to provide a plasticized mixture (ceramic-solvent mixture), pressure forming the mixture at a compression pressure of 10 MPa to 100 MPa, and heat treating the resulting compact again in an atmosphere of an inert gas at 500 to 1400° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a layout of shop window profiles (1, 2), assembled edge to edge, by their ends, (e1, e2), whereas said layout comprises means for fastening said profiles together.

Abstract: A strut for supporting services between parallel spaced apart I-beam flooring joists is described. The strut has a main section adapted to fit transversely between the two joists and has two end regions which extend beyond and above the main section for resting on the joists, so that the main section is supported so as to extend between the two beams below or in line with the upper faces of the joists. This enables services such as cables, ducting or pipes to be supported below the floorboarding carried by the joists. A number of such struts are located at intervals along the length of the joists in the form of the rungs of a ladder to enable lengths of cables, ducting or pipes to be supported below the floorboarding. A building component comprising a moulding is preferably secured to the top surface of each joist along the length thereof between the struts. The moulding has a rebate along its length to provide a ledge on which a floorboard edge can rest.

Abstract: A method is described for joining the end of a first timber I-beam to the side of a second similar timber I-beam in wherein the end of the web of the first I-beam is fitted between the two side cheeks of a rigid channel member which is secured to the web by means of through fastenings such as bolts. The bridging section of the channel member has at least one stud protruding therefrom in line with the web of the I-beam to which it is secured, for securing to the web of the second transverse I-beam. A hole is formed in the web of the second I-beam through which the or each stud can pass, and the two beams are joined by fitting a closure member to the protruding end of the stud. The stud may be smooth and the closure member in the form of a push-fit washer, or may have a series of annular ridges over which the closure can be forced until it is trapped between the web and one of the ridges or more preferably the stud is threaded and the closure is a nut, typically a so-called lock nut.

Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer (i.e., “cross-ply”) to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.

Abstract: A wood floor structure includes a pad layer composed of a plurality of pads and each pad has at least two taper-shaped protrusions extending from each side thereof. Each pad has a rod extending from a top surface thereof. A plurality of wood strips each have at least one hole defined in a bottom thereof so as to receive said rod in said at least one hole.

Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another. Each panel member includes joint structure forming an aperture extending vertically between an upper periphery of each panel member and a lower periphery of each panel member that is configured to receive the connecting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and installing a curved ceiling support system and associated panels. The invention includes a ceiling support system, a ceiling panel, and a clip or fastener that holds the ceiling panel to the ceiling support system. The ceiling panel may include an upstand taking one of two basic shapes: a C-shaped upstand or a Z-shaped upstand. The C-shaped upstand has an inwardly directed flange while the Z-shaped upstand has an outwardly directed flange. Further, the edges perpendicular to the upstand may be extruded or shaped in three dimensions. Panel locks couple the ceiling panel to a curved support member suspended from the ceiling. Once inserted, the ceiling panel conforms to the curve of the support member. An installation tool aids in fitting the ceiling panel to a support beam.

Abstract: A tile (1) provided with lateral longitudinal fixed joinable lower elements (13) on an underlying surface (8) and upper (14), and at a front end of the tile, an antisliding detent (15) is present. A method and system for covering a roof using a tile (1) having a central curved portion whereby two or more tiers are formed by the tiles joined together by upper elements and lower elements, and adjacent tiers joined together with one tier overlying an adjacent tier and being locked together by the antisliding detent.

Abstract: A method is described of forming a joint between the end of a timber I-beam joist and a transverse closure such as a rim-joist, in which two holes are formed a short distance from the end of the I-beam to be butt-jointed to the rim-joist, one in each of the upper and lower rails of the I-beam section, the two holes being coaxial and generally aligned with and parallel to the web of the I-beam section. The closure is positioned relative to the I-beam and two further holes are formed through the closure and into the ends of the upper and lower I-beam rails, generally perpendicular to and intersecting the first two holes.

Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A concrete block having comparatively light weight and capable of being manufactured easily and used in various fields of application; a block joint for the concrete blocks, capable of carrying out the arrangement of the concrete blocks simply and retaining the arranged concrete blocks in good order; and a structure made by using the concrete blocks and the block joints.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular wall or double wall element (S) for dry assembly characterized in that some at least (1a, 1b, 31a, 31b) of its faces arranged to co-operate with adjacent modular elements have contact parts (2a, 2b; 32a, 32a, ′ 32b, 32b′) designed to be pressed against said adjacent modular elements, and separating parts (3a, 3a′, 3b, 3b′ 33a′, 33b) arranged to remain separated by a clearance of said adjacent modular elements, said clearance being sufficiently large to limit, even eliminate, infiltration of water by capillary action. The invention is applicable to the field of construction building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple layer composite material and to a method for producing the same. Said multiple layer composite material has at least one layer of cement-bound concrete and at least one layer of polymer-bound concrete. The transition between adjacent layers of cement-bound concrete and polymer-bound concrete has at least the material strength of the less stable one of the concrete layers adjoining the transition. The layer of polymer-bound concrete allows the diffusion of water vapor, but does not allow liquid water to penetrate. The multiple layer composite material can be produced completely in an aqueous system.

Abstract: A building component is described comprising a molding adapted to be secured to the top surface of flooring joists either along the length thereof or transversely thereacross, having a rebate along its length to provide a ledge on which a floorboard edge can rest. The depth of the rebate accommodates at least the thickness of the floorboard, and the thickness of the molding below the ledge creates a services void between the floorboard and the upper surface of the joists. The molding may also include a second parallel rebate leaving a ridge therebetween. The two floorboards are spaced apart by the ridge. A further rebate can be provided to accommodate at least part of another member. Where a floor covering is laid over the floorboards the rebate(s) is/are sufficient to accommodate both boards and covering.

Abstract: A baluster comprising an elongate support member having a lower end for attachment to a wall or structure and a middle and upper portion for supporting a railing, fence, barrier or partition. The lower end of the baluster is generally hollow with a hollow interior and has a front face and a rear face for attaching to the wall or structure. The front face has at least two access holes therethrough in communication with the hollow interior. The access holes are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the lower end and aligned with at least two fastener holes extending through the rear face. The access holes are larger in diameter than the fastener holes to permit fasteners to be passed completely through the access holes. The fastener holes permit fasteners to pass only partially therethrough and into the wall or structure to secure the support member to the wall or structure.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing wooden floor boards having an antique and used look, the boards of planed new wood being subjected to a mechanical treatment for making damages in its circumferential surface, and after that to a chemical treatment of at least the entire top surface. The chemical treatment comprises the impregnation of at least the entire top surface and applying a hard wax oil after that.

Abstract: A metal unitary structural member for structural support. The member includes a plurality of web portions extending radially from each other and extending with each other in an axial direction, and a plurality of radially outer portions extending in an axial direction with the web portions and between the web portions in cross-section. The plurality of outer portions defines an outer surface of the member. The web portions may extend from a substantially central portion. The plurality of web portions may include perforations.

Abstract: A fibrous core material having a plurality of weight-reducing holes formed therein is disposed between and bonded to metal skins to form a structural laminate having comparable strength to steel sheets of greater weight.

Abstract: The drawer 2c is provided with a collecting mechanism 20 for collecting the medicines discharged from the storage containers 3. The body frame 1 is provided with a recovery box 28 for recovering the medicines collected by the collecting mechanism 20. The collecting mechanism 20 has a first passage and a second passage which are interchangeable, the first passage allowing the medicines discharged from the storage containers 3 to be conveyed to the recovery box 28 in a state that the drawers 2c are contained in the body frame 1, while the second passage allowing the medicines discharged from the storage containers 3 to be conveyed to the recovery box 28 in a state that the drawers 2c are drawn out of the body frame 1.

Abstract: Packaging machine and especially intermediate elements installed therein for fixing active elements such as for example robots, transposing apparatuses, conveyor belts and the like to a main frame structure of a packaging machine such as for example a CNC-top loading machine, in which both simple and flexible assembly of the modules is possible and the modules can be displaced both in the longitudinal direction and also transversely with respect to the packaging path and can be fixed at any desired locations, wherein the intermediate elements comprise profile members respectively arranged in pairs in parallel mutually juxtaposed relationship, the intermediate elements are held at a defined spacing by means of clamping plates, the clamping plates have projections which stick up laterally of the profile members, and the clamping plates are clamped by means of a clamping mechanism which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate elements between the profile members.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tamper resistant seal on a plastic bag containing a loaf of bread or other products is disclosed. The neck of the bag is flattened, gripped between a pair of upper inboard and outboard gathering belts and a pair of lower inboard and outboard gathering belts adjacent opposite sides of a segment of the neck of the bag. A row of perforations is formed in the bag neck as the bag moves adjacent a roller provided with teeth or cutting elements. Heated air jets are directed to engage the segment of the bag bridging between the inboard and the outboard gathering belts for fusing panels of the bag together to form a sealed strip spaced from the row of perforations in the bag neck to facilitate removal of the sealed strip from the bag.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a container is disclosed that includes a vacuum chamber in communication with a vacuum source, the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and an internal pressure, a securing device adapted to secure an open end of the container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; and a heating member at least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the open end of the container.

Abstract: A bias tape maker includes an outer shell including a tape entering port and a tape exiting port for introduction and exit of a main tape, respectively, and an inner core fitted in the outer shell for defining a main tape passage between the outer shell and the inner core. The main tape passage has a tape folding portion for folding longitudinal margins of the main tape toward each other. The outer shell is provided with an auxiliary tape entry window adjacent the tape exiting port for introducing an auxiliary tape into the tape folding portion of the main tape passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wrapping device for welding a stretch film to a tray, and particularly a wrapping device that can provide a good appearance after the wrapping, and can suppress disadvantages in a transporting operation. A wrapping device 1 covers a top opening of a tray T with a stretch film Fm, welds the stretch film to the tray T, and thermally cuts it. The wrapping device 1 includes a stretch mechanism 9, a control portion and a film winding portion 53. The stretch mechanism 9 stretches the stretch film Fm. The control portion controls the stretch mechanism 9 to stretch the stretch film Fm at least before welding the stretch film Fm to the tray T. The film winding portion 53 winds up the stretch film Fm after the thermal cutting.

Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a back section secured to a seat section that involves the steps of: (a) removing the back portion from the furniture; (b) placing at least one protective shipping sleeve over an edge portion of the back section; and (c) inserting the back section with the at least one sleeve and the seat section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the back section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve postioinable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping blown containers is provided. The top surfaces of a snap-on cap are preferably engaged sequentially by pressure members that traverse different segments thereof. The pressure members urge the cap over the neck of a container as they traverse the cap. The pressure members are preferably mounted to a support that is positioned above an initially loosely capped container, and resiliently urge the cap in a downward direction. The pressure exerted by each pressure member on the cap may be adjustable. The surfaces of the pressure members for engaging the cap are preferably substantially spherical.

Abstract: A device for tensioning web, such as a plastics web dispensed from a shuttle in a wrapping machine, is disclosed. The wrapping machine usually includes an endless track positioned about an object to be wrapped and the shuttle travels on the endless track, dispensing the web as it goes. The rate at which web is dispensed varies as the shuttle progresses around the track and is dependent upon the shape of the track and the shape of the object to be wrapped. The web tensioning device attempts to maintain a constant tension in the web and includes a pair of rollers covered with resilient material. The rollers are urged together to form a nip with the resilient covering of the rollers compressed in the nip. The web is fed between the nip of the rollers.

Abstract: The inventive saddle pads are for placement between a saddle and a horse's back, or between a saddle and the rider, for therapeutic and cushioning protection for the horse and for the rider. The saddle pads incorporate a perforated honeycomb cellular structure which contours to the horse's back and/or the saddle to provide uniform load distribution. The honeycomb cells of the pad are aligned perpendicular to the horse's back and flex with movement to reduce shear forces against the horse's skin. The ability of the honeycomb to contour and flex with the movement helps keep the pad securely in place, eliminating rubbing and chafing.