Abstract: An insect killing system optimized for mosquitoes uses multiple thermal gradients to simulate the breathing and body heat from animals, including human beings and fowl, to attract insects for subsequent electrocution. The system comprises an elongated, generally parallelepiped housing supported upon a lower base. A heating tower shrouded by the housing supports a spaced apart, generally pyramidal roof. Several slits penetrate the base to permit air entry. An internal fan draws air into the base where the air mixes with scents, pheromones, and/or moisture. Mixed air is blown into and through the heating tower. An internal baffle divides the tower interior into separate, spaced apart compartments. A lower compartment houses a heater, and an adjacent upper compartment vents warmed air to atmosphere, creating numerous separate streams of warmed air that, to an insect, emulate human breathing.

Abstract: A pest control apparatus is provided including a vacuum adapted to suction air from an inlet upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a mechanical housing with attractor means for luring pests to a position where the pests may be suctioned. A trigger means is provided for actuating the vacuum either based on a sensor detecting a pest or intermittently based on expiration of a timer. A one way valve prevents the pests from escaping.

Abstract: An outer margin of a lining sheet is secured to a land border of a pond by a device comprising an elongate member and a plurality of fasteners, such as metal or polymeric stakes. The elongate member defines a wall and a flange projecting from the wall, meeting the wall at a junction dividing the wall into an upper portion and a lower portion, and being divided into a series of tabs enabling the wall to flex, each tab having a preformed hole. Each fastener has a pointed shank, which is driven through the preformed hole of a respective one of the tabs of the flange, through the outer margin of the lining sheet, into the land border of the pond, whereby to secure the outer margin of the lining sheet to the land border of the pond so that the upper portion of the wall projects upwardly and defines a landscaping or hardscaping border and so that the lower portion of the wall projects downwardly into the pond to limit uplifting of the lining sheet.

Abstract: A tree stand for supporting a tree includes a base. The base includes a receptacle for receiving and supporting the trunk of the tree. A fluid reservoir for storing a fluid is detachably connected to the base. A first valve is attached to the reservoir and is operable between and open and closed position to allow fluid to flow outwardly of the reservoir in the open position and to prevent fluid from flowing outwardly of the reservoir in the closed position. A second valve is attached to the base and is in fluid communication with the receptacle. The second valve is operable in an open position to allow fluid to flow into the receptacle, and a closed position to prevent fluid from flowing outwardly of the receptacle.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a botanical item and a growing medium and having a base portion with side gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A safety contact rail for a movable closing mechanism includes a hollow profile having a deformable region, an electrically-conductive area positioned along an inner surface of the hollow profile and a contact element that is positioned therein to be freely movable with respect to the hollow profile and having a conductive area over at least a portion of its surface which is arranged to contact the hollow profile conductive area upon deformation of the hollow profile.

Abstract: A motorized shutter assembly includes a frame having a pair of parallel spaced frame members, louver slats extending between the frame members and having shafts extending into and pivotably seated in the frame members. A coupling is engaged with the louver slats to produce concurrent pivotal movement of the louver slats in either direction. An adapter on one of the frame members has a drive portion engaged with the end of a louver slat and is rotatable to effect pivotal movement of the slats in either direction. The adapter is engaged with a reversible drive motor assembly to effect rotation of said adapter and the adapter also desirably provides a clutch to protect the drive motor assembly.

Abstract: Methods are provided for installation of a rain diversion system including formation of a deflector with a machine placed above a forming machine dedicated to formation of a trough. As trough is run from a first machine, end caps are installed where appropriate, outlet sites are punched and outlets installed for joinder with downspouts, miters are cut and a cavity structure of the hanger is brought into place to mate a containment lip of the hanger with the containment shelf of the trough. Corresponding deflector is run from a second machine and the deflector is placed on the trough as deflector attachment cavities of the hanger are used to retain deflector. In alternative methods, one cavity retains the deflector 40 for conveyance to the installation location on the structure. In either case, the entire assembly may then be transported to a location on a lower level such as ground, for example, corresponding to the eventual installation location on the structure.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure including a main compartment housing electronic components and a door coupled to the main compartment. A beverage holder tray is mounted on an inner surface of the door. The beverage holder tray may be folded into a closed position and unfolded into an open position.

Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure including a sound absorbing member, an air layer, and a resonant sound absorbing structure. The air layer is formed in the rear of the sound absorbing member. The resonant sound absorbing structure includes a slit and is formed in the rear of the sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is a surface plate covering the rear air layer and the resonant sound absorbing structure, and the sound absorbing member is shaped in one of a plate and plane.

Abstract: A method for building a floor in a structure, such as a house, is designed to utilize the heat stored in the earth.

Abstract: The rigid, generally planar, rectangular first sheet, at least one rigid sheet spacer mounted along, so as to protrude from, a first long edge of the first sheet, and a generally “U”-shaped first channel formed along a second long edge of the first sheet, where the second long edge is opposite the first long edge. The first channel opens towards the sheet spacer so as to define a cavity therebetween and along the length of the first sheet. The first channel is sized so as to fit over, as an end cap on, an exposed long edge of a door frame member such as a door jamb or a center frame member of for example a double width door when so fitted, a distal side wall of the first channel, distal from the first sheet, is mated to a first side of the exposed long edge of the door frame member. The first channel includes a channel spacer protruding into the cavity.

Abstract: A framing system and related framing section assembly includes at least one first member, preferably in the form of a U-shaped track or channel, that receives at least one second member, such as a stud. The stud is captured on or between spaced protrusions or pairs of protrusions projecting inwardly from the opposed sidewalls of the receiver. The protrusions securely, but releasably, hold the corresponding end of the stud in place in the receiver. To form a framing section assembly using this system, two opposed receivers are provided for engaging and supporting each end of a plurality of studs. To permit variable positioning of the studs in the receivers and enhance flexibility during installation, the protrusions may be equidistantly spaced at frequent intervals. Surface indicia may also be provided on the receivers at certain conventional intervals to allow the installer to easily determine the proper location for the studs.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab for forming a deck in a bridge superstructure has a chamfer on forward and trailing edges so that adjacent slabs can mate. The slab is reinforced with bars which protrude laterally from the slab on opposite sides and which, in use, extend over support beams. Selected bars are formed in a castellated shape of which inverted U-shaped portions extend above the surface of the precast concrete slab. Conveniently, the U-shaped portions anchor a concrete topping which is poured over the slabs at a bridge site and also provide locations for hooking a crane used to transport the slab at a site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a sloped floor includes a plurality of elongate arms disposed in radial array relative to a drain. Each arm has a common height along its extent. The radially innermost end of each arm is positioned near or connected to the drain. In a first embodiment, the radially innermost end of each arm is pivotally connected to an adapter that is connected to a center ring that circumscribes the drain. In a second embodiment, each arm is positioned at an incline by an adapter that rigidly joins the arm to the center ring. In a third embodiment, the arms are of shallow construction and are removed after the concrete has been poured. A mounting strip secured to the shower wall may support the radially outermost end of each arm. In all embodiments, the concrete is worked so that it is flush with the uppermost edge of each elongate arm.

Abstract: A concrete footing and wall system for increasing the efficiency in forming concrete foundations for building structures. The concrete footing and wall system includes a first preformed wall, a second preformed wall connected to the first preformed wall, and a lower reservoir formed within the lower portions of the walls for receiving a volume of concrete. The walls are distally spaced apart and receive a volume of concrete along with the reservoir being filled. The reservoir is preferably comprised of a flexible material such as plastic or textile. The walls are supported a finite distance in a level manner above a ground surface by the usage of a plurality of support members. The reservoir has a pair of end openings which allows the concrete to merge and bond with adjacent walls and reservoirs.

Abstract: A bamboo floor plate for sound insulation. A bamboo plate is made by forming flat a round bamboo cane. A wide groove is formed on the bamboo plate, and on both sides of a wide groove, narrow grooves are formed. The inside of the wide groove is insulated, and an electrode is embedded thereon to make a heating plate. The narrow grooves on the sides are arranged parallel to each other so that the cross section of the bamboo plate looks like a comb. A foam plastic sheet is placed on the surface on which the grooves are provided to form hollows. To connect the bamboo floor plate to another bamboo floor plate, a pin is inserted between the electrodes of the bamboo floor plates.

Abstract: Interlocking masonry components are described herein, including a first masonry block formed along a first axis, with first interlock surface on the first masonry block, formed at an oblique angle to the first axis. A second masonry block is formed along a second axis with a second interlock surface formed at an oblique angle to the second axis. The first and second interlock surfaces interfit and longitudinally interlock with the first and second axes in substantial alignment.

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 balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-moisture penetrating decorative floor surface. The completed floor surface has an appearance of a solid granite slab floor with greater durability. The floor surface has a smooth, flat appearance and can be manufactured in different shapes. The floor surface may be formed over a wood or concrete sub-floor and includes a self-leveling, cementous, low moisture penetrating material to which suitable colorants may be added. The cementous material comprises a topping and silicate-based sealant mixture that is mixed together and poured and leveled over the sub-floor to a desired height. Flakes of contrasting material is then sprinkled over the top surface of the mixture to create a decorative appearance. After drying, the surface is finely ground to a smooth finish. A coat of silicate-based sealant is then applied to the surface that penetrates the porous surface to create a low moisture emitting surface The surface is then ground to a fine surface and rinsed.

Abstract: A system and method for emplacing a mobile or modular construction of the type having a supporting structure provided thereunder including multiple stanchions having upper and lower portions, fasteners for attaching each of the upper portions of the stanchions to the supporting structure of the mobile or modular construction, and load-bearing footings embedding the lower portions of the stanchions, wherein the embedded stanchions provide permanent vertical support for the mobile or modular construction.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a covering element for building surfaces and a method for the production thereof. The covering element includes a decorative visible side generally having a support plate having top and bottom surfaces, an upper transparent face sheet bonded to the top surface of the support plate, and a lower face sheet bonded to the bottom surface of the support plate. The upper face sheet has a support layer having cellulose in which an abrasion-resistant material is embedded in the form of corundum particles. In the present configuration, a decorative layer is applied to the bottom of the support layer by a color printing process. The decorative layer, which is underneath the support layer, is visible after all the layers have been pressed together under the application of heat. This process causes it to become transparent. The support layer and the decorative layer are covered with bonding material having melamine resin.

Abstract: A joining strip is provided by which sheet metal may be formed into a hollow tubular panel. The joining strip provides a seam between panel edges that acts as a thermal break between inner and outer faces of the panel. The joining strip may also carry a resilient tubular cushion which extends into the joint between the side ends of two panels that are connected by a hinge. This cushion contributes to providing an air seal within the joint between the two panels. Applications include roll-up garage doors and roll-away, articulated walls.

Abstract: Apparatus for making packages having interlocking closures from a web of film, the closure having male and female portions and being formed in line with or transversely to the direction of film flow. A converter fanfolds the film into spaced apart stacks of heat sealed together layers. Abrading means abrade one surface of each strip to remove the thermoplastic coating. A package former forms packages having longitudinal seals, and places strip portions in apposed position. The package ends are sealed and the locking closure is formed in the strip. The locking closure female portion is formed in the face including the longitudinal seal. In another embodiment the strip inner and outer parts of the resealable closure are separately formed before package formation. Alternatively, layering is done by heat sealing a strip of heat sealable material to the packaging film. Optionally formed in the resealable closure are hinges and reinforcing V-notches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable conveyor for use with an apparatus handling contamination-sensitive discrete items. The conveyor has at least one cavity, each cavity capable to carry at least one discrete item. The conveyor is adapted to be mounted on the contamination-sensitive apparatus that, in operation, is capable to impart movement to the conveyor for displacing the conveyor, and its cavities, along a predetermined path. The present invention also relates to a method for transporting discrete items in a machine performing production runs with different types of contamination-sensitive discrete items. The method involves installing a conveyor as described above on the machine and using it to perform a first production run with a first type of discrete items. The conveyor is then disposed of and a new conveyor installed on the machine, used to perform a second production run with a second type of discrete items, different from the first type.

Abstract: Process and device for packaging a material web roll. The device of the invention includes a packaging web dispenser, a holding device adapted to hold at least the beginning of a packaging web against the circumference of the material web roll, and a rotary drive for rotatably driving the material web roll. The holding device includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive dispenser and a pressing device. The process includes holding at least the beginning of the packaging web against the circumference of the material web roll, rotating the material web roll, and detachably bonding the packaging web to the circumference of the material web roll with the aid of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus including a first unit for receiving banknotes deposited from outside the machine, a second unit for checking validity, quality and denomination of the deposited banknotes, and a third unit for bundling and packaging checked banknotes using a packaging device that has a roll carrying transparent packaging material for encasing banknotes in a closed package so that unnoticeable resealing of a banknote package that has been sealed in the apparatus and then broken open is difficult to achieve. A printing device is located above and close to the roll for printing information relating to the content of the banknote package with each bundling/encasing function in mirror image on an inner side of the transparent packaging material taken from the roll so that the content information is durably printed thereon and readable right-way-up from outside the closed package.

Abstract: A fruit injector and method for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: A method for providing a thermally processed commodity in a plastic container. The container is exposed to elevated temperatures to form an—intermediate finish section. A commodity is dispensed within the plastic container. A closure engages the intermediate finish section. The container and the commodity are thermally processed. The finish section being within a predetermined range whereby the finish section and the closure result in retaining a hermetic seal.

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: A touch roller can be moved between three positions. In the first position, the touch roller is pressed onto a forward driving roller. In the second position, the touch roller is pressed onto a reverse driving roller with two different forces. In the third position, the touch roller is spaced from both the forward driving roller and the reverse driving roller. When the touch roller is pushed onto the reverse driving roller with a small force, the reverse driving roller pulls back a band and wraps the band around an article to be packed. When the touch roller is pushed onto the reverse driving roller with a large force, the reverse driving roller tightens the band wrapped around an article.

Abstract: With a conventional baling machine, for tying an article resting on a pallet with a band, the article resting on the pallet is required to be placed in a frame of an arch guide. To solve this problem, the present invention provides a baling machine including a main body having a band feeding mechanism, a band bonding mechanism, and a band cutting mechanism; a vertical table (3) to be aligned with an article resting on a pallet; a band guide (7) provided to be drawn out from under the vertical table (3) in a horizontal direction; a support mechanism for supporting the band guide (7) inside the main body allowing it to slide; and wheels (17) provided to the main body, wherein the band guide (7) slides above the ground contact face of the wheels (17).

Abstract: A removable stirrup cover and removable leather cover for providing substantial protection against abrasions and scuff marks of the flap and panel area of an english saddle. The covers consist of smooth, nonabrasive materials that help preserve the value and aesthetics of the english saddle. The stirrup cover is employed during storage of the saddle by placing the stirrup cover over the stirrup providing protection to the saddle. The leather cover is alternatively employed during use of the english saddle by covering the saddle leathers with the leather covers, preventing saddle abrasions created by the leathers rubbing against the panel area.

Abstract: A user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester, having 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: An interlock system for use with a cutting assembly of a lawn tractor. The interlock system automatically disengages the cutting assembly when the lawn tractor is shifted into a reverse mode and prevents re-engagement of the cutter assembly when the law tractor is subsequently shifted into a non-reverse mode.

Abstract: A vehicle, in the form of a self-propelled forage harvester, has a three-point hitch assembly mounted to its forward end in place of the cutter head. A mower together with a rotary tine crop conditioner is coupled to the three-point hitch. Located in a zone between the upper and lower three-point hitch links, as viewed from the side, is a belt conveyor mounted to a hitch support structure for vertical pivotal movement between a raised, non-operative position and a lowered operative position. When in its non-operative position, the conveyor parallels the upper link and is disposed for letting cut crop discharged by the conditioner fall to the ground along a path that passes between front and rear pairs of support wheels of the forage harvester.

Abstract: A spinning ring, in which a ring flange portion 101 making a track permitting a ring traveller to run thereon is divided into an inner flange 103 and an outer flange 106, the inner flange 103 is continuously formed from a sheet steel, the outer flange is formed together and integral with a ring neck portion 109 and a mount portion 102 by cutting, the inner flange 103 and the outer flange 106 are secured to each other by a securing means, and a ring flange portion 101 is provided in an upper portion of the spinning ring 100. The spinning ring enables enhancing the ring flange portion in accuracy and wear resistance, and preventing fine vibrations of the ring flange portion from causing abnormal wear of and shortening of service life of a ring traveller and the ring flange portion and frequent yarn breakage leading to reduction in productivity and falling-off of the ring flange portion due to shock.

Abstract: In the case of a component which can be used in conjunction with round steel chains and has two crossover slots (6, 7) which form a pull-through or insertion opening for the chains, the pull-through or insertion opening is blocked, following the introduction of a chain link into that part of the longer slot (6) which forms an extension (8) bounded by supporting zones (9, 10), by a securing element (14) in the region of that end of the longer slot (6) which is directed away from the extension (8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a turbo-machine in case of failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator. The apparatus receives at least information from various sensors as well as from the main burn fuel flow calculator. The method and apparatus, herein disclosed, provides a smooth and secure transition between the last burn fuel flow value before the failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator and the future burn fuel flow values.

Abstract: A gas turbine comprises a compressor for compressing a gas supplied therein and discharging the compressed gas, a combustor in which the discharged gas from the compressor and a fuel are combusted, a turbine to be driven by a combustion gas from the combustor, and a water injection unit which injects water into the gas to be supplied to the compressor, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas to be introduced into the compressor to a temperature lower than the atmospheric temperature, and causing water droplets having been injected in the gas and within the compressor to be vaporized while flowing down therein, wherein the quantity of water spray injection is controlled while monitoring operational conditions of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A gas turbine comprises a compressor for compressing a gas supplied therein and discharging the compressed gas, a combustor in which the discharged gas from the compressor and a fuel are combusted, a turbine to be driven by a combustion gas from the combustor, and a water injection unit which injects water into the gas to be supplied to the compressor, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas to be introduced into the compressor to a temperature lower than the atmospheric temperature, and causing water droplets having been injected in the gas and within the compressor to be vaporized while flowing down therein, wherein the quantity of water spray injection is controlled while monitoring operational conditions of the gas turbine.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a mass of compressible working fluid; a fluidic piston in fluid communication with the working fluid; and a second piston in hydraulic communication with the fluidic piston and in fluid communication with the working fluid.

Abstract: A rocket with a high pressure propellant module, comprising a toy bottle rocket that uses gases generated from the reaction between baking soda and vinegar. A mechanism controls the release of the gas formed by the chemical reaction and allows the gas to reach a high pressure inside the rocket prior to release.

Abstract: Augmentation of the thrust achieved by a supersonic nozzle of continuous curvature is achieved by causing secondary combustion to occur in an annular region of the interior of the divergent section of the nozzle. The secondary combustion forms a secondary combustion gas that complements the primary combustion gas passing through the nozzle and maintains a wall pressure that is equal to or greater than ambient pressure at low altitudes, eliminating the negative component of the thrust in an overexpanded nozzle at takeoff.

Abstract: A thrust reverser includes axially adjoining forward and aft cowls defining a fan nacelle for surrounding a fan and core engine with a fan duct therebetween. The aft cowl has a forward face and the forward cowl has an aft face adjoining each other to define a reverser nozzle which converges radially outwardly. The aft cowl is translatable between a stowed position in which the reverser nozzle is closed and a deployed position in which the reverser nozzle is open for discharging fan air in a forward direction for thrust reversal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system in a compression ignition engine having a power-assisted turbocharger coupled to a power source. The turbocharger includes a compressor in communication with an intake manifold and a turbine in communication with an exhaust manifold. The method comprises the steps of determining an operating mode of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system selected from the group consisting of a light off mode, regeneration mode, and storage mode. The method then determines a charge value associated with the power source, and engages the power source to the power-assisted turbocharger as a function of the charge value and the operating mode of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. In one aspect of the invention, negative power is applied to the power-assisted turbocharger to increase the exhaust gas temperature to achieve particulate filter light-off.