Abstract: A process for an endothermic reaction includes the steps of carrying out an exothermic reaction in which a fuel is combusted to generate heat for transfer to a feedstock subject to an endothermic reaction, the waste heat from the exothermic and endothermic reactions being transferred to at least three fluid streams within a single heat recovery zone downstream of the endothermic and exothermic reactions, the apparatus therefor being contained within a single vessel.

Abstract: A two portion frame for an opening (10) comprises a fixed frame portion (12), which is secured about the opening (10); a removable frame portion (22), which is hinged to the fixed frame portion (12) by hinges (30) and locks (36) by which the removable frame portion (22) is fixable to the fixed portion (12), so that the removable frame portion is removable only from one side of the frame. A door (32) is hinged to the removable frame portion (22) by hinges (34) so that it opens towards the other side. One or more locks are, provided to lock the door (32) with the removable frame portion (22) and one or more locks are provided to lock the removable frame portion (22) with the fixed frame portion (12).

Abstract: A shutter includes a number of louvers mounted to pivot together, with each louver pivotally mounted by a pair of axle pins extending into adjacent side frame members of the shutter. A pivot bar extends between one of the side frame members and adjacent ends of the louvers, with axle pins extending through arcuate slots within the pivot bar around holes through which crank pins extend.

Abstract: This invention relates to a window lifter comprising a window connecting element; a cable drive motor element, offset from the travel of the connecting element, a first and a second cable return which returns are arranged at one end of the travel of the connecting element and superposed, a third cable return arranged at another end of the travel of the connecting element, a cable secured to the window connecting element. This window lifter has, in particular, greater compactness.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame formed from a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick.

Abstract: The incorporation or blending of from about 1 to about 10% by volume of a “carbide precursor” powder, preferably on the order of <100 microns in size, with a coal particulate starting material and the subsequent production of carbon foam in accordance with the method described herein, results in a carbon foam that exhibits significantly enhanced abrasive characteristics typical of those required in the polishing of, for example glass, in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes.

Abstract: A polishing film is formed by treating silica particles with heat at 100-400° C. for 4-48 hours and a polishing layer with no internal holes and a thickness of 50 &mgr;m or greater, containing 50-85 weight % of such heat-treated silicon particles is formed by fixing these silica particles with a binder resin.

Abstract: Nanoscalar, pyrogenically produced yttrium-zirconium mixed oxide which has a BET surface area of between 1 and 600 m2/g, a total chloride content of less than 0.05 wt. % and does not exhibit a conversion into the monoclinic phase during storage is produced by atomizing yttrium compounds and zirconium compounds and reacting them in a flame. The mixed oxide can be used as ceramic raw material.

Abstract: An erectable play structure for children including one or more enclosures or pods (10, 11, 12) which may be interconnected by one or more access tunnels (14) the whole structure being formed predominantly from a non-self supporting material thus to be collapsible for storage and adapted to be connected to an air pump (18) whereby the internal pressure within the structure may be slightly in excess of ambient pressure thus to maintain the structure in an erect condition. One or more access ports (15, 16) and/or blanking plates (17) may be provided in each enclosure to allow or prevent access to or exit from the enclosure. The access ports (16) are constructed such that after passage there through they resume a closed condition to resist escape of air therethrough. Hook and loop fasteners or the like are used to attach the enclosures, tunnels and access ports together in assembly of the structure.

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: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes either upon a roof or above ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular system for constructing a tubular structure. The improved system allows the tubing to be assembled and disassembled in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the tubing without having to move the tubing along its centerline. The improved system allows the tubing to be positioned at various angles. The system also enables curved tubing to be used. In an embodiment, the structural system includes a hub and a connector that removably couples to the hub. The connector has a first end that couples to the hub and a second that defines a notch. One of the walls of the notch connects to a flange that may extend in one or two directions from the centerline of the connector. The connector and flange removably couple to one end of an adapter, which contains a mating notch, wherein the adapter receives a tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manufacturing insulating glass units. In apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash. Methods are also provided for applying a deposit forming material to the periphery of the panes of an insulating glass unit.

Abstract: A stair steps gripper for permanently covering the carpet on the stair steps to prevent it to wear out and becoming dirty, the stair steps gripper comprising a walking zone in the center having an anti-skid surface on the top and spikes on its lower surface for penetrating into a underlying carpet.

Abstract: An assembly of a milk tank and a measuring probe, the milk tank being provided with a space for containing milk and with a wall having a manhole portion defining a manhole, which manhole comprises a rim that extends in a direction away from the space, the measuring probe being located at least partially in the space of the milk tank, the assembly comprising a fastening device for fastening the measuring probe to at least a part of the manhole portion, and the fastening device being provided with at least one radial protrusion that comprises a recess for receiving, in the assembled position of fastening device and milk tank, at least a part of the rim of the manhole portion.

Abstract: A trim connector block, a trim kit and method of assembly of the same are provided. The trim connector block is adapted to engage a trim member that has a front face formed with a profile. The connector block has a front face, a rear face, an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces. At least one cavity is formed in one of the upper, lower and side surfaces of the connector block. The cavity is complimentarily shaped to the profile of front face of the trim member. One end of the trim member is inserted into the cavity of the connector block to the extent required. The trim kit has a number of trim members and connector blocks. During assembly of the trim kit, a connector block is positioned and then secured to a wall. One end of a trim member is inserted into a cavity of the secured connector block. The position of the trim member relative to the opening is adjusted and the trim member is secured to the wall. Additional connector blocks and trim members may be added as required.

Abstract: A wall lead-in for at least one feeder line (10) and including an element formed of an expandable material (11) and provided in an intermediate annular space between a through-opening (7) formed in a wall (8) and the at least one feeder line (10), and a sleeve-shaped form member having an outer diameter corresponding to a diameter of the through-opening (7), designed for surrounding the feeder line (10) and arrangeable coaxially therewith, and formed of a form element (1) made of a perforated strip material and having a predetermined length.

Abstract: Elementary module (21) for forming a thermal bridge break (1) between a wall (2) and a concrete slab (3).

Abstract: A pre-fabricated building foundation form assembly is installed beneath a pre-existing temporarily supported structure in its final position, and a footing dug below the line of the lowest building timber. A rigid sheet form element is positioned along the upper and outside perimeter side portion of the lowest building timber. The brackets are positioned over the lowest timber and against the sheeting at specified intervals and held in place with connectors. Adjustable supports are attached to the brackets and connectors attach brackets to sheeting. J-bolts along with structural steel are installed. A rigid sheet form element is laterally positioned along the inside perimeter of the inner side of the brackets and held with connectors, which completes the suspended enclosure.

Abstract: A roofing membrane, includes at least one support layer and a plurality of strips arranged in spaced-apart disposition at least on one side of the support layer and made of bituminous material and have a penetration depth between about 120 and 170 at a temperature of 50° C., and a softening point between about 100° C. and 110° C. The strips of bituminous material are separated from one another by a layer of scattered material and are covered by a fusible film. The film is composed of a plurality of strips which are oriented in parallel relationship to the bituminous strips but not interconnected.

Abstract: An evacuated panel is provided for thermal insulation of a body (3, 4) having non-planar surfaces, the panel having two main faces and comprising a flexible envelope (1), made of one or more barrier sheets, and a filling material formed of at least two boards (2; 2′) of an open cell polymeric foam, the boards lying one over the other, and each board having a thickness between about 2 and 8 mm.

Abstract: A deck system with a deck clip. The deck system may include deck boards in which narrow channels may be formed in opposing side edges. The deck boards may be placed side by side during construction of a deck. The deck boards may be formed of composite building materials such as mixtures of wood flour and polyethylene. A rotatable deck clip may be used to fasten the deck boards to the deck joists. The clip may have a first overhang member and a second overhang member and may be wider in a first horizontal dimension and shorter in a second, perpendicular horizontal dimension. When the clip is rotated into a first position, its first and second overhang members may extend into the channels of adjacent deck boards to hold the deck boards securely in place. Removal of the deck boards may be accomplished by rotating the clip ninety degrees.

Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

Abstract: A corner of a timber building frame (10) having spaced studs (11), top plates (12) and bottom plates (13). Bottom plates (13) are located in this case on an on-ground slab (14), noggings (15) retain the studs (11) in their proper spaced relation. To prevent the frames from moving in response to wind while the frame is under construction and also afterwards to resist movement in the event of earthquakes or high winds, bracing panels (16) comprise an elongated panel dimensioned for location between adjacent vertical studs (11) and between the top and bottom plates (12and (13), each panel has opposed ends (17 and 18) and opposed sides (19 and 20) and an intermediate portion between the sides shown generally at (21), the intermediate portion includes diamond shaped strengthening sections (22) displaced laterally out of the plane of the panel.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a structure with a sheet containing reinforcing fiber yarns is disclosed, by which method separation of the sheet is sufficiently prevented, maximum use of the sheet strength is achieved, and existing structures are effectively reinforced. The method includes the step of providing a sheet containing reinforcing fiber yarns over the surface of a structure selected from the group consisting of concrete and steel structures, with a flexible material interposed therebetween, the flexible material having a tensile elongation of 10 to 200% at maximum load at 23° C., and a tensile strength of 0.1 to 50 N/mm2 at 23° C.

Abstract: A joining system for tubular members having attaching members and two types of stabilizing members. A first type of stabilizing member is used to attach two tubular members at a plurality of angularities and a second type is used to attach two tubular members at a ninety degree angle. One tubular member is attached to another tubular member by a groove in a stabilizing member being positioned against a first tubular member, another groove of the stabilizing member being positioned against a second tubular member at a desired angle. The attaching member is positioned through holes in the tubular members and stabilizing members. The system includes two wing nut wrenches for attaching tubular members to each other. One wing nut wrench can also be used as a petcock wrench. Two jig systems for holding tubular members in place while holes are drilled therethrough are also disclosed, as is a method for joining tubular members.

Abstract: A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and each includes a horizontally extending and vertically spaced apart component with passes either above or below a mesh screen associated with the concrete slab. Additional features of the weldment connector include the width of the extending legs increasing, from a first end associated with the interconnecting and planar shaped front face, to outermost extending ends thereof.

Abstract: A resilient post for use on a porch or a deck having a floor and/or a roof deck is described. The post includes a plastic outer shell and a stiffening member that extends within the shell. At least one mounting member secures the stiffening member to the floor or roof of the porch or deck. The mounting member extends outside the shell and has at least one inner fastener hole for securing the stiffening member-to the mounting member. The mounting member also has at least one outer fastener hole for securing said mounting member to the floor or roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for designing and constructing buildings, such as a residential building such as an apartment building, a commercial lodging building such as a hotel, a capsule type building for sleep and rest, an office building and a commercial building, in two or more of pre-fabricated, environmentally friendly and communal manners. The method includes the steps of constructing a basic framed structure in a conventional manner, manufacturing a part or the whole of one or more houses as a unit in advance, inserting the part and the whole of the houses into said basic framed structure, and forming a variety of living spaces and environmentally friendly and traditional facilities beside its passageways. Accordingly, the costs and period of construction can be reduced and the custom-made interior and structure of the building can be provided.

Abstract: A device for connecting and locking structural panels, particularly floor panels, having a groove forming an upper lip and a lower lip over the entire length of at least one lateral border and with a tongue formed on the opposite lateral border corresponding to the groove. To lock panels that have been connected, the tongue is provided with at least one projection and the groove exhibits at least one indentation on the lip that faces the projection, which device is characterized by the indentation being longer than the projection, and on its lateral border (I3, I4) the lip provided with at least one indentation exhibits at least one recess reaching back to the indentation. The length of the recess is at least as great as the length of the projection, and seen in the longitudinal direction, the recess and the projection occupy positions that are staggered, one relative to the other.

Abstract: A top sheet and a bottom sheet are connected together by wing members, each having a center segment hinged to the top sheet and to the bottom sheet about parallel axes. Wings protrudes from the center segments and are biased to project out of a plane defined between the hinge axes. In a collapsed condition the top and bottom sheets are close together with the wings distorted from their relaxed positions. In the expanded condition the sheets are spaced apart and the wings return to their relaxed positions projecting out from the center segments and conferring stiffness on the structural member and resisting the return of the member to its collapsed configuration. In storage, the sheets are secured along the edges with an underlying rip cord, and may be rolled. The wings may be formed as part of metal or plastic spring members.

Abstract: An evacuated panel (2) is provided which enables the thermal insulation of a cylindrical body (1) having two substantially rectangular main faces, formed of a flexible envelope (4) made of one or more barrier sheets, and containing a discontinuous or porous, inorganic or polymeric filling material (3). The panel has a thickness such that the ratio between this thickness and the minimum bending radius of the lateral wall of the cylindrical body is small enough so as to enable the winding of the panel without compromising the integrity thereof, and a length such that it allows at least two windings around the body (1).

Abstract: There is described a packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) of a pourable food product from a strip (6) of heat-seal sheet packaging material. The packaging material (1) has a number of photocells (14), which are programmable externally as regards their setting parameters, are positioned facing the strip (6) of packaging material to detect optically detectable elements on the strip, and have setting means (26, 210, 300). The packaging machine (1) also has a control unit (16) connected to the photocells (14) and having enabling means (24) for enabling the setting means of a specific photocell (14), data downloading means (26, 240, 310) for downloading off the specific photocell (14) the setting parameters of the photocell, and data uploading means (26, 260, 330) for uploading onto the other photocells (14) setting parameters calculated as a function of the setting parameters downloaded off the specific photocell (14).

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for the automated attachment of a carrying handle on product packages. The system incorporates devices for advancing the products, means for the forward-feeding of a foil-strip designed to serve as a carrying handle, as well as at least one rotating element, whereby the foil strip is guided over the rotating element in such fashion that a rotation of the rotating element causes each one end of the foil strip to be attached to opposite sides of the product package. According to the invention, the system employs at least one rotating element featuring at least three arms. Thus, in advantageous fashion, the throughput rate is augmented, and the length of the carrying handle is determined by the cove formed between each two arms of the rotating element.

Abstract: A carousel bagger including a plurality of troughs each having sides fixed to a rotatable table with a pivotable bottom wall pivoted from a lower product-receiving position to a higher product-dumping position in response to actuation by a linkage running on a cam track as the table rotates. The bottom wall has two longitudinal sections with an obtuse angle therebetween which tends to cause the product to travel in a single file to thereby avoid bridging. The trough dumps product through combined chute and bag-clamping members having sides with outwardly flared upper portions which also tends to avoid bridging.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.

Abstract: A bell-shaped element (1) is placed in a sealed position whereby it rests against the outer wall of the container (9b) which is full of solid commodities (49) in order to create a partial vacuum in the inner area (11) of said bell-shaped element and in the gaseous area of the container. A sealing armature (17) subsequently places a sealing cap (16) on top of the opening (12) of the container. When the vacuum is created, a cleanliness element (32) rests against the free edge (28) of the opening (28) of the container in a position which is sealed by means of a liner (36). Said cleanliness element (32) comprises a sieve (34) which retains solid materials inside the container during suction. The cleanliness element (32) subsequently retracts on a plane of its own, wiping the free end (28) of the opening (12) in order to remove debris and solid particles which could prevent the opening (16) from being sealed in a desired manner.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a powder dispenser portion with an outlet port which opens into a loading chamber (6). A slide gate valve assembly (10) selectively closes the port and a disc valve assembly (5) is provided above the slide gate valve assembly. Containers (19) are loaded into the loading chamber (6) and are located beneath the port and are then purged with inert gas. The slide gate valve assembly (10) and disc valve assembly (5) are then opened to allow container (19) to be filled with ultra fine powder.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for sealing a bag enclosure around a work piece. The apparatus comprises a frame defining a reference surface adapted for supporting the bag and the work piece, wherein the bag is disposed around the work piece and open on a side. A sealing head is supported by the frame and moveable between a retracted position and an engaged position, whereat the engaged position the sealing head is adjacent the open portion of the bag. A conduit is supported by the frame and comprises a distal end insertable into the open side of the bag in the engaged position of the sealing head. A negative pressure source is fluidly connected to the conduit to impart a negative pressure to the distal end, drawing air out of the bag. A stretching member is supported by the frame so as to be insertable into an open end of the bag in the engaged position of the sealing head, and is moveable to stretch the open end of the bag taut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening cover tape prior to the cover tape being sealed to a carrier tape. The apparatus includes a cover tape flattener with a leading edge angled in the direction of the moving carrier tape and cover tape. The method and apparatus provide for smoothing the cover tape and sealing the cover tape to the carrier tape.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for folding a flap on a work piece. The apparatus comprises a central frame, and a reference surface supported by the frame operatively receivingly engaging the work piece. A positioning and folding device comprises a circular pin extendable over the reference surface and longitudinally moveable to abuttingly engage and position the work piece. An actuator rotates the pin between a first position and a second position. A tamping member extends from the pin and defines an abutting surface abuttingly engaging the work piece in the first position of the pin. A folding member extends from the distal end of the tamping member, and is clearingly angled away from the work piece in the first position of the pin. The folding member foldingly engages the flap in the second position of the pin. The pin maintains the abutting engagement against the work piece at the first and second positions and therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to enable the removal of tablet and capsule medication from bottles. The apparatus includes a bottle opener assembly that enables the removal of the medication from the base of the bottle. Removal of the medication from the base of the bottle bypasses the need for removal of the bottle cap, tamper-resistant seals, and any filler material. The present invention further includes an automated unpack/repack system for packing the medication in bulk and individual containers.

Abstract: A continuous feeding device for a single color film packaging machine includes a pair of chains mounted at two sides above a conveyor belt, the chains being engaged with a plurality of gears, a plurality of a linking rods equidistantly mounted between the two chains, two first sensors disposed close to an outer side of one of the chains for detecting the lining rods, a platform installed at an end of the conveyor belt, an electric motor mounted beside the conveyor belt and being drivingly connected with an axle on which are fixedly mounted two of the gears engaged with the chains, and two second sensors each mounted close to an outer side of a respective one of the chains, the two second sensors being aligned with each other, whereby the articles can be continuously packaged thus increasing the efficiency.

Abstract: The bagging machine has a rotary table with openings to receive a series of bags. Each bag is staked onto four pins two of which are stationary and two of which are laterally movable. After filling, the bag is heat sealed using a pair of heat seal bars and then severed by a fly knife above the heat seal. The bag is then removed manually or automatically.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bale wrapping device comprising a wrapping platform (1) on which a bale (11) is rotatable about a horizontal axis (9) and a support frame (23), which carries at least one rotating arm (17) rotatable about a vertical axis (19) by means of a rotation drive (18, 21). In order to reduce the overall height of the rotating arm drive, it is proposed according to the invention that the rotation drive (18, 21) is arranged between the upper side (A) of the support frame (23) and the under side (B) of the rotating arm (17).

Abstract: A connector (10) includes a housing (34) and an arm (43) pivotally connected to the housing (34). A hook (48) is formed on one end of the arm (43) and a spring (49) is positioned between the arm (43) and the housing (34). The connector (10) can be used to attach two items of many configurations together, but it is particularly suited to attach strap ends of an item such as a halter (11) having a strap (12) and a strap (13) interconnected by a plurality of tab straps (20, 21, 22). The strap (12) is interrupted to form a portion (32) carrying the connector (10) and another portion (31) carrying an o-ring (29) which can be engaged between the hook (48) and the housing (34).

Abstract: The present invention has an object to improve the efficiency of collection of solidification constituents and solids in exhaust gas and to prevent early blockage of the filter without damaging the vacuum pump. In an exhaust path 48a, a vacuum pump and exhaust gas filtration device are provided. This exhaust gas filtration device is constituted by a trap device, pre-filter and filter. The pre-filter reduces the exhaust gas flow rate flowing through the interior of the exhaust path by controlling the exhaust gas flow path in the vessel. The aforesaid exhaust path is constituted by connecting this vacuum pump, trap device, pre-filter and filter which are arranged in this order from the side of airtight vessel and connected through piping if required.

Abstract: A common structure, such as a home or other building, equipped with an apparatus, comprised of a positive pressure ventilator and a decontaminator device, can be immediately converted into a safe area for human inhabitants, machines, and materials, against chemical or biological attack. The apparatus takes in outside contaminated air, destroys and/or removes the biological or chemical agent, renders the air breathable, and forces the now decontaminated air into the structure. The structure is slightly pressurized with decontaminated air, causing positive and continuous outflow preventing contaminated air from entering the structure. The invention includes the apparatus, the method of positive pressure for preventing the entry of harmful agents, and kits and methods for further rendering a conventional structure into a safe area.