Abstract: A low or no fines lightweight concrete mixture. The mixture comprises one part by volume of a cementitious binder, 2-10 parts inert coarse aggregate, a cement additive in an amount of 0.05 to 0.3% by weight of the cementitious binder and an effective amount of water, the additive including 40-99% of a viscosity enhancing agent, which in water either dissolves or forms colloidal dispersions, and 1-60% of an air entrainment agent/surfactant adapted to entrain air when mixed with water and/or pumped. The mixture is particularly suitable for constructing a building panel where a frame is prepared, the front and rear faces being covered by fibre reinforced cementitious sheets and the cavity there between at least partially filled with the lightweight concrete mixture which flows in a manner similar to loose fill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passable closing system for a door or window opening, comprising a length of a first flexible material, which is fixed to supporting members that can be connected to a door or window casing surrounding said opening. The supporting members are made up of at least one strip-shaped member of a second flexible material, which is fixed to said length of material, and which can be detachably connected to the casing. Preferably, a strip-shaped member fitted near the upper side of said length of material is connected to said casing at a point located near one end of said strip-shaped member and at a point located between the ends of said strip-shaped member.

Abstract: A joist-positioning device includes a multi-sided body, with one side formed with a joist-capture region. The joist-capture region can be made as opposing plates with a space between them. The plates are constructed so that they that have a certain tensioning quality that holds the device relative to a desired object such as the web of an I-joist.

Abstract: Two mutually adjoined strips form a decorative covering for a vehicle having a connection element for the aligned connecting. This connection element, in one strip, consists of a detent hook and, in the other strip, consists of a detent hook receiving device. In the connected condition, the detent hook of one strip is held hooked into the detent hook receiving device of the other strip such that the exterior strip surfaces can be connected with one another at the same level and the strips can be connected with one another without gaps.

Abstract: A high strength grouted pipe coupler by which either a pair of spaced, axially aligned steel reinforcement bars (i.e. rebars) are reliably spliced to one another or a single reinforcement bar is spliced to a flat steel plate to form a T-headed bar configuration. The reinforcement bars are surrounded by a spiral reinforcing spring within a hollow cylindrical sleeve or tube. The coupler tube is filled with an epoxy or cement based grout within which the reinforcement bars and the reinforcing spring are embedded. Set screws are moved through the coupler tube to maintain the position of the reinforcement bars prior to the coupler tube being filled with epoxy or cement. The pipe coupler herein disclosed has application for connecting together contiguous columns, walls, beams and similar structures to enable buildings, parking garages, bridges, subways and airports to be better able to survive a seismic event.

Abstract: An engineered perimeter rim board with machined or otherwise-formed modular recessed receptacles receives and secures I-joists and other manufactured joists at pre-designated spaces along the length of the rim board. The rim board provides pre-measured joist securement locations and structural enhancements by “locking” the joists into position. Receptacles machined/cut into the rim board may be of various shapes, such as a rectangular recess with a flat planar back wall, a profiled recess with curved top and bottom compartments, and/or an angled recess wherein two sidewalls converge to create a recess without a back wall for receiving joists at positions other than perpendicular to the rim board. The preferred 90-degree receptacle profile provides an I-joist web receiving slot for additional lateral support to help prevent joists from buckling, twisting or rolling over.

Abstract: An elongated hollow member for suspending objects is formed of two first walls (1) running parallel to each other in the elongated direction (L) and two second walls (2) disposed perpendicularly to the first walls (1) and running in the elongated direction (L) with a wall thickness (w). The second walls (2) and the first walls (1) form a substantially rectangular cross-section having transverse widths (h) and (b). In order to assure economical manufacturing of the hollow member with a high torsional rigidity, the member has at least one elongated web (5) running in the plane of at least one second wall (2) and extending in the elongated direction (L) and perpendicular to the first wall (1) and extending outwardly beyond the corresponding first wall (1).

Abstract: An assemblage of sheet metal roof covering pieces is utilized in a novel process to recover and stiffen a deteriorated roof without the necessity for extensive removal of the original roof covering, the deteriorated roof structure further stiffened by spaced stiffening ribs that also serve to fix in interlocked engagement the sheet metal roof covering pieces. Included in the assemblage are interlocking valey pans that are sequentially compressed between the ribs and then fastened with the valley pans then bridged by curved sheet metal caps that are also interlocked. The resulting structure has the pleasing appearance of an Oriental tile roof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spacing device utilized in the construction of decks and the like from composite building planks. The spacing device generally comprises a straight length of material possessing a T-shaped cross-section. The vertical element (or leg) of the “T” is used to establish the space between the polymer planks of a deck. The horizontal element prevents the spacer from falling through the space established by the T's leg. The spacing device is fabricated of a strong, lightweight material such as aluminum to provide the durability and portability required by the nature of its usage. The present invention's design is simple and straightforward, and can be economically manufactured and sold.

Abstract: A building or insulating panel (30) including a collapsible frame of generally square or rectangular configuration, which is collapsible between a generally flat condition and an erected condition in which it is installed. The frame including overlying top and bottom sheets (31,32) that are generally parallel and spaced apart in the erected condition of the frame by two webs (33,36) which are spaced apart to extend in generally parallel realationship lengthwise along opposite side regions of the frame. The webs (33, 36) extend substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) in the erected condition and are disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) in the collapsed condition. The panel further includes reinforcing means (37) which is inserted between the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) when the frame is in the erected condition to reinforce the panel (30) against collapse.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is especially adapted for a packaging machine which wraps spaced-apart products with a tubular film. The apparatus includes a frame which provides a path along which the products are advanced. A sealing support structure is mounted on the frame for linear reciprocating movement along the path. A crank arm is rotatably mounted on the frame for reciprocating the sealing support structure. Upper and lower sealing dies are mounted on the sealing support structure for linear movement toward and away from each other in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the path.

Abstract: A method for making weather resistant packaging with high quality graphics on the exterior of packaging material wherein the desired graphics are printed on a thin vinyl sheet with an offset lithographic printing process using solventless, styrene-based, ultraviolet ink on the vinyl substrate. Optionally, a water-based coating can be applied over the cured ink to increase wear resistant attributes of the desired graphics. The vinyl sheet is attached to the packaging material, and an ultraviolet clear coat is placed over the combined vinyl sheet and packaging material. Finally, the combination is cut to form the weather resistant package having the desired graphics.

Abstract: A hermetic package having a fitment having base coupled to a lid. The base is composed of a collar having a recessed groove, the base of the fitment defines an opening which provides access to the contents of the hermetic package. The lid is a planar structure having a first face and a second face. The lid includes a sealing member extending from the second face of the lid and engages the recessed groove on the base of the fitment to provide an airtight seal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum-insulated panel includes the steps of: providing at least one insulating core material with uneven surfaces, containing the insulating core materials within a bag with an opening, connecting the opening to a vacuum system, vacuumizing the sealed space of a bag to a desired vacuum degree, and sealing the opening of the bag to complete finished products of the vacuum-insulated panel. The surface of the insulating core materials are formed with grooves and the vacuum system only has to vacuumize the sealed space of bag. Therefore, the vacuumizing time can be reduced and production is simpler, more convenient and reliable.

Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of merchandising cigarettes, both in factory-made form and in the form of loose tobacco of the same blend and other related products bearing the same brand.

Abstract: A package, as well as a method an apparatus for manufacturing such a package and a product feeder which, for example, can be utilized for feeding the products to such a package. In normal circumstances, the method and apparatus work continuously, which considerably increases the capacity with respect to the known method and apparatus. Moreover, with the method and apparatus packages of different inner space dimensions can be manufactured. Not only the length of the inner space of the package can be varied, but also the height and the width thereof. Variation can take place without or with minimal resetting time.

Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: An engageable pawl member is provided so as to be swingable about a supporting shaft so that a pawl tip is movable along a moving path for a strapping band. The engageable pawl member is pulled forwardly in a swinging direction by a helical tension spring to push the pawl tip against the strapping band. The engageable pawl member shifts forwardly, following the movement of the strapping band in a feeding direction, and the strapping band is sandwiched and held between the engageable paw member and a holding guide. Then, the engageable pawl member follows the movement of the strapping band in a direction to pull back, and the engageable pawl member shifts backwardly so that the pawl tip moves in a direction out of the moving path for the strapping band.

Abstract: Horse-rug that contains at least two parts (1) and (2) and connectors (3) for divisibly at taching said parts to each others.

Abstract: The invention relates to dirt separator module comprising a dirt-separation housing having an inlet and an outlet opening and defining a cyclonic airflow separator, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt-separation housing. A separator plate and a cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing form a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber in the dirt-separator for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes dual cyclonic separators fluidly connected through a filter assembly. A further embodiment includes a cyclonic separator in the form of a tangential helical ramp.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for separating particulate material from an airstream established by suction. The apparatus comprises a primary separation chamber (12) in which particles are separated from the airstream therein by centrifugal force, a main particle collecting region (14) into which the particles separated by the primary separation can fall under gravity, and a secondary separation chamber (90) downstream of the primary chamber (12), to which air and particles not separated in the first chamber, pass. An air outlet in the secondary chamber allows air substantially free of particles to exit. An intermediate particle collecting region (22) is associated with the secondary chamber, in which particles collect after separation by centrifugal force from the air flowing through the secondary chamber (90).

Abstract: A velocity air stack for motorcycles in conjunction with their attachment to carburetors. Also disclosed is an internal breather support for motorcycle carburetors which is operable in conjunction with or without the velocity air stack.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment device has a diffuser upstream of an aftertreatment element such as a catalyst element or a filter element such as a diesel particulate filter. The diffuser de-focuses centralized velocity force flow against the aftertreatment element from the inlet in a space efficient and flow efficient construction.

Abstract: An air filter assembly comprises a plastic frame containing an air permeable filter media. The media is corrugated to provide a series of pleats. Some of the pleats can be folded more compactly than others, so that the media can fit in various size frames. This can reduce the inventory of filter manufacturers and dealers. The filter frame can be plastic injection molded with integral living hinges to enable the frame to fold from a relatively flat shape to a more box-like structure. The frame includes one or more flip-up saw tooth racks that help define a main series of chambers plus a storage chamber. The main series of chambers supports a portion of the media that is more loosely folded for filtering air. The storage chamber is adjacent the main air stream and holds the more compactly folded, excess pleats.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for engaging and disengaging the reverse operation of a feederhouse of a harvesting apparatus. The mechanism solves the problem of accurate engagement between the shift collar or driving element and the reverse gear, teeth or splines and the forward gear, teeth or splines of the feederhouse transmission. The mechanism comprises an actuator, electrically controlled, which loads or compresses a spring, wherein the spring exerts a shifting force on a shift shaft or shift fork of the gearbox which automatically moves the shift collar or driving element of the transmission into either a forward or reverse drive position when the gear, teeth of splines of the shift collar is aligned or meshed with the gear, teeth or splines of either the reverse or forward drive of the feederhouse transmission.

Abstract: A greensmower having a cutting reel and a traction member and an independent electric circuit and motor for driving each. A handle is attached to the reel for mower guidance by an operator in a walk-behind position. Separate electric controls are connected to each motor for separate speeds for each motor and thereby control the clip rate of the mowing. There are low battery power read-outs and automatic shutoffs. Provision is made for traction powering of the mower even when the reel motor is not operating because of low battery power. A lift-out battery pack is shiftably mounted on the mower for producing the desired force of the mower on the ground.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided with a connecting frame of a sufficient length such that the connecting frame can be fastened to a vehicle for synchronous movement therewith so as to mow a lawn when both the vehicle and a cutter unit of the lawn mower are activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive system for a crop processing device and for a crop transport device of a forage harvester, which drive system can be operated at least in a first operational mode and in a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the crop processing device is driven by a first drive power supplying device, and at least part of the drive power is made available to the crop transport device by a second drive power supplying device. The second drive power supplying device is a reversible, variable speed device and is solely coupled to the crop processing device when the drive system is in a second operational mode. In order to prevent a movement of the crop transport device in the second operational mode, in which, e.g., the crop processing device can be worked with a sharpening device, a stop device is suggested that stops the crop transport device in the second operational mode.

Abstract: A forage harvester is equipped with a harvesting platform including a plurality of side-by-side mounted rotary collection and mowing drums that operate to feed stalk-like crops into a transport conduit located behind the collection and mowing drums. A pair of transport devices are mounted for rotating about respective axes located on opposite sides of a feed channel leading to an infeed channel of the forage harvester. The axes of rotation of the transport devices are tilted forward from the vertical and the transport devices include entrainment elements formed of disks having a plurality of long teeth formed thereabout, the long teeth projecting into the transport channel.

Abstract: A large rectangular baler includes pick-up and packer rotors, a pivotable stuffer, a plunger head, a knotter shaft and a needle yoke, and tension panels that are all driven hydraulically and independently controlled through electrically controlled valves that actuate the various hydraulic power devices used to power the various functions. An electronic control unit is coupled to each of the control valves and receives feedback signals from the controlled functions which are compared with values representing desired function results so as to further control the valves to attain the desired results. In addition to the feedback signals from the powered functions, signals from a bale length sensor and a ground speed sensor are also coupled to the electronic control unit for use in controlling the powered functions.

Abstract: Yarn comprising a core (A) obtained by coextrusion of a multifilament of E-, R-, C- or S-glass or more generally of textile glass or basalt filament and of a sheath of polymer of thermoplastic, thermosetting, natural elastomer or synthetic elastomer type, fluorinated or otherwise. The glass fibre part represents at most 60% by weight of the filament+sheath compound, and the core (A) is assembled or twisted with staple fibre yarns composed of synthetic fibres (B).

Abstract: The invention provides a bicomponent polyester staple fiber and a spun yarn comprising cotton and a bicomponent polyester staple. The fiber of the invention exhibits unexpectedly good crimp and cardability properties, and the yarn has unusually high stretch characteristics and excellent uniformity.

Abstract: A thread breakage preventing apparatus includes a tension relieving unit disposed on a running path of a yarn and serving to positively feed the yarn to a downstream side in a feeding amount corresponding to a tension of the yarn when the tension exceeds a preset tension. A part of the tension relieving unit is a rotational roller to be rotated at a constant rotating speed and serves to instantaneously increase and decrease the feeding amount of the yarn based on a behavior of the yarn corresponding to an increase and decrease in the tension of the yarn.

Abstract: The respective ends of a chain body composed of alternate inner and outer links are connected to form an endless loop by a connecting link comprising a first pair of connecting plates and a second pair of connecting plates. Two long connecting pins are secured to the second connecting plates. One of the long connecting pins is inserted through a long bushing, which extends through a spacer and is fixed to the first connecting plate. The other long connecting pin extends through a bushing extending through a pair of inner plates of an inner link at one end of the chain body, and spacers are provided between the inner plates and the second connecting plates. The resulting chain has an odd number of links, but lacks the weakness and susceptibility to breakage of conventional chains having odd numbers of links, utilizing offset plates.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for tailoring rocket exhaust plume signatures of rocket exhaust systems are disclosed. The tailoring of the rocket exhaust plume signature is accomplished by providing and locating at least one structure having materials and/or additives that modify the radiant intensity pattern of the rocket exhaust plume upon ablation or melting into the rocket exhaust plume. The materials and/or additives can be manufactured or incorporated into preexisting ablative materials of the rocket exhaust system or be provided as stand-alone structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for tailoring rocket exhaust plume signatures of fuel-propelled vehicles. An uncombusted fuel is injected or sprayed into the exhaust plume of an ignited rocket. The injected or sprayed fuel modifies the rocket exhaust plume to simulate an exhaust plume of a different vehicle. One or more parameters associated with the injected or sprayed fuel can be modified, so that appropriate tailoring can be achieved.

Abstract: A segmented exhaust nozzle for attenuating noise from a turbofan jet engine without adversely impacting the operability or operability limit related performance of the engine. The exhaust nozzle includes spaced apart fan nozzle inner and outer walls which form an annular exhaust gas flow path therebetween. The fan nozzle outer wall is segmented at the downstream end. The outer wall curves inwardly towards the inner wall and then turns back away from the inner wall to form an arcuate protrusion that extends into the exhaust gas flow path forming an aerodynamic throat. Through the segmented portion of the nozzle, the outer wall then continues to curve away from the inner wall before again curving back towards the inner wall at a nozzle exit station. The nozzle exit effective area is approximately equal in cross sectional area to a conventional exhaust nozzle exit area.

Abstract: A gearless electric thrust reverser actuator includes an electric motor that is coupled to a jack screw without any intervening gears. The actuator may additionally include all of the actuation and sensing components in a single actuation package. Thus, the actuator is relatively lightweight and compact.

Abstract: A jet engine nozzle having a pair of pivoting extension arms and a pair of pivoting shells connected to a jet pipe is provided. The first extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a first location, while the second extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a second location. Each shell is pivotally connected at both the first and second locations. An axis of rotation associated with the first location is coaxial to an axis of rotation associated with the second location. Independent actuation means are provided to rotate the extension arms and the shells, thereby enabling adjustment of the thrust-vector angle or the exhaust area of the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrically heatable catalytic converter for after-treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. The catalytic converter is deactivated or not activated during the start of the engine if the temperature (TKAT(tabst)) of the catalytic converter exceeds a critical temperature TKRIT when starting the engine. The temperature (TKAT(tabst)) of the catalytic converter is estimated via a temperature model. The invention also relates to an exhaust-gas after-treatment system of an internal combustion engine for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio sensor (4) and a three-way catalytic converter (3A) having an oxygen storage function are provided in an exhaust passage (2) of an internal combustion engine (1). A controller (6) runs the engine (1) under the alternating application of a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio and a rich air/fuel ratio, and a diagnosis of deterioration in the air/fuel ratio sensor (4) is performed on the basis of the amplitude of variation in the air/fuel ratio detected by the air/fuel ratio sensor (4). By executing the diagnosis only immediately after a fuel cut, the amount of oxygen stored in the three-way catalytic converter (3A) at the start point of the diagnosis is equal to the maximum amount. When the rich air/fuel ratio is applied, the converter (3A) releases the stored oxygen to maintain the exhaust gas purification performance of the converter (13).

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust air-fuel ratio changing device switching the exhaust air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into one of an upstream exhaust passages and the exhaust air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the other one of the upstream exhaust passages to a rich air-fuel ratio and to a lean air-fuel ratio alternately on a predetermined cycle longer than each of combustion cycles of the internal combustion engine, to thereby determine whether upstream catalytic converters have deteriorated or not according to a change in the exhaust air-fuel ratio outputted by upstream exhaust sensors provided downstream of the upstream catalytic converters. Therefore, it is possible to surely determining whether catalytic converters have deteriorated even slightly or not while ensuring a high exhaust emission control performance.

Abstract: An occluded oxygen quantity in a catalyst is estimated when fuel cut is executed. Then, upon return from the fuel cut, a target air-fuel ratio is set to significantly richer value. When it is detected on the basis of an output of an oxygen sensor that oxygen occluded by an upstream-side catalyst has been consumed, the target air-fuel ratio is switched to slightly richer value. Lastly, when the occluded oxygen quantity has become 0, a return is made to a normal air-fuel ratio feedback control. It is possible to consume the oxygen occluded by the catalyst quickly, and simultaneously it is possible to diminish emission released to the atmosphere even if an estimated value of the occluded oxygen quantity is deviated from an actual value.

Abstract: The present invention disclose a sulfur oxide trap that may be used to improve efficiency of a nitrogen oxide trap. Sulfur oxide has a deleterious effect on the performance of nitrogen oxide traps. The sulfur oxide trap of the present invention, comprises a monolithic substrate which is over-coated with an aluminum oxide layer and a mixed oxide layer of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide. In another embodiment of the invention, the sulfur oxide trap is integrated with a nitrogen oxide trap by coating the catalyst contained within a nitrogen oxide trap with a mixed oxide layer of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide. In each embodiment of the invention, the sulfur oxide trap can be regenerated by heating at elevated temperature for a short time period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for reducing internal combustion engine contaminate and additive particulate matter in a particulate filter the method including accessing the filter and entraining particulate matter in a fluid stream. Further disclosed herein is an internal combustion engine particulate filter system including a canister, a filter media mounted in said canister and an access opening in said canister. Yet further disclosed herein is a low cost particulate filter system having access for contaminate and additive particulate removal, the system including a canister, a filter mounted in the canister, a flange retainer without a seal and a sleeve disposed in said canister and configured to inhibit particulate leakage from and flange retainer.

Abstract: An exhaust pulse control unit (10) for increasing exhaust manifold vacuum in an engine comprises an inlet (11), an outlet (12) and an intermediate containment zone (13). An exhaust pulse capture and expansion zone (14) is located between the inlet and intermediate zone and a merging zone (17) between the intermediate zone and the outlet. The capture and expansion zone may consist of two stages with the first stage providing a relatively rapid increase in exhaust gas volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic component (1) comprising: two rotating blade wheels: a primary blade wheel (3) and a secondary blade wheel (4), which together form at least one-torus-shaped working chamber (5); at least one inlet (10) for service fluid leading into the torus-shaped working chamber, said inlet being located in the vicinity of the lowest static pressure; at least one outlet (24) leading out of the torus-shaped working chamber; a working fluid circulation (22) which is set up in the torus-shaped working chamber during operation; a closed circuit (21) allocated to the working chamber and an external section (23) of the closed circuit, said section being located between the outlet and the inlet.

Abstract: Hydraulic master cylinder for a motor vehicle braking circuit, comprising means for concealing the dead travel of the primary (16) and secondary (44) pistons, these concealing means consisting of additional valve shutters (80) borne by the valve shutters (26, 56) that shut off the axial passages (22, 58) formed in the primary (16) and secondary (44) pistons, these additional valve shutters allowing the pressure in the primary (18) and secondary (52) chambers to increase right from the start of movement of said pistons over their dead travels.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump unit (1), for a vehicle, that is unusually capable of precise and effective bleeding, comprises a reservoir (2) for the brake fluid, a master cylinder (3) in the said pump connected to the said reservoir, and a bleed circuit (15) connected at one end to the said master cylinder and fitted with a bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419) that is normally closed in order to shut the said circuit off, and it is constructed in such a way that the said bleed circuit (15) is connected at the other end, downstream of the said bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419), to the said reservoir (2).