Abstract: A device and method for measuring an initial camber of a beam includes a support member positionable at a beam of a structure. The support member includes a laser receiver for receiving a laser reference plane at a first location when the support member is positioned at an end of the beam and at a second location when the support member is positioned at a central region of the beam. The initial camber of the beam is then derived by determining a difference between the first and second locations on the laser receiver. A loose shoring system provides an adjustable length support section and a positive stop for limiting deflection of the beam at a desired amount generally equal to the measured initial camber of the beam. The stop is adjustable to set a gap approximately equal to the expected deflection or initial camber of the beam as desired.

Abstract: A decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connectors provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said tile.

Abstract: A blast resistant window system comprising a reinforced window pane defining an in-side and an out-side and being supported by a window framework for mounting at an opening in a wall. The window system fiber comprises at least one pane-engaging member transversally extending adjacent an in-side surface of the window pane and secured at respective ends thereof to opposite construction elements. Each of the pane-engaging member is fitted with at least one energy dispensing device for converting axial force within the pane-engaging member into mechanical work.

Abstract: A support structure such as, for example, a door jamb and a window jamb. In one embodiment, the jamb is formed from a first stud that has a web and two first flanges and a second stud with a second web and second flanges. The first stud has at least one first hole through the first web and the second stud has at least one second hole through the second web. The first and second studs are oriented such that at least one first hole is aligned with at least one second hole and a stud engager is inserted through the aligned holes to retain the studs in abutting contact to form the jamb.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mounting one or more glazing panes or insulating glass units into a window sash frame member having spaced side walls joined by an inner facing frame surface with a spacing structure disposed on the frame surface. Glazing panes are placed against strips of adhesive sealant within the window sash frame. Folding glazing beads hingedly attached to the side or inner walls of the frame member are folded against the glazing panes to secure them to the window sash frame member and/or to cover the glazing pane edges.

Abstract: A vehicle window comprising: a window glass; a glass holder comprising a groove in which the window glass is inserted to be held by being nipped, and comprising a resin material selected from a natural grade of polybutylene terephthalate, a natural grade of a polyethylene terephthalate, a natural grade of a polybutylene terephthalate containing glass fibers, or a natural grade of polyethylene terephthalate containing glass fibers; and a one-liquid adhesive layer formed between the window glass and the groove by applying a liquid comprising a urethane and an epoxy-silane coupling agent.

Abstract: A plastic support which holds a wire throughout its length which may be inserted into a hollow plastic member such as a fence rail with the wire positioned where it may prevent deflection of the plastic fence or like member.

Abstract: A floor-to-ceiling wall panel system, in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling. The panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system as well its easier modification of the panel system once installed. For example, a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track. Also, a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the frame, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, is well as to attach trim pieces to the floor and (ceiling tracks, which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frame thereto.

Abstract: A tape-on drywall accessory includes an elongated metal core strip with a longitudinal arcuate nose and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the nose. A cover strip of paper is bonded to the exterior surface of the core strip, and includes wings that project outwardly beyond the extent of the flanges. The cover strip is formed of a non-latex-bearing stock paper having high pick resistance and which is dimensionally stable and has high peel bond strength when in contact with wet joint compound.

Abstract: A shower curb is built by stacking two or three horizontally disposed 2″×4″ boards in a vertical stack and covering them with a shower liner. A three-sided frame having upstanding parallel front and back walls that depend from and are perpendicular to a top wall is placed over the liner and the boards. The frame is lattice-like and has a large plurality of openings formed in it. A cementitious material is applied to the frame so that the material enters into the openings and is screeded until it completely covers the boards and is flush with the frame. Ceramic tiles are then laid in overlying relation to the resulting structure. In a second embodiment, the top wall of the frame is pitched toward the shower to provide drainage.

Abstract: A ventilation system and material therefor includes a passage beneath the shingle layer of the roof of a building. The passage leads from the exterior of the building to the interior of the attic of the building. The passage is plugged with an air permeable polymeric material to allow passage of air from the exterior of the building to the interior of the building, and vice versa. The polymeric material is preferably shaped with a tapered thickness.

Abstract: This invention generally pertains to a composite building material comprising a lightweight core with a thin fiber cement facing on one side of the core and a second facing material on the other side. The fiber cement facing that is used on at least one of the faces of the building material is {fraction (3/16)}″ or less, more preferably ⅛″ or less. The green fiber cement facing is preferably formed by a slurry-dewatering process to form a sheet that is in a plastic, uncured, state prior to manufacture of the composite. The composite building material is assembled in an uncured state and then cured.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is preferably operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to create a barrier in the hole or gap.

Abstract: A high-ductility material or a high-ductility covering material is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of a member, such as a column, of a structure so as to confine expansion of apparent volume accompanying rupture of the member, to thereby control rupture of the member. The high-ductility material is a fibrous or rubber sheet material. The high-ductility material is disposed in such a manner as to surround the member. Alternatively, the high-ductility material is spirally wound or rolled on the member.

Abstract: The present invention is a spaced sheathing roofing system and method in which roof cladding is placed onto batten strips positioned on roof rafters. The roof cladding is attached using an adhesive. The attachment component is preferably a polymer adhesive, more preferably a polyurethane, for adhering the roof cladding. The adhesive is preferably sprayed onto the lower surface of the placed roof cladding while also being sprayed onto the batten strips and the supporting truss rafters. The sprayed adhesive bonds the adjacent roof cladding together and also bonds the roof cladding to the batten strips to form a monolithic structure. In addition, the sprayed layer of adhesive forms an insulative layer while also forming a waterproof barrier.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is remarkable in its simplicity and promises wide commercial application as the labor costs for construction become increasingly prohibitive. The extraordinary absence of nails, screws, bolts, welds or any other fastening device allows these barriers to compete with many conventional barrier systems, such as those employed for fencing, vehicular trailer beds, removable stages, and scale models or toys of all fabrications mentioned plus many more. In this age time is money and the erection speed this barrier system offers may well revolutionize conventional “post and beam” framing. The invention is specifically aimed at eccentric beam loading where barriers must be economically fabricated to withstand hurricane force winds, earthquake reactions, or liquid concrete pressure in a sub-rigid manner. The Fast-Form System will offer insurers building products that will protect their interests for any and all applications.

Abstract: A modified copolymer latex binder comprising a styrene-butadiene latex and a urea-formaldehyde resin that may be used in preparation of polyester fiber mats that are useful in the roofing industry.

Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is provided for application with at least one truss chord having a web and at least one leg, where the leg has a non-linear profile. The universal member is attachable to the leg of the chord, the member having a nonlinear profile similar to that of the chord leg such that the leg and member nest together. The universal member can have a top portion to overlap the chord web and a bottom flange for stiffening. The universal member can be used alone or in conjunction with a second member. The member can nest along the exterior or interior surface of the chord. The member is useful as a splice for connecting chords together and can be used, typically in conjunction with a second member, as a pitch break connector. Further the universal member can be used in hanger applications.

Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for proving the safety against collapse of load-bearing systems under fire load by calculating the changes of the material properties during the fire and the residual strength after the fire on the basis of data obtained by means of bar statics which were already obtained from the construction of the building component and which relate to the design of the building component for standard load cases such as dead load, loading in consequence of groundwater and of earth pressure, and living load.

Abstract: This invention provides an installation method for protecting water pipes that is easily installed, even in areas of the water pipe wall where bends exist, and that can be inexpensively manufactured, and delivers stable longevity in high temperature environments. This installation method comprises: a refractory castable process to embed refractory castable 12 in concave area between adjacent water pipes, at least in the bend areas 24 where the pipes bend to create an approximately flat surface on the water pipe wall 26 that faces the high temperature side; and a refractory tile process to install approximately flat-shaped refractory tiles 13 over the surface of said embedded refractory castable 12.

Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.

Abstract: A method of forming a circumferentially closed wall having the same cross-section over its entire length includes providing at least two circumferentially closed inner falseworks each formed of circumferentially closed inner part and a circumferentially closed climbing strip releasably securable to an upper end of the main part, and forming the concrete wall in a plurality of concrete-placing steps, with use the at least two inner falseworks in more than one step, with forming in each subsequent concrete-placing step, circumferentially closed concrete wall section on an upper end of an already formed section of the concrete wall, and where during effecting at least one concrete-placing step, one of the at least two inner falseworks, which is used in the at least one concrete-placing step and which was lifted off a mounting site, is placed on the climbing strip which is secured on the concrete wall section formed in a previous concrete-placing step and which forms part of another of the at least two falseworks

Abstract: A shell for providing impact protection to a marine drilling riser, the shell comprising a body having at least one hollow chamber defined by inner and outer faces of the shell, the body being provided with a plurality of holes allowing flooding of the chamber.

Abstract: A structure of a wall partition is disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-rigid profile system for the continuous assembly of agglomerated board for the manufacturing of pieces of furniture such as closets, wardrobes, chest of drawers, or racks, including: a group of trough shaped profiles with variously shaped internal structure to be fastened onto the side edges of normal or reinforced agglomerated boards, characterized because it is embedded into the edges through one single profile structure by means of bending at the ends of the board facilitated by 45° angle cuts.

Abstract: An automatic machine for packaging products, in particular cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, inside containers (11), comprising a series of stations (15-21A, 21B, 21C, 23-28), in each of which the operations required to insert the products and their leaflets into containers or cartons (11), and to close the cartons (11) definitively are performed; with the machine the format of the container (11) can be changed in extremely short times and automatically, by using a keyboard to key in the parameters relevant to the dimensions of the sides (A, B, C) of the carton (11) utilised.

Abstract: A method for induction sealing a plastic part to a composite container using a pair of linear coils electrically connected to low frequency generators. The linear coils produce overlapping electromagnetic fields on either side of the container. Rotating the container assures even heating of the polyethylene liner and plastic part. The method produces a reliable seal between the liner and plastic part and can be used at high production speeds.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for wrapping bodies, in particular harvested material bales (1, 34, 50, 65) of hay, straw or wilted green crop, which are wrapped in at least one wrapping material web (8, 36, 57, 74). In order to improve and simplify this device with regard to adjustment and monitoring of the wrapping process, it is proposed according to the invention that the device (3, 4, 44, 49, 64) comprise one or more sensor means (23, 24, 28, 30, 42, 43, 47, 59, 63, 71, 75, 76) for monitoring and/or controlling the wrapping process and/or checking the finished bale wrapping.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A custom-decorated giftwrap is made by feeding a folded sheet into a printer, while avoiding paper jams therein by holding together sheet portions of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.

Abstract: An ampoule storage container 1 stores a plurality of ampoules 2 in a laterally orientated state with respect to a discharge direction. A belt conveyor 5 is disposed at the bottom of the ampoule storage container 1 so that the ampoule 2 can be conveyed in the laterally orientated state. An ampoule regulating member 10 is disposed above the belt 6 of the belt conveyor 5 to form a gap through which only one of the ampoule 2 can pass. A stopper 13 which comes into contact with the one end of the ampoule 2 passing through the gap is provided so that the ampoule 2 can be changed to a longitudinally orientated state. According to the present invention, the direction of the ampoule 2 can be changed and a desired number of ampoules 2 can be discharged one by one in spite of simple construction.

Abstract: A bottle support structure and wear plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of a series of plastic containers. The plastic containers have a generally cylindrical body with an outer cylindrical periphery with a diameter and a pedaloid base with spaced pads separated by radial recesses extending from a center recess. The bottle support structure supports the weight of the bottle as the bottle is being capped be prevent the body and base of the bottle from being deformed or crushed during the capping process. The wear plate is a flat ring rotated in unison with a star wheel about a machine axis. The ring has an upwardly facing flat surface and a series of container receiving nests movable in the circular path as the ring is rotated. Each of the nests has at least one elongated bar-like abutment projecting upwardly from the flat surface a given vertical distance. The one or more abutments prevent the bottle from rotating during the capping process.

Abstract: A robotic welding station cleaning assembly (10) for removing particulates from an air-filled chamber surrounding a welding robot (12). A frame (14) is positioned about the robot (12) and includes a top (20) defining an opening (26) therein. A shield (28) is supported by the frame (14) to define the robot chamber. A spark arrestor (48) is supported on the frame (14) for controlling sparks created by welding. A blower housing (30) having an inlet (27) is disposed immediately above and in direct fluid communication with the opening (26) to move air from the chamber to the blower housing (30). The frame (14) includes a separate support stand (32) for supporting the blower housing (30) on the top (20) of the chamber.

Abstract: An automatic debris removal system for screening an effluent stream. The automatic debris removal system comprises a support frame positioned proximate the effluent stream, a bucket positionably connected to the frame, and a camming system attached to the support frame and the bucket. The bucket includes a screening portion and is positionable within the effluent stream to screen and collect the debris. The bucket is positionable within the support frame, and upon raising the bucket past a selected position, the camming system causes the bucket to rotate and dump the debris held therein.

Abstract: A filtration element of a respirator or breathing mask including rear and front walls and a pleated separating layer that is not coextensive with the walls. The pleated separating layer maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship resulting in high filtration performance and reduced breathing resistance.

Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.

Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.

Abstract: A filter material includes a filter pad made from a thin, nonwoven fiber mat which has been accordion-pleated, compressed into a unit having a large number of substantially parallel interconnected filter strips, and treated to retain the filter strips in substantially parallel relation to each other. In a preferred embodiment, activated carbon particles are operatively associated with the filter pad. Selected fibers of the nonwoven fiber material are hollow fibers, each having an outer surface, a hollow internal cavity, and an extended slot formed therein, between the hollow internal cavity and the outer fiber surface. Carbon particles may be located between selected filter strips, and additional carbon particles may be disposed within the cavities of the hollow fibers. Methods of forming the filter material, and a filter element made with the filter material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester that has a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: A yard vacuum unit includes a deck including upper and lower housing members that form a discharge outlet and a nozzle operatively connected to the deck. An engine is mounted to the deck and includes a drive shaft. An impeller assembly is used to draw yard debris in through the nozzle and out through the discharge outlet and is positioned between the upper and lower housing members. The impeller assembly includes an impeller plate, a hub fixedly connected to the impeller plate, and a plurality of fan blades each having first and second ends and first and second sides. Each fan blade first end is fixedly connected to the hub all along the first end and each fan blade first side is fixedly connected to the impeller plate all along the first side. In this way, a continuous airtight seal is formed along the entire first end of each fan blade with the hub and along the entire first side with the impeller plate. Each second end extends to the outer periphery of the impeller plate.

Abstract: A duct support and transition structure for the air system of a cotton harvester includes a plurality of upright telescoping duct sections connected to a vertically adjustable support tube extending transversely between the sections providing lateral support for the ducts. Hydraulically operated slide structure connected to the support tube moves the sections vertically between operating and transport positions and eliminates duct binding problems. A telescoping harvester basket supports forwardly extending hood structure. The hood structure opens downwardly towards the upper ducts and includes grates for exhausting air and debris. The ends of the ducts open upwardly rather than rearwardly into the hood structure. The basket can move to and from the dump position without interference from the ducts, and the hood structure reduces cotton loss without need for side shields.

Abstract: A harvester, especially a combine-harvester, is proposed, comprising a pickup reel (2) held rotatably between supporting arms (1) and with a drive (3) for the pickup reel (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions, the drive (3) is arranged within the pickup reel (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound yarn with high absorbency, which is manufactured by twisting and compounding a plurality of yarns, and a fabric made therefrom. The compound yarn is characterized in that a core yarn of a polyester false twist yarn is compounded with floating yarns selected from the group consisting of a PET/nylon split yarn, a polyester false twist yarn and a natural fiber, around the core yarn, in which one strand of the core yarn is compounded with 5 or fewer strands of the floating yarns, and then the resulting yarn is compounded with a binder yarn of a polyester filament. Such a compound yarn of the invention imparts a high absorbency to a yarn or its fabric, thereby being applied for manufacture of clothes including bath robes, daily products including general cleaners such as washcloths and hair towels, and other cleaning cloths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for air texturizing or air entangling a metal or metal-containing monofilament yarn (7) with a multifilament yarn (2) to give a novel multifilament-metal monofilament hybrid yarn (9). The monofilament yarn (7) used may, for example, be a full-metal thread, a metal-coated chemical fiber or a metal wire strand. It is supplied to the air texturizing nozzle (5) as the stationary thread and/or the fancy yarn together with the multifilament yarn (2) and is texturized according to the invention. However, a plurality of differently textured monofilament yarns (2) can also be used. The multifilament yarn (2) or additional monofilament yarns (7) may consist of natural or synthetic continuous fibers. According to the invention, an adequately textile, twist-free, easily processible, very long-wearing and at the same time electroconductive hybrid yarn (9) is obtained.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling an engine (10) of an automotive vehicle having a catalyst (34) and controller (40) is set forth herein. The controller (40) is configured to determine a first exhaust flow rate and a second exhaust flow rate based on a flow rate of the exhaust gases. The controller is further configured to determine a first temperature (T1) of exhaust gases associated with the first exhaust flow rate based on a steady state temperature and an amount of heat transferred from the exhaust gases associated with the first exhaust flow rate to an exhaust system. The controller is further configured to determine a second temperature of exhaust gases associated with the second exhaust flow rate based on the steady state temperature. The controller is further configured to determine the catalytic converter temperature based on the first temperature and the second temperature.